Get involved in budget debate

Some experts and policymakers believe our country could do more to prevent problems before they occur. In particular, instead of postponing our response to the nation's budget problems, we should use our resources today to prevent them from becoming worse.

New reports show that current patterns in U.S. spending and revenue can't be continued in the long run. Decisions must be made about the goals we want our country to meet and how we raise the money to meet them; there are steps we can take today to prevent fiscal problems from becoming bigger and more costly to fix. The solutions we come up with will be important to all Americans.

The options that Congress and President Obama's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform will have to consider to rein in our future budget deficits will not be easy or popular - whether by raising taxes or by cutting vital programs like our military or Medicare.

Unfortunately, it is hard to believe that enough political leaders will step forward to make these tough choices without a clear message from the American public that we are ready to make compromises to put our fiscal house in order.

Together we can show our leaders that regular citizens can contribute meaningful ideas to the budget conversation, ideas that have the power to solve these serious problems. And a healthier national budget means a better future for everyone, whether you live in Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane or Will County.

Before leaders in Washington make any decisions, the American public needs an opportunity to weigh in and have its voice heard.

Please visit usabudgetdiscussion.org to be a part of this national discussion.

By taking part in the discussion, we can send a message to Congress about the kind of nation and community we want to be.

Rev. Clare Butterfield

Executive Director,

Faith in Place

Herman Brewer

Acting President and CEO, Chicago Urban League