Campaign to Fix the Debt Celebrates Successful National Fly-In

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Jul 23, 2013, 09:48 ET

State Chapter Members Discussed Debt with Their Elected Officials

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last week, more than fifty members from nineteen state chapters of the Campaign to Fix the Debt traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with their Members of Congress about the nation's mounting debt problems. Fix the Debt is a national, nonpartisan coalition of government, policy and business leaders and more than 345,000 concerned citizens, all dedicated to urging Congress to reach a bipartisan agreement to solve our national debt problems.

The diverse set of attendees represented local government officials, small business owners, college students, nonprofit advocates and concerned citizens. Participants met with Senators, Representatives and staff, and told their story on how the debt impacts them.

"With budget discussions quickly approaching following the August recess, Fix the Debt made its presence felt on The Hill to show Members what is at stake if a debt deal is not reached," said Maya MacGuineas, head of the Campaign to Fix the Debt. "The national debt is a topic of concern for people of all walks of life from across the country. From small business owners in Minnesota and community leaders in Colorado to college students in Michigan, the debt affects everyone and Congress needs to hear their perspectives."

The two-day fly-in featured a number of campaign-related events, including more than 73 meetings with Members of Congress and a reception that honored invaluable partners, documented key achievements and outlined the future of the campaign.

"I work with small businesses throughout the Denver area each and every day," said John Brackney, President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber. "Despite the success of businesses in the region, many are unable to secure small business loans to expand and hire more employees because of ongoing economic uncertainty. I'm proud to be a member of Fix the Debt and thankful that so many Americans are taking the fight back to Washington because we won't fix this mess if we don't work together."

In addition to the fly-in, more than 5,000 letters were sent to 363 Members of Congress, 14 of whom received well over 100 letters each. Additional highlights from the events include:

Arizona: College student Jevin Hodge discussed the impact of the national debt on America's college students and millennials with The Financial Times.
Louisiana: The Advocate sat down with former Congressman Bob Livingston and World Trade Center New Orleans CEO Dominik Knoll to discuss the trip.
Nebraska: The Omaha World Spoke with Former Congressman Hal Daub on advocating for U.S. debt solution.
Pennsylvania: T. J. Rooney, co-chairman of Fix the Debt--Pennsylvania and former chairman of the state Democratic Party spoke with The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the need for compromise.