My name is [your first + last name] and I am a constituent of [senator’s/representative’s name] living in [name zip code and/or neighborhood]. I am calling about attacks on gender equity within the trades through budget and policy actions. As a [name your trade] with [your local union number and/or workplace], I am very concerned about attacks on crucial anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity policies, as well as possible funding cuts for critical services.

In the FY2026 budget negotiations, you must protect funding for offices and grants that remove unfair barriers, specifically the Women’s Bureau and its Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant, which allows women to enter and lead in high-paying industries dominated by men.

In addition, proposed budget cuts for vital services threaten the well-being of workers and their families. You must protect Medicaid, SNAP, and other safety net programs in any budget negotiations.

Federal budget threats and policy efforts to undermine DEI put my job, safety, and future at risk. These actions are a direct attack on racial equity, gender justice, anti-discrimination programs, and workplace safety within our industry. I urge you to fight back against these attacks and ensure that good, trade jobs are available to all, and that all worksites are safe and welcoming.