Chop Wood, Carry Water 3/21
On the wing!
Hi, all, and happy Thursday!
I’m at the airport waiting for our plane to Amsterdam, so forgive me if I’m scattered. I’ll have a newsletter for you today and tomorrow, as well as an “Extra! Extra!” on Sunday. After that you likely won’t hear from me for a week—I’m going to try to actually take a break if possible. Of course if something big happens I’ll send out an emergency edition. After all, I’m never that far from my laptop.
A bit of housekeeping: first, someone wrote to say that the link to sign up with the Biden team for trainings didn’t work. It’s odd, because it did work when I first checked it, but it does seem to be broken now. Not sure what happened there. If I get another one I’ll send it out. If anyone finds one in the meantime please drop it in the comments.
Second, I’m once again getting emails asking me why I’m not bringing up the question of aid to Israel in this newsletter. Since I get new subscribers every day it’s hard to keep everyone apprised; I’m going to repeat that I have a separate email list for actions involving Israel and Palestine (or Hamas, or Gaza—I’ve been criticized for any way I phrase it). I wish it could be otherwise, but for now that’s the way it has to be. If you want to subscribe to that newsletter you can do so here.
Finally, a bit of good news courtesy of
:The latest tentative government-funding bill, text of which was released yesterday, would authorize 12,000 additional special immigrant visas for Afghans who helped the U.S. as translators or in other ways during America’s war in Afghanistan. As we wrote earlier this month, the program was in danger of hitting its statutory cap of visas issued as early as this summer; this increase will provide some breathing room on that front.
YOU GUYS HELPED DO THAT with your calls! Bravo!
OK, folks. Thank you for all you’re doing! I continue to be absolutely inspired by your courage and dedication. With you at our side we can’t lose!
Call Your Senators (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I understand that the House passed a bipartisan privacy bill yesterday, the Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act, H.R. 7520. This bill doesn’t target a specific platform, but rather would ban data brokers from selling Americans’ information to “foreign adversaries” such as China or Russia. It is an excellent first step in solving our larger data privacy issues. I’d like to see the Senator support the Senate version. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here) 📲
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I’m calling again, with urgency, to ask that the House do something to get Ukraine the aid it needs. If it’s through a discharge petition, fine, although if Congress chooses that route it is critical that we also pass aid for Gaza. If we can’t get the aid through any other way then we should loan Ukraine the money. Whichever way it happens we must, must get that assistance to our ally before it’s too late. This is about protecting American servicemembers. I’m tired of the delay. Thanks.
Extra Credit ✅
Post this new Biden ad on your social media. So good! You can caption it with the DNC’s suggested text:
Trump wants to talk about ‘four years ago?’ Let’s talk about it:
In 2020, U.S. life expectancy fell by nearly two years — the largest one-year drop since World War II.
Nearly 10 million Americans lost their jobs, almost doubling the number during the 2009 economic crisis.
2020 saw Black and Hispanic unemployment skyrocket to nearly 10%.
Under Trump’s watch, poverty spiked to 3.2 million more Americans than the year before.
An estimated 9.4 million small businesses shuttered.
And U.S. manufacturing hit a historic low.
Get Smart! 📚
Friendly reminder this is happening today:
Introduction to STUDENTS FOR VOTING JUSTICE: Thursday, March 21, 5PM PT/ 8PM ET
Since 2020, SVJ has provided young people training to Get Out the Vote and become future leaders through paid internships. Interns are recruited largely from Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the South. Voter outreach for 2024 will be focused on Georgia and North Carolina, two of the states whose voters will likely decide the outcome of the presidential election and determine the balance of power in Congress.
Spread the Word! 📣
The Republican Study Committee released their 2025 budget yesterday and…WOW. Please either read it, watch my TikTok about it below, or both. And then spread the word! Remember, 80% of GOP House members belong to the RSC—this is their proposed budget for next time they take back control of Congress and the Presidency. Chilling.
Give 💰!
Mind the Gap is a pro-bono donor advisory that uses rigorous quantitative metrics to evaluate and project the impact of different electoral tactics each election cycle. It is currently recommending a few organizations for their ability to boost Biden votes in the presidential battlegrounds.
I’m going to highlight these orgs one at a time over the next few days. First:
American Independent Radio (AIR) runs one of the most cost-effective voter mobilization programs of the political cycle, targeting specific audiences in critical battleground states with radio ads designed to improve voter turnout. The ads – which will air on both AM/FM and streaming radio – use culturally relevant messaging that appeals to target voters in their local context, encouraging them to vote and providing information about how to do it. Early funding will allow the program to lock in lower ad rates, better time slots, and other cost efficiencies that translate directly into more votes per dollar invested. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount.
If you have further questions about contributing, please contact info@mtg.org.
Win Races! 🗳
The PA Primary is just weeks away!
Starting this Wednesday, PTVPA will be making calls to Philly voters to encourage them to request their Annual Mail-in Ballots ahead of the April 23rd Primary. They have a large list and really need your help!
You'll remind voters that mail-in ballots are safe, secure, and give us the option to vote early from home! Our past work has aptly demonstrated that voting by mail increases turnout among low propensity voters and we desperately need Philly to turn out in 2024! Also, this year's PA Primary coincides with Passover so we also want to let voters who observe know they can apply for their mail ballots. Training and support provided during every phone bank! Sign up below.
Click Here To Sign Up To Phone Bank!
Resistbot Letter (new to Resistbot? Go here! And then here.) 💻
[To: all three reps] [Text SIGN PJFSWW to Resistbot at 50409 or via Apple Messages / WHATSAPP / MESSENGER]
I am thrilled that the U.S. finalized strong climate change rule for cars yesterday. These rules will force automakers to ramp up electric vehicle sales and slash emissions from gas-powered models. The rule also would reduce fine particulate matter — the most risky form of pollution to our health. Only seven countries met global guidelines for it last year. The fact that the U.S. is leading the world on climate action is great news!
I know that fossil fuel companies are likely to challenge this rule. I want you to stand with the Biden administration and fight back. We are in a climate emergency and we are losing. We need to do much, much more to avoid the worst consequences of a warming planet. This strong rule is a needed next step. I expect Congress to back it and do even more.
As for the Republicans’ trying to defund President Biden’s green tax credits? Absolutely unacceptable. I consider it an outrage that GOP lawmakers are putting oil and gas companies’ profits above our children’s futures. They need to stop right now. Thanks.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk soon.
Jess
Tik Tok was GREAT!!! Have a wonderful trip and try to tune out- we will keep on chopping wood and carrying water while you get a small break! ENJOY!!!!
Enjoy your break. You deserve it!