Chop Wood, Carry Water 9/30

Don't quit now.

Hi, all, and happy Thursday,

I’m on my Thursday Progressive Mobilization call—there’s so much going on. It’s maddening, but also encouraging to hear what folks across the country are doing to get their reps to support our agenda. There are so many wonderful activists—including all of you—doing remarkable and unsung work in every part of our country.

It is because of them that we’ll win.

I’ll leave you with another AA saying—one that has proven extremely applicable in my own life.

“Don’t quit before the miracle.”

Now let’s go make that miracle happen, one phone call at a time.

Call Your Senators (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is ______.

First, I understand that the Freedom to Vote Act will be brought to a vote soon. I want the Senator to support it. It’s my top priority. [If Dem add:] And I want Democrats to carve out the filibuster to pass it. We have no choice.

Second, I understand that the provision in the Build Back Better plan allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices is under attack. This is unacceptable. We need lower drug prices AND we need the money this provision will save to pay for other critical parts of this plan. It has to stay in. Thanks.

[if GOP add:] I’m embarrassed and horrified that the Senator helped filibuster legislation that would raise the debt ceiling. S/he’s risking the entire economy to try to tank an agenda that 70% of America agrees with and wants. That shows me the Senator is too afraid of that agenda to face it head-on, and instead wants to drive our economy into the ground. What a cowardly way to govern. It’s shameful. I’ll be working to support a Democratic Senate and House majority. Tell him/her thanks for giving me that motivation. [H/T]

Call Your House Rep (find yours here)

Hi, I'm a constituent calling from [zip]. My name is _______.

As the details of the Build Back Better Act get hammered out through budget reconciliation, I am urging you to (a) keep strong climate protections, (b) expand health care, (c) invest in the care economy, (d) create a path to citizenship. And we need to make the rich and corporations pay their fair share so the legislation can be fully paid for. Also, I understand that the provision allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices is under attack. This is unacceptable. We need lower drug prices AND we need the money we’ll save to pay for other critical provisions in the package. Thanks.

Extra Credit

I’m sure you’re all aware that AT&T gives more money to the reps in Texas who passed the abortion ban than almost any other company. They are absolutely dreadful, and are always on the wrong side of any issue, but in this instance they have had a particularly strong influence. It’s impossible;e to track down an email address for them, but Ultraviolet has created a call tool that will put you right through to the voicemail of AT&T’s Senior VP of corporate responsibility. They also give you some talking points.

I found this very therapeutic, and it only took about 30 seconds. Please call.

SPEAKING OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS…

Please attend a march this Saturday. This really matters. Find the closest one to you here. I’ll be in downtown LA…let me know if you will, too!

Save the USPS! 📬

I’m sure you’re all aware that USPS slowdowns begin tomorrow, and they’re going to suck. None of it is necessary, but until we get rid of Louis DeJoy we won’t see a change. Remember, President Biden can’t fire him; the USPS Board of Governors can…but won’t in their current incarnation. We still need to get rid of one—or ideally two—board members, and the good news is that we can! Both Ron Bloom and John Barger are termed out (actually Barger’s term is up in early December) and can be replaced. By Biden. Any time. Like, any.

So let’s send the President the below, either as an email or as a Resistbot (text SIGN PZQZPE to 50409). Feel free to insert details about why YOU love the Post Office as a public institution.

I’m distressed to see more service slowdowns commencing at the USPS. We all know they are unnecessary and ill-advised—in fact yesterday the PRC issued its advisory opinion that the plan is "too ambitious" and that management's predicted outcomes are "potentially inaccurate and unachievable."

We all know that Louis DeJoy’s ultimate goal is to privatize the USPS. This can’t happen. He must be stopped, and I’m disappointed that you still haven’t done what’s necessary to ensure that the Board of Governors fires him.

Please immediately replace boardmember Ron Bloom—who is already termed out—and nominate a replacement for John Barger, who will be termed out in December. They should be swapped for two board members who have a broad vision for what the Postal Service as a public institution can be, and who will be willing to immediately vote to fire Louis DeJoy. Thank you.

Resistbot Text (new to Resistbot? Go here!)

[to all DEM reps] [H/T]

I am writing to you as your constituent to ask that you prioritize climate action in the reconciliation bill.

Climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity today, and scientists and experts agree that if we don't drastically reduce carbon emissions by the year 2030, we won't be able to avoid irreversible climate catastrophe. This is your moment to make good on President Biden's promises and deliver the transformative investments needed to address the climate crisis, while creating millions of good paying clean energy jobs.

I'm asking that you keep the following five priorities in the reconciliation bill:

- Clean energy tax credits: These tax credits support the purchase of electric vehicles, renewable energy projects, and new and emerging technologies that will lower energy costs, make clean vehicles more affordable and appliances more efficient, all while bolstering the economy and creating good jobs.

- Clean energy investments: By incentivizing clean energy, Congress can transform the power sector to run on 100% clean electricity, while lowering costs for consumers and significantly decreasing carbon pollution.

- Justice40 and community investments: President Biden committed to ensuring that at least 40% of all federal investments in climate are directed to frontline communities. These communities are hit first and worst, while lacking the resources to respond to the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. Programs like the Civilian Climate Corps, Environmental Justice Block Grants, and implementation of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) will ensure that the health, economic vitality, and workforce of these communities are prioritized.

- Conservation and agriculture: By investing in the conservation and stewardship of forests and critical conservation programs at the Department of Agriculture, Congress can reduce emissions and grow natural carbon sinks (areas that absorb more carbon than they release).

- Make polluters pay: Polluting oil, gas, and coal companies must be held responsible for contaminating our communities, air, and water by ending subsidies for fossil fuels and making them pay fees for emitting methane.

By prioritizing climate and the above five pillars, you will meet this moment with the once-in-a-generation investments needed. I urge you to prioritize climate action in the reconciliation bill, for the health of our planet and the people that live here. Thank you.

---

OK, you did it again! You helped save democracy! You’re amazing.

Talk tomorrow.

Jess