Hi, all and happy Thursday!
A reader emailed me yesterday asking: “Is it of any use or benefit to call your Senators or reps when they are folks like Bernie Sanders, Patrick Lahey and Peter Welch?” In other words: should we bother calling when our reps are the “good ones?”
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: ALL of our representatives need to hear from us. We are their bosses; they work for us. Period. If you had an exceptional employee would you stop communicating with them? Not at all! The best workers still need to be reminded of their job description, not to mention what priorities they should be focusing on. They need to be pushed to attain new heights of excellence. They also need praise when they do well—every human does!
Our elected representatives, furthermore, have a finite amount of time, so they’ll prioritize what their constituents bug them about.
Seriously. I have never, ever talked to an elected official or a staffer who says calls are not necessary.
They are. Always.
So let’s make some.
P.S. I love when ya’ll send questions like this! Keep it up!
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
I’m extremely disappointed that the Senate went on break without passing voting rights legislation. I want them to return from recess as soon as possible and pass a bill that fights voter suppression, ends partisan gerrymandering, and gets dark money out of our politics. We MUST get this legislation passed to save our democracy. [If Dem add:] I 100% support ending the filibuster to get it done.
Once the Senate has passed a voting rights bill I want them to pass the Equality Act and the PRO Act, two pieces of legislation that are critical to Americans’ well-being. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
I want to ask again that the House prioritize strong climate measures in both the bipartisan Infrastructure bill and the reconciliation package. We are at a turning point. If we keep going as we have we’re looking at planetary catastrophe. This is not a partisan issue. All of us want and need a livable planet, yet we’re inches from not having one. This HAS to be a top priority, pricetag notwithstanding. Thanks.
Extra Credit
I’ve heard that the EPA may make a decision on whether to fully ban the neurotoxin Chlorpyrifos—currently used as a pesticide on our food crops— soon. But they’re considering leaving some loopholes open. Let’s make sure they don’t. Call EPA Administrator Regan today at (202) 564-2902 and use the script below (you’ll get a VM):
My name is _______. I live in ________. I’m calling today to urge you to fully follow the 9th Circuit’s court order and ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos, now. The EPA should have taken action to ban all food uses of chlorpyrifos a long time ago. The science on this chemical is crystal clear, and people who have been harmed by it during the last decade of inaction deserve much better from their government. Thanks!
[Extra extra credit RT this!]
Get on the Phones! ☎️
Remember how I said that everyone needs to keep calling their Senators about voting rights legislation? Well, you can help make that happen by joining a phone bank encouraging voters in key swing states to call their Senators and express support for S. 1.
Spanish-speaking phone banks are available to join to reach out to Spanish-speaking voters, who may face a unique set of barriers to voting.
Dialing for Democracy phonebanks to support S. 1, hosted by Common Cause, are happening multiple times a week.
All hands on deck for democracy, amirite? PLEASE SIGN UP!
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to your HOUSE reps] [H/T Indivisible Climate]
I’m a constituent who is very worried that Congress is not doing enough to address the climate crisis.
President Biden has made clear that a Clean Electricity Standard (CES) is a top priority for recovery. As Congress begins work on a CES it is critical that Congress create a standard that prioritizes renewable energy, drastically reduces emissions, decreases pollution, and promotes community resiliency. That is why I support the American Renewable Energy Act, which was endorsed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus and exemplifies what a progressive clean energy future looks like.
I ask you to please cosponsor the American Renewable Energy Act and share at least one social media post supporting renewables in a CES.
Equally important: a CES must not include natural gas. We need a Clean Electricity Standard that centers the health of the planet, communities, and people. We cannot continue using harmful energy sources, like natural gas, that pollute our air, water, and human health.
Please make it clear that natural gas is not considered clean and cannot be included in a CES. Thanks!
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess