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
Come meet an assortment of statewide candidates running this year.
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
We sincerely thank you for your help and support.
By now you’ve heard that the Arizona Supreme Court has upheld a pre-statehood law from more than 100 years ago which makes abortion illegal in nearly all circumstances.
This decision is disastrous, and it will jeopardize the health and lives of Arizonans.
Ben, every time a conservative-led court or state government enacts abortion restrictions or a ban, it becomes more dangerous to access reproductive care in our country.
This isn’t how health care should work.
What we’re seeing in Arizona is another example of extremist conservatives doing everything in their power to dismantle abortion rights. They won’t stop until they achieve a nationwide ban.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I have worked with my Democratic colleagues to introduce legislation to mitigate the impact of these dangerous changes on reproductive care. From shielding health care providers to protecting personal reproductive health data to fighting for access to medication abortion – I am not backing down.
This is the fight of our generation. We can’t lose.
Thank you for always standing with me on this –
Maria
Friends of Maria
PO Box 12740
Seattle, WA 98111
United States
Thank you so much for all of your support during our FEC fundraising push. Your contributions will help me and my team tackle whatever this year has in store.
From reproductive rights, to combating climate change, gun violence prevention, and more, I remain committed to fighting for Washington in the Senate – and your support makes it possible.
We have a lot of work ahead of us this year. It’s going to take everything we’ve got to win this race, keep the Senate blue, and defend our progress. But with a team like this, I’m confident that we can take on any challenge that comes our way.
Thank you once again for your generous support, and let’s keep fighting the good fight.
– Maria
Friends of Maria
PO Box 12740
Seattle, WA 98111
United States
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
FIRST: Yesterday, a Cowlitz County Superior Court judge ruled that Washington’s public safety law to ban the sale of high capacity magazines is unconstitutional.
THEN: We immediately filed an emergency motion to the State Supreme Court to keep this life-saving law in effect. Good news! The court granted our request so the law will stay in place while our case proceeds.
NOW: I will continue to defend this public safety law in court. Banning the sale of high-capacity magazines is essential to addressing mass shootings in our communities. Courts across the country agree — it is also constitutional.
Matt, I won’t stop fighting to stop gun violence and protect our communities — no matter how much it angers the gun lobby. But the harder we fight back, the more determined they’ll be to outspend our campaign for Governor. The gun lobby has an ally in our opponent, anti-choice Republican Dave Reichert. Reichert opposes the bans on the sale of high capacity magazines and assault weapons.
The story of this law begins in 2016, when a gunman opened fire at a house party of young people in Mukilteo. Using a military-style assault rifle and a high-capacity magazine, the shooter took the lives of three individuals and injured others.
I met with parents impacted by this tragedy and promised I would do everything I could to honor their loved ones with meaningful gun safety reform.
I proposed two bills: a ban on the sale of assault weapons and a ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines. These proposals went nowhere for years—but we did not quit. We persisted until these bills finally became law over the last two legislative sessions.
The sale of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and assault weapons are banned in Washington state — and we’re going to keep it that way.
We will defend the law against every court challenge. We will keep our communities safe, no matter what it takes.
Thank you,
Bob Ferguson
Email us: info@electbobferguson.com
BOB FERGUSON FOR GOVERNOR (D) PO Box 22169 Seattle, WA 98122
With less than four months to go until Nick’s primary election, we have four reasons why he’s the clear choice to be Washington’s next Attorney General:
1. With Trump as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, we need an Attorney General who will fearlessly defend human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Washingtonians. Nick will be that advocate, just as he was when he stood up to Trump’s Muslim ban as Gov. Jay Inslee’s general counsel.
2. Nick is dedicated to reaching, educating, and mobilizing Washington voters in all 39 counties ahead of August 6th’s Primary Election Day. He is leading a values-centered, people-powered campaign.
3. Nick would be the first Black statewide executive branch elected official in Washington state, bringing forth a unique and needed perspective to our diverse state.
4. Nick’s career of service speaks for itself. As a JAG Corps attorney in the U.S. Army, general counsel to Gov. Jay Inslee, and a U.S. Attorney for Western Washington appointed by President Biden, Nick is the most experienced candidate in this race.
Thanks for everything!
— Team Nick
Nick Brown for Attorney General
401 2nd Ave S STE 303
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
I’m running for Attorney General to create a better and safer Washington.
Every Washingtonian, no matter their background, has the right to be safe — from gun violence, from the dangers of drugs like fentanyl, and from discrimination. If you agree, then please chip in whatever you can to help me get to the AG’s office to fight to keep you and your family safe.
For my whole career, I’ve fought for public safety. I know what it takes to keep our communities safe, while also building a more just legal system.
As U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, I successfully prosecuted traffickers profiting from the addiction pandemic that rips our communities apart. I also worked to prosecute multiple cases of violent extremist-motivated hate crimes.
On day one in the Office of the Attorney General, I will be committed to building safer communities throughout our state. It won’t be easy to prevent and address crime, but as Attorney General, I will address the root causes of what drives people to crime in the first place and invest in the foundations of what makes safety sustainable.
Ensuring we make our vision for a better and safer future a reality starts with having the grassroots support we need to win, so that’s why I have to ask >>
Thank you for joining me in fighting the good fight!
Nick
Nick Brown for Attorney General
401 2nd Ave S STE 303
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
By Steve Hobbs
Special to The Seattle Times
In 2023, Dayton Memorial Library in Columbia County was on the verge of becoming the first library in the nation to dissolve due to aggravated community members calling books authored by LGBTQ + individuals “obscene” and “upsetting.”
For many residents across the state, local libraries serve as places of learning, after-school hangouts, community meetings, a resource for free technology access or shelter from the weather. But as treasured as these cornerstones of Washington communities might be, some of the residents who rely most upon them found that they were virtually powerless when a handful of activists made a political attack on the library’s very existence.
That’s why I’m grateful that the Legislature and Gov. Jay Inslee have enacted Senate Bill 5824, which empowers more people to participate in the governance of the libraries in their own communities.
Under a law that had not been updated in more than 40 years, not every library patron could have a say if their library remains open, even if their taxes fund the library. If an aggrieved constituent could collect 100 taxpayer signatures — or 10% of jurisdiction voters — on a petition, they could create a ballot measure to dissolve that library, and only voters who reside in unincorporated areas of the jurisdiction could participate. Senate Bill 5824 increases the petitioning threshold to 25% of eligible taxpayers in the district and expands voting eligibility to include all qualified library district residents.
We continue to monitor threats to library service throughout the state, including book bans and reshelving requests. Rural libraries, especially, were at risk of dissolving because in a district with a small population, it would have taken only a few activists to meet the qualifying threshold.
Washington’s 60 public library systems have at least 349 branches, including Dayton Library, and 24 bookmobiles providing free collections, Wi-Fi, and programs to every county in the state. In 2022, the state’s public libraries received more than 17 million visits. Patrons checked out materials more than 73 million times and attended more than 37,000 library programs. They used nearly 6,000 free public computers more than 2 million times and free public Wi-Fi more than 8 million times.
I am proud that SB 5824 will protect libraries as critical resources for their communities. Furthermore, election laws should serve every eligible community member equally so each voice can be heard.
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 –
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
Friends –
It’s with so much gratitude to you — my community, supporters, family, friends, and team — that I am suspending my campaign to become Washington State’s next Commissioner of Public Lands (CPL).
I decided to run for CPL because I care so deeply about this beautiful place I get to call home. I believe that our greatest resources are the people of Washington. I was called and recruited by environmentalists who know me and know my work — which held the “grand bargain” together in the state senate and gave Washington the Climate Commitment Act, the Healthy Environment for All Act, the Clean Fuels policy, Move Ahead Washington and revenue to support natural climate solutions and clean energy investments.
I know that when we center racial, social, environmental, and economic justice and create organized space for the voices of historically and presently excluded communities — we can find innovative solutions that expand what is possible for all of us. I want to uplift endorsements from organizations and labor unions that truly act on their values, including the Latino Victory Fund, Progreso: Latino Progress, Washington CAN, OneAmerica Votes, Washington Machinists Council, and Win With Women. I wholly believe I am still the best candidate in the CPL race to take on the Republican candidate, win, and govern for long-term success. However, I had cancer, underwent six months of chemotherapy while serving all Washingtonians in the state legislature, and faced a three-month fundraising freeze. These hurdles impacted our campaign in finances only. I’ve never felt stronger or more clear-headed about my priorities and mission. At the end of the day, money in the hands of too few people continues to undermine representative democracy in Washington.
It doesn’t matter who is the next CPL: If we don’t beat the initiatives on the ballot, we won’t have the revenue to fight climate change with natural climate solutions. Motivating people to participate in an unraveling democracy that continues to overlook people of color, Tribal Nations, and other overburdened communities in favor of the status quo is a tall ask. People’s livelihoods depend on us taking bold, fearless action; and it’s discouraging that despite our work, we have to fight twice as hard and still not get the support our communities need in the face of a climate crisis. So, I will be the leader who will put my ego aside to focus on what I believe is most important right now:
- My health and well-being: giving my body the time to celebrate and recover from overcoming cancer and completing chemo;
- Leading the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus Kennedy Fund and partnering to defend voting rights and a truly representative democracy;
- Defeating the initiatives — with No’s on I-2109, I-2117, and I-2124 — and being part of the state legislature that will hold the next CPL, corporations, and big timber accountable.
What I’ve heard from campaigning across the state is people are frustrated. Frustrated by the lack of investments in community organizations doing wildfire resilience and preparedness work as we face worsening wildfires; by not having access to clean groundwater as communities across Yakima County continue to have water contaminated by “forever chemicals”; by a lack of support in the office of Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which has found themselves beholden to big monied interests; and so much more. The work ahead of us all is intersectional, and DNR needs a leader who can take on those challenges with integrity.
Whoever is elected to the office of CPL needs to
- Elevate the Environmental Justice Director and Tribal Relations Director to the executive level to successfully exert their full authority to manage our natural resources for the public benefit of all Washingtonians;
- Run a campaign centered in community and putting resources back into community, so CPL has more accountability to people who work the land and build the public support necessary to resist and stand up to big timber;
- Run a campaign that does not take immigrants, Tribal Nations, Eastern Washington, and Central Washington communities for granted;
- Run a campaign that inspires people to vote no on the initiatives and yes for a future that includes them;
- Remove barriers to grants, including the application process, delays, and unreasonable expectations of small community organizations;
- Be a collaborative leader who will partner with other state agencies, and not be an impediment to climate-based science and common sense implementation.
The future of our state’s natural resources has national and global impacts. Out-of-control wildfires, heat waves, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic have reminded us all that every one of us depends on each other and Mother Earth. Modernizing and right-sizing our relationship with one another and our land is essential to strengthen and preserve our natural resources and environment for the wealth, health, and well-being of Washingtonians today and for the generations to come.
I will continue to take my work to the next level to have a bigger impact on building an environmental justice-centered, clean-fueled, and fairer economy that supports healthy communities, including holding the next CPL accountable. I will strengthen my rootedness in community by connecting deeper with Tribal Nations, people across our state, and Washington’s beautiful lands, forests, and waters. These times require a theologian turned organizer, an intuitive person, a community builder, and someone who will listen and advocate for the needs of all Washingtonians; I will continue to be that leader.
Adelante,
Team Rebecca Saldaña (D)
PO Box 20776
Seattle, WA 98102
United States
Did you catch the latest news impacting our race? Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court denied an attempt to stay the U.S. District Court’s ruling regarding the Voting Rights Act lawsuit in Central Washington. This means that the judge’s initial ruling remains intact, and we are officially adopting the new map heading into this year’s election.
Click here to read more about the Supreme Court’s decision
This is huge for our campaign as we continue building momentum in what has already been a very eventful couple of months. However, it is also a reminder that winning this race will be no easy task. Republicans had their first attempt against our campaign struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, but it is a sign of things to come. It will take all of us to be successful come November, so I urge you to join our campaign early on!
Here are a couple of ways you can help today:
- Contribute $14, $50, $100, or any amount meaningful to you. Our early fundraising success is critical to our campaign’s success.
- Volunteer – I am ready to start hitting doors as soon as possible, and I would love to count on your support as our campaign launches our efforts to connect with voters face-to-face.
- Follow along on social media: Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you so much for your support!
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
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
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 April Policy Briefing
| Policy Briefing 6:30 pm Thursday 18 April Wood Pellet Production in Longview Jessica Marcus, Head of Public Affairs, DRAX https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85907982157?pwd=MU4vV3E3VGZ5VU02dnhvZjg2b3hKZz09 Paste link into browser. |
| Life is Complicated “Our city is honored to welcome [“X”] to be a part of the community here in Southwest Washington,” said MaryAlice Wallis, Mayor of Longview. “I believe that [“X”] fits what Longview’s founder Robert A. Long envisioned 100 years ago by supporting economic growth and adding nearly 40 new jobs, and attracting innovative businesses that accelerate our carbon reduction and renewable energy goals. Our community looks forward to celebrating our alliance with [“X”] for years to come.” So, what is “X”? It is not DRAX and wood pellet production. It is Enbridge/Divert, a company that converts food waste to renewable natural gas: “Natural gas, mostly made up of methane, still comes with some concerns around public health and can contribute to climate change if it leaks, but the anaerobic digestion process eliminates the health concerns that come with the methane extraction process, namely fracking.” Both processes convert waste products into products that displace fossil fuels. A difference is that Divert is endorsed by state law and welcomed by the community. The other, DRAX, is tied up in controversy. Longview’s consideration of wood pellet production touches philosophy (is a standing tree just a fossil fuel in becoming?); science (what is the consequence for climate change of cycling wood waste into fuel?); engineering (how do you scale production capacity to match resource supply?); finance (can you make money doing it?); industrial policy (how do you create jobs and incomes in resource-rich but poor regions?); regional policy (how do you help local economies without undue compromise of environmental values?). This is just a teaser. Come Thursday with your own questions. Play with some conclusions, tentative of course.. Don 16 April 2024 |
| Stewardship – What does it mean on the ground? Southwest Washington may feel it gets picked on. Just like eastern Washington. Both enjoy exceptional natural resources. SW Washington has forests – almost all privately owned – and ports on the Lower Columbia with unmatched access to the Asian markets. Eastern Washington has wind, sun, and cheap real estate. The question in common is how to reconcile exploitation of our renewable resources without sacrificing our natural resources. One difference is that SW Washington weighs jobs against natural resource values. Eastern Washington has not yet made the connection between renewable energy investment and local economic benefits. Still, stewardship of natural resources is the question. What does stewardship really look like when economic livelihoods are at stake? Thursday, we take up the proposal to substitute wood pellets for coal as fuel to generate electrical power. The location is Longview. The company is DRAX. The customers are off-shore. The issues are credibility that only waste wood – not standing timber – will be used. An issue is whether even if waste wood is used exclusively, does burning wood pellets qualify as carbon neutral? An issue is how to manage SW Washington’s forests responsibly to create jobs for wage-earners and their families. An issue is local judgment in weighing nature and jobs versus dictates from Olympia or Seattle. Our guest is Jessica Marcus who graciously has offered to present the case for the project. We will learn about the Longview project, of course, but the issues go beyond Longview and affect us all. Don 12 April 2024 |
| Policy Briefing: Wood Pellet Processing – Sustainable? Southwest Washington is debating an economic development project, again. This time it is a wood pellet production facility. Before that was NW Innovation Works which was to convert fracked natural gas to produce methanol and ship it to China for plastics. The governor vetoed it. Actually, it was Ecology who denied the permits. Before that it was Millennium Bulk Terminals trying to ship coal out of Longview. It, too, failed to get Ecology approval. Will this time go better for the workers and economies of Cowlitz County? Wood pellets as a fuel has its own challenges. Skeptics pose whether burning wood pellets is really carbon neutral as advertised. There are questions, too, about whether there is enough waste wood to supply the proposed plant without harvesting standing timber. DRAX is the proposer. DRAX is rooted in the UK’s coal industry but DRAX is also a leader in the phase out of coal. “In 2003, the UK’s biggest coal power station took its first steps away from the fossil fuel which defined electricity generation for more than a century. It was in that year that Drax Power Station began co-firing biomass as a renewable alternative to coal.” DRAX is an international pioneer in substituting biomass for coal. Cowlitz County is in good company, even if it is not really comfortable. Europe is tied up in knots about biomass. Listen to EU’s green energy spokesperson: “[Franz] Timmermans himself has said that without biomass the EU will be unable to achieve its clean energy goals. ‘We need biomass in the mix, but we need the right biomass . . .’” Sweden, Finland, and Estonia are less conflicted. They lobby that biomass combustion is “sustainable”. Jessica Marcus has generously offered to talk with us about her company’s proposal. There is no question that the DRAX proposal is controversial. This is an opportunity to talk with an advocate. Don 31 March 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
Ag and Rural Caucus April Follow-up
| Follow up to Thursday’s Better Practices Session on Ranked Choice Voting Kari Bull, FairVote WA, responded to a question last Thursday about RCV and electronic voting Kamori Cattadoris asked how ballots were counted, if it was done electronically, and if there were concerns about this. Paper ballots are counted electronically, just as they are now. As they are now, ballots are scanned to record the number of votes received. Then, first choice votes are counted first to see if there is a clear majority. If there is not, a second, third, etc, tabulation would be conducted. The process would be experienced almost identically here in Washington as it already is. E.g. Some races, we know who the winner is on election night. Other races, we wait a few days. There haven’t been concerns using electronic counting methods because we still do have the paper ballots that can be audited or recounted if needed. It has proven to be safe and secure. This is the link to the recording of the meeting: Don 9 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
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 —
Today, we’re excited to share with you that we’ve added brand new products to the Democratic Trailblazers collection featuring Congressman John Lewis.
It’s impossible to summarize Congressman Lewis’s legacy, but here are some of the ways he blazed trails for our Party and this country:
- He championed civil rights as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (which he helped found on this day in 1960!).
- He led the March on Selma, bravely crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday.
- He served as a U.S. representative for more than 30 years, earning himself the nickname “the conscience of Congress.”
Your purchase supports the next generation of trailblazing Democrats up and down the ballot fighting to protect and build upon John Lewis’s legacy.
Thank you,
❤️Emma
Merchandise Director
Democratic National Committee
DNC Best Practices Institute
Tri-City Democrats
Winter Social
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, April 18 | Noon - 1 PM
Table Talk to Follow
BADGER FORUM: Understanding LIGO* Hanford
*Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory
Let’s just say it wasn’t our favorite legislative session ever. Lawmakers were very cautious this year, especially compared to the 2023 legislative session, where they passed sweeping reforms to ban assault weapons, build middle housing, and kick Tim Eyman’s rigged and senseless advisory votes off our ballots.
The Legislature is usually less ambitious in a short session, with less time to resolve issues, less budget flexibility, and most legislators eyeing fall campaigns. While legislators largely failed to pass the most impactful progressive legislation, there were plenty of smaller successes and signs of future opportunities for the bills we supported this year. On the positive side, they launched the transition to electric school buses, expanded access to basic health care for undocumented immigrants, tightened gun rules for public spaces, and banned the mandatory anti-union meetings that employers often use to fight union organizing drives.
We want to thank every one of you who took action. Whether you donated, signed in for a committee hearing, or sent your representatives emails urging their support, we’re grateful for your efforts in making Washington state one of the most equitable and progressive places to live in the country.
Here’s our summary of some of the top issues in Olympia this year:
Senate drops the ball on housing
After last year’s successful session addressing key issues of housing supply and homeownership, we were hopeful that the Legislature would pick up where they left off on protecting families from becoming homeless. Despite some truly heroic efforts by Rep. Emily Alvarado and Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, the rent stabilization legislation did not pass. Opposition in the state Senate, particularly among Senators Annette Cleveland and Mark Mullet, means that renters still have no protections against price gouging. Our neighbors deserve to have a roof over their heads and we’ll be back in 2025 to demand that the Legislature do more to protect renters and ensure people can stay in their homes.
We’re also very disappointed that the Legislature failed to pass The Affordable Homes Act, which would have created the first-ever dedicated funding source for affordable housing by making the Real Estate Excise Tax more progressive. Tackling the twin crises of a lack of affordable homes and our upside down tax code was a clear win-win, but the bill died in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Making sure every vote is counted
In some good news, the ballot curing bill to reduce ballot rejection rates was passed unanimously by both chambers of the Legislature! Washington disproportionately rejects ballots of people of color and young voters for signature issues. We worked with our partners at the Washington Voting Justice Coalition to create a standardized process for voters to be notified about and correct their ballot errors across the state.
Big Oil dodges accountability
After years of record profits for Big Oil corporations and skyrocketing costs for consumers, we joined together with environmental partners to try and hold these corporations accountable. The Oil Industry Accountability Act would have created transparency around how gas prices are set, and establish regulations against price gouging by the oil industry like those already in law for gas and electric utilities.
The bill initially made good progress in its committees, but oil industry lobbyists successfully weighed down the bill with unnecessary, expensive requirements for vast new cybersecurity updates. This dramatically raised the cost of implementing the bill, which lobbyists and more conservative Senators cynically used as an excuse to vote down the bill.
Tax justice remains elusive
The bill to create a pilot of the Evergreen Basic Income program went the furthest it ever has in the Legislature, with public hearings held in both the House and Senate. We will continue fighting to pass this bill to get working people monthly cash with no strings attached, so that we can eventually ensure that everyone can afford the basics.
Our early hopes to expand the popular Working Families Tax Credit to all workers over the age of 18 (by including working seniors and young people without kids) were dashed by budget limitations this year. Budget leaders did not prioritize funding the expansion, killing the bill’s prospects.
Attacks from the Right
Late in this session, legislators’ attention was eaten up by the six “Backwards Washington” initiatives to the legislature. Republican mega donor Brian Heywood spent $6 million to qualify all six of the highly partisan and deceptive initiatives, working with MAGA Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh. When an initiative is sent to the legislature, lawmakers can either pass it, do nothing and let it go to the November ballot, or offer an alternative.
Three of the Backwards Washington initiatives were basically just right-wing hot air balloons meant to inflame the Republican base and troll Democrats, and three are extremely serious threats to the future of Washingtonians’ quality of life.
The state Legislature ultimately passed the three less substantive initiatives, choosing to focus the political spotlight and campaign resources on the remaining three initiatives that would devastate funding for our kids and schools, dismantle our protections against air and water pollution, and take away long term care benefits for millions of working Washingtonians.
Two of the three that they passed change virtually nothing about our current laws, and can be amended quickly if there are unintended consequences:
- I-2081 mostly repeats the same rights that parents already have to be involved in their child’s school curriculum
- I-2111 bans an income tax, which everyone already knows is already prohibited and Washington doesn’t have
The third initiative the Legislature passed – I-2113 – is more troubling. It weakens the rules on police pursuits that were designed to prevent accidental deaths. Adopting national best practices for police pursuits has reduced deaths caused by police pursuits by 75% in Washington. Time will tell if I-2113 reverses that trend, but the initiative leaves many of the police pursuit reforms in place, and it was clear that Heywood and Walsh’s primary goal with I-2113 was to drive MAGA turnout at the polls with a divisive, fear-mongering culture war issue.
The three Backwards Washington initiatives that will be on the ballot this fall would have a massive impact on our state budget and quality of life in WA:
- I-2117 will kill efforts to fight pollution and climate change by ending Washington’s program to make polluters pay
- I-2109 cuts $900 million in funding for childcare and schools by repealing the capital gains tax on the wealthy few
- I-2124 takes away over $8 billion in critical long term care benefits from 3.5 million working Washingtonians by bankrupting Washington’s long term care benefit fund
What’s next?
Here at Fuse we’re gearing up for a monumental election year this fall. We’ll be taking a leading role in defeating the remaining three regressive “Backwards Washington” initiatives on the ballot, while fighting to re-elect Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in the 3rd Congressional District to the U.S. House.
We’ve also set our sights on flipping control of the Spokane and Pierce County governments. In Pierce, we’ll be working to elect progressive Democrat Ryan Mello to end eight years of Republican control of the Pierce County Executive seat. Over in Spokane, we’ll be campaigning to flip Al French’s seat to create a Democratic majority on the County Commission.
With several prominent retirements in the Legislature this year, as well as a handful of sitting lawmakers running for higher office, we can expect many changes across both the House and Senate. Stay tuned for our upcoming Progressive Voters Guide recommendations in all of these races!
New changes to the Legislative District (LD) map in Central Washington are also coming with a court case on the 14th LD that could create new opportunities to add more Democratic seats in the Legislature.
We’re already on the ground organizing in some of these key races and starting our research for the Progressive Voters Guide. The only question is whether we can build a solid, community-based foundation for our work in the crucial election to come. Unlike our opponents, our support comes from grassroots members like you. Will you stand with Fuse and our fight for progress today by making an early donation to our 2024 election campaigns?
No matter how you choose to support us, we’re grateful for all of you who have stood for progress this year. We’re excited to continue this work in the 2025 session, and bring our best organizing strategies to the upcoming campaign season.
Thanks for all that you do,
Rosey and the entire team at Fuse
Want to support our work? Become a monthly donor!
Fuse is the state’s largest progressive organization — people creating change online, on the ground, and on issues that matter.
Together for Progress
Join us at
fusewashington.org
Are you interested in protecting and expanding democracy? Join our board. We need you!
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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
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
Join Washington Indivisible Network and Indivisible leaders and members across Washington and Oregon for a series of virtual 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.
Whether you are new to these ideas or returning to them, we hope you will join us!
Register once to attend one, two, or all of these important workshops.
Understanding & Mitigating the Impact of Implicit Bias and Stereotype Threat 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
Join us this month for our annual Rural Summit!
Hello Raucous Rural Caucus,
We’re off to the races! Join Indivisible’s Rural Caucus for our annual Rural Summit, where we will hone in on the importance of having hope in red districts and rural America despite the many challenges ahead of us. We will do a deep dive into state-level electoral work that often gets overlooked, focusing on gubernatorial elections, judicial elections, state legislative races, and ballot initiatives.
Are you fired up this year and ready to dig deep and have an impact on elections happening both in your state and federally? Well, so are we! Come and hear from experts in the field on how you can more effectively use Indivisible’s tools and resources to stand in the face of MAGA extremism and harness your own power not just this year but for years to come. Stay tuned for special guest speaker announcements as they are confirmed!
Register here for Saturday, April 20th 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET/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
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
If you are concerned with fair representation in Washington state, we invite you to join Washington Indivisible Network (WIN) for a People First Redistricting presentation and Q&A on Saturday, April 6th – 10:30am-12pm on zoom.
The Soto Palmer v Hobbs Federal lawsuit declared a Yakima Valley district (LD15) discriminatory towards Latino voters. Redrawing this district may force the redrawing of 12 additional legislative districts in central Washington. The State has deferred to the courts to draw the maps. The new maps must be finalized by March 25th.
Join Alison McCaffree, from the LWV, to learn more about the change in the boundaries and how we can make systematic changes to the redistricting process that assure communities have the best chance to elect the representative of their choosing in the future.
People First Redistricting
April 6th from 10:30-12pm
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
🚀 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!
These days, digital fundraising can’t just be an afterthought. It should be a key consideration in your fundraising plan!
It’s no secret that the bulk of nonprofit and campaign contributions nowadays come from some sort of digital funnel, whether an email or social media.
The world of digital doesn’t need to be overly complicated, and you definitely don’t need to be the most tech savvy person to get started. One way we can help is through our course (aptly named if we do say so ourselves): Digital Fundraising.
In just under two hours, you’ll learn the basics of making digital fundraising asks as well as potential tools available to you. Included are also worksheets and “checklists” to systemize the process. Don’t miss out on potential online donations – get started today!
TOMORROW: Candidate Bootcamp: Campaign Fundamentals
Saturday, April 13 at 10am ET
Please note this training is exclusively available for candidates and staff running in Nevada, Wisconsin, and Texas. Not where you’re running or working? Keep an eye out for more bootcamps soon!
Candidate Bootcamps offer you an opportunity to go through multiple training sessions in a single-day event, covering everything from message development to fundraising strategies.
By the day’s end, you’ll have new tools and insights to hit the trail hard, from fundraising successfully to making a field plan.
How to Raise Money Through Candidate Call Time
Tuesday, April 17 at 1pm ET
Delve into the “art” of call time on a campaign—the cornerstone of successful fundraising strategies.
Our expert will guide you through proven techniques to maximize your fundraising potential by calling supporters in your community. From crafting compelling scripts to mastering the ask, this training will help you with the practical wisdom needed to succeed.
Raising Money Online Friday, April 19 at 1pm ET
Uncover why digital or online fundraising is such an important aspect of campaigning.
You’ll learn messaging insights as well as strategies for managing and evaluating what content your audience wants to see in order to garner support.
The Secrets to Fundraising Emails
Monday, April 22 at 1pm ET
Let’s say you joined us for Raising Money Online or you got started with the Digital Fundraising course linked at the top. Next Monday’s training should be your very next step!
This email-focused live training will cover the many ways campaigns leverage email for their fundraising efforts. Taking a hard look at messaging, you’ll glean the best practices of digital strategists that drive clicks and donations.
So You Want to Run for Office
Tuesday, April 23 at 1pm ET
The title says it all. Our flagship training covering the basics of running for office in your community will be offered this April. For many states, there is still time to run yourself, or you might plan to do so in 2025.
Regardless of where you live, who you are, or what your plans are, if you’re thinking about making the leap, trust yourself and do it!
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.
- Sat, Apr 13 @ 10am
Swing State Candidate Bootcamp: Campaign Fundamentals (NV,TX,WI) › - Wed, Apr 17 @ 1pm
How to Raise Money Through Candidate Call Time › - Fri, Apr 19 @ 1pm
Raising Money Online › - Mon, Apr 22 @ 1pm
The Secrets to Fundraising Emails › - Tue, Apr 23 @ 1pm
So You Want to Run for Office? › - Thu, May 2 @ 1pm
So You Want to Run for Office: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Edition ›
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 – How to make millions denying health insurance claims
Democracy Labs – Justice Unfolds: Track the former MAGA President’s Criminal Trial with NewsTRAC
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Democracy Labs – Listen to Dr. Phil Chenette on protecting access to IVF: Podcast Interview
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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!
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ACLU Supporter, devastating news from the Supreme Court.
This week, the Supreme Court allowed an Idaho law banning medical care for transgender youth to go into effect against all Idaho families except for our plaintiffs.
This will prevent trans youth and their families across the state from getting the care they need – harming countless children and families while the case proceeds at the lower court.
But make no mistake – this fight is far from over. As we continue fighting this legislation in the District Court, we’re calling on Congress to pass federal protections for trans care now and protect our communities once and for all. Join us.
This harmful decision leaves us more determined than ever to defeat this law in the courts entirely and make Idaho a safer state to raise every family.
Every trans person deserves the chance to thrive, period. The freedom to seek the healthcare we need and make our own choices about our bodies, including gender-affirming care, is one we will always fight for.
As we continue the work to protect trans youth and their families, we’re glad to have you with us.
Onward,
The ACLU Team
American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004, USA
Vice President Kamala Harris is SPEAKING OUT on the future of Emerge:
Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are working overtime to pass dangerous laws restricting a person’s right to choose.
Donald Trump made one thing clear: He proudly claims that he overturned Roe v. Wade. And, no matter what he says or doesn’t say, he will sign a national abortion ban if he wins in November.
We’re working to recruit and train Democratic women at all levels of government to fight for our reproductive rights, but we can’t do it without your support.
Can you contribute $5 to help us support Emerge women and WIN in 2024 and beyond?
–Team Emerge
Empowering Democratic women to run – and win!
www.emergeamerica.org
4 Embarcadero Center
Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94111
United States
BREAKING NEWS
Democrats have ‘incredible opportunities’ to take back the House in November
FIRST: Republicans incited a violent attack on our nation’s capitol on January 6 in an attempt to overthrow our democracy and celebrated overturning Roe v. Wade!
THEN: Donald Trump became the Republican nominee for the 2024 Presidential race, who said he will pass a national abortion ban.
NOW: We must step up to recruit and train more Democratic women to win and flip the House BLUE in November to stop a national abortion ban and protect our democracy!
We need to keep up our strong momentum to ensure we have the resources to train Democratic women to WIN in crucial House races.
We’re in the heat of the election cycle and need your help if we want to win big in 2024 and defeat MAGA Republicans. Will you contribute anything you can right away?
Thanks,
Team Emerge
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
The Supreme Court declined to do their job again. Yesterday, they left the Fifth Circuit ruling in place that stripped the right to organize a mass protest in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, effectively suspending the First Amendment in those states. Where will it stop?
If you are reading this email, you have probably been to a protest. You may have even organized one. If the Fifth Circuit has its way, organizers like us could be held personally liable if even one person commits an illegal act, even unintentionally.
It’s possible that this decision is not permanent. However, if we have learned anything since Dobbs, it’s that we can’t let our foot off the gas for a second with these compromised courts. They protect only the wealthy who bought their seats, not the people, not democracy, and certainly not the law.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/scotusonbullshit
We will never back down.
– 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. |
Put simply, the Alliance for Defending Freedom is the law firm who is behind most of the attacks on abortion rights. This includes yesterday’s bullshit ruling in Arizona, the disastrous Dobbs decision, and the suit against medication abortion.
🚨The ADF says religious freedom and the “victimization” of religious conservatives is its motivation, but their actual mission is clearly advancing Christian Nationalism.
🚨ADF has successfully weaponized SCOTUS nearly 20 times.
🚨The ADF is in bed with Matthew Kacsmaryk, who ruled in ADF’s favor in the Mifepristone case. Corrupt Kacsmaryk previously worked for an organization with direct financial ties to ADF.
🚨Members of Congress are aiding in ADF’s influence on the Hill, like Republican Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), husband of Erin Hawley, a Vice President at ADF.
of them trying to steal our freedoms?
🚨They’re not stopping at the courts. The ADF has authored at least 130 bills in 34 states to advance their extremist agenda.
We can’t allow the ADF to win. Women’s March has been on the frontlines of the fight against this organization’s efforts from Washington D.C. to Amarillo, Texas and back. Together, we can beat them if we are united and fight back with everything we’ve got. Chip in $25 to our Reproductive Justice Fund today.
Live long and stay ungovernable,
Rachel
| 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 morning, the Biden-Harris administration announced some significant steps to enhance gun safety and address background check loopholes on a national level. You can read the full press release here.
Looking for a quick breakdown? In essence, the administration is cracking down by introducing a Department of Justice rule clarifying who needs to conduct background checks. This initiative aims to close the loophole of firearms currently being sold without background checks. It serves as an implementation measure of the already existing Bipartisan Safer Communities Act introduced by President Biden in 2022.
“I’ve spent hours with families who’ve lost loved ones to gun violence. They all have the same message: ‘Do something.’ Today, my Administration is taking action to make sure fewer guns are sold without background checks. This is going to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons. And my Administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. Congress needs to finish the job and pass universal background checks legislation now.” – President Biden.
This new implementation is said to target over 20,000 unlicensed sellers who will now need to become licensed, therefore expanding background checks to thousands of firearm sales.
While this is a fantastic step to securing the purchasing and circulation of firearms within our communities, we still have work to do. The Alliance is standing with the Biden-Harris administration as we call on Congress to pass universal background checks and to provide more funding for the ATF to enforce these laws.
Policy is effective only when properly implemented, and it’s going to take every single one of us to end gun violence.
Christian (he/him)
Digital Communications Manager
Alliance for Gun Responsibility
If you’re interested in furthering our work, consider making a contribution today.
ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194
Dear MoveOn member,
On April 25—just two weeks from now—the Supreme Court will hear a case that could determine whether Donald Trump can be held accountable for his crimes.1
As Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said during recent oral arguments in another Trump case, it is a “fundamental precept of our constitutional order that a president isn’t above the law.”2
It is one of our nation’s long-held and most respected principles that no one is above the law. But given our highly partisan Supreme Court, this particular case could overturn this bedrock principle for Trump and all future presidents.
That’s because this Supreme Court’s rulings become important legal precedent. It means other courts will make decisions in cases with similar issues based on how the Supreme Court has ruled. And precedents can last decades—or even hundreds of years.
If the Supreme Court issues a decision declaring that Trump is immune from prosecution, it will put the American people at risk for future dictators, authoritarians, and strongman presidents.
The checks and balances that keep America strong include a president’s credible fear that they are not immune from prosecution for all acts, no matter how criminal, especially acts in their personal capacity, for their own benefit.
But now, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who is directly connected to the Trump case, is poised to help determine how it is decided.
Thomas must recuse himself—according to longstanding judicial ethics and the Supreme Court’s new code of ethics, which demands recusal in cases where a justice’s impartiality might be reasonably questioned.3
MoveOn is planning to take over the front page of The Washington Post with hard-hitting ads calling on Thomas to recuse himself—if we can raise $75,000.
Will you start a $5 monthly donation to help MoveOn take over the front page of The Washington Post and then help us keep the pressure on until Thomas recuses himself from all cases involving Trump and the insurrection?
No, I’m sorry, I can’t make a monthly donation.
We can’t afford to cut back on our 2024 election work to pay for this hard-hitting homepage takeover, so it’s crucial that we raise the funds from MoveOn members.
With your help, we will make it loud and clear in these ads that Thomas must recuse himself.
We know that under the right circumstances, public pressure works. In October, Thomas stepped aside from a case involving his former clerk, John Eastman.4 Eastman had corresponded with Thomas’s wife, Ginni Thomas, about the “stop the steal” efforts to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen, and he had advocated a fringe legal theory that Vice President Mike Pence could block the certification of President Biden’s Electoral College win.5
Now, we face a situation with even higher stakes. And it’s imperative that Thomas step aside again. But with the Trump case being heard just two weeks from now, we can only up the pressure on Thomas with a hard-hitting front-page takeover in The Washington Post, calling on him to recuse himself, if we raise $75,000 in the next week.
Will you start a $5 monthly donation to power MoveOn’s urgent campaign to pressure Thomas to recuse himself from Trump’s Supreme Court criminal case and to keep the pressure on until Thomas recuses himself from all cases involving Trump and the insurrection?
No, I’m sorry, I can’t make a monthly donation.
It’s crucial that we take action in moments like this. It may seem like long odds that we can get Thomas to recuse himself from this case, but we have to try. He may, if we pressure him hard enough. After all, we saw him do it before.
And demanding his recusal in this powerful, public way has other benefits. It puts pressure on other justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, to make decisions that protect America’s democratic institutions—not pave the way for dictators.
The truth is that Supreme Court justices are sensitive to public pressure, and high-profile efforts focused on a specific justice are noticed by other justices. This campaign is a critical part of the broader fight.
America’s guiding principles and the future of our democracy are at stake if Thomas doesn’t recuse himself. Will you start a $5 monthly donation so MoveOn can launch our time-sensitive Washington Post front-page takeover campaign and then keep up the work to hold Thomas accountable for his corruption?
No, I’m sorry, I can’t make a monthly donation.
Two years ago, MoveOn launched a historic and unprecedented campaign to impeach Thomas, which included a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal. We gathered 1.3 million signatures to our petition demanding his impeachment. We were able to launch that campaign and run the ad because of grassroots MoveOn-member support.
And now, in this critical moment, we’re asking MoveOn members to pitch in again and fuel our campaign to hold Thomas accountable on the front page of The Washington Post and then keep up this critical, democracy-saving work.
Will you start a monthly $5 donation today?
No, I’m sorry, I can’t make a monthly donation.
We absolutely cannot afford to cut our election program to run these ads. But these ads are critically necessary. That’s why we need your help to meet our $75,000 goal this week and then power the campaign for as long as it takes.
Thanks for all you do.
–Mohammad, Erik, Alexis, Kelsey, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. “Clarence Thomas’s conflict is clear — he must recuse himself from the Trump immunity case,” The Hill, March 4, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189238?t=10&akid=380219%2E37680734%2EFroAKa
2. “Justice Kagan Says ‘President Isn’t Above The Law’ as Trump, New York Prosecutors Battle Over Tax Returns,” Newsweek, May 12, 2020
https://act.moveon.org/go/189317?t=12&akid=380219%2E37680734%2EFroAKa
3. “Clarence Thomas Faces Calls to Recuse Himself From Jan. 6 Trump Cases,” Yahoo! News, December 21, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/189318?t=14&akid=380219%2E37680734%2EFroAKa
4. “Clarence Thomas recuses himself as Supreme Court rejects ex-Trump lawyer John Eastman’s appeal,” NBC News, October 2, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/186370?t=16&akid=380219%2E37680734%2EFroAKa
5. “Virginia Thomas urged White House chief to pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 election, texts show,” The Washington Post, March 24, 2022
https://act.moveon.org/go/161382?t=18&akid=380219%2E37680734%2EFroAKa
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.
An initiative on November’s ballot, I-2109, will roll back the steps we’ve taken toward a more fair tax code, pushing Washington back to the worst in the nation.
I-2109 would repeal the capital gains tax, cutting billions from childcare and education just to give the ultra-rich a tax cut. We can’t let that happen. Thanks to your support, action, and advocacy, we passed the capital gains tax and defended it in the State Supreme Court. Now, it’s time to join together again to protect this crucial funding for child care and education.
Be an early endorser of No On I-2109 to make sure we defeat I-2109 on this November’s ballot!
This initiative is backed by a hedge fund millionaire who moved here a few years ago. Dubbed “Tim Eyman with a gigantic bank account,” conservative mega donor Brian Heywood spent $6 million on paid signature gatherers to qualify I-2109 and other initiatives to the ballot.
If passed, I-2109 will:
- Cut more than $5 billion over 6 years from our education, childcare, and early learning by giving a tax break to about 4,000 of Washington’s mega-millionaires and billionaires
- Repeal the capital gains tax – a modest 7% tax on Wall Street profits exceeding $250,000 that only impacts the very wealthiest Washingtonians
- Take resources from much-needed childcare and our drained schools, reducing the workforce and impacting Washington’s small businesses and economy
- Increase pressure on the rest of us to make up the difference through property and sales taxes
We’re fighting to protect the capital gains tax because it’s time for the wealthy to pay what they owe in taxes. The capital gains tax is good for Washington – and I-2109 is just another attempt by the super-rich to rig the system in their favor, at the expense of the rest of us. Sign now to defeat I-2109!
With gratitude, Treasure Mackley
Executive Director Invest in Washington Now
Get in Touch Today
Invest in Washington Now, 509 Olive Way Ste 1133, Seattle, WA, 98101
Dems 101 – Upcoming events in Michigan, Georgia & Ohio
Dems 101 – This time, just Forward!
Dems 101 – Backward and Forward
Dems 101 – March 2024 Newsletter – BUILDING A COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY COALITION (Part 2)
Dems 101 – February 2024 Newsletter – BUILDING A COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY COALITION
We’re getting ready to officially launch our campaign later this month.
We need to hit the ground running as we launch this campaign. Why? Because this will be one of the toughest and most important fights we have in Washington this election.
We’re building a campaign ready to win:
📋Organizing Washingtonians across the state to be part of the No on 2117 campaign
📺Ads on TV and online to explain why voting NO is so important
📢 Visiting communities across the state to talk directly to voters
Now we need your help to invest in the campaign it’ll take to win this fall.
Thanks to folks like you, we hit our first goal of 1,000 Founding Donors. But as Brian Heywood and his right-wing buddies double down on their plot to overturn our climate law, we need to keep pace.
Together,
No on 2117
New GOTV volunteer opportunities!
Our intrepid researchers have identified new writing opportunities:
.
Newest opportunities: Montana – Blue Wave – writing postcards to encourage registration of voters in Montana
.
Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania – Field Team 6 –
writing postcards to encourage registrations of voters
.
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
.
These opportunities are still available:
Arizona, with Activate America and Grassroots Dems – Supporting Gallego for Senate, Engel for Congress,
and supporting Reproductive Freedom
.
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
.
Pennsylvania with Activate America – Encourage primary voting in this most critical swing state
.
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!
.
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/