Hi, everyone! Happy Thursday!
I’m on a conference call right now, making comment at the California Public Utilities Commission meeting. As a result, I’ll keep this short; it’s difficult to write an intro while also listening to commenters, one by one, enumerating details of PG&E’s dreadful record. But what a delight to hear SO MANY people taking the time to raise their voices!
Making public comment is an easy way to create change. Consider trying it if you haven’t. It’s easy to get started: decide what issues are most important to you, then sign up with a grassroots organization working on it in your area. They’ll inevitably ask you to join them at a meeting where stakeholders can speak, and even give you talking points!
Anywhere we can bring our voices to bear, we should. It really matters.
Speaking of which, let’s make some calls.
Call Your Senators (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.
First, I’m pleased to hear that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee just voted to finally repeal two decades-old measures giving open-ended approval for military action in Iraq. I want the Senator to vote to repeal these AUMFs (Authorizations for Use of Military Force) when they come to the floor for a vote.
Second, I’m glad the Senate is nearing a deal on the Bipartisan Infrastructure deal, but if you don’t do voting rights, too, it won’t matter. For God’s sake, this needs to be the Senator’s top priority. [Optional add to Dems:] The second those census numbers drop the gerrymandering will begin, and the GOP will dominate everything for the next ten years. It’s a disaster in the making. Please ask the Senator to do whatever they have to do—including abolishing the filibuster—to stop it. Thanks.
Call Your House Rep (find yours here)
Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.
First, I’m glad the Senate seems to be approaching a deal on the Bipartisan Infrastructure framework, but we need the other infrastructure deal just as badly. Please ask the Congressmember to fight to include family and child support in the second package, and also Medicare expansion, aggressive climate measures, and funding for IRS enforcement.
Also, I understand there is new draft legislation from Senator Chris Van Hollen and Rep Jamaal Bowman that would direct the Treasury Department and the EPA to identify the companies that released the most greenhouse gases into the atmosphere from 2000 to 2019 and assess a fee based on the amounts they emitted. This money would help pay for both Infrastructure packages. Please ask the Congressmember to support this legislation. Thanks.
Extra Credit
Please post this on social media (and send the letter, please!):
We need to urge our Senators to do everything in their power to pass a #votingrights bill, including, if necessary, abolishing the filibuster BEFORE THEY LEAVE ON RECESS!
Fortunately there’s a @resistbot letter that does this! Send it by clicking here. https://resist.bot/petitions/pnsxyo/
Get on the Phones! ☎️
Today Joan’s Democracy Cafe will be undertaking perhaps the most important task in America at this moment—putting pressure on Kyrsten Sinema to prioritize passing voting rights legislation.
Volunteers will be calling Arizona voters to patch them through to the office of Senator Sinema, to urge her to modify the filibuster so that the For the People Act can pass.
This phonebank has wonderful training. It’s from 3-6 EDT TODAY. This is our last chance to get this done!!!!! I really can’t overstate the urgency.
Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)
[to all 3 reps] [H/T]
As someone who cares deeply about animal welfare, workers, the planet, and public health, I am urging you to support the Farm System Reform Act. This legislation would finally put farmed animals, family farmers, meatpacking workers, public health, and the environment first and hold large multinational meat corporations accountable for unjust and unsustainable practices.
While there is much work to be done to help America’s farmers transition to practices that protect animals, people, and the planet, this bill would be a significant step toward a safer and more secure food system. I strongly urge you to support the Farm System Reform Act.
OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.
Talk tomorrow.
Jess