SAVE ELMO & CPB! VOTE NO ON HR4!

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed legislation HR4, which, among its provisions, includes cuts to funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). As a constituent and lifelong supporter of public media, I urge you to oppose any measure that would diminish or eliminate support for this vital institution. I am part of the generation that grew up on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street—shows that were more than just entertainment. They were foundational to my early education, shaping how I viewed the world, understood kindness, and learned fundamental skills in literacy, empathy, and critical thinking. These programs didn’t just teach numbers and letters—they taught life. The legacy of these shows continues to benefit today’s children. Sesame Street remains a trusted educational tool for countless families, and Fred Rogers’ message of emotional intelligence and compassion lives on through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. These shows continue to provide safe, enriching programming that isn’t driven by commercial interests, but by what’s best for our children’s development. Beyond children’s programming, NPR has been a cornerstone of honest, in-depth journalism. At a time when so much media is polarized or driven by profit, NPR has remained a rare source of balanced, thoughtful reporting. Its value cannot be overstated in an age where misinformation spreads rapidly and civic understanding is crucial. Furthermore, public broadcasting has long served as a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard—rural communities, underrepresented artists, grassroots movements, and diverse storytellers. Silencing NPR and other CPB-supported outlets means silencing those voices and limiting access to high-quality, accessible, and inclusive content. I respectfully urge you to vote no on HR4. Cutting funding to the CPB would not only harm beloved and effective programming, but it would also be a disservice to the many Americans who rely on public media as a trusted educational and informational resource. This is not just about preserving nostalgia—it’s about protecting a national treasure that continues to educate, inform, and inspire across generations. Thank you for your time and for your service.