Week 27 Actions

[Actions for Americans]

Hi all!

A lot has happened since last week's email.  While it seems like each day there's a new scandal, our lawmakers are still trying to pass harmful legislation (see Texas section in particular this week).  It's important to let them know we're paying attention to their actions and remind them that we want an America that serves ALL of the people. If they can't deliver, then we will vote them out!

Useful resource for finding your elected officials (save the numbers in your phone!!): myreps.datamade.us 

Tips on effective communication with elected officials, see Chapter 4 Opportunity 4: Indivisible Guide: Local Advocacy Tactics that Work

1.  Call your Senators to protect The Census

Buried by the rest of the scandals two weeks ago, the US Census Director, John H. Thompson, abruptly resigned.  The Census is vital for getting accurate population counts and determining political representation.  An underfunded 2020 census will lead to further decreases in political representation for already underrepresented groups; i.e., more and worse gerrymandering.  

For more:Time: Head of the Census Resigned. It Could be as Serious as James Comey

Say (text cribbed from 5calls.org): "Hi, I'm a constituent of Senator _________.  I ask that Senator ___________ do everything in his/her power to make sure the Census Bureau receives its requested appropriations as part of the 2017/2018 budget.  A well-funded Census is important for all Americans. My zipcode is __________" 

2.  Call your senators to protect Net Neutrality

Net Neutrality is the idea that internet service providers (ISP) can't, for example, slow down competitor's content or the content of providers who cannot afford to bribe the ISP.  

John Oliver explains what's going on here:  https://youtu.be/92vuuZt7wak 

Say (text cribbed from 5calls.org): "Hi, I'm a constituent of Senator _________ and I'm calling to express my disapproval that the FCC is trying to kill net neutrality. Preserving an open internet is crucial for fair and equal access to the resources and information available on it.  My zip code is __________"

3.   Call your MOC (again) about opposing the AHCA

On Wednesday the CBO score for the ACHA will come out.  Its score is expected to be bad because it is a badly designed bill.  It is possible that the CBO score will prompt another vote in the House. 

Read: Indivisible Guide: Round 2: Fighting the GOP Health Bill in the Senate

For more: NPR: Here's What's in the House-Approved Health Care Bill

Say: "Hi, I'm a constituent of Senator/Representative ____, and I'm calling to share my outrage at the passage of the AHCA in its current form by the House. I urge the Senator to keep the ACA's expansion of medicaid and protections for those with preexisting conditions. My zip code is _____." 

For Texans

The House had a marathon session on Sunday. Here's what you need to know...

1. Call Greg Abbott (512-463-2000) to voice opposition to HB3859 and SB2078

Both of these bills have passed the House and Senate, with Abbott's signature the only hurdle left. You may remember HB 3859 from the last two weeks' emails. It allows adoption agencies to discriminate potential parents based on religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. State-sanctioned religious discrimination is not only unconstitutional, Texas foster kids are in dire need of help, and a loving family no matter the religion is far better than no family.

We haven't mentioned SB 2078 before, though it's a "narrow version" of SB6, the "bathroom bill". What did they narrow it to? Transgender children. The Texas legislature passed a bill that requires transgender children, some of the MOST at risk kids, to use bathrooms that correspond to the gender on their birth certificate.  Unconscionable.

Say: "Hi, I'm calling to urge Governor Abbott to veto bills HB 3859 and SB 2078." The operator is only tallying for/against. If you want to say more or share a personal story, they'll put you through to someone else.

Roll call: See who voted for SB 2078; See who voted for HB 3859

2. Stand up with the Hispanic community by attending the #HeretoStay rally at the capitol Monday, May 29

Since SB4, the "show me your papers" or "anti-sanctuary cities" bill passed only a week ago, Texans have been showing their opposition for the new law. But we can do more!

Show up: Texas Fights Back: No SB4
Be social: Use the hashtags #HereToStay, #SB4isHate, #StopSB4 and share the event link
Donate: Help Texas Organizing Project and Texas Civil Rights Project fund their lawsuit against the state

3. Call your State Representative for a NO vote on SB5 / HB2481 - voter ID law

Despite a federal judge ruling that Texas' voter ID law is unconstitutional, the Texas GOP wants to bring it back, continuing the history of disenfranchising voters who would likely vote against them.

Read: Times Record News: Texas Voter ID Bill to be Heard Wednesday

Say: "Hi, I'm a constituent of Representative ______ calling to urge him/her to vote NO on SB5. Texans believe in fairness, and stripping away a constitutional right if someone can't access or afford a photo ID goes against what our state stands for. My zip code is _____."

4. Call your State MoCs to urge them to drop a school voucher provision in School Finance Reform

Last year the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the school finance system in Texas was flawed, but not unconstitutional (which is debatable). This session, legislators worked for some school finance fixes, but at the 11th hour, Larry Taylor of Friendswood tacked on a school voucher amendment. The provision is rather small, but our state started small with women's healthcare restrictions and look where we are today. We have got to stop vouchers in their tracks, as they essentially funnel public education funding to well-to-do parents and their children.

For more: US News: Texas Senate Attaches Voucher Plan to School Finance Fix

Say: "Hi, I'm a constituent of Senator/Representative _____ and I'm calling to urge him/her to oppose a voucher program, no matter how small it may seem. Voucher programs threaten to erode the quality of public education in the country, which is a cornerstone of our success and ingenuity as a nation. My zip code is _____."

Barring a special session, there's only 1 week left of the Texas legislative session. Let's have a strong finish!

Keep up the great work everyone!

Much love,

Marieke

@actionsUSA