Committee and Affinity Group News
[See the Web Log for prior Committee News write-ups. All meeting Minutes are available on the Documents and Resources page.]
We are working on a messaging campaign for use in all media that ends with the tagline, “—you might be a Democrat,” Take a look at our current list of messages on this Google Sheet. If you have more catchy lines, please send them to secretary@bencodems.org.
Buttons for Committees and Affinity Organizations:
From the Chair
Norm and Shirley Miller Democratic Leadership Dinner 2024
10th Annual Norm & Shirley Miller Leadership Dinner
Date: May 2nd
Location: Riverfront Hotel, 20 Comstock St. Richland, WA.
Social Hour: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us early at 5:00 pm for socializing with many who share the same views and values!
A select no-host bar will be available throughout the evening.
Dinner and program begins at 6:00 pm.
Keynote Speaker: Bob Ferguson
Washington Attorney General and the leading Democratic candidate for Washington State governor.
Catered by: Fat Olives (A vegan option is available.)
Purchase here: Link to ticketing form
Please enter the number of tickets you wish to purchase. You will be able to provide the names of your guests after purchase.
Sponsorships: Link to sponsorship form
This is the premier event for Benton County Democrats!
Checks accepted by mailing to: PO Box 636 Richland, WA 99352
Delivering Results from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Legislation Committee
Follow the progress of Bills of Interest in this linked chart.
Editor’s Note: In the following announcement our Senator joins Tim Eyman in opposing a tax bill needed to fund public services.
Address: 117 Legislative Modular Building * PO Box 40408 * Olympia, WA 98504
Olympia Office: (360) 786-7614 * Toll Free Hotline: (800) 562-6000 * E-mail: Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov
Dear friends and neighbors,
The worst bill before the Legislature this year is Senate Bill 5770, which will triple the allowable annual growth rate of your local property taxes. This means local governments would be able to increase your property taxes by up to 3% WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL. This will cost hardworking taxpayers $6 billion over 12 years and would compound from there.
You, me, and the citizens of Washington State know that we are in an affordable housing crisis and this legislation will only exacerbate it. It needs to be clear, should the majority party pass this legislation, your property taxes will increase, your rents for both homes and apartments will rise. Food, fuel, and housing are already expensive enough, this is the wrong policy at absolutely the worst time.
The members of the Senate Republican Caucus strongly oppose SB 5770.
More than 9,300 people signed in to testify on SB 5770 when it was heard in committee. More than 92% OPPOSED increasing their property taxes.
Senate Democrats plan to run the bill on the Senate floor later in the day.
We will hold a news conference at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 8 in the Senate Rules Room on the 2nd floor of the Legislative Building on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.
You are invited to attend and join us in opposing the bill. The people deserve to be heard.
READ MORE ABOUT SB 5770 IN “RATIONAL STEPS”
If you cannot attend, you can watch the news conference live on TVW on this link.
You can also watch it live on our Facebook and X accounts. @WashingtonSRC
Sincerely,
Sen. Matt Boehnke
R-Kennewick
Elections Committee
Daily Presidential Primary Ballot Tracking
Update on Legislative Redistricting
Document on Partisan Endorsements in Nonpartisan Elections
Candidate Index
Happy Earth Day!
Every store purchase supports President Biden and Vice President Harris’s critical work to protect our planet.
Here’s a list of just some of the Biden-Harris climate wins that donations like yours help support:
🌎 100+ executive actions to boost clean energy, reduce pollution, lower costs, and create jobs.
🌎 Record levels of protection for our lands and water.
🌎 $20 billion for clean energy projects and lowering energy costs announced just this month.
If you want to see more historic steps like these, make sure you share and wear your values with Biden-Harris merch:
Happy shopping,
Biden-Harris Merch Team
| The first $6,600/$10,000 from a person/multicandidate committee (“PAC”) will be allocated to Biden for President, with the first $3,300/$5,000 designated for the primary and the next $3,300/$5,000 for the general election. The next $41,300/$15,000 from a person/PAC will be allocated to the DNC. The next $510,000/$255,000 from a person/PAC will be split equally among the Democratic state parties from these states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY. Any additional funds will be allocated to the DNC, subject to applicable contribution limits. |
| A contributor may designate their contribution for a particular participant by contacting contact@joebiden.com. The allocation formula above may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution. Contributions will be used in connection with federal elections, may be spent on any activity as each committee determines in its sole discretion, and will not be earmarked for any particular candidate. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per election cycle. Biden Victory Fund does not accept contributions from corporations or their PACs, unions, federal contractors, national banks, those registered as federal lobbyists or under FARA, SEC-named executives of fossil fuel companies, or foreign nationals. |
We sincerely thank you for your help and support.
We hope the sun is out and that Spring has sprung wherever you are. We’re loving the warmer temperatures, longer days, and blooming plants.
Seeing the Earth show off its best colors and looks has made us want to do the same! So, if you’re working on building up your spring wardrobe too, we have some suggestions for you:
Every store purchase supports the values President Biden and Vice President Harris’ reelection campaign are fighting for.
Happy shopping,
Biden-Harris Merch Team
| The first $6,600/$10,000 from a person/multicandidate committee (“PAC”) will be allocated to Biden for President, with the first $3,300/$5,000 designated for the primary and the next $3,300/$5,000 for the general election. The next $41,300/$15,000 from a person/PAC will be allocated to the DNC. The next $510,000/$255,000 from a person/PAC will be split equally among the Democratic state parties from these states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, and WY. Any additional funds will be allocated to the DNC, subject to applicable contribution limits. |
| A contributor may designate their contribution for a particular participant by contacting contact@joebiden.com. The allocation formula above may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution. Contributions will be used in connection with federal elections, may be spent on any activity as each committee determines in its sole discretion, and will not be earmarked for any particular candidate. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 per election cycle. Biden Victory Fund does not accept contributions from corporations or their PACs, unions, federal contractors, national banks, those registered as federal lobbyists or under FARA, SEC-named executives of fossil fuel companies, or foreign nationals. |
We sincerely thank you for your help and support.
Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could determine the future of emergency abortion care.
Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, enacted in the aftermath of Dobbs, criminalizes physicians in the state who perform an abortion, even when the mother’s life is at stake. This law is one of the most extreme in the nation, and is in direct opposition to the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
Let’s be clear: allowing states to ignore federal protections of potentially life-saving care will have disastrous consequences.
Anti-choice extremists’ attacks on reproductive health care are not about “protecting life” – they’re only concerned with exerting control on women’s bodies, even if that means putting millions’ health and lives at risk.
This is the fight of our generation, and we can’t lose.
Thank you for always fighting with me,
Maria
Friends of Maria
PO Box 12740
Seattle, WA 98111
United States
This Earth Day, we must acknowledge that we have no time to waste when it comes to protecting our environment and addressing the impact of climate change on Washington and the nation.
From the persistent influence of Big Oil, to harmful water and air pollution, the increasing severity of natural disasters, a statewide drought, and a dangerous anti-climate initiative on the ballot in Washington this year – our work to build a sustainable future is more urgent than ever.
I’m proud to have worked hard in the Senate to ensure the Land and Water Conservation Fund is permanent and fully funded. Preserving irreplaceable ecosystems like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Bristol Bay, and the Tongass National Forest. And being one of the key architects of the Inflation Reduction Act, which is already setting us on a pathway to drastically slash carbon pollution.
I’m hopeful for the future. Together we will go head-to-head against corporate polluters, expand access to public lands, and stand up for our treasured landscapes.
We must take this fight to the ballot box this November. Sign on to our Earth Day pledge right away:
Thanks for reaffirming your commitment to our climate agenda.
Maria
Friends of Maria
PO Box 12740
Seattle, WA 98111
United States
BIG NEWS: more than a million dollars of corporate funded TV ads will soon flood our airwaves. Trust me, these ads won’t have anything nice to say about Bob.
Can you help us fight back by rushing a donation of $5 or more today?
A local news outlet just reported that “a planned seven-figure independent campaign” in Washington’s gubernatorial race will be going live in the next few weeks.
The major corporations behind this campaign include entities that Bob has held accountable to Washingtonians and the rule of law. To name a few…
💻 Google: Required to pay $39.9 million to Washington as a result of Bob’s lawsuit over their misleading location tracking practices.
🍔 McDonald: Illegally restricted its employees’ job opportunities until Bob stopped them, leading to nationwide reforms of McDonald’s franchisee contracts.
🏠 Weidner’s Property Group: One of the property management groups that Bob’s office held accountable for violating fair housing rules.
These companies are not happy with Bob making them follow the rules — and now they’re going all out against our campaign.
Now that you know what Bob is up against, will you rush a donation now?
Meanwhile, Bob is the only candidate who refuses donations from large corporations and corporate PACs. We’re building a winning campaign with an average online donation of $75 that includes individuals from all 39 Washington counties.
Our campaign is for Washingtonians and funded by Washingtonians.
That means we rely on this grassroots team.
We need thousands of individuals donating TODAY to fight back against these powerful special interests. With your help, when this outside spending enters the race we’ll be ready to take on whatever comes our way.
Thank you,
Team Ferguson
Email us: info@electbobferguson.com
BOB FERGUSON FOR GOVERNOR (D) PO Box 22169 Seattle, WA 98122
Bad news out of Arizona:
The Arizona Supreme Court just criminalized all abortions without exception for rape and incest. Make no mistake — there is a coordinated, national effort to rip away women’s fundamental rights everywhere.
Anyone who tells you, ‘don’t worry, your rights are safe in Washington,’ is lying to you. Anti-choice Republican Congressman Dave Reichert voted for a nationwide abortion ban that instituted criminal penalties against doctors who perform abortions. He repeatedly voted to defund Planned Parenthood.
There is a fundamental contrast in this race. Dave Reichert won’t protect your reproductive freedom. Bob Ferguson will.
With attacks on reproductive rights escalating, Bob is the proven fighter who will continue to ensure Washingtonians have access to safe abortions.
He championed the My Health, My Data Act into law – the strongest health data privacy protections in the country.
When Donald Trump attacked contraception access, Bob took him to court and won. He also led the legal fight to block Trump’s family planning “gag rule.”
When Texas issued a nationwide ban eliminating access to mifepristone. Bob and his team took action and filed a lawsuit to successfully preserve access to mifepristone here in Washington.
We know we can count on Bob to keep fighting for reproductive freedom in the face of mounting attacks on our freedoms from the far right.
Meanwhile, Dave Reichert is an anti-abortion stalwart who even voted for a nationwide abortion ban as a member of Congress.
The future of reproductive freedom in Washington is on the line in this race.
Thank you,
Team Ferguson
Email us: info@electbobferguson.com
BOB FERGUSON FOR GOVERNOR (D) PO Box 22169 Seattle, WA 98122
Where in Washington is Nick Brown?
You can follow Nick’s adventures on the campaign trail on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!
Here are just a few highlights you can expect to see on Nick’s accounts:
- Stories from communities across the state as Nick continues his trek to visit counties across Washington
- #TBT photos from Nick’s childhood and sentimental memories with family and friends
- Sound bites from Nick about his plans to reduce gun violence, protect voting rights and elections, address climate change, fight for abortion rights and more
Building grassroots strength isn’t only about fundraising. Engaging with Nick as he campaigns helps spread his vision for Washington with more supporters and helps us grow this team.
Before you click away, can you give Nick a follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook now?
Thanks for being a part of Nick’s campaign!
— Team Nick
Nick Brown for Attorney General
401 2nd Ave S STE 303
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Our end-of-month deadline is less than a week away — and this grassroots team can help us get ahead of our goal right now. Here’s why we’re stronger when we work together:
Your support fuels Nick’s work to connect with communities in all 39 Washington counties and listen to priorities and needs of working people across the state.
Our campaign puts your contribution to work immediately through voter outreach, engagement, and education.
Together, we can build a Washington where everyone is safe, no matter their age, race, gender, where they live, or who they love.
— Team Nick
Nick Brown for Attorney General
401 2nd Ave S STE 303
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Friends,
Last Friday night, Donald Trump hosted Speaker Mike Johnson at his Mar-a-Lago golf club for a news conference about “illegal voting” and the southern border among other topics.
During their joint appearance, both men strongly argued that noncitizens should not be able to vote – the implication being that it is discouraged but not against the law to do so currently. Speaker Johnson continued by stating House Republicans would move to introduce federal legislation mandating all states require proof of citizenship in order to cast a ballot.
The thing is…it’s already a state and federal crime to vote as an undocumented person.
Here are the facts:
- To register to vote in Washington state, you must attest in a signed statement that you are a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote. You must also provide a form of identification. Common identification includes a Washington state driver’s license or state-issued ID number, or the last four digits of a social security number.
- The nonpartisan Brennan Center’s own study of 42 jurisdictions in the 2016 general election found that election officials in those places, who oversaw the tabulation of 23.5 million votes, referred only an estimated 30 incidents of suspected noncitizen voting for further investigation or prosecution. In other words, even suspected — not proven — noncitizen votes accounted for just 0.0001 percent of the votes cast.
- States have multiple measures in place to deter noncitizen voting. Those who violate the law face prison time and deportation.
- Washington state voter rolls are updated every 60 days through the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). It’s important to remember that current voter rolls are always a snapshot in time. Every hour, people are moving to and from Washington, turning 18, dying, or becoming a citizen for the first time by completing the naturalization process.
As the son of an Asian immigrant, Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson are missing the bigger point – the very last thing an undocumented person wants to do is illegally cast a ballot. Undocumented immigrants are people seeking a better life and future for their families, and intentionally creating a government record jeopardizing naturalization goes against that goal.
What we should instead be focusing on is expanding opportunities for eligible voters to cast a ballot.
Here in Washington, my office has proudly requested legislation to expand automatic voter registration, to register online, and to engage voters across the state through creative education and outreach efforts. We’ve worked closely with our legislative partners, and have achieved significant progress these past three years.
Thank you for your continued support, and for joining me in pushing back against factual inaccuracies by Donald Trump and his congressional enablers.
-Steve
Friends of Steve Hobbs · 3309 114th Dr NE · Lake Stevens, WA 98258-8787 · USA
Across the U.S., public education is under attack! The right-wing is building grass roots organizations to attack public schools, teachers, and school board members.
This extremism is underway right here in Washington. The Ron DeSantis manufactured “Moms for Liberty” are active in our state. They have stated two goals nationally: to get control of local school boards and to win the State Superintendency in the twelve states that elect this role. Our state is one of those twelve, and I am up for reelection in 2024.
I am running for reelection to support and uphold PUBLIC education, and I would be honored to have your personal endorsement and that of the county party and local LD organizations. I am honored to be endorsed once again by Governor Inslee, other statewide and local elected officials, more than 30 Democratic legislators already, and we’re just getting started!
The extremists are running candidates locally and against me that want schools run by religious institutions and corporations, but paid for by public funds, and they want vouchers that re-segregate our schools. It’s not just the obvious attacks on public education, don’t forget the more subtle forms of corporatization – they want kids and taxpayers to pay testing companies outrageous test fees to “prove” that children are worthy of college credit and other post-secondary options. The College Board runs the AP testing system; they generate over $1 billion in annual test revenue, and they sit on $1.6 billion in reserves, all generated off the backs of our students and taxpayers. They keep pushing their tests, nearly $100 per exam.
In Washington, we have expanded dual credit, while lowering or eliminating fees; we spend $250 million per year in basic education funds to support students taking college courses while in high school! We have near record graduation rates; assessment scores are rising; enrollments are rising; and we are closing equity gaps! We are one of the leading states now in offering true bilingual education and free school meals to nearly all children (we are so close to universal meal access following my proposal last year to the Legislature); and my office has partnered with the Washington Education Association to offer a first-in-the-nation teacher residency/apprenticeship program. The diversity of our new teachers is rapidly growing, and our students are getting the benefits of a more diverse and inclusive group of educators.
Washington’s kids are in great hands in local classrooms and they are re-accelerating following the pandemic. Our students now have multiple ways to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities, and they are accessing more diverse post-secondary pathways than ever before. Apprenticeships, college enrollments, and workforce training programs are rising once again! My emphasis on career and technical education pathways as a complement to traditional college pathways is giving every student a chance to take greater ownership over their education.
The pandemic was tough, complicated, and unknown, but the partnership between me and the Governor allowed our state to have one of the lowest mortality rates in the nation, while still focusing on the needs of children and our communities. We remain a top 15 state nationally based on NAEP assessment scores and we are only getting stronger!
So despite the ugliness coming from the far right, and attacks on public education from “reform” candidates at the state and local level, Washington’s education system is strong. We have much work ahead of us, however. We will keep building-out our regional mental health support system that my office helped create. We will add to the record levels of support we are providing our students with disabilities by finally removing the enrollment cap. And do not doubt for a second that under my leadership we will continue to prioritize the compensation, benefits, and working conditions of the talented professionals that work in our school system — teachers, para-educators, bus drivers, food support workers, building administrators, and so many more. This year, I am proposing to the Legislature a first-in-the nation living wage for para-educators who directly support our students. We have great schools because we have passionate educators; we will not go backwards in supporting them and supporting our public schools.
I’m a former Democratic PCO, YD President, three-term Democratic legislator, current and constant donor to Democrats, and a campaigner for Democrats. And I am a leader who will keep running through walls to ensure that our school system stays PUBLIC, that our students are taught by certificated teachers, and that student learning is evaluated and supported by professional educators in our public schools, not testing companies, not churches, not right-wing “think tanks”, or corporations. We must keep our school system public and provide the best possible education for all of our students and our local communities. By virtue of our State Constitution and laws, this office, and local school board races file as “non-partisan”. That means all kinds of candidates try to hide who they really are by not disclosing their party preference or core values. I am an unapologetic Democrat, and have been for life. My kids’ names are Carter and Kennedy! 🙂
Below is my cell phone, please call or text if you want to chat, set up a visit by me to the LD or county meeting, or to discuss anything else. I work 60+ hours a week being State Superintendent and campaigning for myself and others, so anything you can do to expedite the opportunity to earn local democratic organization endorsements would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you and joining you in your community.
Chris Reykdal
State Superintendent
360-790-3151 (cell)
www.chrisreykdal.org (to see my priorities for the next four years, and to make a contribution within your means.)
Friends –
I want to take a moment to say Happy Earth Day!
As we celebrate our beautiful Mother Earth today and the rest of this month, let’s remember that our responsibility to these lands and each other is ongoing. Earth Day is every day.
“People forget that the soil is our sustenance. It is a sacred trust. It has worked for us for centuries. If we continue this thoughtless submission to pesticides, there will not be an abundance of food to bequeath our children.”
– Cesar E. Chavez
In the fight for climate and environmental justice, food justice, and racial and social justice, we must work together to heal and protect these lands. We must look to our Indigenous siblings who’ve cared for Mother Earth since time immemorial and who hold the knowledge and practices needed to lead us out of an extract economy and into stewardship that benefits us all. We must protect agricultural workers who put food on our tables while bearing the brunt of climate change.
From the forests to the river beds and from the most rural corners of our state to the growing cityscape, it’s our shared responsibility to ensure we are caring for and protecting these lands. Whether it’s standing up to big polluters or cultivating a community garden, each action we take can make sure this generation and future generations have a healthy, thriving environment.
Adelante,
Team Rebecca Saldaña (D)
PO Box 20776
Seattle, WA 98102
United States
Friends –
Thank you so very much for supporting me throughout the years, specifically in this race.
We had a difficult decision to make, and our choice to suspend our campaign for Commissioner of Public Lands is not a reflection of your efforts. Your support, financially and otherwise, helped sustain our grassroots campaign. I’m proud of our work of running a bilingual, multicultural campaign that spoke to the urgency of this moment.
Our work is not done. In the short term, we must protect progressive policies and revenues by defeating I-2109, I-2117, and I-2124–with a decisive NO! Together, we must continue to fight for climate and environmental justice, in part by keeping organizations and the next Public Lands Commissioner accountable.
Adelante,
Team Rebecca Saldaña (D)
PO Box 20776
Seattle, WA 98102
United States
Growing up in Yakima, my first “official” job was at our local frozen yogurt shop. But before that, I spent weekends and summers helping my parents while they worked in the fields because they didn’t have access to affordable and reliable childcare.
I remember running around in the orchards, carrying water jugs and helping pick the low-hanging fruit (apples, cherries, or pears), or trying to sleep on the wooden bins because my parents couldn’t leave me alone in the car. My parents would wake up early and start picking as soon as the sun rose to maximize their time before it became too hot to continue. They instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination as they worked tirelessly to provide for our family. These are the values that have grounded and inspired my work.
I am proud of where I come from and it informs the type of campaign we are running—a grassroots campaign whose success will depend on every donation, regardless of size. I am incredibly proud to say that we’ve received donations from over 300 individuals thus far, making it the most successful fundraising program by a Democratic Senate Candidate in the 14th district in recent history. And this is just the beginning.
On the other hand, the current Republican incumbent Senator has already received over $100,000 in special interest money from businesses and PACs this election cycle! I will always be accountable to the people of the 14th District, not any outside special interests. Will you make a contribution today to help our grassroots team get our message out?
Click here to donate online today to help our campaign get our message out!
If you have already donated to our campaign or don’t have the means to do so today, I encourage you to tell your friends and family about my campaign. We have an opportunity to make history in this race, and I hope you will help us in achieving that goal. The 14th District is ready to have a voice that represents all of us, and I would be honored to be that voice.
With gratitude,
Maria
Friends of Maria Beltran (D)
PO Box 2011
Yakima, WA 98907
Platform and Resolutions
The Platform Task Team has proposed a platform update for 2024.
The Platform and Resolutions Committee is starting resolutions work this year.P
For those wishing to propose a resolution, below is a link to a template you can use to craft your resolution.
This is a link to a chart of our current resolutions plan and actions taken.
The following resolutions have been passed by the Central Committee and forwarded to the State party.
- Agrivoltaics Benefits to Eastern Washington
- Reinstate ban on naked credit default swaps
- Limit ratio of Executive v Employee pay
The following resolutions have been passed by the State party.
- Reinstate Restrictions on Stock Buybacks (final)
- Recovery Government Funded IP & Patents developed in whole or in part with taxpayer investments: Modification of Bayh-Dole Act 1980
- Faith and Credit-Debt Ceiling
- Reforming SCOTUS Nomination and Confirmation Process
The following resolutions are available for comments as they are being worked on by the committee:
Link to our Rittenhouse Resolution:
This is a link to the current State Party resolutions.
Organization Committee
Blue Dots in Red Sea – Michael Moore’s latest podcast, Young Voters
Benton County Elected Precinct Committee Officers for 2023-2024
Here’s a complete list of all our PCO’s, elected, appointed, and acting:
Benton County Democratic Precinct Committee Officers
Meet & Greet Candidates for the 14th LD – Christine Dimas & Maria Beltran!
Reminder: April 18, 2024 Meeting – InPerson & Zoom
Final Reminder – Meet & Greet this Friday 4/12 at 5 p.m.!
Call to Regular Meeting Thursday, April 18
This is a huge candidate event — and you can be there! April 12
This is a huge candidate event — and you can be there!
Call to Regular Meeting March 21
Call to Regular Meeting Feb. 15
Call to Regular Meeting January 18 on Zoom
4th CD News
RAU Expands Programs and Unveils City Councils Questionable Motives
Expansion of Christian Nationalism in Central Washington
Democratic Values and Citizen Actions Keep MAGA In Check
Rural Voices: Restoring Equity to Our Election Process
Breaking: Equal Delegate Access for Central & Eastern WA Dems
Two Shocking Truths Behind Election Spending: $10.2 Billion Estimated for 2024!
The Darkside Of Political Excess
Urgent Call to Preserve Democracy in Yakima!
Candidates, CD5, Ukraine Support, Truth Unveiled!
Meet our Inaugural Advisory Board!
Poll results are in and the numbers are great
Central Washington Q/A with Senators Murray and Cantwell’s Offices (Poll)
Over one million messages delivered!
Organized local Ds stop MAGA cold
Ag and Rural Caucus
Ag and Rural Caucus for May
| Better Practices 6:30 pm Thursday 2 May Universal Health Care Carrie Wallace, chair, Whole Washington Kathryn Lewandowsky, vice-chair, Whole Washington https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88689149657?pwd=R3dXbFRpYVUyeGVhb3ErTFI0QXlpZz09 Policy Briefing 6:30 pm Thursday 16 May Off-Shore Wind Development off Washington Coast Brian Polayge, UW School of Engineering https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85907982157?pwd=MU4vV3E3VGZ5VU02dnhvZjg2b3hKZz09 Paste link into browser. |
| Whole Washington Advocacy Universal Health Care May’s Better Practices session is about Universal Health Care. The session will, of course, talk about the universal health care and its features. Whole Washington is our presenter. We will also talk about how an advocacy group can move forward an agenda that mixes impossible federal oversight with optimistic state-level possibilities. Where do you start, with the feds or Olympia? How much detail do you present and to whom? The 2024 Legislature took up ESJM 8006 that advocated for federal waivers to allow states to innovate. It passed the senate in 2023 and was re-introduced in 2024 where it stalled in the house. Whole Washington in April reported “Alas, 8006 is dead, dead, dead”. And it was dead in the house partly because Whole Washington was not able to advocate with a full deck. We will talk more about the what and how of universal health care next Thursday with Carey Wallace and Kathryn Lewandowsky from Whole Washington. |
| Policy Briefing: Off-Shore Wind Development in Washington Off-Shore wind proposals are coming to Washington. We are late to the game. Europe is well ahead of North America in adopting off-shore wind, the east coast on the Atlantic is ahead of us on the west coast, and California and Oregon on the Pacific are ahead of us. What can we learn from the early adopters? The “what” in this case is both the technical and the political. Why go to bother of building turbines in the sea? And what are the effects on local fishing industries? Join Brian Polayge, UW School of Engineering, for our policy briefing on 16 May. Brian knows the technical aspects of off-shore wind and understands well the politics. Don 26 April 2024 |
Our Better Practices roundtable is on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.. Use the link above for 2024.
Our Policy Series is on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Use the link above for 2024.
Copyright © 2024 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved. Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee
Our mailing address is: Ag and Rural Caucus 2921 Mud Creek Rd Waitsburg, WA 99361
Meet & Greet Candidates THIS Friday, April 12 in Pasco
April 10, 2024
SENATOR MATT BOEHNKE
8TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT – WASHINGTON STATE SENATE
360-786-7614 | 800-562-6000 | P.O. Box 40425 Olympia, WA 98504-0425
Media Contact: Eric LaFontaine: (360) 870-7268
6 Boehnke bills signed into law
OLYMPIA… In a remarkable feat of legislative prowess, Senator Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, saw six of his bills signed into law by Governor Inslee in March. This achievement, the highest number of bills he’s successfully passed since his tenure in the legislature began in 2019, is a testament to his dedication and effectiveness in governance. Of the 28 bills he introduced or carried over from the 2023 session, he deems these six a solid start for 2024, underscoring his commitment to effective governance.
“With each of the six bills now becoming law, I am reminded of the responsibility and trust bestowed upon me by the people of our great state,” Boehnke said. “This milestone transcends legislative success; it’s a testament to the collective efforts of my colleagues, staff, and the community, whose unwavering support and collaboration have been pivotal.”
In mid-March, Inslee signed three of Boehnke’s bills. ESB 6296 creates a retail workforce by creating a retail industry workgroup to identify and recommend four colleges to pilot micro-term and short-term credentials for the retail workforce.
SB 6079 makes juvenile detention records available to managed care organizations and behavioral health administrative services organizations for care coordination activities. SB 6080 simplifies the funding provisions of the statewide tourism marketing account by removing the requirement that deposits to the account may only occur if the Legislature authorizes them.
“I extend gratitude to everyone involved in this team effort. This is a clear sign of our shared commitment to making a significant difference and improving the lives of our constituents,” Boehnke said. “Each bill, from enhancing our retail workforce to improving juvenile care coordination and simplifying tourism funding, is a step forward in making our state a better place for all its residents.”
Over the final three days of March, Inslee signed his last three bills, culminating in a successful session for the first-term Senator. ESSB 5891 protects the safety and security of students and maintains order within school buses by designating trespassing on a school bus as a criminal offense. E2SSB 6068 expands the ability of courts to work with the DOC to collect and report more data about foster kids’ adoption and reunification rates. Boehnke’s last bill, 2SSB 5660, directs the Washington State Health Care Authority to convene a workgroup to create recommendations for effectively implementing mental health advance directives. These directives declare a person’s preferences regarding behavioral health treatment in the event they are incapacitated due to their behavioral health disorder.
“I am deeply grateful for the collaboration and support that led to the success of these initiatives. These laws are not just legislative victories; they reflect our shared values and dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of Washingtonians,” Boehnke said. “I extend my heartfelt Thanks to everyone involved in bringing these important pieces of legislation to fruition. Your support and collaboration have been invaluable.”
15th LD Democrats News
16th LD Democrats News
Walla Walla County Democrats News
Yakima County Democrats News
Monthly Meeting! Candidates, events planning and more!
Petitions, meet a judge, and more!
March Meeting 3/25 + Run for Delegate!
February 26: See you at Single Hill!
Chelsea Dimas for state representative
City Council letter-writing and 13th LD meeting
Updates! Endorsements, engagement, and the coming spring
Meeting update: Bob Ferguson and local politics watch
Join us for our Election Watch Party!
Thanks for an amazing weekend!
From the State Central Committee
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Hello Democrats and Happy Friday!
Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to get outside and work hard for Democrats everywhere in Washington State!
There is so much at stake this year and we need to do all we can to remind voters that Democrats are the Party that will work around the clock to ensure a better future for everyone. And in case you need a reminder of why this is true, please join me in celebrating the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act!
The ACA ensured access to healthcare for millions of Americans, including the 25% of non-Elderly Washingtonians with preexisting conditions. This historic legislation currently ensures access to safe, reliable and more affordable healthcare for 270,000 Washingtonians! Yet another reminder that Democrats deliver and that we must do everything in our power to prevent the MAGA GOP from tearing down all that we have built together!
The big news in Washington State politics this week is that new legislative district maps have been approved. A report from the Washington Community Alliance shows that the revised boundaries are projected to make LD 14 significantly more diverse and Democratic and notably improve Democratic performance in LDs 12 and 17. All of these districts now present major pickup opportunities and we will fight tirelessly to ensure they go bright blue!
None of our progress would be possible without you. Thank you all for joining us in the critical work of electing Democrats across Washington State and across the nation. We are glad to have each and every one of you on board!
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
It’s been a terrific week traveling across the state and helping my fellow Democrats get fired up and ready to go for election season!
Last weekend I had the privilege to speak to the Spokane County Democrats at their annual Tom Foley Legacy Dinner. It was my honor to share the stage alongside U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, as well as my great friend Ken Martin who also happens to be President of the Association of State Democratic Committees and Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party!
Congratulations to the Spokane Dems on such a successful event – I look forward to lots of quality time spent working in CD 5 this year!
I also had the great privilege of joining Rep. Jesse Johnson and students from Federal Way High School to discuss why voting is so crucial to our democracy and how their voices are even more powerful when they engage in our democratic process. If you have young people in your life, I encourage you to help them get involved!
The Washington State High School Democrats are hosting a virtual forum on Tuesday, March 26th at 7PM. I hope you can join us!
Civically engaged young people are a huge part of our winning Democratic coalition and we intend to work hard to make sure they turn out in record numbers in 2024 and for years to come!
What I’m Listening to This Week
This week I had the chance to join the Research Collaborative’s Freedom Over Fascism Movement Briefing!
I also highly recommend checking out their toolkit – linked here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s0JbXhND7-1iqABNcUNL031NQLxkLfr-USkCKGZTidI/edit?usp=sharing
It’s critical that we share and amplify their message – the stakes have never been higher!
Democrats in the News
Biden to forgive $5.8 billion in student loan debt for nearly 78,000 public-sector workers
President Joe Biden announced another round of student loan debt forgiveness Thursday, totaling $5.8 billion for nearly 78,000 public-sector workers, and will be sending congratulatory emails to those borrowers next week.
Murray, Cantwell, & Schrier Announce Federal Assistance Now Available to WA Cherry Growers
U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08), announced that sweet cherry growers in Washington state are now eligible for up to $500,000 in federal Emergency Farm Loans.
U.S. Travel Names Sam Graves, Rick Larsen as 2024 Legislators of the Year
The U.S. Travel Association today announced recipients of its 2024 Legislator of the Year Award: Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), both serving on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Strickland Secures Over $13 Million For South Sound Community Projects
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) recently secured funding for fourteen South Sound community projects that will increase affordable housing, boost public safety, enhance regional infrastructure and transit, and support our local food banks.
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Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Shasti Conrad Washington State Democratic Party
The work we do today wins elections tomorrow. If you’re ready to elect Democrats in every race and every place in Washington state, invest in our efforts and make a contribution now.
Want to support our work year round? Join Blue Washington, our monthly giving program! It is the most effective way to help candidates, volunteers, organizers, activists, and staff because it gives us the certainty we need to scale up our program with confidence. Your monthly investment ensures we can defend our strong legislative majorities, flip key congressional seats from red to blue, and fight for progressive values. Help us lead the way to victories at all levels of government today!
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States
I’m Isabella, the Party Affairs Coordinator at the Washington State Democratic Party. As we move closer to the Washington Dems State Convention, an extraordinary opportunity awaits for those passionate about making a difference in our party and our country. I’m excited to invite you to run for delegate and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Democratic Party at our State Convention. The deadline for registration is rapidly approaching: March 31 at 5:00pm, with elections following closely on April 6. This is your chance to be at the heart of our democratic process, contributing your voice and vision to our collective path forward.
Becoming a delegate is a unique and powerful way to engage in our democracy, offering you the chance to represent your community’s values and priorities on a larger stage. It’s a role that not only allows you to contribute to critical discussions and decisions but also to be part of a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to progress and change.
However, if running for delegate isn’t the right fit for you at this moment, there’s another impactful way you can support our cause.
The path to 2024 is paved with challenges, but also with immense opportunities for growth and success. Whether by representing your community as a delegate or supporting our efforts financially, your involvement is key to our collective future.
Thank you for considering how you can make a difference at this critical time. Together, we can shape a Democratic Party that reflects our shared values and vision for a better tomorrow.
In solidarity,
Isabella Maffei, Party Affairs Coordinator
Washington State Democrats
We sincerely thank you for your help and support.
Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States
PCOs Can (and Should) Start Doorbelling – For PCOs, the time to walk or call the voters in your precincts is NOW so that we can get that data back into Votebuilder ASAP. The data PCOs collect in the first quarter of this year is essential to the voter targeting every Democratic candidate will be able to do in the primary election and for the rest of the year. If needed, our Coordinated Campaign staff can help set PCOs up with a phone or canvass list, an appropriate script for their precinct, and either a listening or ID canvass – just ask us at organizing@wa-democrats.org.
Democratic National Committee News
Team —
Teacher Appreciation Day is on May 7, and our Varsity collection has the perfect gifts. If you need a way to thank a teacher, or just want to show your support for our educators, check out our stickers, pencils, and other products with messages like “Give teachers a raise” and “Proud product of public schools.”
Teachers are the backbone of this country. They educate and shape the minds of future generations, and no one understands the importance of supporting teachers and students better than Joe, Kamala, and Democrats across the country.
When you buy merch from the Official Biden-Harris Store, you’re directly supporting the Biden-Harris campaign and Democratic candidates who are dedicated to strengthening public education, uplifting educators, and fighting for our children.
Happy shopping,
❤️Emma
Merchandise Director
Democratic National Committee
DNC Best Practices Institute
Tri-City Democrats
Winter Social
Evergreen Voter | LWVWA Council //Extending Your Impact // more
Legislative Action Newsletter March 13, 2024
Legislative Action Newsletter March 3, 2024
Legislative Action Newsletter February 25, 2024
Legislative Action Newsletter February 18, 2024
Legislative Action Newsletter February 11, 2024
Legislative Action Newsletter February 4, 2024
Legislative Action Newsletter January 28, 2024
Evergreen Voter | December Highlights
Legislative Action Newsletter January 21, 2024
Evergreen Voter | October Highlights
League of Women Voters — Redistricting Task Force
The League of Women Voters has appointed a task force to evaluate and study potential changes to the procedure Wa State uses to redistrict our state every 10 years. If changes are developed, these changes will require a constitutional amendment. No small task.
In the local newspaper there have been several stories about Senator Nikki Torres and the redistricting of our area because of a law suit filed against WA state for the maps adopted by the state redistricting commission.
To learn more, please join the Redistricting Reform Task Force for one of two briefings on the Washington State’s new legislative maps. How did we get here? Where do we go next?
Join LWVWA Redistricting issue Chair, Alison McCaffree; Former California Citizen Redistricting Commission member, Cynthia Dai; and Senior Counsel at the Brennan Center, Yurij Rudensky for a lively discussion.
Both sessions are the same. Choose the one most convenient for you. Registration is necessary
New Legislative Map Briefings
Wednesday, 4/10 6:30pm-8:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81886694099?pwd=TEhZSDRxMFNuRUpYd0VLSkgzdFRvdz09
Saturday, 4/13 10:30am-12:00noon
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89028354082?pwd=VVVsUitoeFRHNGw5TzRMbGRkYTlXQT09
Get Out The Vote
Local dance group helped create a GOTV video, sponsored by our local League. Please view this delightful video.
Spanish Version
English Version
https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ah1rUQEIS9Efg6U8J-TO1fM9Kz5XJw?e=cLuAc
Columbia Basin Badger Club
BADGER FORUM Thursday, May 9 | Noon - 1 PM
BADGER FORUM: Book Bans and Parents’ Rights: Who decides?
Check out our Spring 2024 Online Auction – There’s so many great items to bid on!
Bidding is now underway for Fix Democracy First’s Spring 2024 Online Auction!
Fix Democracy First’s Spring 2024 Online Auction Starts TODAY!
John Lewis: Good Trouble Online Screening Event
Sunday, April 28th @ 4 pm PT/7 pm ET
Join Meaningful Movies Project and Fix Democracy First for a special online screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble on April 28th at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET!
John Lewis: Good Trouble is a documentary film that provides an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis. Spanning over six decades of remarkable activism, the film portrays Lewis’s evolution from a bold teenager at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement to a formidable legislative force. It begins with Lewis’s courageous plea to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for assistance in integrating a segregated school in his hometown of Troy, Alabama, a pivotal moment that cemented their close bond. From organizing Freedom Rides amidst violence and imprisonment to standing steadfastly at the forefront of historic marches in Washington and Selma, Lewis displayed resilience and determination. Throughout his journey, he championed the spirit of “good trouble,” inspiring fellow Americans to confront injustice fearlessly. As the film chronicles Lewis’s unparalleled commitment to justice and equality until his passing on July 17, 2020, it underscores his enduring message of hope and perseverance. View the trailer HERE.
Also join us for a panel discussion after the film with:
Barbara Arnwine is the President & Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, an organization focused on systematic change that achieves racial justice, gender, economic and social justice and human rights. Ms. Arnwine is internationally renowned for contributions on critical justice issues including the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the 2006 reauthorization of provisions of the Voting Rights Act. She is also a founder of Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition.
Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins is a senior advisor with Raben, a public affairs and organizational consulting firm, where he uses his extensive political and ministerial experience to help advance the firm’s Faith Strategies Group. Prior to this position, Rev. Dr. Harkins was appointed by the Biden-Harris administration to serve as director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He also currently serves on the board of Interfaith Alliance.
Cinthia Illan-Vazquez is the Executive Director at The Washington Bus, a movement building organization that increases political access and participation for young people across WA. Prior to joining the Bus, Cinthia was the Community Engagement Manager at the Center for Education Results where she led and supported various community engagement efforts and strategies. Cinthia also served as legislative assistant to current Speaker of the WA State House of Representatives Laurie Jinkins, and as a community organizer with the Washington Dream Coalition, an undocumented and youth-led advocacy organization.
Support Democracy! Please make a donation to support our programs and work for democracy. We can't do this without you!
Follow Us!
Fix Democracy First
1402 3rd Ave Ste 500
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 552-3287
info@fixdemocracyfirst.org
Support Democracy! Please make a donation to support our programs and work for democracy. We can't do this without you!
Follow Us!
Fix Democracy First
1402 3rd Ave Ste 500
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 552-3287
info@fixdemocracyfirst.org
John Lewis: Good Trouble Online Screening Event
Sunday, April 28th @ 4 pm PT/7 pm ET
Join Meaningful Movies Project and Fix Democracy First for a special online screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble on April 28th at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET!
John Lewis: Good Trouble is a documentary film that provides an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis. Spanning over six decades of remarkable activism, the film portrays Lewis’s evolution from a bold teenager at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement to a formidable legislative force. It begins with Lewis’s courageous plea to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for assistance in integrating a segregated school in his hometown of Troy, Alabama, a pivotal moment that cemented their close bond. From organizing Freedom Rides amidst violence and imprisonment to standing steadfastly at the forefront of historic marches in Washington and Selma, Lewis displayed resilience and determination. Throughout his journey, he championed the spirit of “good trouble,” inspiring fellow Americans to confront injustice fearlessly. As the film chronicles Lewis’s unparalleled commitment to justice and equality until his passing on July 17, 2020, it underscores his enduring message of hope and perseverance. View the trailer HERE.
Also join us for a panel discussion after the film with:
Barbara Arnwine is the President & Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, an organization focused on systematic change that achieves racial justice, gender, economic and social justice and human rights. Ms. Arnwine is internationally renowned for contributions on critical justice issues including the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the 2006 reauthorization of provisions of the Voting Rights Act. She is also a founder of Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition.
Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins is a senior advisor with Raben, a public affairs and organizational consulting firm, where he uses his extensive political and ministerial experience to help advance the firm’s Faith Strategies Group. Prior to this position, Rev. Dr. Harkins was appointed by the Biden-Harris administration to serve as director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He also currently serves on the board of Interfaith Alliance.
Cinthia Illan-Vazquez is the Executive Director at The Washington Bus, a movement building organization that increases political access and participation for young people across WA. Prior to joining the Bus, Cinthia was the Community Engagement Manager at the Center for Education Results where she led and supported various community engagement efforts and strategies. Cinthia also served as legislative assistant to current Speaker of the WA State House of Representatives Laurie Jinkins, and as a community organizer with the Washington Dream Coalition, an undocumented and youth-led advocacy organization.
Support Democracy! Please make a donation to support our programs and work for democracy. We can't do this without you!
Follow Us!
Fix Democracy First
1402 3rd Ave Ste 500
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 552-3287
info@fixdemocracyfirst.org
John Lewis: Good Trouble Online Screening Event
Sunday, April 28th @ 4 pm PT/7 pm ET
Join Meaningful Movies Project and Fix Democracy First for a special online screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble on April 28th at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET!
John Lewis: Good Trouble is a documentary film that provides an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of legendary U.S. Representative John Lewis. Spanning over six decades of remarkable activism, the film portrays Lewis’s evolution from a bold teenager at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement to a formidable legislative force. It begins with Lewis’s courageous plea to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for assistance in integrating a segregated school in his hometown of Troy, Alabama, a pivotal moment that cemented their close bond. From organizing Freedom Rides amidst violence and imprisonment to standing steadfastly at the forefront of historic marches in Washington and Selma, Lewis displayed resilience and determination. Throughout his journey, he championed the spirit of “good trouble,” inspiring fellow Americans to confront injustice fearlessly. As the film chronicles Lewis’s unparalleled commitment to justice and equality until his passing on July 17, 2020, it underscores his enduring message of hope and perseverance. View the trailer HERE.
Also join us for a panel discussion after the film with:
Barbara Arnwine is the President & Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition, an organization focused on systematic change that achieves racial justice, gender, economic and social justice and human rights. Ms. Arnwine is internationally renowned for contributions on critical justice issues including the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the 2006 reauthorization of provisions of the Voting Rights Act. She is also a founder of Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition.
Rev. Dr. Derrick Harkins is a senior advisor with Raben, a public affairs and organizational consulting firm, where he uses his extensive political and ministerial experience to help advance the firm’s Faith Strategies Group. Prior to this position, Rev. Dr. Harkins was appointed by the Biden-Harris administration to serve as director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He also currently serves on the board of Interfaith Alliance.
Cinthia Illan-Vazquez is the Executive Director at The Washington Bus, a movement building organization that increases political access and participation for young people across WA. Prior to joining the Bus, Cinthia was the Community Engagement Manager at the Center for Education Results where she led and supported various community engagement efforts and strategies. Cinthia also served as legislative assistant to current Speaker of the WA State House of Representatives Laurie Jinkins, and as a community organizer with the Washington Dream Coalition, an undocumented and youth-led advocacy organization.
Support Democracy! Please make a donation to support our programs and work for democracy. We can't do this without you!
Follow Us!
Fix Democracy First
1402 3rd Ave Ste 500
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206) 552-3287
info@fixdemocracyfirst.org
Announcing our FAN Spring Summits
Continuing Opportunities for Advocacy
Important announcement from FAN
Week 8 final push for the Budget
Bills Moving Forward and Budget Asks: Week 6
IFAD 2024: A Celebration of Our Advocacy and Week 5 Recap
FAN resources for You this Legislative Session
Presenting our Legislative Agenda and IFAD 2024
Giving thanks for you + annual dinner report
FAN Autumn happenings in Eastern WA
Standing together against antisemitism and Islamophobia
Today at SCOTUS, Trump makes the case for dictatorship
Angry about the latest SCOTUS abortion case? Here’s what you can do about it
Join us for our annual Rural Summit!
Hello Raucous Rural Caucus,
We will miss you tonight on our regular Rural Caucus monthly call but no worries, we look forward to spending next Saturday, May 4th with you all for our exciting 2024 Rural Summit!
We can’t move “red to blue” without you! Some of rural folks have just joined us, and some of you have been here with us for years — regardless of how long you’ve been with us, 2024 is shaping to be a unique election year for all of us. Don’t be a stranger! Register to join us on May 4th!
Still not convinced an afternoon with Rural is worth it? Well, we mean it when we say there’s something for EVERYONE on Saturday. We’ve planned our programming to reflect the shifts in what we’re offering this year, so if you are…
Working state and local to win? We’re going to teach you and supply you with tools + tips from our red and rural resistance movement. State and local advocacy and electoral work become more and more important by the day as we push back against rogue state legislatures and horrendous governors in our red states. There’s hope — but we need to be brave and lean on each other to win.
Fighting to elect anti-authoritarian judges in tough races? We’ve got you. On our summit, you’ll hear from leaders in the movement who took on judicial races with national support and won.
We want you to access the support we have. As more and more absurd state bills come under legal scrutiny and hit the docket, it’s hugely important we get sensible voices elected to the bench. If the courts are your final line of defense against creeping authoritarianism, this is a can’t-miss section.
Building relationships with other red + rural activists and leaders? We will help you network to your heart’s content with our networking space at the summit.
Ready to take an issue straight to the people with a ballot measure? We’ll do you one better – we’re going to show you how it’s been done, how it’s being done, and how you can use your state’s system to mobilize for citizen-initiated ballot referendums or against whatever your legislature decides it wants to put on the ballot.
Looking for tools to up your election game? As new electoral tools are launched at Indivisible, it can be difficult to keep track of which is the best fit for you, and how you can access electoral support. We’re going to walk through every single tool available to red states through Indivisible this election cycle and help you get support for the work you do when you need it the most.
See you Saturday at 1pm EST!
Register here for Saturday, May 4th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
Indivisible’s Rural Caucus (Molly, Scott, Natalie, Cameron and Rachelle)
Indivisible Project
PO Box 43884
Washington, DC 20010
United States
Will SCOTUS further endanger pregnant women, a $95 billion aid package, and Monday updates
2024 tactics for fighting an 1864 abortion ban (and other news)
More than our democracy is at stake this election
Don’t forget: Spring Into Action is happening now
We are only a couple of days from the first of three Washington Indivisible Network (WIN) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops led by DEI consultants Lillian Hawkins and LaTricia Kinlow.
In order to save our democracy, we must continually improve our dedication and ability to organize with an anti-racism lens.
Don’t miss out, sign up now!
Register once to attend one, two, or all of these important workshops.
Understanding & Mitigating the Impact of Implicit Bias and Stereotype Threat This Saturday!
Saturday, April 20 - 10:30am-12:00pm
Through video, interactive activities, and discussion of the research, participants are challenged to examine their own bias and learn ways to mitigate the impact of implicit bias in decision-making. As a result, participants deepen their appreciation of the challenges facing people of color and grow in self-awareness.
Intersections of Identity & Racial Privilege Saturday, April 27 - 10:30am-12:00pm Through lecture, discussion, and experiential exercises we will take a laser-like focus on unpacking racial privilege, exploring what it means to be White within a society that is racially stratified. We will discuss common ways that privilege manifests itself on an institutional level and how it influences relationships within and across cultures.
Racial Microaggressions: What Are They & Why Are They Harmful? Saturday, May 4 - 10:30am-12:00pm When we engage in conversations across cultures, there is always the risk that what we say might offend someone. Oftentimes we don’t even know why what we said was offensive. But rather than risk offending many people avoid cross-cultural dialogue altogether or cling to “politically correct” terminology. The tightrope we walk and the mental labor that ensues is exhausting and often leaves everyone involved feeling unheard or misunderstood. What has commonly become known as microaggressions will be presented.
Hannah Oliver Senior Regional Organizer Pronouns: They/Them Hannah@indivisible.org
The Indivisible Project is a registered 501(c)(4). Indivisible Action is a Hybrid Political Action Committee fueled by the grassroots movement to win elections and build local, independent progressive power nationwide.
Indivisible Project
PO Box 43884
Washington, DC 20010
United States
Take Action Network – Persuasion to Power: Using Words the Win w/ Anat Shenker-Osario
Re: This could shift the outcome of the 2024 election
Who wants to be (paying a lower tax rate than) a millionaire?
We need your help spreading the word about Neighbor2Neighbor
The Arizona Supreme Court just reinstated a TOTAL abortion ban from 1864
Learn to change hearts and minds with Powering Progress’ Intro to Deep Canvassing
This could shift the outcome of the 2024 election
Spring into action in your community with Powering Progress
Trump’s plan to dismantle equal rights, Al-Shifa hospital, and Monday updates
Three reasons why I’m optimistic about this election
Three reasons why I’m optimistic about this election
This email is only sorta for you.
Indivisible powers Andy Kim, holding Medicare Advantage fraudsters accountable, and Monday updates
Newsletter: The Indivisible Presidency
🚀 Campaign Launch: Project 2024
Here it is: our plan to win in 2024
Indivisible Rural Program [2021 WORKING DOC]
Want to get involved?
Council meetings take place in person and online every second Thursday.
Email info@TCDIC.org for more information and the zoom link
Volunteer with the Council today!
Gear up for our May 2024 focus: “Messaging that Matters”
At this point of the cycle, you should be getting out in the community. The best way to make your candidacy “stick” is through clear, effective messaging.
That’s why we’re organizing our programming in May around messaging and communications development. From doing the backend work to develop a message to actually rehearsing your stump speech, you will walk away with more confidence and a streamlined approach to your campaign communications.
In the meantime, look at two introductory courses from our online catalog to jumpstart your learning:
Coming up for AAPI Heritage Month:
So You Want to Run for Office: AAPI Heritage Month Edition
Thursday, May 2 at 1pm ET
Whether it’s at the local, state, or national level, your unique experiences and ideas contribute to shaping your communities. And it can’t be said enough: better representation helps everyone.
Running for political office is one crucial way Asian Americans can empower their communities and shape policies that directly affect them.
So this Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re excited to host a tailored version of our So You Want to Run for Office with our partners Public Wise, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, AAPI Victory Fund, They See Blue, ASPIRE PAC, Indian American Impact, and North Carolina Asian Americans Together In Action, that focuses on the unique challenges and considerations for AAPI candidates.
Developing Your Campaign's Core Message
Monday, May 6 at 1pm ET
Uncover the key pillars of an effective core message. Your core message drives all of your campaign communications, from press releases to tweets. Using the 3 “r” strategy – real, relevant, and resonant – you’ll dig into what makes a core message stick on the trail.
How to Connect With Voters Through Personal Stories
Tuesday, May 7 at 1pm ET
Personal stories convey your campaign message on a deeper level with your community. Be vulnerable with your community. Let them in. Strong connections turn them into voters. Strong connections with voters will have lasting effects on your campaign.
During this communications training, you will learn the story of self framework and how to tailor your story to a particular issue.
How to Write Your Stump Speech
Wednesday, May 15 at 1pm ET
Your words go a long way, so it’s essential to grab the attention of voters with them.
This training will walk you through how to write the stump speech people will hear time and time again. You will learn the key components of a stump speech, plus insights on how to tailor it to specific, varying audiences.
And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.
Connect with us on social media!
Here are some ways you can take action.
- Thu, May 2 @ 1pm
So You Want to Run for Office: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Edition › - Mon, May 6 @ 1pm
Developing Your Campaign’s Core Message › - Tue, May 7 @ 1pm
How to Connect with Voters Through Personal Stories › - Tue, May 14 @ 6pm
The Secrets to Fundraising Emails › - Wed, May 15 @ 1pm
How to Write Your Stump Speech › - Thu, May 16 @ 1pm
NDTC Expert Q&A: AAPI Leaders Pave the Way ›
All times Eastern
Connect with us on social media!
Paid for by the National Democratic Training Committee, TrainDemocrats.org, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Connect with us on social media!
National Democratic Training Committee
910 17th Street NW, Suite 925 Washington, DC, 20006, US
Democracy Labs – Echoes of history: From Nazi-era Jewish ghettoes to Gaza today
Democracy Labs – #JusticeCantWait : Don’t let the Supreme Court Shield Trump from accountability
Democracy Labs – Union leader endorses Biden: Do more with videos using AI-powered SayWhen
Democracy Labs – American woman stay from me: SCOTUS
Democracy Labs – Fatal incompetence: Mapping the deadly cost of Republicans ignoring COVID experts
Democracy Labs – Canvass better: Help people get their unclaimed benefits
Democracy Labs – Follow Trump’s ‘Catch And Kill’ election interference scheme with this visual guide
Democracy Labs – Earth Day Alert Map: Protect Public Lands From Billionaire Exploitation
Democracy Labs – How much is your child’s life worth? Check the real-time school shooting dashboard.
Democracy Labs – Driving Change: VW Workers Shift Gears with UAW Unionization
Democracy Labs – Pregnant Women Denied Emergency Care: Mapping The Toll Of MAGA Abortion Bans
Democracy Labs – FOX cancer claims another victim
Democracy Labs – What’s behind Netanyahu’s war? Follow his criminal indictments!
Democracy Labs – Check this map for the Arizona Republicans who voted to ban abortions
Democracy Labs – How PROJECT 2025 Turns Women Into Handmaids
Democracy Labs – How to make millions denying health insurance claims
Democracy Labs – Justice Unfolds: Track the former MAGA President’s Criminal Trial with NewsTRAC
Democracy Labs – Leonard Leo isn’t above the law. He is the law!
Democracy Labs – Election Interference 101: How To Bury A Scandal
Democracy Labs – Feed The Greed: Mapping How Republicans Rob The Poor To Feed The Rich
Democracy Labs – Arizona’s Abortion Ban: Meet the Author and His Disciples
Democracy Labs – Get rid of PLCAA — The gun makers’ GET OUT OF JAIL FREE card
Democracy Labs – Listen to Dr. Phil Chenette on protecting access to IVF: Podcast Interview
Democracy Labs – Putin’s puppets block Ukraine aid: Follow the money
Democracy Labs – MAGA Senators Ban Abortions & Deny Mothers Aid To Feed Their Babies
Democracy Labs – Who’s getting paid to block Student Debt Relief? Follow the money!
Democracy Labs – Hold Arizona Republicans accountable for their abortion ban: Start with this map!
Democracy Labs – How to tell your friends about the horrors of Project 2025
Democracy Labs – He said what? AI analysis of Trump’s video on abortion bans and IVF
Democracy Labs – NATIONAL ABORTION BAN: Project 2025 Illustrated Guide For Trump
Democracy Labs – AI innovations in campaigns: RFK Jr.‘s Spoiler Role video admission
Democracy Labs – Connect the Dots: Russian Money, Trump Media, and MAGA blocking Ukraine Aid
Democracy Labs – Online petitions made easy for grassroots organizers
Democracy Labs – Cost of traveling out-of-state for an abortion calculator
Democracy Labs – What desperate politicians will do to stay out of jail
Democracy Labs – World Central Kitchen: Tribute Map
Democracy Labs – Are you taking all the benefits you’re entitled to?
Democracy Labs – Mapping Tragedy: Satellite Power Reveals Israeli World Central Kitchen Injustice
Democracy Labs – Who’s paying Trump’s bonds? Follow the money!
Democracy Labs – How does China control Trump? Follow the money!
Democracy Labs – Map of Republican racism starving HBCUs of funding
Democracy Labs – Search podcasts for when something was said with SayWhen.us
Democracy Labs – Ten Commandments: Trump Edition
Democracy Labs – Trump follows Dictator’s Playbook: Incite Violence. Kill Democracy.
Democracy Labs – ALABAMA ABORTION BAN Copies RUNAWAY SLAVE LAW
Democracy Labs – Media And Democracy Project: Mapping Your Local Journalist SuperHeroes
The right to protest is a central pillar of the First Amendment – a value that has shaped this country from the very beginning, and one that the ACLU will always defend.
Students have the right to advocate for the movements and causes they believe in. Recent protests on campuses across the country have sparked national attention – and even resulted in disturbing arrests of students and faculty speaking out about Palestine.
While private colleges and universities are not directly bound by the First Amendment, we’re calling on all schools to remain firm in their commitment to protecting student activism, free expression, and peaceful dissent on campus.
ACLU Supporter, students and faculty must be free to express their political opinions outside of the classroom without fear of disproportionate punishment or censure. Free expression cannot be sacrificed as a response to campus activism.
For over 100 years, the ACLU has fought for the right to free speech. We hope that colleges and universities will join us by not only encouraging but protecting free speech, debate, and dissent on their campuses.
– The ACLU Team
P.S. If you or someone you know is planning on protesting, know your rights. Screenshot and share our guide to students’ free speech on campus. (This link takes you to a third party website, instagram.com).
American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004, USA
On May 2, Emerge is launching National Women Talk Politics Day, and we want you to be a part of it!
Why May 2? It’s the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision leak, which overturned Roe v. Wade and stripped abortion rights away from millions of Americans.
On Women Talk Politics Day, women will come together on Instagram to flip the script and take over the conversation on the 2024 election by highlighting all of the issues that impact us and sharing why we are so motivated to vote this year.
Having your voice in this conversation matters. We’ve even created a way for you to make a personalized graphic. It’s never been more important to talk about politics with Election Day in November coming up hard and fast.
Sign up to join the conversation on Women Talk Politics Day on May 2!
– Emerge Comms Team
Empowering Democratic women to run – and win!
www.emergeamerica.org
4 Embarcadero Center
Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94111
United States
Here are some things MAGA leader Donald Trump has said about abortion:
- Trump believes abortion laws should be left to the states.
- He also says that the states should “do the right thing”– aka restrict abortion access.
- He took the opportunity to claim he was “proudly the person responsible” for overturning Roe v. Wade.
- In the past, Trump has called for a national 16-week ban, and in his current race for president he has not backed down from that call.
But no matter what he claims on his campaign trail, one thing we can be sure about. Trump will enforce a national abortion ban if he becomes President.
Abortion rights are on the ballot in November. Sign our petition today if you believe Donald Trump is a danger to our reproductive freedom.
Let’s protect our reproductive rights together,
Sandra Bishop
Chief Development Officer, Emerge
P.S. We’re actively recruiting and training Democratic women across the country to WIN in November. Contribute $10 or more today to show your support to Democratic women!
Empowering Democratic women to run – and win!
www.emergeamerica.org
4 Embarcadero Center
Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94111
United States
FEATHER IN THEIR CAP
When the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a strict $8 cap on credit card late fees, which will save consumers $10 billion a year, the big bank lobbying operation kicked into gear. The financial industry is a huge source of political donations, so no surprise that they were able to get some of their allies in Congress to push back against the cap, trumpeting some good old fashioned Corporate Bullshit about how reducing late fees will actually hurt people who pay late, and/or bring on a plague of locusts, etc., etc.
But of course, eliminating junk fees is wildly popular, with one poll finding support hitting 80% of the American people, including 72% of Republicans. And the $8 figure isn’t some made up number — it was calculated by the CFPB based on the actual financial cost incurred by credit card issuers when customers pay late. Now, if you’re a politician who’s opposed to a rational, thoughtful, popular policy, you think you’d at least have the wisdom to be quiet about it. But instead, a group of Congressional Republicans is pushing for a vote on the late fee cap, bizarrely seeking to have elected officials go on record about whether they support credit card companies’ ability to gouge customers out of billions of dollars. When this is who you are and what you stand for… why on earth wouldn’t you try to keep that quiet?
Make it make sense.
in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are set to vote this week on joining the United Auto Workers union, after organizing around issues including restrictive sick leave policies, mandatory overtime, and low pay. If they succeed, these workers would be the first at an auto plant in the US South to vote to unionize since the 1940s.
don’t believe they’ll ever own a home, a figure which is up sharply from last year, according to a Redfin survey. High mortgage rates, high home prices, and soaring rents have left aspiring homebuyers in a triple bind.
net interest income was booked by Wells Fargo this quarter, a decline they attributed to consumers seeking high-yield savings accounts instead of letting their money sit in checking or savings accounts. But don’t worry, they also saw their investment banking income almost double.
The rate of price increases has generally moderated over the past year or so, and most people’s wages have caught up. But there are a few items where prices continue to jump — including car insurance… which is 22% more expensive than it was last year.
It’s possible to offer reasonable-sounding reasons for the increase. For one, average car prices are up by $10,000 since before the pandemic — and used car prices have jumped too -—so the cost of replacing a vehicle is much higher than it used to be, and that’s a important factor for insurance companies. The cost to fix a car has also jumped, in part due to a strong labor market that left people with repair skills well-positioned to negotiate higher pay. Car crashes are becoming more frequent, too. But nonetheless, it’s still startling to see this plot of just how rapidly car insurance companies have raised their prices for what’s effectively a necessity, and tough to swallow that idea that isn’t just another example of corporate greedflation.
For all the constant political conversation about what should or should not be done to hold down the cost of Social Security, very little is ever discussed about the budgetary cost of subsidizing the retirement savings of higher-income people. In fact, as Benjamin Guggenheim details in a valuable Politico piece, you probably didn’t hear about the bill which recently passed Congress that increased the tax subsidy to IRAs and other private retirement savings accounts by $282 billion — because it passed very quietly, with very little opposition, thanks to a very well-funded push from the financial industry.
Guggenheim details at length how we got to this point, and what’s at stake when we talk (and don’t talk) about retirement benefits in this way. And what it all boils down to is that there’s no good reason why everyone in DC has an opinion about fixing Social Security, while hardly anyone seems to be even tracking the cost of providing tax breaks to wealthy people who can afford to put aside a half-million dollars a year for retirement.
What did you think? Choose a reaction:
Civic Action
119 1st Avenue South Suite 320
Seattle, WA 98014
United States
We know you know the impact of organizing women. Many people don’t. Every time we have an election, the world is looking at women as the group that needs to turn out, or, if things go wrong, the people who are to blame.
Organizing feminists is hard. Fundraising for feminist work is hard. Building a base is hard. We constantly have to make the argument that this work matters.
Except to you. We know you get it.
Every time we do an action, our fundraising dips. To launch our 2024 election defense program on time and at scale, we need to raise an additional $20,000 by April 30. You’re receiving this email because you’ve donated in the past, so we know you know how important our work is in this coming year. Will you sign up to give $20.24 to support the largest feminist basebuilder in the country?
In struggle,
Rachel O’Leary Carmona, Executive Director
| Women’s March is a 501c(4) organization. Your generous support helps us prepare for fights we see coming and those we don’t. Donations are not tax-deductible. If you prefer to make a tax-deductible gift, we encourage you to support the Women’s March Network. Gifts to the Network support our organizing, communications, advocacy, and public education efforts. |
This is Amanda, Senior Director of Programs at Women’s March.
Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear if states can deny pregnant women the emergency care they urgently need.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a nearly 40-year-old federal law guaranteeing everyone treatment for emergency medical conditions nationwide. But anti-abortion extremists want to exclude pregnant people from this protection, and force doctors to turn away patients suffering emergency pregnancy complications.
If the Supreme Court sides with extremists, it would mean excluding pregnant people from the right to treatment for emergency medical conditions. Anti-abortion extremists are using this case to make it easier to ban emergency abortion care nationwide.
In struggle,
Amanda Chávez Barnes
Senior Director of Programs, Women’s March
| Women’s March is a 501c(4) organization. Your generous support helps us prepare for fights we see coming and those we don’t. Donations are not tax-deductible. If you prefer to make a tax-deductible gift, we encourage you to support the Women’s March Network. Gifts to the Network support our organizing, communications, advocacy, and public education efforts. |
Just a friendly reminder that we’re two weeks away from this years 12th annual Alliance for Gun Responsibility Luncheon at The Westin Seattle on May 8th. We hope you’ve saved the date and are as excited as we are for this empowering event!
If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to secure your spot. Registration is still open, but spaces are filling up fast. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join fellow visionaries and support our mission to save lives and eliminate the harms caused by gun violence.
Can’t attend the luncheon? You can still make a difference by making a donation to support our mission. Your contribution will help us continue our efforts to prevent gun violence and save lives in every community through advocacy, education, and partnerships.
We look forward to seeing you at the luncheon and working together to make our communities safer for all.
Best regards,
Abdirahman (He/Him)
On Thursday, a lawyer for Donald Trump argued to the Supreme Court that the president could assassinate a political rival and be immune from prosecution.
That’s not even the most shocking part. No, the most shocking part is that the MAGA Supreme Court justices agreed with him.1
The court heard arguments as to whether Trump can be tried for attempting to overthrow the 2020 presidential election, and while it’s hard to be surprised by anything Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, or any of the other MAGA justices say, the comments coming from the bench were downright terrifying.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh said that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for breaking ANY law that doesn’t specifically mention “the president” in the statute. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and John Roberts tried to qualify Trump’s actions as “official” behavior. Justice Clarence Thomas sat in judgment of this case despite the fact that his wife participated in the insurrection. Justice Samuel Alito said that presidents must be immune from prosecution or else it would … *checks notes* … “destabilize our democracy”?!2
It’s obvious that this court is going to at least delay the Department of Justice’s January 6 trial against Trump until after the election, if not declare at least some of his actions immune. But more important: The Supreme Court has made it clear that if Donald Trump is reelected, they will give him legal cover to commit any act he wishes—the absolute nightmare scenario.
Our ONLY recourse to save the nation from a lawless Trump presidency is defeating him soundly at the ballot box. MoveOn has the plan in place to do just that—Robert Reich has said it, The New York Times has said it, years of experience and intensive research have said it! But as a grassroots organization, we can see this plan through to November only if our members step up, and we are worryingly behind in our fundraising goals right now.
When America was founded, the intention was to move away from the kings and despots of colonial Europe. Thomas Paine said that as America has no king, “In America, the rule of law is king.”3
The current Supreme Court majority seems poised to throw that 250-year-old ideal out the window.
And here are just some of the potential crimes against our democracy that Trump has said he wants to commit:
- Gut civil service positions in favor of political appointees to do his bidding. Trump already has a plan in place to replace thousands of agency employees with his own sycophants, ready to roll back civil rights and undo environmental protections.4
- Weaponize the FBI to jail his political opposition. As Trump recently said, “If I happen to be president and I see somebody who’s doing well and beating me very badly, I say, ‘Go down and indict them.’ They’d be out of business.”5
- Incite violence against anyone he deems a threat. Trump hasn’t just said he wants to do this; he has done it. As recently as this month, he has posted an image of President Biden hog-tied in the back of a pickup truck—a serious crime for anyone else.6
Kendall, this is exactly what fascism looks like. And the MAGA majority of the Supreme Court, perhaps our most important check on unfettered power, seems perfectly OK to let it happen.
We, the grassroots, are the last bastion standing between our democracy, our civil rights, the country we love—and Donald Trump. If you have been waiting to donate until it was “the right time,” believe us when we say, this is that moment.
Will you donate $9 to MoveOn’s election program and help defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA movement?
The race between Biden and Trump right now is statistically tied.7 Just as in 2020, battleground states will likely be decided by thousands of votes, not millions. The question is how we get the thousands of votes we need to win.
Obviously, Trump has voters behind him who do not care what crime he commits—they will vote for him anyway. We are not spending a dime trying to change their minds.
Instead, our $32 million election program is targeting the voters who came out in 2016 but have become disengaged since then. Interest in the presidential election is at a 20-year low, and it is critical that we reengage people with the democratic process and let them know what is at stake in November.8 As The New York Times says, these are the voters who will decide the election, if they turn out.9
Our Vote Mobilizer and education programs are reaching out to the 1.4 million “surge voters” in battleground states to take the Trump threat to our democracy out of the abstract and let them know exactly how our lives will change with a second Trump term. We are talking about bodily autonomy and abortion rights. We’re talking about climate disasters and clean drinking water. We’re talking about an economy that works for the 99% instead of just the 1%. But how many people we reach depends on you.
We need voters to understand these stakes before we deploy our vote tripling tactic, the get-out-the-vote method as much as five times more effective than other tactics. This is the plan that will stop Trump’s march to the White House—but we cannot wait until September to kick it into high gear. This plan must be funded now.
Thanks for all you do.
–Mohammad, Kelsey, Alexis, Emily, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. Post on X by Marc E. Elias, April 25, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189758?t=5&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
2. “Donald Trump had a fantastic day in the Supreme Court today,” Vox, April 25, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189759?t=7&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
3. “2.5 Primary Source: Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776),” National Constitution Center, accessed April 26, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189760?t=9&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
4. “A guide to Project 2025, the extreme right-wing agenda for the next Republican administration,” Media Matters for America, March 30, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189537?t=11&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
5. “Trump says on Univision he could weaponize FBI, DOJ against his enemies,” The Washington Post, November 10, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/189536?t=13&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
6. “Donald Trump May Have Just Committed a New Crime—Attorney,” Newsweek, April 1, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189761?t=15&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
7. “Biden gains on Trump in series of polls,” The Hill, April 25, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189762?t=17&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
8. “Poll: Election interest hits new low in tight Biden-Trump race,” NBC News, April 21, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189763?t=19&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
9. “They Could Decide the 2024 Election. If They Vote.” The New York Times Magazine, March 1, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/187753?t=21&akid=381912%2E37680734%2ExMMz4A
Want to support MoveOn’s work? The MAGA movement’s book bans have forced teachers and librarians across the country to remove books from their shelves and censor what young people can learn. MoveOn is fighting back, including by filling a “Banned Bookmobile” with books that the far right has banned and driving it to key cities and towns to raise the visibility of book bans, hand out banned books for free, and bring people together to stop censorship. To keep up the fight against book bans and the MAGA politicians who support them, we need your help.
Will you make a gift to power MoveOn’s critical work?
MOVEON POLITICAL ACTION, https://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. MoveOn Political Action – PO Box 96142, Washington, D.C. 20090-6142.
We have some exciting news! MoveOn has been selected as a finalist at the 16th Annual Shorty Awards for our work with LeVar Burton to combat book bans!
Will you cast your vote for Artists Against Book Bans to help build more public pressure on Republicans to stop their oppressive bans?
You likely recall that last summer MoveOn members across the country joined forces to fight back against regressive book bans, through our Banned Bookmobile tour, our Artists Against Book Bans open letter, and the smash hit “LeVar Burton Says Read Banned Books” retro T-shirt.
Now, that campaign is on the verge of winning a Shorty Award! This award would give more recognition to the power of MoveOn members to create change in our communities, as well as the power of cultural organizing to reach massive audiences. Through this campaign, MoveOn was able to engage thousands of people across the country and show everyone that there is a place with honor and dignity for them, no matter what MAGA elected officials say.
Cast your vote for Artists Against Book Bans here!
The Shorty Awards honor the most innovative work in digital and social media by brands, agencies, and organizations. Prior winners include Malala Yousafzai, Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Conan O’Brien, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and many major brands, such as Marvel Studios, HBO, Red Bull, and BMW. MoveOn is constantly aiming to be on the cutting edge of digital tactics since we pioneered digital petitions at our founding in 1998 and continued with the development of using grassroots donations and the Spoke open-source peer-to-peer texting tool. We’ve even won a Shorty Award in the past, for “Guilty Pleasures,” the only ice cream truck defending the independent investigation by Robert Mueller into Trump’s ties to Russian attacks on our democracy in 2018.
There are two ways to win: through a panel of industry judges and the voting public. That’s where you come in! You can vote for the Artists Against Book Bans campaign every day, now through April 30!
Vote every day through April 30 for Artists Against Book Bans!
Through this campaign, we were able to engage nearly 200 high-profile celebrities and influencers, such as Ariana Grande, Amanda Gorman, Rosario Dawson, Bill Nye, Margaret Atwood, Mark Ruffalo, Idina Menzel, Emma Roberts, Gloria Steinem, Billy Porter, W. Kamau Bell, Kerry Washington, Judy Blume, Roxane Gay, Alok, and more. And even more exciting, the “LeVar Burton Says Read Banned Books T-shirt” (you can still get yours!) is MoveOn’s most popular T-shirt of all time!
Our work is powered by you and other MoveOn members across the country, and because of you we’ve been able to show up to fight censorship and book bans around the country. This nomination is a recognition of our work together—which we must keep up!
It’s incredibly exciting to be a finalist, and we’d greatly appreciate your support while voting remains open through April 30!
Place your vote here!
Thanks for all you do.
–Mona, Jordan, Emily, Elizabeth, and the rest of the team
Want to support MoveOn’s work? The MAGA movement’s book bans have forced teachers and librarians across the country to remove books from their shelves and censor what young people can learn. MoveOn is fighting back, including by filling a “Banned Bookmobile” with books that the far right has banned and driving it to key cities and towns to raise the visibility of book bans, hand out banned books for free, and bring people together to stop censorship. To keep up the fight against book bans and the MAGA politicians who support them, we need your help.
Will you start a monthly gift to power and sustain MoveOn’s critical work?
No, I’m sorry, I can’t make a monthly donation.
MOVEON POLITICAL ACTION, https://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. MoveOn Political Action – PO Box 96142, Washington, D.C. 20090-6142.
April 25, 2024
In this issue:
- In WA and beyond, a child care crisis is holding parents back
- The myth of the mobile millionaire
- Why there’s more work to do to make Washington’s tax code and budget more equitable
- Nobody “earns” a billion dollars. We need a wealth tax
- World leaders have a chance to raise taxes for rich people like me. I’m begging them to take it
Are you an early endorser of the No I-2109 campaign? It’s not too late to join hundreds of people, small businesses, and organizations like the Washington State Parent Ambassadors, Children’s Alliance, Save the Children Action, and MomsRising in signing your name now.
Parents, children’s organizations, teachers, and many more are opposing I-2109, the mega-millionaire tax break, because it will take billions (more than $5 billion over 6 years!) from Washington’s childcare, schools, and early learning programs.
And as this week’s Seattle Times reports, Washington’s child care crisis is holding parents back, causing economic pain for families and for businesses who need a stable, dependable workforce.
I-2109 will make our child care crisis even worse by taking away billions dedicated to making childcare more affordable and more accessible – and giving it to Washington’s mega-millionaires and billionaires.
Be an early endorser: add your name, your small business, or your group to the growing list of I-2109 opposers today.
– Treasure
IN WA AND BEYOND, A CHILD CARE CRISIS
IS HOLDING PARENTS BACK
“Slemp expected to return to work after having her son in August. But then she and her husband started looking for child care — and doing the math. Even the least expensive option still ate up most of Slemp’s salary. But between her and her husband, they earned too much to qualify for government help.
I really didn’t want to quit my job, she says, but she felt like she had no choice. I have to just keep telling myself, I’m a stay-at-home mom now. Now, they’re struggling to pay their bills on a single income.
The dilemma is common throughout Washington and the U.S., where high-quality child care programs can be prohibitively expensive, government assistance is limited and day care openings are sometimes hard to find at all. In 2022, more than 1 in 10 young children had a parent who had to quit, turn down or drastically change a job in the previous year because of child care problems.
And that burden falls most on mothers, who shoulder more child-rearing responsibilities and are far more likely to leave a job to care for kids. For mothers without college degrees, a day without work is often a day without pay; they are less likely to have paid leave. The stay-at-home moms in this country are disproportionately mothers who’ve been pushed out of the workforce because they don’t make enough to make it work financially to pay for child care.”
More – Daniel Beekman, Moriah Balingit, & Sharon Lurye, Seattle Times
THE MYTH OF THE MOBILE MILLIONAIRE
“State tax codes, which bring in about one-third of U.S. tax revenue, on average shift money from poorer households to richer ones. According to a recent report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, forty-four states’ tax systems exacerbate income inequality, with the poorest 20 percent of households paying the highest effective tax rates.
Things don’t have to be this way. The notion that rich taxpayers will flee if the state comes for their money is mostly fiction. The most obvious clue comes from the existence of the small number of states, including California, New Jersey, Minnesota, and New York, that buck the overall trend by taxing rich people at higher rates. If the conventional wisdom were accurate, you would expect those states to be devoid of wealthy people. Instead, they are among the richest in the country.
A number of international studies from the past decade further undermine the idea of millionaire flight. In 2011, for example, Spain reintroduced its wealth tax. Crucially, the exact rate varied from place to place within Spain, and the government raised $19 in new revenue for every dollar lost to relocations. A study of the Swiss wealth tax and studies of Scandinavian wealth taxes found broadly similar results.
In this regard, Europe and America don’t appear to be too different. An analysis of confidential IRS data on earnings and relocations reported that millionaires are not very mobile and actually have lower migration rates than the general population. Researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found that, much as in Spain, relocations sapped only about a nickel out of each new dollar in revenues from the 2010 California tax increase.”
More – Brian Galle, The Atlantic
WHY THERE’S MORE WORK TO DO TO MAKE WA’S TAX CODE & BUDGET MORE EQUITABLE
“When it comes to tax justice, it has also been powerful to see the progress we’ve made in our state in the past few years. For example, the new capital gains excise tax brought in almost $1 billion in its first year – simply by ensuring the ultra-wealthy pay what they owe – to support schools, child care, and early learning initiatives. Washington needs these kinds of progressive revenue solutions to ensure we can pay for schools, affordable housing, and other supports that help our communities thrive.
Three initiatives coming before voters this November threaten the progress we’ve already made. These measures could overturn the payroll tax that funds the state’s long-term care insurance benefit; remove $1 billion annually from schools and early learning by overturning the capital gains tax on the uber-rich; and undo the Climate Commitment Act, which supports efforts to curb air and water pollution and helps fund programs like public transportation and programs that make homes more energy efficient.
Children and people who are aging or who have a disability need the funding provided by the capital gains tax and the long-term care benefit. And programs designed to protect our environment will ensure a healthier future for everyone. We all need to keep working for a more equitable tax code that raises the revenue to fund these critical services, and we need to ensure the state doesn’t go backward in areas where we’ve made progress.”
More – Preston Parish, Washington State Standard
NOBODY ‘EARNS’ A BILLION DOLLARS.
WE NEED A WEALTH TAX
“It’s simply not possible to make that much money by working for it, no matter how hard you work or how smart you are. So we have to ask, where does this enormous wealth come from?
One way is by outright plunder: taking money and resources from other people, either by naked expropriation or monopolization or grand corruption. The second is by inheritance. The third way is through the income spun off by wealth itself — profits, dividends, interest, rents, capital gains — what economists call returns to capital as opposed to returns to labor.
The real problem is not that wealth grows over time. It’s that so few people have so much of it, while so many people have so little. The toxic concentration of wealth in the U.S. and many other countries is a political problem too. Disproportionate wealth translates into disproportionate political power.
As inequality widens, the ultra-rich become more able and willing to elevate their own self-interest above the public interest. One obvious way they do so is by cutting their own taxes while increasing taxes (and cutting benefits) for everyone else.”
More – C.J. Polychroniou & James Boyce, Truthout
WORLD LEADERS HAVE A CHANCE TO RAISE TAXES FOR RICH PEOPLE LIKE ME. I’M BEGGING THEM TO TAKE IT
“The public supports it, and even the rich are calling for it. We must prevent a deeper slide into global inequality. The need to tax rich people like me has never been so dire. Extreme wealth concentration in the hands of a few oligarchs is a threat to democracy the world over.
This week, finance ministers and central-bank governors from G20 countries will meet in Washington DC at the spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They will have a chance to commit to raising the taxes of wealthy people.
Movement in the G20 to tackle this issue is a small sign of progress. But for nearly two decades, I have been calling on the US to raise my and other wealthy Americans’ taxes. So what is getting in the way? It can’t be a lack of public support. Between 2017 and 2022, public polls in all G20 countries indicated strong backing for reducing inequality and raising taxes on the rich. A 2023 survey found that even millionaires in G20 countries are supportive of raising taxes.
We are making progress. But the work has just begun. The spring meetings provide an opportunity for the G20 nations generally, and the US specifically, to strengthen their resolve to save the planet and safeguard our democracies. The first step in doing so involves taxing the rich.”
More – Abigail Disney, The Guardian
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Dems 101 – March 2024 Newsletter – BUILDING A COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY COALITION (Part 2)
Dems 101 – February 2024 Newsletter – BUILDING A COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY COALITION
Just over 48 hours ago, we launched our campaign with an unprecedented statewide coalition of over 100 Washington companies, environmental leaders, Tribal nations, labor unions, and community organizations across the state. Click here to join this coalition by pledging to vote NO on 2117 today.
The total amount raised or pledged to defeat I-2117 now exceeds $11 million, including new contributions and pledges since April 1 totaling $5.5 million from Amazon, bp America, Microsoft, Steve and Connie Ballmer, The Nature Conservancy, and others. To date, the No on 2117 campaign also has over 1,300 grassroots donors, and 95 percent of donations to No on 2117 are $100 or less.
Check out (and share!) our new video featuring voices from across the state who oppose I-2117 and the costs it would have on workers, families, and communities:
Please share our posts featuring the video — and follow us — on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We’ve been excited to see strong engagement on our social media platforms, including nearly 10,000 views of our launch video across platforms.
You can find a version of our video with Spanish subtitles here for distribution, and you can find more resources on our new website, www.no2117.com.
We also received some great news coverage, which I’ve included below. Feel free to share these stories as well!
And so begins our campaign to safeguard Washington’s future and defeat I-2117.
Wellesley
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“Some of the more surprising funders of the campaign to preserve the state regulatory scheme include companies with a carbon impact like Amazon, Microsoft, and the oil company BP, which operates the largest refinery in the Northwest at Cherry Point, north of Bellingham….BP’s involvement was surprising because the company spent millions of dollars to defeat a similar carbon-pricing system that went before voters six years ago.”
“More than 100 companies, tribal groups, union organizations, environmental nonprofits and political groups are backing a campaign to defeat a November ballot initiative that would scuttle Washington state’s most impactful climate policy. Amazon, Microsoft, REI, BP America, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Clean Tech Alliance, as well as climate startups including First Mode, Myno Carbon, and multiple solar companies are all supporting No on 2117.”
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce: “Chamber Supports Maintaining the Climate Commitment Act”
“If I-2117 passes, the financial impact to businesses and our communities would be significant because the Climate Commitment Act provides crucial revenue for the state’s transportation system, including highways, bridges, roads, ferry and transit infrastructure.”
E&E News: “Why BP and Amazon want to save Washington state’s carbon market”
“Some of the biggest names in business — including a major oil company — lined up Wednesday to support Washington state’s new carbon market…The three companies joined environmental and community groups in donating campaign money to fight Initiative 2117 on Washington state’s November’s ballot.”
“If the initiative passes, “we’re going to slam the brakes on all of this accelerated investment in clean energy and technology innovation,” said Michael Mann, executive director of Clean and Prosperous Washington…Almost $2 billion of the proceeds are earmarked for specific climate initiatives, including roughly one-third of the amount designated for communities and tribes hardest hit by the impacts of climate change. The funds are also covering a significant share of the state’s transportation infrastructure projects. And the auctions pay for programs that directly and indirectly benefit the tech sector, supporting job creation and climate tech companies working on decarbonization.
Huge news – we just officially launched our campaign to vote NO on 2117 and defend our landmark climate law!
What would Washington face if I-2117 were to pass? It would allow more pollution and shift the burden of paying for the impacts of pollution onto communities, workers, and families.
And it would cut funding for:
- Investments in clean air and water, like programs to reduce toxic air and water pollution that endangers our families and communities.
- Current programs that lower costs for Washingtonians, like utility bill discounts for households with low incomes.
- Preventing wildfires, including funding for local governments to prepare against fires.
- Transportation programs, putting transit service, ferries, and road projects across Washington at risk and making traffic worse.
- Support for Tribal nations, like programs to help keep Native communities safe from flooding and sea level rise.
- Investments in farmland, farmers, and ranchers, like grants that support farmers’ and ranchers’ sustainable practices.
- Fish habitat and salmon recovery, like grants to remove barriers that hurt migrating salmon.
I-2117 will cost us our clean land, air, and water, and rob us of the better future we are making for generations to come. We can’t let one right-wing millionaire reverse the climate progress we’ve worked for.
Let’s do this!
NO on 2117
New GOTV volunteer opportunities!
Our intrepid researchers have identified new writing opportunities:
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Newest opportunities: Montana – Blue Wave – writing postcards to encourage registration of voters in Montana
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Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania – Field Team 6 –
writing postcards to encourage registrations of voters
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Arizona, and Nevada – Vote Forward
writing letters to encourage young citizens (18-35 year olds) and Democratic-leaning voters to
turn out in the 2024 election. also available are Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania letter-writing
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These opportunities are still available:
Arizona, with Activate America and Grassroots Dems – Supporting Gallego for Senate, Engel for Congress,
and supporting Reproductive Freedom
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California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania with Grassroots Dems and Activate America – Re-elect Jacky Rosen to hold the US Senate,
re-elect Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, Susie Lee to help flip the US House of Representatives
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Pennsylvania with Activate America – Encourage primary voting in this most critical swing state
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Find all GOTV opportunities on the Indivisible Vashon Get Out The VOTE volunteer opportunities matrix HERE.
Green cells in the “Goals” section indicate which states will make a difference achieving that goal.
Each green cell in the Writing, Phone Banking and Voter Registration sections indicate which organization is hosting opportunities.
Just click on the organization name to see what they’re offering!
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Thank You for helping build a strong and vibrant democracy!
Good of the Order
BCDCC Officers and Subcommittee Chairs for 2023-2024
The Benton County Democratic Central Committee is searching for a Newsletter editor, if you’re interested please check out information here: https://www.bencodems.org/newsletter-editor/