Dear Editor: There are growing needs around the world - for water and sanitation, tuberculosis and malaria treatments, and to address the consequences of climate change.

I joined ONE members from Madison last week to meet with Sen. Herb Kohl's staff to encourage the senator's continued work on behalf of the impoverished around the globe. ONE is a growing grass-roots force across the globe, and over 27,000 strong in Wisconsin.

We requested that Kohl sign on as a co-sponsor of the Sen. Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009, a bipartisan effort to provide 100 million people with access to clean water and sanitation. We also know how critical it is that the senator support the international affairs budget this year and fully fund the Global Fund for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

As we commit to global aid, we are improving the world's health and increasing economic development and stabilization. The Global Fund has already saved an estimated 2.5 million lives. These advancements are consistent with our security interests, our economic interests, and our moral and national values.

Join the fight against extreme poverty: Contact Sens. Kohl and Russ Feingold today and encourage their support for America's continued commitment to those in need.

Branton Kunz

Madison