Jeanne:  Great idea!
But I'm going to rock the boat by going at it from the other end.  Since I am
one who would prefer to keep the Feds OUT of my pocket, OUT of my state,
OUT....well, you get the idea.  I want the same results as everyone else does -
keep good working programs funded at the same or higher level.  I am one to take
a different road to get there.
Just in case this block grant to the states is already a done deal, why not send
the paper plates to your own state senators & representatives - ALL of them.
They may be making plans NOW on how they are going to spend their state's block
grant.  Before it becomes official (reported in the papers), the states may have
already created their own budget.  So recruit all your friends and neighbors who
feel as you do, to individually express their feelings with the paper plates to
their local legislature.  Just a slight rewording of your sample letter would do
the trick.  And ALWAYS give your real name & address or it will be ignored.
Better yet, go both ways: send to state and federal.  That could be impressive!
Remember the tea bag taxing protest that got noticed - and national media
attention.
'Conservative radical' is NOT a oxymoron!
Just my .02 worth.
Phyllis Adamson, BA, IBCLC
Phoenix, AZ