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4/25/18


Contact Federal Government Officials

Find senator’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/RLiotu

Find representative’s contact info here: https://goo.gl/5i7SXC

Fax legislators for free:  Reps:  https://faxzero.com/fax_congress.php


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Many newspapers, including New York Times and Washington Post require subscriptions, but without one we can see a few articles each month.  We can also check with our local libraries to find out how to get online access through them.


1.       Andrew Oldham, a Trump nominee for a federal judgeship in the Fifth Circuit, will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee today. He has a long history of fighting back against common sense protections for the environment, working families, consumers and civil and reproductive rights ( https://www.texastribune.org/2018/04/03/greg-abbott-andrew-oldham-fifth-circuit-judicial-appointees/). Let’s let our senators know we want them to closely analyze his record and vote against his confirmation if they have any doubts he will do the right thing on the bench.

2.      The administration wants to reclassify Native Americans as a race rather than as a sovereign nation in order to include them in work requirements for people receiving Medicaid, which have now been enacted by several states. https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/22/trump-native-americans-historical-standing-492794. Tribal leaders are insisting that this violates treaty agreements that date back from when George Washington was president. Let’s contact the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, (1-877-696-6775) and our MoCs, and insist that the sovereign rights of Native American nations be respected and recognized.  

3.      Accounts of the confiscation--and return by his father--of the Nashville shooter’s guns point to the failure of existing gun control laws: first, because it seems that revoking Travis Reinking’s Illinois gun license did not make his gun possession in Tennessee illegal; and, second, because Reinking—like more than half of the others (11,000 in 2016) whose gun licenses were revoked in Illlinois—did not file the “mandatory” form indicating to whom the guns were given—nor did law enforcement follow up: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-waffle-house-shooting-suspect-morton-20180423-story.html We need serious federal laws, and enforcement of those laws, to begin to end gun violence in the US—age restrictions, the banning of bump stocks, and apparently state-by-state legislation alone will not adequately address this problem.  Let’s, yet again, tell our MoCs that we want immediate and effective action by Congress.

4.      Though the unplanned teen pregnancy rate is at its lowest since 1990, Health and Human Services has announced a rule change that would favor “abstinence only” sex education programs—now rebranded as “sexual risk avoidance education”—and weaken the requirement for evidence of effectiveness—convenient, given that a 2007 HHS study found that abstinence programs have “no overall impact on teen sexual activity” and yield “no differences in rates of unprotected sex.” The HHS policy changes were overseen by Valerie Huber, now an HHS official but previously the head of the National Abstinence Education Association:  http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/377304-abstinence-only-education-making-a-comeback-under-trump  We should vigorously object to this rule change (and to the appointment of officials with no respect for scientific evidence) : Don Wright, Acting Secretary of Health & Human Services, 200 Independence Ave., SW, DC 20201, 1-877-696-6775

5.      As promised, the Trump administration has begun the process to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  (https://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-refuge-drilling-trump-2561725554.html)  Now is the time to voice our concerns. "Comments on issues, impacts and potential alternatives to be analyzed may be submitted in writing until June 19, 2018."  Info here:  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/20/2018-08302/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-impact-statement-for-the-coastal-plain-oil-and-gas

6.      While it was first reported back in March that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt would be proposing a new regulation that would only allow studies with public data to influence writing regulations, in the name of “transparency,” it has now been officially proposed (http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-epa-transparency-20180424-story.html). This new regulation would drastically reduce the pool of scientific research on which the EPA could base its rules, eliminating many environmental health studies that involve confidential patient information or proprietary details about companies (https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/3/23/17147330/epa-science-regulations-pruitt). Pruitt is considering a short open comment period of 30 days, but until that begins, let’s still let him know that we oppose this rule and make it clear that we recognize censorship even when it’s called “transparency”: @EPAScottPruitt or 202-564-4700 or Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 1101A, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460.

7.      Ajit Pai's FCC is poised to severely limit its Lifeline program, which provides a small subsidy to lower-income people to help them afford phone and Internet service (https://www.wired.com/story/ajit-pais-plan-will-take-broadband-away-from-poor-people/). Under the proposal, hundreds of thousands of Americans who depend on Lifeline will be cut off, including many in Puerto Rico and other disaster-stricken parts of America. Let's tell Pai and the FCC "No!" to their cruel and senseless plan (https://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_lifeline_fcc/, https://www.fcc.gov/about/contact), then let's tell our MoCs to introduce/sponsor legislation to protect Lifeline.

8.     A recent report from CNN revealed that the president is using his personal cell phone on government business, ostensibly to keep chief-of-staff John Kelly out of the loop. https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/23/politics/donald-trump-cell-phone/index.html. We need to call the president out for his hypocrisy after lambasting Hillary Clinton for using a private email server, and more importantly, raise the issue with our MoCs about the ethics of this practice. We deserve communications at all levels of government that are secure against foreign eavesdropping and have the ability to capture conversations for government accountability.

9.      U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been operating almost entirely without oversight (https://www.propublica.org/article/pennsylvania-ice-who-polices-the-immigration-police). With protections for immigrants and asylum-seekers disappearing, and with the Trump administration continuously ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for people whose country of origin is too dangerous to return to, we cannot afford to have our immigration agency running amok. Let’s contact our MoC and tell them that we want them to work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reign in ICE.


Election 2018 – General

1.       After the Obama administration took the first real steps towards a new approach on criminal justice reform, Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions have committed themselves to rolling it all back ( https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/jeff-sessions-slowly-surely-undoing-america-s-criminal-justice-progress-ncna823126). If we are going to see change on these issues over the next few years, it is going to have to come from the state and local level. One way we can help is supporting Real Justice PAC in their efforts to elect progressive prosecutors and sheriffs. We can sign up to make calls, text or do other volunteer work from home here.



Election 2018 – By State

1.       Some: Eleven states have their midterm primaries in May.  Let's click here to learn "key facts and competitive/important races for the primary" in these states:  https://politicalcharge.org/2018/04/23/midterms-2018-states-with-primaries-in-may/

2.      OH: People in jail who are state residents, are not detained for a felony, and are otherwise eligible can vote in Ohio. Let’s check out the ACLU of Ohio’s jail voting toolkit and see how we can help ensure the voting rights of the more than 18,000 people in Ohio’s jails. www.acluohio.org/jailvoting

3.      VA: The women of Network NoVA ( North Virginia) present the second Women’s Summit to continue the grassroots momentum of building coalitions across the state to flip Virginia’s Congressional delegation blue in 2018. The Summit will feature opportunities to engage across all 11 Congressional Districts to connect our networks to be a FORCE to win votes, races, and hearts. Teamwork will be the key to strategizing to win elections across the state and beyond. This weekend event on Sat, June 23, 2018, will feature speakers, workshops, an advocacy fair, gear shop, and most importantly, network opportunities. We'll examine what worked in Virginia, what didn’t, and what it’ll take to win big in 2018. There is a pre-conference on Friday, and, in conjunction with the Summit, EMILY’s List is holding a ½ day training on Sunday (6/24/18 | 8:30am-1:00pm) for those thinking of running for office. There is no charge for this training, but we do need to apply. Click here to apply. We can find out more about the event here http://networknova.org/virginia-womens-summit/ Or contact them via e-mail: networkvirginia@gmail.com


Other Actions

1.       The two Sacramento police officers who shot and killed Stephon Clark have returned to work, though the investigation into the killing is ongoing (http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article209448074.html). Meanwhile, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert has stated that she has not yet received the case from the Sacramento police for review (http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2018/04/18/district-attorney-stephon-clark/). Let’s contact DA Schubert and tell her that it’s time for charges to be brought against the police officers. Mailing address: 901 G. Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916-874-6218 E-mail: daoffice@sacda.org    

2.      Governor Andrew Cuomo is expanding voting rights in New York; he has signed an executive order, restoring 35,000 parolees’ right to vote (http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/383741-breaking-cuomo-giving-parolees-right-to-vote-via-executive-order). Let’s send Governor Cuomo a “Thank you” for doing what the state legislature refused to do: The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State NYS State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 or https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form Then, for those of us outside of New York, let’s contact our own governors and encourage them to take executive action to expand voting rights in our own state.

3.      With the media’s coverage of the black men who were arrested in Starbucks, the black woman who was arrested while waiting for a manager’s contact information at an Alabama Waffle House, and then the police being called on members of a country club who are also black women, there is a growing awareness that we have a pressing need to find ways to de-escalate situations, rather than make them worse by increasing the risk of harm to individuals. In 2016, educator Aaron Rose created a toolkit titled What To Do Instead of Calling the Police, “for anyone who wants to build a world where we have safe, strong communities. Where we know and trust our neighbors. Where our response to emergencies of all kinds leads to peace and connection rather than escalated violence and disconnection.” Let’s read through this great resource, then put the information to use in our own communities: http://www.aaronxrose.com/blog/alternatives-to-police

4.      Election interference continues to be a concern following the 2016 election (https://www.npr.org/2018/01/27/579683042/5-ways-election-interference-could-and-probably-will-worsen-in-2018-and-beyond). Joohn Choe, author of “The Resistance Information War Handbook” has noted that campaigns are currently far too vulnerable to hacking.  Recently, state-level campaigns and resistance groups have experienced website hacking and puppet “same name” personae on social media (https://n.pr/2K948Kx, https://bit.ly/2HmfGwe, https://bit.ly/2HJ61z7).  Let’s keep an eye out, and if we’re seeing this happen to us or candidates we know, we can contact Joohn Choe at jc@dialectica.us to help us spread the word. We can learn more about hacking, use of weaponized information, and other social media attacks, and learn how we can combat it here: https://medium.com/@joohnchoe


Marches/events/webinars/Tweetstorms to attend/organize

1.       Today, let's add our voices to say #NoMuslimBanEver. "On April 25, 2018, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Muslim Ban litigation...Join us in front of the Supreme Court from 8:30 am to 11:30 am for the National Day of Action. Learn about the rally through the Facebook event page and endorse the rally too." We can find more information, including nearby events and an action toolkit, by visiting https://www.nomuslimbanever.com/.

2.      Thursday, April 26 is National Immigrant Resilience Day.  United We Dream is offering a toolkit to help us learn how to be better allies and create safe spaces for undocumented students and their families.  Let's sign up for the toolkit at https://www.actionnetwork.org/forms/national-immigrant-resistance-day-2018  and see how we can help.

3.      “South Jersey Women for Progressive Change is honored to serve the mothers of the Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative, whose children’s lives have been lost from acts of police brutality and abuse of power.” We can support them and allied partners, Women’s March NJ Indivisible and Hope Rises Up as they call for reforms with the #STAND Day of Action on Capitol Hill on May 10, 2018 (Thursday before Mother’s Day). Mothers and families who have lost a loved one to police shootings and/or affected by police brutality are encouraged to #STAND on Capitol Hill to address these issues and demand justice and raise awareness about the need for police reform. Additionally, all allies are asked to stand in solidarity at this important event. We can read more about ways we can help, whether we are a family member affected by police violence, an ally, or whether we would like to donate to help those affected, here. We can also check out the Truth, Hope and Justice Initiative.


States

1.       MI: The Michigan Senate has passed S.B. 897, which would require Medicaid recipients to work at least 29 hours a week in order to receive health care coverage. From Michigan Resistance: “Public policy research shows that a majority of Medicaid recipients who can work, do work. Over 680,000 low-income residents have enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program since its launch in 2014. The current program has helped reduce uncompensated medical care in the state by 50 percent. Republican lawmakers argue that the bill will encourage people to work and that the current spending for program is out of control. But they offer no evidence for these claims. Experts predict that SB897 would likely result in the loss of health insurance for many. The bill has passed the Senate and is now being considered by the House Appropriations Committee.” Let’s contact Appropriations Committee Chair Laura Cox and let her know that we do not support this bill: Phone: 517-373-3920 E-mail: LauraCox@house.mi.gov Let’s also be sure to contact our own representatives in the House and let them know that we oppose S.B. 897: https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/

2.      CA: MomsRising is gathering signatures in support of linguistic diversity in California's education system. The passage of Proposition 58 eliminated the legal requirement for English-only instruction in California schools, and now Governor Brown and state lawmakers need to hear how much people want them to invest in dual-language education. https://action.momsrising.org/sign/CA_DLL_Evergreen/?

      Reading/Watching

1.       A recent poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and the Vera Institute of Justice indicates that rural America may be shifting its attitude on mass incarceration: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/04/study-law-and-order-voter-attitudes/558425/
2.      Diane C. Mutz’s article in the April Proceedings of the National Academy of Science dramatically revises the narrative of the Trump voter as the economically “left behind,” showing instead that white, Christian, and male Trump backers feared a loss of their privileged status: https://www.asc.upenn.edu/news-events/news/fear-losing-status-not-economic-hardship-drove-voters-2016-presidential-election

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