Santa's Village donations update

Announcing the donation count for Santa's village:

57 toys and 10 articles of clothing

Donations for Santa's Village will be accepted through Dec. 9. Each night the volunteers will be fed, so additional donations of the following items are also being accepted:

• Coffee, Sugar, and Creamer
• Paper Plates
• Napkins
• Plastic Tablecloths, Utensils, and Cups
• Desserts

To make a donation, please contact Kris Arden at kkarden@yahoo.com or 559-978-1736.

Next steps in the battle for healthcare reform

So, in the wake of the U.S. House's narrow passage last week of healthcare-reform legislation, and after some obvious spin from the right wing announcing the House's bill would be 'dead on arrival' in the Senate, what's really next in the fight for healthcare reform?

According to a report on CNN, the next step is for the Senate to vote to begin debate. And there are indeed a few hurdles to be overcome before that 'vote to begin debate' can happen. The article states:

Democrats need 60 votes to pass the motion to start debate. While there are 60 members in the Democrats' coalition, Ben Nelson, a moderate Democrat from Nebraska -- says he hasn't decided which way he'll vote, and won't until he sees the actual bill.

In fact, no one has seen the Senate health care bill yet. Reid won't release the legislation until he knows the cost of the bill.

So, the Senate's consideration of healthcare reform remains on hold, for a few days anyway. Read CNN's full article, and stay tuned to the V4CF Action Blog for more information and next steps.

V4CF sends its thanks to all veterans today

On this Veteran's Day, Volunteers For Change-Fresno sends its sincere and heartfelt thanks to all veterans.

And for those in harm's way tonight, especially for those in Iraq and Afghanistan, Volunteers For Change-Fresno wishes you a safe and speedy return home!