NECSP feels its very important to organize the political power of our constituency when:

• Important legislation comes up regarding sustainable population issues
• Regional or national news stories create awareness of sustainable population issues
• Organizations we admire are conducting important initiatives

Below you will find current legislation or other timely issues or causes. We encourage you to do what it takes to act in ways that will make a difference to the positive resolution of these issue specific opportunities. You can always visit our action pages and write your senators!

REAL Act
On March 17th, 2009 Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced the introduction of the Responsible Education About Life Act in the Senate and House. The REAL Act authorizes federal funding for comprehensive sex education programs, which, unlike abstinence-only programs, have no dedicated funding stream.

The REAL Act authorizes federal funding for comprehensive sex education programs, which, unlike abstinence-only programs, currently have no dedicated funding stream. It is almost too audacious to imagine, but federally funded abstinence-only programs are forbidden by law to accurately discuss both the risks and benefits of condoms and contraception.

The REAL Act calls for sex education that is medically and scientifically accurate, free of religious bias, and empowers young people to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual behavior.

With a new and more supportive Congress and President, NECSP feels that there is a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives and health of teens. Please take a moment to urge your Senators and Representative to co-sponsor the REAL Act and stand up for real sex education.

To do so, you can use the powerful Legislative Action Center internet technology of our friends at Population Connection! Click here and get involved!

Global Poverty Act of 2007
Senate Bill: S.2433

To require the President to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the United States foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1 per day.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 7, 2007

Mr. OBAMA (for himself, Mr. HAGEL, Ms. CANTWELL, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. LUGAR, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. BIDEN, Mr. DODD, Mr. FEINGOLD, Ms. SNOWE, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. JOHNSON, Mr. SMITH, and Mr. KERRY) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.