****Actions 12/19/2019****
Demand the Senate Hold a Real Impeachment Trial:
Despite the bogus GOP talking points about partisanship, the House sent a decisive statement this afternoon, voting to impeach Trump by a 40-vote margin. The impeachment now goes to the Senate, where the Senate is obligated to hold a trial. McConnell, Graham, and our very own Senator, Thom Tillis, have already stated that they will not convict. Graham is so sure that Trump is innocent that he won’t even look at the evidence--which makes total sense! The House has done its job, and now it is time for the Senate to step up and hold a real trial. Let’s call on Senator Burr and Tillis to do that.
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from ____________ calling to urge Sen. ______________ to follow the Constitution and work to ensure that the Senate conducts a real trial. I want you to take the process seriously and weigh the evidence impartially. It is important that you work with House Democrats to make sure that the rules put in place guarantee a genuine trial. Our democracy--and the public faith in that democracy--depend on it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Wednesday Actions: Impeach, SNAP, Drug Prices, and More
****Actions 12/18/2019****
Impeachment Rally Update:
Thank you to everyone who showed up at an impeachment rally tonight. Despite the rain, there were over 1,000 people in attendance at the rally in Raleigh. And other rallies across the country were also well attended. The House Rules Committee has decided that there will be six hours of debate tomorrow before what is likely to be a vote late tomorrow afternoon. This will give you plenty of time to call your reps one last time and tell them to vote to impeach (keep scrolling for the script).
WRAL News Story:
https://www.wral.com/nobody-is-above-the-law-rally-calls-for-congress-to-impeach-remove-trump/18839551/
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
The impeachment vote is Wednesday. Although Trump will likely only face two articles of impeachment, he has repeatedly violated the Constitution. The damage Trump has done to the Constitution will likely take decades to unravel, and the GOP Congress has enabled much of this behavior. We need to light up those phones and make absolutely clear that there is public support for protecting our Constitution and the rule of law. Please note that I have a separate script for Thom Tillis, who needs to recuse himself from being a juror in any impeachment trial.
Link:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/05/this-moment-was-made-nancy-pelosi/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Joe Biden’s son. It’s time to stand up for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and demand that Trump be held accountable. Thanks.
Tillis Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from __________ calling to urge Senator Tillis to recuse himself from participating in the Senate impeachment trial. Senator Tillis will take an oath to be impartial during the impeachment trial, but he has already promised to ignore that oath because of his support for Trump. Oaths should mean something and when elected officials, like Tillis, ignore them for partisan purposes, they undermine our democracy. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------------
More Ways to Speak out on Impeachment:
You can also use these readymade tweets from our friends at DemCast. Please consider modifying them so that @SenThomTillis and @senatorburr hear from us. You can also add the hashtag #OneTermThom for Tillis:
https://app.speechifai.tech/campaign/E2E05976-CD8A-4B7D-B13C-39A6394900BB/ready_made_post/twitter/
-------------------
Restore SNAP Benefits:
[Updated] The Trump administration recently formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it. Meanwhile, the House (including a large number of Democrats) overwhelmingly passed a $780 billion defense authorization that includes money for Trump’s Space Force, a giveaway to government contractors.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. It’s absurd that you are willing to spend billions for a completely worthless Space Force program, but we don’t have enough money to provide food for people who need it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Tweets and Resistbot scripts for Tillis and Burr:
Here are some tweets and resistbot scripts courtesy of Andrea Biondi you can use to contact on Senators on HR 3 and in support of McDonalds workers striking for a living wage.
Tweets:
.@SenatorBurr support #McDonalds workers as they stand for their right to organize for a livable wage. Stand against the recent ruling by the NLRB. McDonald’s corporation should be considered a joint employer, which would hold it accountable for the well-being of its employees.
.@SenThomTillis support HR3 the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. We must make prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics could see costs of insulin drop $700 annually! Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. #DemCastNC #HR3 #NCpolitics
Resistbots:
I am a constituent faxing from NC to urge Senators Tillis and Burr and my House Rep to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks for taking my opinion via fax
I'm a constituent faxing from NC and want Senators Tillis and Burr and my House rep to support for McDonald’s workers as they stand for their right to organize and be paid a livable wage. Please stand against the recent ruling by the NLRB. The McDonald’s corporation should be considered a joint employer, which would hold it accountable for the well-being of its employees. Thank you for taking my opinion via fax
Impeachment Rally Update:
Thank you to everyone who showed up at an impeachment rally tonight. Despite the rain, there were over 1,000 people in attendance at the rally in Raleigh. And other rallies across the country were also well attended. The House Rules Committee has decided that there will be six hours of debate tomorrow before what is likely to be a vote late tomorrow afternoon. This will give you plenty of time to call your reps one last time and tell them to vote to impeach (keep scrolling for the script).
WRAL News Story:
https://www.wral.com/nobody-is-above-the-law-rally-calls-for-congress-to-impeach-remove-trump/18839551/
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
The impeachment vote is Wednesday. Although Trump will likely only face two articles of impeachment, he has repeatedly violated the Constitution. The damage Trump has done to the Constitution will likely take decades to unravel, and the GOP Congress has enabled much of this behavior. We need to light up those phones and make absolutely clear that there is public support for protecting our Constitution and the rule of law. Please note that I have a separate script for Thom Tillis, who needs to recuse himself from being a juror in any impeachment trial.
Link:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/05/this-moment-was-made-nancy-pelosi/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Joe Biden’s son. It’s time to stand up for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and demand that Trump be held accountable. Thanks.
Tillis Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from __________ calling to urge Senator Tillis to recuse himself from participating in the Senate impeachment trial. Senator Tillis will take an oath to be impartial during the impeachment trial, but he has already promised to ignore that oath because of his support for Trump. Oaths should mean something and when elected officials, like Tillis, ignore them for partisan purposes, they undermine our democracy. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------------
More Ways to Speak out on Impeachment:
You can also use these readymade tweets from our friends at DemCast. Please consider modifying them so that @SenThomTillis and @senatorburr hear from us. You can also add the hashtag #OneTermThom for Tillis:
https://app.speechifai.tech/campaign/E2E05976-CD8A-4B7D-B13C-39A6394900BB/ready_made_post/twitter/
-------------------
Restore SNAP Benefits:
[Updated] The Trump administration recently formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it. Meanwhile, the House (including a large number of Democrats) overwhelmingly passed a $780 billion defense authorization that includes money for Trump’s Space Force, a giveaway to government contractors.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. It’s absurd that you are willing to spend billions for a completely worthless Space Force program, but we don’t have enough money to provide food for people who need it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Tweets and Resistbot scripts for Tillis and Burr:
Here are some tweets and resistbot scripts courtesy of Andrea Biondi you can use to contact on Senators on HR 3 and in support of McDonalds workers striking for a living wage.
Tweets:
.@SenatorBurr support #McDonalds workers as they stand for their right to organize for a livable wage. Stand against the recent ruling by the NLRB. McDonald’s corporation should be considered a joint employer, which would hold it accountable for the well-being of its employees.
.@SenThomTillis support HR3 the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. We must make prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics could see costs of insulin drop $700 annually! Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. #DemCastNC #HR3 #NCpolitics
Resistbots:
I am a constituent faxing from NC to urge Senators Tillis and Burr and my House Rep to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks for taking my opinion via fax
I'm a constituent faxing from NC and want Senators Tillis and Burr and my House rep to support for McDonald’s workers as they stand for their right to organize and be paid a livable wage. Please stand against the recent ruling by the NLRB. The McDonald’s corporation should be considered a joint employer, which would hold it accountable for the well-being of its employees. Thank you for taking my opinion via fax
Monday, December 16, 2019
Tuesday Actions: Impeach Trump, Support VAWA, Reject Silent Sam Payoff, and More
****Actions 12/17/2019****
IMPEACHMENT:
Attend an “Impeach & Remove” event:
On Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30pm, people across the country will come together to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and, in doing so, will send a clear message that no one, no matter how powerful they may be, is above the law. The timing of this event is particularly critical given the expected vote on impeachment in the House on Wednesday. To find the event closest to you, check out the link below:
Details: www.impeach.org
For those of you who live near Raleigh, the rally will be held in Bicentennial Plaza but there are events being held across the state. Check the link above for further details.
-----------
Pass VAWA and Ensure It Closes the “Boyfriend Loophole:”
Moscow Mitch still hasn’t allowed the Violence Against Women Act to come up for a vote in the Senate. Despite what Trump’s buddies on Fox News are saying, the Democratic-controlled House has passed literally hundreds of bills, and few are more important than this one. Among other things, the new-and-improved version passed by the House closed the infamous "boyfriend loophole," which excludes people convicted of stalking or abusing a non-spouse partner from the scope of laws that limit an abuser's ability to obtain firearms. The House version of VAWA also expanded the jurisdiction of tribal courts over non-Native men who abuse Native women, and strengthened provisions of the VAWA related to transgender survivors of domestic violence. Members of these demographic groups are disproportionately likely to experience domestic and sexual violence: More than half of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced sexual violence or physical violence by an intimate partner, according to a 2016 report, and a 2015 survey found that 47 percent of transgender people report being sexually assaulted at some point during their lives. Joni Ernst (R-NRA) produced a "compromise" version of the bill that omits the closure of the boyfriend loophole because the NRA still wants it to be possible to sell guns to stalkers. But even with this more modest language, only ten Republicans have signed onto Ernst's version of the bill. Let's push for the House bill (HR 1585) to be passed by the Senate.
Details:
https://www.gq.com/story/senate-violence-against-women-act
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to urge Sen. _____________ to pass the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2019. Specifically, I want you to pass HR 1585, the House version of the bill because it closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” and because it adds protections for Native American women and people who identify as transgendered. The Senate version of the bill authored by Joni Ernst does not address those concerns. VAWA needs to be renewed and updated to address some of the loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to have access to guns. Thank you.
-------------
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
The impeachment vote is Wednesday. Although Trump will likely only face two articles of impeachment, he has repeatedly violated the Constitution. The damage Trump has done to the Constitution will likely take decades to unravel, and the GOP Congress has enabled much of this behavior. We need to light up those phones and make absolutely clear that there is public support for protecting our Constitution and the rule of law. Please note that I have a separate script for Thom Tillis, who needs to recuse himself from being a juror in any impeachment trial.
Link:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/05/this-moment-was-made-nancy-pelosi/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Joe Biden’s son. It’s time to stand up for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and demand that Trump be held accountable. Thanks.
Tillis Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from __________ calling to urge Senator Tillis to recuse himself from participating in the Senate impeachment trial. Senator Tillis will take an oath to be impartial during the impeachment trial, but he has already promised to ignore that oath because of his support for Trump. Oaths should mean something and when elected officials, like Tillis, ignore them for partisan purposes, they undermine our democracy. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
----------------
OPEN ENROLLMENT:
Open Enrollment for Federal Healthcare Deadline:
[Borrowed from WNCT] Governor Cooper is reminding North Carolinians that the open enrollment deadline for healthcare for 2020 has been extended to December 18. Many people who get their insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace get help paying for their premiums and may also be able to get help with copayments and deductibles. At HealthCare.gov, North Carolinians can compare plans based on price, benefits and other features. Importantly, coverage cannot be denied because of pre-existing or chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Those who had coverage for 2019 through HealthCare.gov, should log in to their Marketplace account as soon as possible to review their options for 2020. Factsheets on the Marketplace are available in English and Spanish. North Carolinians seeking free, in-person assistance with enrollment can also visit the NC Navigator Consortium to find a local application assister or call the toll-free NC Navigator Helpline at 1-855-733-3711.
Details:
https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/last-week-for-open-enrollment-for-federal-health-care-marketplace
Open Enrollment Website:
https://www.healthcare.gov/
NC Navigator:
https://www.ncnavigator.net/
---------------
Tell the UNC Board of Governors to Rescind Payments to Racists:
The UNC BOG Silent Sam Scandal keeps getting worse and worse. It now looks like the UNC BOG decided to pay the Sons of Confederate Veterans (a pro-Confederacy group) $2.5 million before there was even a threat of a lawsuit. Several members of the BOG, including former GOP rep, Bob Rucho have now written an op-ed where they also add that they paid the SCV $75,000 not to fly the Confederate flag on campus, which raises a whole host of questions. Are they willing to pay other people NOT to fly the Confederate flag? Where do I get MY $75,000 check? This deal is costing our UNC system WAY more than $2.5 million. The Mellon Foundation has already withdrawn a multi-million dollar grant. The UNC system, once a shining star among state university systems, is now a national embarrassment. This UNC Board of Governors does NOT represent us, and they need to hear from us.
Details:
https://twitter.com/EveryVoiceNC/status/1206577489503502337
Comment Portal:
https://www.northcarolina.edu/Board-Governors/UNC-Board-Governors-Public-Comment-Session
Second Action:
Call your reps and tell them that you do not support the current UNC BOG. Remember, the NCGOP took full control of the nomination process during the 2016 coup that severely curtailed the Governor’s powers. Once you call, support your Democratic candidate to ensure that we win back at least one chamber of the NCGA during the 2020 elections.
State Contact Numbers:
NC House: http://bit.ly/2CVneDK
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
IMPEACHMENT:
Attend an “Impeach & Remove” event:
On Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30pm, people across the country will come together to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and, in doing so, will send a clear message that no one, no matter how powerful they may be, is above the law. The timing of this event is particularly critical given the expected vote on impeachment in the House on Wednesday. To find the event closest to you, check out the link below:
Details: www.impeach.org
For those of you who live near Raleigh, the rally will be held in Bicentennial Plaza but there are events being held across the state. Check the link above for further details.
-----------
Pass VAWA and Ensure It Closes the “Boyfriend Loophole:”
Moscow Mitch still hasn’t allowed the Violence Against Women Act to come up for a vote in the Senate. Despite what Trump’s buddies on Fox News are saying, the Democratic-controlled House has passed literally hundreds of bills, and few are more important than this one. Among other things, the new-and-improved version passed by the House closed the infamous "boyfriend loophole," which excludes people convicted of stalking or abusing a non-spouse partner from the scope of laws that limit an abuser's ability to obtain firearms. The House version of VAWA also expanded the jurisdiction of tribal courts over non-Native men who abuse Native women, and strengthened provisions of the VAWA related to transgender survivors of domestic violence. Members of these demographic groups are disproportionately likely to experience domestic and sexual violence: More than half of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced sexual violence or physical violence by an intimate partner, according to a 2016 report, and a 2015 survey found that 47 percent of transgender people report being sexually assaulted at some point during their lives. Joni Ernst (R-NRA) produced a "compromise" version of the bill that omits the closure of the boyfriend loophole because the NRA still wants it to be possible to sell guns to stalkers. But even with this more modest language, only ten Republicans have signed onto Ernst's version of the bill. Let's push for the House bill (HR 1585) to be passed by the Senate.
Details:
https://www.gq.com/story/senate-violence-against-women-act
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to urge Sen. _____________ to pass the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2019. Specifically, I want you to pass HR 1585, the House version of the bill because it closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” and because it adds protections for Native American women and people who identify as transgendered. The Senate version of the bill authored by Joni Ernst does not address those concerns. VAWA needs to be renewed and updated to address some of the loopholes that allow dangerous individuals to have access to guns. Thank you.
-------------
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
The impeachment vote is Wednesday. Although Trump will likely only face two articles of impeachment, he has repeatedly violated the Constitution. The damage Trump has done to the Constitution will likely take decades to unravel, and the GOP Congress has enabled much of this behavior. We need to light up those phones and make absolutely clear that there is public support for protecting our Constitution and the rule of law. Please note that I have a separate script for Thom Tillis, who needs to recuse himself from being a juror in any impeachment trial.
Link:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/05/this-moment-was-made-nancy-pelosi/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Joe Biden’s son. It’s time to stand up for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and demand that Trump be held accountable. Thanks.
Tillis Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from __________ calling to urge Senator Tillis to recuse himself from participating in the Senate impeachment trial. Senator Tillis will take an oath to be impartial during the impeachment trial, but he has already promised to ignore that oath because of his support for Trump. Oaths should mean something and when elected officials, like Tillis, ignore them for partisan purposes, they undermine our democracy. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
----------------
OPEN ENROLLMENT:
Open Enrollment for Federal Healthcare Deadline:
[Borrowed from WNCT] Governor Cooper is reminding North Carolinians that the open enrollment deadline for healthcare for 2020 has been extended to December 18. Many people who get their insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace get help paying for their premiums and may also be able to get help with copayments and deductibles. At HealthCare.gov, North Carolinians can compare plans based on price, benefits and other features. Importantly, coverage cannot be denied because of pre-existing or chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Those who had coverage for 2019 through HealthCare.gov, should log in to their Marketplace account as soon as possible to review their options for 2020. Factsheets on the Marketplace are available in English and Spanish. North Carolinians seeking free, in-person assistance with enrollment can also visit the NC Navigator Consortium to find a local application assister or call the toll-free NC Navigator Helpline at 1-855-733-3711.
Details:
https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/last-week-for-open-enrollment-for-federal-health-care-marketplace
Open Enrollment Website:
https://www.healthcare.gov/
NC Navigator:
https://www.ncnavigator.net/
---------------
Tell the UNC Board of Governors to Rescind Payments to Racists:
The UNC BOG Silent Sam Scandal keeps getting worse and worse. It now looks like the UNC BOG decided to pay the Sons of Confederate Veterans (a pro-Confederacy group) $2.5 million before there was even a threat of a lawsuit. Several members of the BOG, including former GOP rep, Bob Rucho have now written an op-ed where they also add that they paid the SCV $75,000 not to fly the Confederate flag on campus, which raises a whole host of questions. Are they willing to pay other people NOT to fly the Confederate flag? Where do I get MY $75,000 check? This deal is costing our UNC system WAY more than $2.5 million. The Mellon Foundation has already withdrawn a multi-million dollar grant. The UNC system, once a shining star among state university systems, is now a national embarrassment. This UNC Board of Governors does NOT represent us, and they need to hear from us.
Details:
https://twitter.com/EveryVoiceNC/status/1206577489503502337
Comment Portal:
https://www.northcarolina.edu/Board-Governors/UNC-Board-Governors-Public-Comment-Session
Second Action:
Call your reps and tell them that you do not support the current UNC BOG. Remember, the NCGOP took full control of the nomination process during the 2016 coup that severely curtailed the Governor’s powers. Once you call, support your Democratic candidate to ensure that we win back at least one chamber of the NCGA during the 2020 elections.
State Contact Numbers:
NC House: http://bit.ly/2CVneDK
NC Senate: http://bit.ly/2DamgAn
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Monday Links: Impeachment Rally, Workers' Rights, and More
****Actions 12/16/2019****
IMPEACHMENT:
Attend an “Impeach & Remove” event:
On Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30pm, people across the country will come together to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and, in doing so, will send a clear message that no one, no matter how powerful they may be, is above the law. The timing of this event is particularly critical given the expected vote on impeachment in the House on Wednesday. To find the event closest to you, check out the link below:
Details: http://www.impeach.org
For those of you who live near Raleigh, the rally will be held in Bicentennial Plaza but there are events being held across the state. Check the link above for further details.
---------
FEDERAL:
Stand with McDonald’s workers:
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that the McDonald’s corporation “should not be responsible for the labor practices of its franchisees”. This ruling is complicit with a world in which employers are able to pay workers unlivable wages and punish those who seek to collectively bargain.
Details: https://www.npr.org/2019/12/12/787126119/mcdonalds-not-responsible-for-how-franchisees-treat-workers-u-s-agency-rules
Script:
Hi, my name is ___________ and I'm a constituent from __________. I'm calling to express my support for McDonald’s workers as they stand for their right to organize and be paid a livable wage. Please stand against the recent ruling by the NLRB. The McDonald’s corporation should be considered a joint employer, which would hold it accountable for the well-being of its employees. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------
Keep Calling about HR3:
We’re still waiting for a vote on HR3. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------------------
ELECTIONS:
Promote Democrats with progressive values:
This past week, you may have heard about U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew, a Democrat from New Jersey, who voted against impeachment in the House Judiciary Committee. Van Drew is now expected to switch parties by joining the Republicans. The DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) supported Van Drew against progressive challengers even though he previously had a 100% rating with the NRA and has voted against marriage equality. Write the DCCC a quick note to let them know that they should support Democratic candidates who are representative of the progressive values put forth by their Democratic base.
Details:
1. https://www.npr.org/2019/12/15/788219342/house-democrat-who-opposed-impeachment-plans-to-switch-to-the-republican-party
2. https://theintercept.com/2018/02/23/teen-confronts-dccc-endorsed-candidate-over-his-100-percent-nra-rating/
DCCC contact information: https://dccc.org/contact/
IMPEACHMENT:
Attend an “Impeach & Remove” event:
On Tuesday, December 17th at 5:30pm, people across the country will come together to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and, in doing so, will send a clear message that no one, no matter how powerful they may be, is above the law. The timing of this event is particularly critical given the expected vote on impeachment in the House on Wednesday. To find the event closest to you, check out the link below:
Details: http://www.impeach.org
For those of you who live near Raleigh, the rally will be held in Bicentennial Plaza but there are events being held across the state. Check the link above for further details.
---------
FEDERAL:
Stand with McDonald’s workers:
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that the McDonald’s corporation “should not be responsible for the labor practices of its franchisees”. This ruling is complicit with a world in which employers are able to pay workers unlivable wages and punish those who seek to collectively bargain.
Details: https://www.npr.org/2019/12/12/787126119/mcdonalds-not-responsible-for-how-franchisees-treat-workers-u-s-agency-rules
Script:
Hi, my name is ___________ and I'm a constituent from __________. I'm calling to express my support for McDonald’s workers as they stand for their right to organize and be paid a livable wage. Please stand against the recent ruling by the NLRB. The McDonald’s corporation should be considered a joint employer, which would hold it accountable for the well-being of its employees. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------
Keep Calling about HR3:
We’re still waiting for a vote on HR3. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------------------
ELECTIONS:
Promote Democrats with progressive values:
This past week, you may have heard about U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew, a Democrat from New Jersey, who voted against impeachment in the House Judiciary Committee. Van Drew is now expected to switch parties by joining the Republicans. The DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) supported Van Drew against progressive challengers even though he previously had a 100% rating with the NRA and has voted against marriage equality. Write the DCCC a quick note to let them know that they should support Democratic candidates who are representative of the progressive values put forth by their Democratic base.
Details:
1. https://www.npr.org/2019/12/15/788219342/house-democrat-who-opposed-impeachment-plans-to-switch-to-the-republican-party
2. https://theintercept.com/2018/02/23/teen-confronts-dccc-endorsed-candidate-over-his-100-percent-nra-rating/
DCCC contact information: https://dccc.org/contact/
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Thursday Actions: SNAP, Drug Prices, and More
****Actions 12/12/2019****
OPEN ENROLLMENT:
Open Enrollment for Federal Healthcare Deadline:
[Borrowed from WNCT] Governor Cooper is reminding North Carolinians that the open enrollment deadline for healthcare for 2020 is December 15. Many people who get their insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace get help paying for their premiums and may also be able to get help with copayments and deductibles. At HealthCare.gov, North Carolinians can compare plans based on price, benefits and other features. Importantly, coverage cannot be denied because of pre-existing or chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Those who had coverage for 2019 through HealthCare.gov, should log in to their Marketplace account as soon as possible to review their options for 2020. Factsheets on the Marketplace are available in English and Spanish. North Carolinians seeking free, in-person assistance with enrollment can also visit the NC Navigator Consortium to find a local application assister or call the toll-free NC Navigator Helpline at 1-855-733-3711.
Details:
https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/last-week-for-open-enrollment-for-federal-health-care-marketplace
Open Enrollment Website:
https://www.healthcare.gov/
NC Navigator:
https://www.ncnavigator.net/
-----------
EVENTS:
NC State Board of Elections:
The NC SBE will be holding a telephone meeting on Friday December 13. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/NCSBE/photos/a.10152239170469882/10157748814354882/?type=3&theater
----------
Message in a Bottle Healthcare Rallies:
[From Piedmont Rising] This Thursday, join concerned North Carolinians in delivering a #MessageInABottle to Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr. Help us ask our senators to support lower drug pricing by attending one of our events across the state:
| RALEIGH |
Where: 310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 122, Raleigh, N.C.
When: 10:00 AM
| HIGH POINT |
Where: 1840 Eastchester Dr., Suite 200, High Point, NC
When: 10:00 AM
| WINSTON-SALEM |
Where: 2000 West First Street, Suite 508, Winston-Salem N.C.
When: 10:00 AM
| HENDERSONVILLE |
Where: 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Suite 112, Hendersonville, N.C.
When: 10:00 AM
One in four Americans can’t afford their prescription drugs, forcing them to stretch their budgets, ration medication, or forego medication altogether. This is a health care crisis -- and our leaders have the opportunity to address it. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R.3, is expected to pass the House this week and will head to the Senate next. This legislation could lower patients’ prescription drug spending by thousands of dollars and be life-changing for North Carolina families struggling with the high costs of medication.
--------------
FEDERAL:
Keep Calling about HR3:
We’re still waiting for a vote on HR3. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent caling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
------------
Restore SNAP Benefits:
[Updated] The Trump administration recently formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it. Meanwhile, the House (including a large number of Democrats) overwhelmingly passed a $780 billion defense authorization that includes money for Trump’s Space Force, a giveaway to government contractors.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. It’s absurd that you are willing to spend billions for a completely worthless Space Force program, but we don’t have enough money to provide food for people who need it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
OPEN ENROLLMENT:
Open Enrollment for Federal Healthcare Deadline:
[Borrowed from WNCT] Governor Cooper is reminding North Carolinians that the open enrollment deadline for healthcare for 2020 is December 15. Many people who get their insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace get help paying for their premiums and may also be able to get help with copayments and deductibles. At HealthCare.gov, North Carolinians can compare plans based on price, benefits and other features. Importantly, coverage cannot be denied because of pre-existing or chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Those who had coverage for 2019 through HealthCare.gov, should log in to their Marketplace account as soon as possible to review their options for 2020. Factsheets on the Marketplace are available in English and Spanish. North Carolinians seeking free, in-person assistance with enrollment can also visit the NC Navigator Consortium to find a local application assister or call the toll-free NC Navigator Helpline at 1-855-733-3711.
Details:
https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/last-week-for-open-enrollment-for-federal-health-care-marketplace
Open Enrollment Website:
https://www.healthcare.gov/
NC Navigator:
https://www.ncnavigator.net/
-----------
EVENTS:
NC State Board of Elections:
The NC SBE will be holding a telephone meeting on Friday December 13. Details here: https://www.facebook.com/NCSBE/photos/a.10152239170469882/10157748814354882/?type=3&theater
----------
Message in a Bottle Healthcare Rallies:
[From Piedmont Rising] This Thursday, join concerned North Carolinians in delivering a #MessageInABottle to Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr. Help us ask our senators to support lower drug pricing by attending one of our events across the state:
| RALEIGH |
Where: 310 New Bern Avenue, Suite 122, Raleigh, N.C.
When: 10:00 AM
| HIGH POINT |
Where: 1840 Eastchester Dr., Suite 200, High Point, NC
When: 10:00 AM
| WINSTON-SALEM |
Where: 2000 West First Street, Suite 508, Winston-Salem N.C.
When: 10:00 AM
| HENDERSONVILLE |
Where: 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Suite 112, Hendersonville, N.C.
When: 10:00 AM
One in four Americans can’t afford their prescription drugs, forcing them to stretch their budgets, ration medication, or forego medication altogether. This is a health care crisis -- and our leaders have the opportunity to address it. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R.3, is expected to pass the House this week and will head to the Senate next. This legislation could lower patients’ prescription drug spending by thousands of dollars and be life-changing for North Carolina families struggling with the high costs of medication.
--------------
FEDERAL:
Keep Calling about HR3:
We’re still waiting for a vote on HR3. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent caling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
------------
Restore SNAP Benefits:
[Updated] The Trump administration recently formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it. Meanwhile, the House (including a large number of Democrats) overwhelmingly passed a $780 billion defense authorization that includes money for Trump’s Space Force, a giveaway to government contractors.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. It’s absurd that you are willing to spend billions for a completely worthless Space Force program, but we don’t have enough money to provide food for people who need it. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Wednesday Actions: Drug Prices, Vaccinate Migrant Children, and More
****Actions 12/11/2019****
FEDERAL:
[Obviously Speaker Pelosi has officially announced that she is pursuing two articles of impeachment against Trump and it’s worthwhile to call Tillis and Burr and make them own Trump’s behavior, BUT if you’re looking for some other things to call about, here they are]
Support H.R. 3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:
HR 3, named after the late, great Rep. Elijah Cummings is coming up for a vote in the House. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that H.R. 3 negotiations would result in an average discount of nearly 55 percent on current Medicare Part D net prices for the first group of drugs to undergo negotiations. I’ve seen two main groups opposed to this bill: The White House and Pfizer (presumably other drug manufacturers agree with Pfizer). Let’s create such overwhelming support for this bill that even GOP reps are forced to support it. The vote is scheduled for this week (yes, House Democrats can walk, chew gum, and impeach Trump at the same time), so the time is now to make those calls!!
Note: the link below has a list of many of the drugs that would have lower prices under HR3. If you’re on any prescription medication, it might be worthwhile to review the list so you can specifically talk about how YOUR costs would be lowered.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent caling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Let Doctors Vaccinate Migrant Children:
A few days ago, it was reported that a 15-year old Guatemalan boy died in CBP custody when his flu symptoms went ignored. He is the third known child to die of the flu while in CBP custody. Meanwhile, in Mexico, detained children are being given the flu vaccine. Once again, it is increasingly clear that the cruelty is the point. Physicians are outside a detention center w/flu vaccines & are being denied access. You can call CBP at 619-216-4000 (CBP Headquarters overseeing San Diego Sector) and demand that physicians be allowed access. In addition to tweeting, I think it’s worth calling your reps about this.
Details:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2019-12-09/doctors-flu-shots
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from __________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. _____________ to demand that doctors be allowed to provide migrant detainees with the flu vaccine. At least three children have died of the flu in CBP custody in the last year. This is entirely preventable and is profoundly cruel. The detention camps are wrong, but if you’re going to detain people, they need to be provided with proper medical care. This would not cost taxpayers a single dollar. Thank you.
Twitter Action:
Retweet the following tweet with a succinct message for Senator Tillis, Senator Burr, and your House Rep: https://twitter.com/dabeard/status/1204226871656931329
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------------
TILLIS WATCH:
Wish Tillis a Happy Holiday Resistance Style:
Senator Tillis is promoting a truly repulsive collection of MAGA-themed Christmas hats on Twitter. One hat is embossed with the truly festive phrase “Build the Wall.” Another says “Team Kavanaugh.” Two others say “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” and “Support Our Troops.” This is beyond crass. If you tweet, take a minute to comment on the tweet below and explain how these hats are not consistent with the holiday spirit of giving. I’d love for these to go viral in a bad way and for Tillis to have to defend such a Scrooge-like message.
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/ThomTillis/status/1204475626608087042
-----------
UNC:
Tell the UNC BOG to Withdraw Donation to Sons of Confederate Veterans:
Time is running out to post a public comment on the horrendous decision to give a $2.5 donation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans along with the statue itself. This was a massive “win” for the racist organization that will now claim ownership of a statue that was erected on UNC’s campus as an overt pro-segregationist statement. It’s important to note that UNC Chapel Hill is not to blame for this fiasco. Faculty, staff, students, and apparently even Chapel Hill administrators were not consulted. There is also evidence that some BOG members have received donations from Sons of Confederate Veterans members. Please send a message--loud and clear--that this is an abuse of the public’s trust and that the UNC system should not be subsidizing hate and discrimination.
Comment Portal:
https://www.northcarolina.edu/Board-Governors/UNC-Board-Governors-Public-Comment-Session
Here’s what I wrote:
I am incredibly disappointed by the BOG decision to donate $2.5 million to a racist and discriminatory organization such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Even the decision to give them the Silent Sam statue provides them with a moral victory and will allow them to control the narrative around this deliberately racist image.
By paying for the preservation of Silent Sam, you are also paying for the preservation of the values that it (not he) embodies. You are also sending the message that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni matter less than 24 unelected officials who were chosen by the state legislature without any feedback from the governor or the public. Instead of wasting money supporting a pro-slavery emblem, you should be investing in students through scholarships.
FEDERAL:
[Obviously Speaker Pelosi has officially announced that she is pursuing two articles of impeachment against Trump and it’s worthwhile to call Tillis and Burr and make them own Trump’s behavior, BUT if you’re looking for some other things to call about, here they are]
Support H.R. 3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:
HR 3, named after the late, great Rep. Elijah Cummings is coming up for a vote in the House. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that H.R. 3 negotiations would result in an average discount of nearly 55 percent on current Medicare Part D net prices for the first group of drugs to undergo negotiations. I’ve seen two main groups opposed to this bill: The White House and Pfizer (presumably other drug manufacturers agree with Pfizer). Let’s create such overwhelming support for this bill that even GOP reps are forced to support it. The vote is scheduled for this week (yes, House Democrats can walk, chew gum, and impeach Trump at the same time), so the time is now to make those calls!!
Note: the link below has a list of many of the drugs that would have lower prices under HR3. If you’re on any prescription medication, it might be worthwhile to review the list so you can specifically talk about how YOUR costs would be lowered.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent caling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Let Doctors Vaccinate Migrant Children:
A few days ago, it was reported that a 15-year old Guatemalan boy died in CBP custody when his flu symptoms went ignored. He is the third known child to die of the flu while in CBP custody. Meanwhile, in Mexico, detained children are being given the flu vaccine. Once again, it is increasingly clear that the cruelty is the point. Physicians are outside a detention center w/flu vaccines & are being denied access. You can call CBP at 619-216-4000 (CBP Headquarters overseeing San Diego Sector) and demand that physicians be allowed access. In addition to tweeting, I think it’s worth calling your reps about this.
Details:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2019-12-09/doctors-flu-shots
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from __________ calling to urge Rep./Sen. _____________ to demand that doctors be allowed to provide migrant detainees with the flu vaccine. At least three children have died of the flu in CBP custody in the last year. This is entirely preventable and is profoundly cruel. The detention camps are wrong, but if you’re going to detain people, they need to be provided with proper medical care. This would not cost taxpayers a single dollar. Thank you.
Twitter Action:
Retweet the following tweet with a succinct message for Senator Tillis, Senator Burr, and your House Rep: https://twitter.com/dabeard/status/1204226871656931329
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------------
TILLIS WATCH:
Wish Tillis a Happy Holiday Resistance Style:
Senator Tillis is promoting a truly repulsive collection of MAGA-themed Christmas hats on Twitter. One hat is embossed with the truly festive phrase “Build the Wall.” Another says “Team Kavanaugh.” Two others say “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” and “Support Our Troops.” This is beyond crass. If you tweet, take a minute to comment on the tweet below and explain how these hats are not consistent with the holiday spirit of giving. I’d love for these to go viral in a bad way and for Tillis to have to defend such a Scrooge-like message.
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/ThomTillis/status/1204475626608087042
-----------
UNC:
Tell the UNC BOG to Withdraw Donation to Sons of Confederate Veterans:
Time is running out to post a public comment on the horrendous decision to give a $2.5 donation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans along with the statue itself. This was a massive “win” for the racist organization that will now claim ownership of a statue that was erected on UNC’s campus as an overt pro-segregationist statement. It’s important to note that UNC Chapel Hill is not to blame for this fiasco. Faculty, staff, students, and apparently even Chapel Hill administrators were not consulted. There is also evidence that some BOG members have received donations from Sons of Confederate Veterans members. Please send a message--loud and clear--that this is an abuse of the public’s trust and that the UNC system should not be subsidizing hate and discrimination.
Comment Portal:
https://www.northcarolina.edu/Board-Governors/UNC-Board-Governors-Public-Comment-Session
Here’s what I wrote:
I am incredibly disappointed by the BOG decision to donate $2.5 million to a racist and discriminatory organization such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Even the decision to give them the Silent Sam statue provides them with a moral victory and will allow them to control the narrative around this deliberately racist image.
By paying for the preservation of Silent Sam, you are also paying for the preservation of the values that it (not he) embodies. You are also sending the message that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni matter less than 24 unelected officials who were chosen by the state legislature without any feedback from the governor or the public. Instead of wasting money supporting a pro-slavery emblem, you should be investing in students through scholarships.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Tuesday Actions: Border Patrol, Drug Prices, Silent Sam, and More
****Actions 12/10/2019****
TILLIS WATCH:
Call Out Tillis’s Stance on Impeachment:
Tillis affirmed that he is a “definite no” on impeachment today, well before a Senate trial has even been scheduled. He has shown that he is unwilling to listen to widely confirmed evidence that Trump attempted to extort favors from Ukraine. Today’s testimony before the Judiciary committee did nothing to detract from these basic facts. Still, we need to keep pressing Tillis and to force him to account for being unwilling to put his country over his political party (or even his own re-election). According to Forbes, Trump has been helping Tillis fundraise for his reelection campaign, so this is essentially a form of bribery. I’ll give you money if you find me innocent during a Senate trial (and especially if you announces weeks before said trial that you’ll find me innocent).
With slight modifications of the script, you can also call Burr and demand that he impeach.
Link
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article238187974.html
Tillis Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Sen. Tillis withdraw his public statement that he plans to find Trump innocent if there is an impeachment trial in the Senate. It is a huge concern that Tillis is declaring Trump innocent before the trial, especially given that Trump has been fundraising for Senate candidates who announce publicly that they believe Trump is not guilty. I want Tillis to acknowledge that Trump’s actions are a serious threat to our democracy and that he needs to be removed from office. Thank you.
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Burr Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Sen. Burr support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. It is a huge concern that GOP Senators are declaring innocent before the trial, especially given that Trump has been fundraising for the Senate candidates who announce publicly that they believe Trump is not guilty. I want Burr to acknowledge that Trump’s actions are a serious threat to our democracy and that he needs to be removed from office.
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
-----------------
Support H.R. 3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:
HR 3, named after the late, great Rep. Elijah Cummings is coming up for a vote in the House. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that H.R. 3 negotiations would result in an average discount of nearly 55 percent on current Medicare Part D net prices for the first group of drugs to undergo negotiations. I’ve seen two main groups opposed to this bill: The White House and Pfizer (presumably other drug manufacturers agree with Pfizer). Let’s create such overwhelming support for this bill that even GOP reps are forced to support it. The vote is scheduled for this week (yes, House Democrats can walk, chew gum, and impeach Trump at the same time), so the time is now to make those calls!!
Note: the link below has a list of many of the drugs that would have lower prices under HR3. If you’re on any prescription medication, it might be worthwhile to review the list so you can specifically talk about how YOUR costs would be lowered.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent caling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
----------------
BORDER PATROL:
Let Doctors Vaccinate Migrant Children:
A few days ago, it was reported that a 15-year old Guatemalan boy died in CBP custody when his flu symptoms went ignored. He is the third known child to die of the flu while in CBP custody. Meanwhile, in Mexico, detained children are being given the flu vaccine. Once again, it is increasingly clear that the cruelty is the point. Physicians are outside a detention center w/flu vaccines & are being denied access. You can call CBP at 619-216-4000 (CBP Headquarters overseeing San Diego Sector) and demand that physicians be allowed access.
Details:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2019-12-09/doctors-flu-shots
Twitter Action:
Retweet the following tweet with a succinct message for Senator Tillis, Senator Burr, and your House Rep: https://twitter.com/dabeard/status/1204226871656931329
-----------------
MORE TILLIS WATCH:
Tuesdays with Tillis:
Tuesdays with Tillis will be focused on the issue of changing the moral narrative about poverty this week. Be there and make your voice heard!
Event Details:
https://tuesdayswithtillis.org/event/changing-the-moral-narrative-about-poverty/
---------------
UNC:
Tell the UNC BOG to Withdraw Donation to Sons of Confederate Veterans:
Time is running out to post a public comment on the horrendous decision to give a $2.5 donation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans along with the statue itself. This was a massive “win” for the racist organization that will now claim ownership of a statue that was erected on UNC’s campus as an overt pro-segregationist statement. It’s important to note that UNC Chapel Hill is not to blame for this fiasco. Faculty, staff, students, and apparently even Chapel Hill administrators were not consulted. There is also evidence that some BOG members have received donations from Sons of Confederate Veterans members. Please send a message--loud and clear--that this is an abuse of the public’s trust and that the UNC system should not be subsidizing hate and discrimination.
Comment Portal:
https://www.northcarolina.edu/Board-Governors/UNC-Board-Governors-Public-Comment-Session
Here’s what I wrote:
I am incredibly disappointed by the BOG decision to donate $2.5 million to a racist and discriminatory organization such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Even the decision to give them the Silent Sam statue provides them with a moral victory and will allow them to control the narrative around this deliberately racist image.
By paying for the preservation of Silent Sam, you are also paying for the preservation of the values that it (not he) embodies. You are also sending the message that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni matter less than 24 unelected officials who were chosen by the state legislature without any feedback from the governor or the public. Instead of wasting money supporting a pro-slavery emblem, you should be investing in students through scholarships.
-----------------
BOYCOTT:
Boycott Richard Jewell:
I’m normally reluctant to call for boycotts of movies, but Clint Eastwood’s Richard Jewell is promoting a number of pernicious tropes. First, it only takes up the Jewell story because he has become a symbol in the right-wing media sphere of FBI overreach. Second, the film falsely reinforces a harmful trope about female journalists by implying that Katy Scruggs, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist, slept with sources in exchange for tips.This is patently false, and worse, because Scruggs has died, she is unable to defend herself. Her employer, the AJC, is suing the film’s producers. In addition to boycotting the film, I’d encourage you to tweet about why you’re boycotting. I’ll give you a tweet you can retweet below.
Details:
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/clint-eastwood-richard-jewell-kathy-scruggs-1203429660/
Retweet:
https://twitter.com/mjs_DC/status/1204140374060621824
TILLIS WATCH:
Call Out Tillis’s Stance on Impeachment:
Tillis affirmed that he is a “definite no” on impeachment today, well before a Senate trial has even been scheduled. He has shown that he is unwilling to listen to widely confirmed evidence that Trump attempted to extort favors from Ukraine. Today’s testimony before the Judiciary committee did nothing to detract from these basic facts. Still, we need to keep pressing Tillis and to force him to account for being unwilling to put his country over his political party (or even his own re-election). According to Forbes, Trump has been helping Tillis fundraise for his reelection campaign, so this is essentially a form of bribery. I’ll give you money if you find me innocent during a Senate trial (and especially if you announces weeks before said trial that you’ll find me innocent).
With slight modifications of the script, you can also call Burr and demand that he impeach.
Link
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article238187974.html
Tillis Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Sen. Tillis withdraw his public statement that he plans to find Trump innocent if there is an impeachment trial in the Senate. It is a huge concern that Tillis is declaring Trump innocent before the trial, especially given that Trump has been fundraising for Senate candidates who announce publicly that they believe Trump is not guilty. I want Tillis to acknowledge that Trump’s actions are a serious threat to our democracy and that he needs to be removed from office. Thank you.
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Burr Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Sen. Burr support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. It is a huge concern that GOP Senators are declaring innocent before the trial, especially given that Trump has been fundraising for the Senate candidates who announce publicly that they believe Trump is not guilty. I want Burr to acknowledge that Trump’s actions are a serious threat to our democracy and that he needs to be removed from office.
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
-----------------
Support H.R. 3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act:
HR 3, named after the late, great Rep. Elijah Cummings is coming up for a vote in the House. This bill would take some significant steps toward making prescription drugs more affordable. It would allow HHS to negotiate directly with drug companies for over 250 of the most expensive drugs. It would, for example, save diabetics up to $700 annually on insulin. In fact, at least one recent study has shown that 1 in 4 diabetics have been forced to ration insulin because of the cost. Manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation would agree to a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that H.R. 3 negotiations would result in an average discount of nearly 55 percent on current Medicare Part D net prices for the first group of drugs to undergo negotiations. I’ve seen two main groups opposed to this bill: The White House and Pfizer (presumably other drug manufacturers agree with Pfizer). Let’s create such overwhelming support for this bill that even GOP reps are forced to support it. The vote is scheduled for this week (yes, House Democrats can walk, chew gum, and impeach Trump at the same time), so the time is now to make those calls!!
Note: the link below has a list of many of the drugs that would have lower prices under HR3. If you’re on any prescription medication, it might be worthwhile to review the list so you can specifically talk about how YOUR costs would be lowered.
Details:
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2019/12/09/478380/house-bill-lower-patients-prescription-drug-spending-thousands-dollars/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent caling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to support HR3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bill would go a LONG way toward making prescription drugs more affordable. Diabetics, for example, would see the costs of insulin drop by $700 annually, which would be a life-changing cost savings for them. It would also bring our costs closer to the prices paid in every other industrialized nation. Please support HR3 and lower drug costs for millions of Americans. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
----------------
BORDER PATROL:
Let Doctors Vaccinate Migrant Children:
A few days ago, it was reported that a 15-year old Guatemalan boy died in CBP custody when his flu symptoms went ignored. He is the third known child to die of the flu while in CBP custody. Meanwhile, in Mexico, detained children are being given the flu vaccine. Once again, it is increasingly clear that the cruelty is the point. Physicians are outside a detention center w/flu vaccines & are being denied access. You can call CBP at 619-216-4000 (CBP Headquarters overseeing San Diego Sector) and demand that physicians be allowed access.
Details:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/border-baja-california/story/2019-12-09/doctors-flu-shots
Twitter Action:
Retweet the following tweet with a succinct message for Senator Tillis, Senator Burr, and your House Rep: https://twitter.com/dabeard/status/1204226871656931329
-----------------
MORE TILLIS WATCH:
Tuesdays with Tillis:
Tuesdays with Tillis will be focused on the issue of changing the moral narrative about poverty this week. Be there and make your voice heard!
Event Details:
https://tuesdayswithtillis.org/event/changing-the-moral-narrative-about-poverty/
---------------
UNC:
Tell the UNC BOG to Withdraw Donation to Sons of Confederate Veterans:
Time is running out to post a public comment on the horrendous decision to give a $2.5 donation to the Sons of Confederate Veterans along with the statue itself. This was a massive “win” for the racist organization that will now claim ownership of a statue that was erected on UNC’s campus as an overt pro-segregationist statement. It’s important to note that UNC Chapel Hill is not to blame for this fiasco. Faculty, staff, students, and apparently even Chapel Hill administrators were not consulted. There is also evidence that some BOG members have received donations from Sons of Confederate Veterans members. Please send a message--loud and clear--that this is an abuse of the public’s trust and that the UNC system should not be subsidizing hate and discrimination.
Comment Portal:
https://www.northcarolina.edu/Board-Governors/UNC-Board-Governors-Public-Comment-Session
Here’s what I wrote:
I am incredibly disappointed by the BOG decision to donate $2.5 million to a racist and discriminatory organization such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Even the decision to give them the Silent Sam statue provides them with a moral victory and will allow them to control the narrative around this deliberately racist image.
By paying for the preservation of Silent Sam, you are also paying for the preservation of the values that it (not he) embodies. You are also sending the message that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni matter less than 24 unelected officials who were chosen by the state legislature without any feedback from the governor or the public. Instead of wasting money supporting a pro-slavery emblem, you should be investing in students through scholarships.
-----------------
BOYCOTT:
Boycott Richard Jewell:
I’m normally reluctant to call for boycotts of movies, but Clint Eastwood’s Richard Jewell is promoting a number of pernicious tropes. First, it only takes up the Jewell story because he has become a symbol in the right-wing media sphere of FBI overreach. Second, the film falsely reinforces a harmful trope about female journalists by implying that Katy Scruggs, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist, slept with sources in exchange for tips.This is patently false, and worse, because Scruggs has died, she is unable to defend herself. Her employer, the AJC, is suing the film’s producers. In addition to boycotting the film, I’d encourage you to tweet about why you’re boycotting. I’ll give you a tweet you can retweet below.
Details:
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/clint-eastwood-richard-jewell-kathy-scruggs-1203429660/
Retweet:
https://twitter.com/mjs_DC/status/1204140374060621824
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Friday Actions: Climate Change, Impeachment, and More
****Actions 12/6/2019****
EVENTS:
Participate in the Climate Strike:
There will be a nationwide “Climate Strike” tomorrow in conjunction with the United Nations’ annual climate conference. On that date, activists will show up at the doorstep of their elected officials and ask them if they support the Green New Deal. There are events planned in Chapel Hill and Durham, but nothing official in Raleigh. If anyone does show up at Tillis or Holding’s Raleigh offices, DemCast (one of our partner organizations) would like to share photos and video, which you can do through the link below (or use the #DemCastNC hashtag on Twitter). If you can’t show up in person, scroll down for a call script.
Link:
https://demcastusa.com/2019/11/30/climatestrike-on-december-6/
-------------
Knock on All the Doors:
FLIP NC is hosting a super-canvas on Sunday, December 8. Groups across the state of North Carolina will be knocking on doors, and maybe knocking down a few, too. Progressive candidates win when we knock on doors and talk to voters. If you haven’t signed up to canvas, yet, go here to find one in your area.
Link:
https://flipnc.org/december-8th-super-canvass
-----------------
Draw the Line Town Halls:
Progress NC, Democracy NC, the ACLU, NARAL Pro-Choice NC, and the NC Justice Center are joining together to organize town halls for state legislators across the state. As you know, we are huge advocates of town halls. There’s nothing more significant than being able to directly address your representatives, and as we all know, our state lawmakers make decisions every day that affect our lives.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., at the Eppes Recreation Center, 400 Nash Street, Greenville, NC.
Facebook Event Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1427353677420509/
Note: There is also one on December 9 in Fayetteville.
Event Details:
Thurs., December 9, at 6 p.m., at The Pate Room at the Cumberland County Library, 300 Maiden Ln. Fayetteville, NC.
------------------
FEDERAL:
Support the Green New Deal:
Climate change is one of the urgent issues of our time. If we don’t take action soon, we will experience massive sea level rise, and many coastal cities will be underwater. We will have more extreme heat and more severe hurricanes. In conjunction with tomorrow’s climate strike, let’s also make some calls demanding that one Congresspeople come out in support of both rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and of crafting a Green New Deal.
Script:
I am a constituent calling from ___________ to urge Rep. / Sen. ____________ to demand that we rejoin the Paris Climate Accords. Carbon emissions are leading to increased temperatures, and in turn this will lead to seal level rise and other massive problems. I would also like to see you support a Green New Deal. This bill would tackle climate change head-on while creating thousands of good jobs. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------------
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced today that House Democrats would draw up articles of impeachment against Trump. This follows another week of testimony in which legal experts have confirmed that Trump’s actions constitute abuses of power and a desperate attempts to obstruct justice. In addition, Trump is actively spreading disinformation which originated with Putin, including the blatantly false conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered with the 2016 elections.
Link:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/05/this-moment-was-made-nancy-pelosi/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Joe Biden’s son. It’s time to stand up for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and demand that Trump be held accountable. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
EVENTS:
Participate in the Climate Strike:
There will be a nationwide “Climate Strike” tomorrow in conjunction with the United Nations’ annual climate conference. On that date, activists will show up at the doorstep of their elected officials and ask them if they support the Green New Deal. There are events planned in Chapel Hill and Durham, but nothing official in Raleigh. If anyone does show up at Tillis or Holding’s Raleigh offices, DemCast (one of our partner organizations) would like to share photos and video, which you can do through the link below (or use the #DemCastNC hashtag on Twitter). If you can’t show up in person, scroll down for a call script.
Link:
https://demcastusa.com/2019/11/30/climatestrike-on-december-6/
-------------
Knock on All the Doors:
FLIP NC is hosting a super-canvas on Sunday, December 8. Groups across the state of North Carolina will be knocking on doors, and maybe knocking down a few, too. Progressive candidates win when we knock on doors and talk to voters. If you haven’t signed up to canvas, yet, go here to find one in your area.
Link:
https://flipnc.org/december-8th-super-canvass
-----------------
Draw the Line Town Halls:
Progress NC, Democracy NC, the ACLU, NARAL Pro-Choice NC, and the NC Justice Center are joining together to organize town halls for state legislators across the state. As you know, we are huge advocates of town halls. There’s nothing more significant than being able to directly address your representatives, and as we all know, our state lawmakers make decisions every day that affect our lives.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., at the Eppes Recreation Center, 400 Nash Street, Greenville, NC.
Facebook Event Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1427353677420509/
Note: There is also one on December 9 in Fayetteville.
Event Details:
Thurs., December 9, at 6 p.m., at The Pate Room at the Cumberland County Library, 300 Maiden Ln. Fayetteville, NC.
------------------
FEDERAL:
Support the Green New Deal:
Climate change is one of the urgent issues of our time. If we don’t take action soon, we will experience massive sea level rise, and many coastal cities will be underwater. We will have more extreme heat and more severe hurricanes. In conjunction with tomorrow’s climate strike, let’s also make some calls demanding that one Congresspeople come out in support of both rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and of crafting a Green New Deal.
Script:
I am a constituent calling from ___________ to urge Rep. / Sen. ____________ to demand that we rejoin the Paris Climate Accords. Carbon emissions are leading to increased temperatures, and in turn this will lead to seal level rise and other massive problems. I would also like to see you support a Green New Deal. This bill would tackle climate change head-on while creating thousands of good jobs. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------------
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced today that House Democrats would draw up articles of impeachment against Trump. This follows another week of testimony in which legal experts have confirmed that Trump’s actions constitute abuses of power and a desperate attempts to obstruct justice. In addition, Trump is actively spreading disinformation which originated with Putin, including the blatantly false conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered with the 2016 elections.
Link:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/05/this-moment-was-made-nancy-pelosi/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Joe Biden’s son. It’s time to stand up for the principles enshrined in our Constitution and demand that Trump be held accountable. Thanks.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Thursday Actions: Canvassing, Voting Rights, Town Halls, and More
****Actions 12/5/2019****
ELECTIONS:
Knock on All the Doors:
FLIP NC is hosting a super-canvas on Sunday, December 8. Groups across the state of North Carolina will be knocking on doors, and maybe knocking down a few, too. Progressive candidates win when we knock on doors and talk to voters. If you haven’t signed up to canvas, yet, go here to find one in your area.
Link:
https://flipnc.org/december-8th-super-canvass
Draw the Line Town Halls:
Progress NC, Democracy NC, the ACLU, NARAL Pro-Choice NC, and the NC Justice Center are joining together to organize town halls for state legislators across the state. They’ll be starting out in Greenville (Pitt County), but are planning other town halls in other parts of your state. As you know, we are huge advocates of town halls. There’s nothing more significant than being able to directly address your representatives, and as we all know, our state lawmakers make decisions every day that affect our lives.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., at the Eppes Recreation Center, 400 Nash Street, Greenville, NC.
Facebook Event Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1427353677420509/
Note: There is also one on December 9 in Fayetteville.
Event Details:
Thurs., December 9, at 6 p.m., at The Pate Room at the Cumberland County Library, 300 Maiden Ln. Fayetteville, NC.
FEDERAL:
Restore SNAP Benefits:
The Trump administration Wednesday formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------
Protect Voting Rights--Support HR 4:
[Adapted from 5 Calls] Here’s a topic that’s absolutely vital to North Carolina--and the rest of the country--for 2020 and beyond. Congress is reportedly bringing this to a vote this week, so this is an especially urgent call. In the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), gutting the landmark legislation and ending the federal government’s oversight of potentially discriminatory state voting laws changes. Section 4(b) established a formula to identify states who needed federal preclearance of voting law changes because of their history of voter suppression. In the Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Court [ended the preapproval process](, ruling that the over 40-year old formula was outdated and put an undue burden on states. Since then, 22 states, including many previously covered by the preclearance requirement, have implemented measures that systematically disenfranchise voters of color and low-income voters. Such changes include reducing polling locations, requiring voter ID, shortening early voting, and purging voter rolls.
To restore the VRA’s enforcement power, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) have introduced the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (VRAA), which includes a modern formula to determine which states must secure federal approval for voting law changes. The new formula would assess which states have had repeated voting rights violations over the previous 25 years. States found to have excessive rights violations (*cough* North Carolina *cough*) would be subject to federal oversight for ten years, with the opportunity to end federal oversight after that time period. The VRAA will again provide the federal government with the tools necessary to combat voter suppression and help ensure every American’s right to vote.
Details:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/03/democrats-hope-restore-key-section-voting-rights-act/583969/
Script:
Hi, my name is _________ and I'm a constituent from ___________. I'm calling to urge Sen./Rep. _____________ to support [H.R. 4 if House/S. 561 if Senate], the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. We must restore federal oversight of potentially discriminatory voting law changes to ensure elections are fair and free for all. As we’ve seen in North Carolina, the repeal of Section 4B of the Voting Rights Act has led to rampant abuses that have restricted voting rights. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-------------
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
We’ve had some time to absorb the details of the testimony, and nothing has changed. In fact, every day, we learn more about the abuses of power and the desperate attempts to obstruct justice. In addition, Trump is actively spreading disinformation which originated with Putin, including the blatantly false conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered with the 2016 elections. Several GOP Congresspeople, including Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, are now actively pushing this disinformation.
Link:
https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/gop-continues-pushing-ukraine-conspiracy-theory-74022981799
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Hunter Biden. We also know that the Trump administration is doing everything it can to obstruct the investigation from going forward. Worse, Trump is once again holding back foreign aid that has already been allocated by Congress, this time for Lebanon. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
ELECTIONS:
Knock on All the Doors:
FLIP NC is hosting a super-canvas on Sunday, December 8. Groups across the state of North Carolina will be knocking on doors, and maybe knocking down a few, too. Progressive candidates win when we knock on doors and talk to voters. If you haven’t signed up to canvas, yet, go here to find one in your area.
Link:
https://flipnc.org/december-8th-super-canvass
Draw the Line Town Halls:
Progress NC, Democracy NC, the ACLU, NARAL Pro-Choice NC, and the NC Justice Center are joining together to organize town halls for state legislators across the state. They’ll be starting out in Greenville (Pitt County), but are planning other town halls in other parts of your state. As you know, we are huge advocates of town halls. There’s nothing more significant than being able to directly address your representatives, and as we all know, our state lawmakers make decisions every day that affect our lives.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., at the Eppes Recreation Center, 400 Nash Street, Greenville, NC.
Facebook Event Link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1427353677420509/
Note: There is also one on December 9 in Fayetteville.
Event Details:
Thurs., December 9, at 6 p.m., at The Pate Room at the Cumberland County Library, 300 Maiden Ln. Fayetteville, NC.
FEDERAL:
Restore SNAP Benefits:
The Trump administration Wednesday formalized work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a move that will cause hundreds of thousands of people to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. Changes to the rule will take effect April 1. The USDA rule change affects people between the ages of 18 and 49 who are childless and not disabled. Under current rules, this group is required to work at least 20 hours a week for more than three months over a 36-month period to qualify for food stamps, but states have been able to create waivers for areas that face high unemployment.
The new rule would limit states from waiving those standards, instead restricting their use to those areas that have a 6 percent unemployment rate or higher. The national unemployment rate in October was 3.6 percent. Approximately 700,000 people would lose their SNAP benefits because of this new rule. This rule, of course, would do nothing to get people back to work. Instead, it would strip away an important benefit that people desperately need while seeking work. Both the Senate and the House have rejected work requirements in the past, usually in massive bipartisan fashion. Trump is trying to engage in a workaround here by changing the rule within the USDA, but that doesn't mean Congress can't push back against it.
Details:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nearly-700-000-will-lose-food-stamps-usda-work-requirement-n1095726
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ____________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to repeal a new USDA rule that would essentially require people to work in order to get SNAP benefits. This rule would take SNAP benefits from nearly 700,000 people, and it will do nothing to reduce unemployment. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-----------
Protect Voting Rights--Support HR 4:
[Adapted from 5 Calls] Here’s a topic that’s absolutely vital to North Carolina--and the rest of the country--for 2020 and beyond. Congress is reportedly bringing this to a vote this week, so this is an especially urgent call. In the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), gutting the landmark legislation and ending the federal government’s oversight of potentially discriminatory state voting laws changes. Section 4(b) established a formula to identify states who needed federal preclearance of voting law changes because of their history of voter suppression. In the Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Court [ended the preapproval process](, ruling that the over 40-year old formula was outdated and put an undue burden on states. Since then, 22 states, including many previously covered by the preclearance requirement, have implemented measures that systematically disenfranchise voters of color and low-income voters. Such changes include reducing polling locations, requiring voter ID, shortening early voting, and purging voter rolls.
To restore the VRA’s enforcement power, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) have introduced the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (VRAA), which includes a modern formula to determine which states must secure federal approval for voting law changes. The new formula would assess which states have had repeated voting rights violations over the previous 25 years. States found to have excessive rights violations (*cough* North Carolina *cough*) would be subject to federal oversight for ten years, with the opportunity to end federal oversight after that time period. The VRAA will again provide the federal government with the tools necessary to combat voter suppression and help ensure every American’s right to vote.
Details:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/03/democrats-hope-restore-key-section-voting-rights-act/583969/
Script:
Hi, my name is _________ and I'm a constituent from ___________. I'm calling to urge Sen./Rep. _____________ to support [H.R. 4 if House/S. 561 if Senate], the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. We must restore federal oversight of potentially discriminatory voting law changes to ensure elections are fair and free for all. As we’ve seen in North Carolina, the repeal of Section 4B of the Voting Rights Act has led to rampant abuses that have restricted voting rights. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-------------
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
We’ve had some time to absorb the details of the testimony, and nothing has changed. In fact, every day, we learn more about the abuses of power and the desperate attempts to obstruct justice. In addition, Trump is actively spreading disinformation which originated with Putin, including the blatantly false conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered with the 2016 elections. Several GOP Congresspeople, including Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, are now actively pushing this disinformation.
Link:
https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/gop-continues-pushing-ukraine-conspiracy-theory-74022981799
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Hunter Biden. We also know that the Trump administration is doing everything it can to obstruct the investigation from going forward. Worse, Trump is once again holding back foreign aid that has already been allocated by Congress, this time for Lebanon. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Wednesday Actions: Climate Change, Voting Rights, and Silent Sam
****Actions 12/4/2019****
FEDERAL:
Protect Voting Rights--Support HR 4:
[Adapted from 5 Calls] Here’s a topic that’s absolutely vital to North Carolina--and the rest of the country--for 2020 and beyond. In the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), gutting the landmark legislation and ending the federal government’s oversight of potentially discriminatory state voting laws changes. Section 4(b) established a formula to identify states who needed federal preclearance of voting law changes because of their history of voter suppression. In the Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Court [ended the preapproval process](, ruling that the over 40-year old formula was outdated and put an undue burden on states. Since then, 22 states, including many previously covered by the preclearance requirement, have implemented measures that systematically disenfranchise voters of color and low-income voters. Such changes include reducing polling locations, requiring voter ID, shortening early voting, and purging voter rolls.
To restore the VRA’s enforcement power, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) have introduced the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (VRAA), which includes a modern formula to determine which states must secure federal approval for voting law changes. The new formula would assess which states have had repeated voting rights violations over the previous 25 years. States found to have excessive rights violations (*cough* North Carolina *cough*) would be subject to federal oversight for ten years, with the opportunity to end federal oversight after that time period. The VRAA will again provide the federal government with the tools necessary to combat voter suppression and help ensure every American’s right to vote.
Details:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/03/democrats-hope-restore-key-section-voting-rights-act/583969/
Script:
Hi, my name is _________ and I'm a constituent from ___________. I'm calling to urge Sen./Rep. _____________ to support [H.R. 4 if House/S. 561 if Senate], the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. We must restore federal oversight of potentially discriminatory voting law changes to ensure elections are fair and free for all. As we’ve seen in North Carolina, the repeal of Section 4B of the Voting Rights Act has led to rampant abuses that have restricted voting rights. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Commit to Reducing Carbon Emissions:
There is a big climate change summit taking place this week in Madrid, Spain, and once again, we are faced with the potentially dire consequences of climate change. A recent UN report is calling for a 7.6 percent a year emission decline for the next 10 years to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. Contrastingly, emissions have increased 3 percent over the past three years, led by the United States, China, and India. We’re already seeing the impact of climate change here in North Carolina. Sea level rise is increasingly threatening our coastlines. It’s time to act.
Details:
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2019/12/02/top-emitters-must-commit-to-a-u-turn-at-cop25/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ___________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to endorse dramatic action on climate change. A recent UN report is calling for a 7.6 percent a year emission decline for the next 10 years to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. But carbon emissions, largely led by the US have actually risen by 3 percent over the past three years. Our coastlines are increasingly endangered. We need to act soon. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-------------
If you feel compelled to call or tweet about impeachment, you can call your rep and have them demand that Devin Nunes recuse himself from the investigation into the Ukraine scandal. It is now clear from phone records involving Nunes and Rudy Giuliani and Lev Parnas that he is complicit. Nunes obviously cannot be trusted to investigate himself. Nunes--absurdly--is suing CNN for reporting what is basically in the Congress Intelligence Committee Report.
-------------
STATE:
Call out the UNC BOG for Handing Off $2.5 Million to the Sons of Confederate Veterans:
The UNC Board of Governors, appointed by the NCGA without any input from the Governor, has decided to “settle” a “lawsuit” (one that may never have actually existed) by handing over $2.5 million to the Sons of Confederate veterans to take custody of Silent Sam. The board announced their decision the day before Thanksgiving, hoping (probably) to push out this decision while everyone was distracted by the holidays. Silent Sam had stood on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus since 1913 as a monument to soldiers who fought to preserve the right to enslave people. By giving money, through non-state funds we are told, to establish the endowment, the UNC System appeared to tie itself on a permanent basis to the preservation of this monument with racist connotations and a racist history. All of this was done outside the public eye, without any scrutiny from journalists, much less the students who pay tuition or the taxpayers who pay to subsidize the UNC system.
Of course, as the Fayetteville Observer notes, part of the problem is that the UNC BOG does not really reflect the people of the state it is ostensibly supposed to serve. Only one of the 24 BOG members is a Democrat. Seventeen of the members are white men, and only five of the members are women. Students, faculty, staff, and even alumni were ready for Silent Sam to go, but the BOG--empowered by the NCGOP-led state legislature--created a mess and now, they’re giving $2.5 million to an organization that embraces the Confederacy.
Details:
https://www.fayobserver.com/opinion/20191202/our-view-unc-system-boardrsquos-dubious-arrangement-with-confederate-group-looks-even-worse?
Email:
You can email the UNC Board of Governors and let them know how you feel about this arrangement: public@bog.northcarolina.edu
FEDERAL:
Protect Voting Rights--Support HR 4:
[Adapted from 5 Calls] Here’s a topic that’s absolutely vital to North Carolina--and the rest of the country--for 2020 and beyond. In the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Supreme Court struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), gutting the landmark legislation and ending the federal government’s oversight of potentially discriminatory state voting laws changes. Section 4(b) established a formula to identify states who needed federal preclearance of voting law changes because of their history of voter suppression. In the Shelby County v. Holder decision, the Court [ended the preapproval process](, ruling that the over 40-year old formula was outdated and put an undue burden on states. Since then, 22 states, including many previously covered by the preclearance requirement, have implemented measures that systematically disenfranchise voters of color and low-income voters. Such changes include reducing polling locations, requiring voter ID, shortening early voting, and purging voter rolls.
To restore the VRA’s enforcement power, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) have introduced the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (VRAA), which includes a modern formula to determine which states must secure federal approval for voting law changes. The new formula would assess which states have had repeated voting rights violations over the previous 25 years. States found to have excessive rights violations (*cough* North Carolina *cough*) would be subject to federal oversight for ten years, with the opportunity to end federal oversight after that time period. The VRAA will again provide the federal government with the tools necessary to combat voter suppression and help ensure every American’s right to vote.
Details:
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/03/democrats-hope-restore-key-section-voting-rights-act/583969/
Script:
Hi, my name is _________ and I'm a constituent from ___________. I'm calling to urge Sen./Rep. _____________ to support [H.R. 4 if House/S. 561 if Senate], the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. We must restore federal oversight of potentially discriminatory voting law changes to ensure elections are fair and free for all. As we’ve seen in North Carolina, the repeal of Section 4B of the Voting Rights Act has led to rampant abuses that have restricted voting rights. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
---------------
Commit to Reducing Carbon Emissions:
There is a big climate change summit taking place this week in Madrid, Spain, and once again, we are faced with the potentially dire consequences of climate change. A recent UN report is calling for a 7.6 percent a year emission decline for the next 10 years to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. Contrastingly, emissions have increased 3 percent over the past three years, led by the United States, China, and India. We’re already seeing the impact of climate change here in North Carolina. Sea level rise is increasingly threatening our coastlines. It’s time to act.
Details:
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2019/12/02/top-emitters-must-commit-to-a-u-turn-at-cop25/
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ___________ to urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to endorse dramatic action on climate change. A recent UN report is calling for a 7.6 percent a year emission decline for the next 10 years to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. But carbon emissions, largely led by the US have actually risen by 3 percent over the past three years. Our coastlines are increasingly endangered. We need to act soon. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
-------------
If you feel compelled to call or tweet about impeachment, you can call your rep and have them demand that Devin Nunes recuse himself from the investigation into the Ukraine scandal. It is now clear from phone records involving Nunes and Rudy Giuliani and Lev Parnas that he is complicit. Nunes obviously cannot be trusted to investigate himself. Nunes--absurdly--is suing CNN for reporting what is basically in the Congress Intelligence Committee Report.
-------------
STATE:
Call out the UNC BOG for Handing Off $2.5 Million to the Sons of Confederate Veterans:
The UNC Board of Governors, appointed by the NCGA without any input from the Governor, has decided to “settle” a “lawsuit” (one that may never have actually existed) by handing over $2.5 million to the Sons of Confederate veterans to take custody of Silent Sam. The board announced their decision the day before Thanksgiving, hoping (probably) to push out this decision while everyone was distracted by the holidays. Silent Sam had stood on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus since 1913 as a monument to soldiers who fought to preserve the right to enslave people. By giving money, through non-state funds we are told, to establish the endowment, the UNC System appeared to tie itself on a permanent basis to the preservation of this monument with racist connotations and a racist history. All of this was done outside the public eye, without any scrutiny from journalists, much less the students who pay tuition or the taxpayers who pay to subsidize the UNC system.
Of course, as the Fayetteville Observer notes, part of the problem is that the UNC BOG does not really reflect the people of the state it is ostensibly supposed to serve. Only one of the 24 BOG members is a Democrat. Seventeen of the members are white men, and only five of the members are women. Students, faculty, staff, and even alumni were ready for Silent Sam to go, but the BOG--empowered by the NCGOP-led state legislature--created a mess and now, they’re giving $2.5 million to an organization that embraces the Confederacy.
Details:
https://www.fayobserver.com/opinion/20191202/our-view-unc-system-boardrsquos-dubious-arrangement-with-confederate-group-looks-even-worse?
Email:
You can email the UNC Board of Governors and let them know how you feel about this arrangement: public@bog.northcarolina.edu
Monday, December 2, 2019
Tuesday Actions: GOP Hypocrisy, Abortion Rights, Silent Sam, and More
****Actions 12/3/2019****
ELECTIONS:
Congressional Districts are Set:
A state court ruled today that the redrawn Congressional districts can be used for the 2020 elections. This likely means that Democrats will gain two seats (which is great!) but that North Carolina is unlikely to have many competitive Congressional races (which is bad). Still, it’s worth getting involved in a Congressional campaign. We can’t take ANY races for granted in 2020, especially with so many things at stake. Here are the details on today’s ruling.
Link:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article237958719.html
EVENTS:
Tuesdays with Tillis:
This week’s Tuesdays with Tillis will focus on issues related to poverty. Go to Tillis’s Raleigh office and learn about the impact of poverty and systemic racism and then make some noise!
Event Link:
https://tuesdayswithtillis.org/event/changing-the-moral-narrative-about-poverty/
----------
FEDERAL:
Call Out Senator Burr’s Inane Defense of Trump:
Senator Burr, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is playing semantic games to defend Trump and the completely discredited conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election. Burr is trying to create confusion around the word meddling by creating a false equivalence between Ukraine’s leaders’ expressed preference for Hillary Clinton and Russia’s sustained, systemic attempt to undermine our election. Burr knows this is false, but he is pushing this lie anyway. Let’s call him out and make him answer for lying to his constituents.
Details:
https://twitter.com/frankthorp/status/1201649575037145093
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Senator Burr recant his false claim that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 elections. Senator Burr knows that Russia engaged in a sustained, systemic attempt to undermine our election, but he is choosing instead to push a false conspiracy theory that will leave even more people misinformed. Thank you.
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
----------
Call Out Senator Tillis’s Inane Defense of Trump:
You might be sensing a theme here. Like Burr, Senator Tillis has been out there defending the Trump administration. Today, Tillis repeated the lie that Democrats are so focused on impeaching Trump that they have not passed any meaningful legislation. Of course, we know that our Democratic House has passed over 400 bills that are sitting on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk waiting for a vote. Tillis’s lie is doubly bad because he is claiming that House Democrats are the only thing standing in the way of passing the USMCA (the “new” NAFTA). This is actually false because Canada’s passage of the bill has expired and needs to be renewed. Tillis is breathing a sigh of relief because his GOP primary challenger dropped out. Let’s see if he uses this as an opportunity to reach across the aisle and appeal to moderate voters.
Details:
https://twitter.com/SenThomTillis/status/1201654556813332481
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Senator Tillis explain his defense of the Trump administration. Tillis has falsely claimed that the House Democrats have not passed any meaningful legislation, but there are over 400 bills waiting on Mitch McConnell’s desk, including election reform, gun safety, and healthcare bills. Worse, Tillis is actively working to discredit the impeachment investigation while ignoring all of the significant findings by the House Intelligence Committee. I want Tillis to stop covering for Trump and to go back to Washington and to demand that McConnell bring some of the bills passed by the House to a vote in the Senate. Thanks.
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
----------
STATE:
Expose Fake Clinics:
[Action courtesy of NARAL Pro-Choice NC] Anti-abortion fake clinics outnumber real abortion clinics by more than 7 to 1 in North Carolina. The goal of these fake clinics has never been to meet actual healthcare needs, but to coerce, deceive, and intimidate people out of accessing abortions and to block people from accessing actual medically accurate and comprehensive reproductive health care.
In a state that STILL has not expanded Medicaid, the NC General Assembly has budgeted $2.64 million in state healthcare funds to these fake clinics. With hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians lacking access to basic healthcare, this diversion of funds exploits vulnerable people for the sole purpose of spreading anti-abortion messages.
Join our Executive Director Tara Romano, NC Representative Julie von Haefen (D-36), and Jonas Swartz, MD, MPH, to learn more about these fake clinics, why they are so harmful to reproductive freedom for all, and how you can help hold them accountable.
We will be in Finlator Hall at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church.
Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/418569812388707/
----------------
Call out the UNC BOG for Handing Off $2.5 Million to the Sons of Confederate Veterans:
The UNC Board of Governors, appointed by the NCGA without any input from the Governor, has decided to “settle” a “lawsuit” (one that may never have actually existed) by handing over $2.5 million to a pro-Confederacy group to take custody of Silent Sam.
Details:
https://www.fayobserver.com/opinion/20191202/our-view-unc-system-boardrsquos-dubious-arrangement-with-confederate-group-looks-even-worse
Email:
I’ll try to write a longer action tomorrow, but for now, you can email the UNC Board of Governors and let them know how you feel about this arrangement: public@bog.northcarolina.edu
ELECTIONS:
Congressional Districts are Set:
A state court ruled today that the redrawn Congressional districts can be used for the 2020 elections. This likely means that Democrats will gain two seats (which is great!) but that North Carolina is unlikely to have many competitive Congressional races (which is bad). Still, it’s worth getting involved in a Congressional campaign. We can’t take ANY races for granted in 2020, especially with so many things at stake. Here are the details on today’s ruling.
Link:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article237958719.html
EVENTS:
Tuesdays with Tillis:
This week’s Tuesdays with Tillis will focus on issues related to poverty. Go to Tillis’s Raleigh office and learn about the impact of poverty and systemic racism and then make some noise!
Event Link:
https://tuesdayswithtillis.org/event/changing-the-moral-narrative-about-poverty/
----------
FEDERAL:
Call Out Senator Burr’s Inane Defense of Trump:
Senator Burr, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is playing semantic games to defend Trump and the completely discredited conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election. Burr is trying to create confusion around the word meddling by creating a false equivalence between Ukraine’s leaders’ expressed preference for Hillary Clinton and Russia’s sustained, systemic attempt to undermine our election. Burr knows this is false, but he is pushing this lie anyway. Let’s call him out and make him answer for lying to his constituents.
Details:
https://twitter.com/frankthorp/status/1201649575037145093
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Senator Burr recant his false claim that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 elections. Senator Burr knows that Russia engaged in a sustained, systemic attempt to undermine our election, but he is choosing instead to push a false conspiracy theory that will leave even more people misinformed. Thank you.
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
----------
Call Out Senator Tillis’s Inane Defense of Trump:
You might be sensing a theme here. Like Burr, Senator Tillis has been out there defending the Trump administration. Today, Tillis repeated the lie that Democrats are so focused on impeaching Trump that they have not passed any meaningful legislation. Of course, we know that our Democratic House has passed over 400 bills that are sitting on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk waiting for a vote. Tillis’s lie is doubly bad because he is claiming that House Democrats are the only thing standing in the way of passing the USMCA (the “new” NAFTA). This is actually false because Canada’s passage of the bill has expired and needs to be renewed. Tillis is breathing a sigh of relief because his GOP primary challenger dropped out. Let’s see if he uses this as an opportunity to reach across the aisle and appeal to moderate voters.
Details:
https://twitter.com/SenThomTillis/status/1201654556813332481
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from _____________ to demand that Senator Tillis explain his defense of the Trump administration. Tillis has falsely claimed that the House Democrats have not passed any meaningful legislation, but there are over 400 bills waiting on Mitch McConnell’s desk, including election reform, gun safety, and healthcare bills. Worse, Tillis is actively working to discredit the impeachment investigation while ignoring all of the significant findings by the House Intelligence Committee. I want Tillis to stop covering for Trump and to go back to Washington and to demand that McConnell bring some of the bills passed by the House to a vote in the Senate. Thanks.
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
----------
STATE:
Expose Fake Clinics:
[Action courtesy of NARAL Pro-Choice NC] Anti-abortion fake clinics outnumber real abortion clinics by more than 7 to 1 in North Carolina. The goal of these fake clinics has never been to meet actual healthcare needs, but to coerce, deceive, and intimidate people out of accessing abortions and to block people from accessing actual medically accurate and comprehensive reproductive health care.
In a state that STILL has not expanded Medicaid, the NC General Assembly has budgeted $2.64 million in state healthcare funds to these fake clinics. With hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians lacking access to basic healthcare, this diversion of funds exploits vulnerable people for the sole purpose of spreading anti-abortion messages.
Join our Executive Director Tara Romano, NC Representative Julie von Haefen (D-36), and Jonas Swartz, MD, MPH, to learn more about these fake clinics, why they are so harmful to reproductive freedom for all, and how you can help hold them accountable.
We will be in Finlator Hall at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church.
Event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/418569812388707/
----------------
Call out the UNC BOG for Handing Off $2.5 Million to the Sons of Confederate Veterans:
The UNC Board of Governors, appointed by the NCGA without any input from the Governor, has decided to “settle” a “lawsuit” (one that may never have actually existed) by handing over $2.5 million to a pro-Confederacy group to take custody of Silent Sam.
Details:
https://www.fayobserver.com/opinion/20191202/our-view-unc-system-boardrsquos-dubious-arrangement-with-confederate-group-looks-even-worse
Email:
I’ll try to write a longer action tomorrow, but for now, you can email the UNC Board of Governors and let them know how you feel about this arrangement: public@bog.northcarolina.edu
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Monday Actions: Support Holiday Workers, Oppose Federally Subsidized Gentrification
****Actions 12/2/2019****
Most of today's scripts are courtesy of Garrett Raczek
FEDERAL:
Repeal ‘Opportunity Zones’:
The Trump Administration’s 2017 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” initiated an ‘opportunity zone’ program that predominantly benefits large developers at the expense of low-income communities. This program provides tax breaks to developers while leaving marginalized communities vulnerable to gentrification. Legislation has now been introduced to repeal the ‘opportunity zone’ program.
Details: https://www.newsweek.com/rep-rashida-tlaib-files-leglislation-repeal-opportunity-zone-tax-law-american-people-have-1473646
Script:
Hi, my name is ___________ and I'm a constituent from __________. I'm calling to express my support for H.R. 5252, the “Repeal Opportunity Zones Act of 2019”. Community development policies should prioritize the communities they are meant to serve rather than enriching large developers with tax breaks. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
House Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------
FEDERAL:
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
We’ve had some time to absorb the details of the testimony, and nothing has changed. In fact, every day, we learn more about the abuses of power and the desperate attempts to obstruct justice. In addition, Trump is actively spreading disinformation which originated with Putin, including the blatantly false conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered with the 2016 elections. Several GOP Congresspeople, including Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, are now actively pushing this disinformation.
Link:
https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/gop-continues-pushing-ukraine-conspiracy-theory-74022981799
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Hunter Biden. We also know that the Trump administration is doing everything it can to obstruct the investigation from going forward. Worse, Trump is once again holding back foreign aid that has already been allocated by Congress, this time for Lebanon. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
LOCAL:
Email New City/Town Council Members:
In the coming weeks, many municipalities will be swearing-in newly elected council members. This is a great time to contact your city/town council members to see where they stand on progressive issues such as: affordable housing, environmental preservation, immigrant rights, etc. Visit your local city/town website to find your council members’ contact information.
Email:
Hello, my
name is ___________ and I am a resident of ______________. I am writing to see
where you stand on the issue of _________. Thank you for your time.
---------
STATE:
Hold Amazon Accountable for NC Worker Safety:
With five North Carolina fulfillment centers and more on the way, Amazon has a responsibility to care for our NC workers. Recent investigative journalism pieces have added to the long list of instances in which Amazon prioritizes profits over people. Now that the holiday season is underway, let’s take a moment to stand with Amazon workers.
Details: https://www.revealnews.org/article/behind-the-smiles/
Script:
Hello, my
name is ___________ and I am a constituent from ______________. I am writing to
urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to hold Amazon accountable for the well-being of NC
workers. Reports have shown that the rate of serious injuries at Amazon fulfillment
centers is more than double the national average for the warehouse industry.
Please stand with those NC residents working at Amazon, especially during this
holiday season. Thank you for your time.
Link to NC House email addresses: https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/ContactInfo/H
Link to NC Senate email addresses: https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/ContactInfo/S
Most of today's scripts are courtesy of Garrett Raczek
FEDERAL:
Repeal ‘Opportunity Zones’:
The Trump Administration’s 2017 “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” initiated an ‘opportunity zone’ program that predominantly benefits large developers at the expense of low-income communities. This program provides tax breaks to developers while leaving marginalized communities vulnerable to gentrification. Legislation has now been introduced to repeal the ‘opportunity zone’ program.
Details: https://www.newsweek.com/rep-rashida-tlaib-files-leglislation-repeal-opportunity-zone-tax-law-american-people-have-1473646
Script:
Hi, my name is ___________ and I'm a constituent from __________. I'm calling to express my support for H.R. 5252, the “Repeal Opportunity Zones Act of 2019”. Community development policies should prioritize the communities they are meant to serve rather than enriching large developers with tax breaks. Thank you for your time.
Federal Contact Numbers:
House Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
--------
FEDERAL:
Call Your Congresspeople and Demand Impeachment:
We’ve had some time to absorb the details of the testimony, and nothing has changed. In fact, every day, we learn more about the abuses of power and the desperate attempts to obstruct justice. In addition, Trump is actively spreading disinformation which originated with Putin, including the blatantly false conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered with the 2016 elections. Several GOP Congresspeople, including Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, are now actively pushing this disinformation.
Link:
https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/gop-continues-pushing-ukraine-conspiracy-theory-74022981799
Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling from ______________ to urge Rep./Sen. ______________ to support the impeachment of Donald Trump and his removal from office. There is now clear evidence that he withheld military aid for Ukraine to coerce them into announcing that they were investigating Hunter Biden. We also know that the Trump administration is doing everything it can to obstruct the investigation from going forward. Worse, Trump is once again holding back foreign aid that has already been allocated by Congress, this time for Lebanon. Thank you.
Federal Contact Numbers:
Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342
Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154
Tim Scott (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-6121
Lindsey Graham (SC): Washington, DC: 202-224-5972
House: https://www.house.gov/representatives/
LOCAL:
Email New City/Town Council Members:
In the coming weeks, many municipalities will be swearing-in newly elected council members. This is a great time to contact your city/town council members to see where they stand on progressive issues such as: affordable housing, environmental preservation, immigrant rights, etc. Visit your local city/town website to find your council members’ contact information.
Email:
Hello, my
name is ___________ and I am a resident of ______________. I am writing to see
where you stand on the issue of _________. Thank you for your time.
---------
STATE:
Hold Amazon Accountable for NC Worker Safety:
With five North Carolina fulfillment centers and more on the way, Amazon has a responsibility to care for our NC workers. Recent investigative journalism pieces have added to the long list of instances in which Amazon prioritizes profits over people. Now that the holiday season is underway, let’s take a moment to stand with Amazon workers.
Details: https://www.revealnews.org/article/behind-the-smiles/
Script:
Hello, my
name is ___________ and I am a constituent from ______________. I am writing to
urge Rep./Sen. ___________ to hold Amazon accountable for the well-being of NC
workers. Reports have shown that the rate of serious injuries at Amazon fulfillment
centers is more than double the national average for the warehouse industry.
Please stand with those NC residents working at Amazon, especially during this
holiday season. Thank you for your time.
Link to NC House email addresses: https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/ContactInfo/H
Link to NC Senate email addresses: https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/ContactInfo/S
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