Support the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program

Critical Development Regarding Baldrige Federal Funding

July 2011 Update: There has been a major new development regarding federal funding for the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The Budget Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives have voted to eliminate all federal funding for the program for the fiscal year 2012.  The full House and Senate approval process should be complete by October 1, the official beginning of fiscal year 2012. 

It’s now more critical than ever for Members of Congress to hear from you about this vital program. One way you can help is to write to your Members of Congress well before the October 1 deadline. You can also write to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary.

Sample letters are provided below. Please add personal information about your positive experience with the Baldrige Program.  We encourage you to send both letters.

Letter to your Members of Congress.

Letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary.

PPAC: This is an initiative of ASQ’s Public Policy Advisory Council (PPAC). PPAC identifies national issues for potential ASQ involvement. It then examines the issues with input from various subject matter experts both inside and outside of ASQ, and makes recommendations to ASQ’s Office of the President for taking specific action.

Recap of Baldrige Program funding:  Last fall, the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform suggested eliminating the Baldrige Program entirely to help reduce our nation’s deficit. The commission did not have the votes to report out their list of suggestions to reduce the deficit, but because the Baldrige Program was on that list, both President Obama and Congress have targeted it for funding cuts in the fiscal year 2012.

The president reduced the funding for the Baldrige Program by $2.2 million in his 2012 budget recommendation to Congress. The U.S. House Budget committee released its own 2012 budget, cutting federal funding for the Baldrige Program entirely. We will continue to encourage Congress to fund the Baldrige Program by writing to those members who control the purse strings and any others we can reach through your efforts, including U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary.

ASQ Past-Chair David Spong speaks about the importance of the Baldrige Program.

We appreciate your commitment in this matter and will keep you informed of the progress we are making with your assistance. Letter-writing has worked well in the past as the Baldrige Program has evolved and expanded. We expect continued success with your support.  Your Members of Congress will listen to you if you speak loudly enough and in large numbers.

Thanks for your involvement in such a unique and deserving program. Your interest in keeping the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program alive and well is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

David Spong, ASQ President		Paul Borawski, ASQ CEO