Benton County Democrats

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Project 2029 – March 31, 2026

Posted on March 31, 2026

We’re shifting the focus from outrage to action, and building the blueprint for a democracy that truly works for the people it serves.

We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For

By Jake Orlowitz, Founder and CEO

Democracies rarely collapse in spectacle. They corrode.

Institutions stall. Cynicism deepens. People adapt to dysfunction and call it normal.

We say, “No.”

Instead of giving in and handing our country over to bad or incompetent actors, we need to become pragmatically progressive.

This is not about a political party; we have no party affiliations.
 It begins instead with moral seriousness, a fundamental approach to civic life that prioritizes people. Human life matters. Preventable suffering matters. Flourishing matters. Healthcare, housing, wages, climate stability, and democratic integrity – these all matter.

These are not abstract concepts. They are real-life conditions that determine whether a parent skips a prescription, whether a child breathes clean air, or whether a worker survives a layoff without collapse.

We are volunteers with Project 2029, and we are building toward that stronger, kinder, more prosperous future. Progressives who lean this way have often been ahead of other voters. But we can form coalitions that include people who may not call themselves progressive but still want fairness, security, and a government that functions. We can work toward outcomes that make sense to all of us: Are more people insured? Are wages rising? Are emissions falling? Are institutions functioning? Are families more secure?

If all this resonates with you, please read this newsletter and get more acquainted with our grassroots community. Check out the specific policy recommendations posted on our website, too.

These are sustainable plans that a new federal administration can enact right away. I hope you are eager to see them; they’re about immigration, housing, and the popular vote.

Read Our Policies

You’ll notice an article in this letter on our approach to healthcare. We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Our teams are working diligently on other critical policy ideas, too. Will you get behind them? Challenge political candidates you may meet to adopt these pragmatic ideas?

If we want lasting change,this is the work. Come join us.

Visit our website to learn more.

Visit Our Website

Our Stance on Healthcare

Americans have made it clear that we need better healthcare at affordable costs and with greater efficiency for the good of all.

We can achieve these aims through the active cooperation of the federal and state governments, health professionals, non-governmental organizations, and individual Americans. When we collaborate in smart ways – while removing financial barriers and practical obstacles to proper care – we will emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Our policy relies on accepting these common-sense fundamental ideas: 

  • Americans need a system of health services that protects against disease and promotes the physical and mental health of the individual – the whole person.
  • Policies should encourage individual choices about nutrition, exercise, and substance use that favor fitness, build strength and resilience, and guard against chronic illness over the course of a lifetime.
  • It takes broad action from multiple segments of society to work against social, environmental, and occupational causes of disease and disability.
  • Investing in sound research is essential to finding the scientific answers doctors need, and supporting reliable preventative care with patient health education will improve daily life across all demographic groups.

When America pursues these ideas, we will have a society with reduced illness, fewer hospitalizations, and lower overall costs.

Hurting from the Cost

By Alice Bond | Project 2029 Contributor

In 1950, the average American paid roughly $84 per person, per year for healthcare, according to a Social Security Administration report. Or they just didn’t go to a doctor.

By 2000, a half a century later, the typical American averaged $6,649 per year in health expenditures.

In 2024, only a quarter of a century later, the total healthcare bill is projected to nearly triple, reaching $15,610 per person, per year. Those accelerating numbers include out-of-pocket, government, and insurance costs.

You’ll also be interested to know that $100 in 1950 is equivalent in buying power to about $1,350 today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The high dollar amounts we encounter in healthcare is one distinct barrier to care.

Many Americans lose access simply because they can’t afford care. Millions lost access this January due to expiring subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and cuts to Medicaid. Republicans voted against extending COVID-era healthcare subsidies and funding Medicaid.

The very real fallout of this political vote could impact 20 million American lives, resulting in premium payments that have more than doubled. People will pay exorbitant rate hikes or shop for inferior coverage.

An estimated 5 million will go without. A devastating result.

Instead, Project 2029 has some innovative, practical and proactive suggestions, the kind of healthcare planning and policy that Americans desperately need now.

Take a look and see if you don’t feel better. Then tell any candidates for office you encounter to prescribe our ideas.

Read Our Healthcare Policy

Honoring Transgender Day of Visibility

Over 2.8 million adults and youth identify as transgender in the United States, according to the Williams Institute at University of California at Los Angeles School of Law.

They are your parents, your grocery checkers, your coworkers, bosses, neighbors and friends. And they come in all colors and from all walks of life.

So today, March 31st, we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility — known as TDOV. Founded in 2009 by Michigan psychotherapist Rachel Crandall-Crocker (she/her), TDOV brings awareness to trans lives, highlights their joy and accomplishments, and honors trans elders. 

Trans rights are human rights. Project 2029 is building a plan of action for a future that is strong, kind, and focused on human flourishing.

Be an Ally – Support Trans Equality

If you want to know and better understand the journey of trans visibility, we’ve compiled a list of three handpicked books you’ll want to check out! Read the full blog to learn more.

Read the Blog

Call for Photos!

We hope everyone joined our friends at Indivisible for the No Kings rally on March 28th! We’d love to see your photos! Tag us on Instagram or email them to our team using the button below.

Email Us!

Wanted: Your Skills and Talents

As a true grassroots movement, volunteers are critical to our success. Project 2029 is growing quickly, which is great news! That means we need you!

While we are always looking for new volunteers, we currently have some pressing roles we need help filling quickly.

Critical positions:

  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Chief of Outreach
  • Webmaster
  • Program Manager, Communications
  • Program Manager, Policy
  • Social Media Manager

If the roles above are not a fit for you, that’s ok too! We have many more opportunities available.

Please visit our website to learn more and contact us today!

Join Our Team

No time to volunteer? No worries!

You can support Project 2029 in a variety of other ways!

Share Our Policies | Join Our Newsletter List

Donate to Help Cover Expenses

Your contribution helps us build a transparent and accountable government that truly serves ‘We the people.’

No billionaires here. We’re strictly nonprofit. No political party or corporate PAC is backing us, as we are independent by choice. Our organizers are unpaid. But if you can afford a few bucks, we’d appreciate the help covering expenses.

Thank you for your support!

Project 2029 | Drive Change Together

Project 2029 is an all-volunteer, national grassroots movement committed to disrupting the broken system and redefining what democracy means from the ground up.

We are not affiliated with or supported by any political party or political action group (PAC). We are funded by donations from everyday individuals who support our vision and shared hope for America.

Follow Us!

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Benton County WA Democrats

7 days ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Our August General Meeting is Thursday (8/27) at the Richland Public Library.Join fellow advocates to connect and build a better future. We hope to see you there!🗓️ Thursday, August 27th🕡 6:30pm - 8:30pm📍 Richland Public Library (955 Northgate Dr., Richland, WA) ...

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Benton County WA Democrats

3 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
The Benton-Franklin Fair is right around the corner!Sign up to march and toss candy with us during the Parade and/or help out at our booth!🔗Parade Sign Up ➡️ www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-50343105-tricities 🔗Booth Sign Up ➡️ www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AD2DA7F8C43-50435640-bentonfranklin ...

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4 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
You have until August 4th by 8pm to vote!It is too late to mail your ballot. Drop it off at one of the ballot boxes ASAP!⬇⬇⬇ Find a drop box near you ⬇⬇⬇www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes... ...

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Benton County WA Democrats

4 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Time is running out to vote! Drop your ballot off at one of these ballot boxes: www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...If you know someone: a parent, sibling or friend, who doesn’t vote because they have a feeling it doesn’t matter.... Tell them to vote for their kids, to vote for their brother or sister, for their neighbor. It might matter to that other person and we are MUCH stronger when we do things for each other... not for ourselves. #vote #franklincountywa #bentoncountywa #tricities ...

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 month ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Time is running out to cast your ballot —find a drop box near you!!! ⬇️www.bentoncountywa.gov/government/elected_officials/auditor/elections/current_election/drop_boxes...I voted today! Deliver your ballot to a drop box before 8:00PM on August 4th to make it count!Here's a list of official ballot drop boxes in District 4 counties. Find yours.www.johnduresky4congress.com/ballot-drop-boxes ...

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Party Calendar

August 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    August 1, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community members in Hermiston for our No One Is Above the Law visibility action!
    On the first Saturday of each month join folks in fighting for accountability, democracy, and justice — reminding our neighbors that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy for an hour of peaceful sign-waving and community visibility.
    📅 When: 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 AM | 📍 Where: Corner of Hwy 395 & Highland (by Safeway), Hermiston, OR

    See more details

2
3
4
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 4, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    August 4, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

5
  • BADGER FORUM: ADDICTION

    BADGER FORUM: ADDICTION

    August 5, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=722&club_id=392306&emtid=3183729656135

    ADDICTION not only disrupts lives but also has significant social and economic impacts for the larger community. Opening of the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery represents a major advancement in the regional services needed to help address addiction challenges.

    In recognition of the opening of the Center for Recovery, the August 5 Badger Club Forum will feature an important conversation about causes, prevention and treatment of addiction. Two experts will consider what addiction is; the gap between what we know and what we do; what the community is and can be doing; what families need to know; and substance abuse prevention and looking to the future.

    See more details

6
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 6, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

7
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    August 7, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing, 8804 W Victoria Ave # 140, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

8
9
10
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    August 10, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Round Table Pizza, 1435 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    Line to public agenda

    See more details

11
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 11, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    August 11, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

12
13
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 13, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

14
  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, July 10, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, July 10, 6:00 PM

    August 14, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza, 3201 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301, USA

    It's August, and by the time we meet (at 6pm on August 14th) we should know the result of the primaries! We are inviting candidates who have made it through the primary to come visit with us. We will also have 'Hate Has no Home Here' and 'Vote Blue' signs available.

    Hey all! Due to the smoke forecast, we're going to our backup venue at the Pasco Round Table Pizza. Still at 6pm on Friday the 14th. The group will order a selection of pizzas and some of our generous members will share some pitchers of beer. You're on your own for salad bar and soda. Sorry about the last minute change!

    Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group.

    https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/315969142/

    See more details

15
  • Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible - Tri-Cities Working Meeting

    August 15, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library (Union) 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Our monthly Indivisible Tri-Cities meetings are all about taking action in our community.📆

    💬We’ll be talking about what’s happening, how our community organizations are stepping up, and how we can help. We’ll also start planning for upcoming events.

    🗣️We want to hear from you! Your ideas and input matter.

    ✊This is how we build power together. Come connect, learn, and take action with us. See you there!

    If you're able, please bring a non-perishable food item for donation. We strive to collect these resources at every Indivisible Tri-Cities event, on behalf of our community partners.

    See more details

16
17
18
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 18, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    August 18, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

19
20
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 20, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • Franklin County General Meeting

    Franklin County General Meeting

    August 20, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
    Mid Columbia Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco

    📍Location: Mid Columbia Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco

    ⌚️5:30 p.m. (Potluck /Social) - 6:00 p.m. (Meeting begins)
    Or join us via Zoom Here

    Hello Democrats,

    What a fantastic Primary Election results we had! We feel very optimistic about our endorsed candidates, who all will advance to the general election. Now the second leg of this race is here. 85 days to the November General Election and we can’t let off the gas until we get to the goal of electing them.

    See more details

21
22
23
24
25
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    August 25, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    August 25, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

26
  • 8th Legislative District Democrats: General Meeting

    8th Legislative District Democrats: General Meeting

    August 26, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8842672252

    Meeting Details:

    This meeting is for all residents of the 8th Legislative District to attend as their time permits.

    We encourage attendance by our PCOs and anyone who wishes to participate or contribute to the efforts of the 8th LD Democrats, as well as those seeking information on how they can help.

     

    Proposed Agenda:

    Call to Order 

    Delegates Discussion

    Visibility Events and Volunteers

    Candidates and Future Goals

    Good of the Order - Thoughts, Concerns, Achievements, Comments, Questions

    Adjourn

    See more details

27
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    August 27, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • 16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    16th LD Democratic Party Call to Meeting

    August 27, 2026  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    Every month on the Fourth Thu, until Jan 28, 2027, 11occurrence(s)

    Pleasedownload and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendarsystem.

    Monthly:https://us05web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUldO6hrzwuGd3-10krfe1QmS1Jo9tXBOs-/ics?icsToken=DJVFuCKh_Z4OoP_SCgAALAAAAFdu_ZAfRNNEgm3YY-r-IQJW5lTWuy29jBlclOVfmw-klIsBeuZV2F2PvUCBHbh0ht8yhdyefiR9fBmqRDAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=AnaBeSvNSjeuG9ncdABDuA

    JoinZoom Meeting

    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81837917439?pwd=5kiSQvuTavDmrRe8Vazfbia3G2yvfb.1

     

    MeetingID: 818 3791 7439

    Passcode:Dems2026

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    August 27, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    Zoom Link

    Our BCDCC Agenda

    Thursday, August 27

    6:30 pm

    Call to Order 

    Adopt Agenda 

    Approval of Prior Month Minutes

    Treasurer's Report

    Chair's Report - Plan of Action Meeting Format

    Motion for General Election Contributions

    Motion for Organization Committee General Expenses

    Working Plan of Action

    Adjourn

    See more details

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