Our schools and colleges, our healthcare and public safety systems, and vital government services-these are the core of our democracy. Their strength is fundamental to America's strength. But with the national economic crisis, these essential services face draconian cuts. We must fight for them, and in so doing, fight for America's future.

That means strongly supporting efforts like a national economic recovery plan and actively challenging proposed cuts to vital public services. A child is five only once; she doesn't get a second chance on her education. When a patient needs healthcare, he can't wait for a better economic climate. And government services are necessities the public requires now-from clean air and clean water to the highways and transportation systems that keep our economy moving.

Our message in every community in which we live and work must be clear: that strengthening education, healthcare and public services is crucial in order to restore and preserve opportunity in this country.