Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

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WSDCC – April 11, 2025

Posted on April 11, 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Happy Friday, Washington Democrats!

Chair Conrad joins the April 5 “Hands Off” Rally in Lynnwood.

Some Good News to Highlight

Last weekend’s “Hands Off” rallies brought together hundreds of thousands of people in communities across the length and breadth of our state and nation. It was inspiring to be part of a people’s movement to reign in the unlawfulness and cruelty of the Trump administration. Seattle’s rally alone brought together approximately 25,000 people. We saw demonstrations in 39 cities across Washington. Click here or on the image below to see some of our favorite signs from across the state.

Democrats just had their best week since Election Day, Jen Psaki
My former Obama White House colleague Jen Psaki runs through the many victories Democrats won and the momentum we have built to stand up to the Trump administration. Whether it was the mass mobilizations on April 5, our victories in Wisconsin, Senator Booker’s record-breaking speech, or tremendous candidates jumping into competitive races across the country, we are mounting a strong opposition to Trump’s lawlessness.

Call to Action

  • Help Save the National Endowment for the Humanities
    • DOGE has begun terminating previously awarded NEH grants. Let your members of Congress know that you condemn these actions and support the National Endowment for the Humanities here.
  • Share Your Small Business Story
    • Trump’s policies are hurting America’s 33+ million small businesses. If you are dreaming of starting a business or already feeling the impacts of Trump’s
  • Sign Up for The Blue Print
    • The DNC has launched a substack called The Blue Print that will provide a weekly update on how the DNC is fighting back against Trump and his allies while working to secure Democratic victories nationwide. It’s free and useful, sign up here.
  • Submit a Comment to CMS
    • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that would prohibit states from requiring coverage for gender-affirming care as part of their Essential Health Benefits (EHB) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means that starting in Plan Year 2026, states could no longer require ACA marketplace individual and small-group insurance plans to cover puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender-affirming surgeries as essential benefits. Use this link to submit a comment.
  • Rally, Protest, and Gather
    • Friday, April 25 – WA Dems People’s Town Hall at Spokane Community College. 5:30-7:30PM. Register here. See below for more details.
    • Saturday, May 3 – Fuse Opposition Summit from 1PM-3PM in downtown Seattle. RSVP here.
    • Every Wednesday – Time to Act volunteer trainings organized by Swing Left are hosted virtually every Wednesday from 6:30PM-7:30PM. Sign up here
    • Every Wednesday – Musk or Us Protests in Redmond every Wednesday from 4PM-5PM. Sign up here
  • Send us details on rallies and protests in your communities 
    • Email details to press@wa-democrats.org
  • Donate
    If you would like to see less Washington D.C. and more Washington state in your community, please DONATE to The Real Washington Fund – our rapid response account to counter MAGA’s chaos with real organizing, real solutions, and real results. We can’t do the work of holding Republicans accountable without your support.
  • Follow us on social media
  • Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates and actions that can benefit your communities:
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  • Threads
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  • TikTok

Storybanking

This week, we’re getting an update on Washington’s numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration from Director of Communications Stephen Reed. Please click here or on the image below, and if YOU have a story to share, please get in touch!

The best way to persuade people about the horrible impacts of Trump’s chaos is to share real stories from real people in their communities. If you are interested in sharing your story of the direct impacts of Trump 2.0 on your life, please send an email to press@wa-democrats.org that includes your name, contact information, which Washington community you reside in, the story you would like to share, and permission to share your story with the public.

Our Communications team will be in touch within a few business days after you have reached out to help collect your story. 

Working for Washington

On Wednesday, before our Yakima Town Hall, we hosted a Democratic roundtable in Wenatchee with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. It was wonderful to spend time listening to the ideas and grassroots energy that’s overflowing in our rural communities.

After last weekend’s mass mobilizations, we rode that energy to Yakima for a People’s Town Hall with Governor Jay Inslee and community leaders. While Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse has told the press he plans to host a Town Hall, there are no publicly announced details about when or where it will take place. So we showed him how it’s done!

It was an incredible event, and I want to thank Governor Inslee, U.S. Army Veteran Asa Washines, Registered Nurse Jacob Garcia, and Community Leader Maria Beltran for joining us and taking questions from the bipartisan audience who attended. I also want to thank the more than 200 attendees who came out to speak their minds. If you missed it, you can watch a recording of the Yakima Town Hall here.

We’re planning another Town Hall, this time in Spokane – see below for more details!

Spokane Town Hall – April 25

We are excited to invite residents in Congressional District 5 to our Spokane Town Hall! The event will be on April 25th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Spokane Community College. We will be convening a panel of amazing speakers, including Congresswoman Emily Randall and Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown, as well as other members of the community who have been affected by the Trump Administration.


If you would like to attend, please fill out this RSVP Form and invite any community members or friends you think would be interested! This event is open to anyone, and everyone is welcome!

Republicans Behaving Badly

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the repeal of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Biden-era “zero tolerance” policy for gun dealers – which previously revoked the licenses of gun dealers who willfully broke the law by not running background checks or falsifying their records. Read the official statement from GIFFORDS on this reckless move that will endanger lives.

Outrage from State Democrats over “hate crime” proposal, Northwest Asian Weekly Sen. Fortunato (R-Auburn) introduced an amendment to make Tesla owners a protected class of citizen under hate crimes laws. You can watch his comments here or by clicking on the image below. Read our full press release here.

WATCH

Ethics complaint filed against State Sen. Emily Alvarado over rent cap bill conflict, MyNorthwest Conservative gadfly Glenn Morgan filed an ethics complaint against Sen. Alvarado because she happens to work for an organization that supports rent stabilization, and she introduced legislation to stabilize rents. Of course, no ethics complaints were filed against the multiple landlords in the state legislature who are also weighing in on this legislation.

Trump’s tariffs are already reducing car imports and idling factories, The Seattle Times 

Trump’s disastrous tariff policy is wreaking havoc on the economy in total and also laying off hundreds of U.S. automobile workers.

Democrats in the News

Demócratas realizan Town Hall en Yakima y acusan a Dan Newhouse de ignorar a sus electores, Latino Herald

Transcript: Sen. Maria Cantwell on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” April 6, 2025, CBS News

In Washington, a rural county Sheriff fights his state’s immigration law, The New York Times

Washington state spud farmers will be mashed by Trump’s tariffs, Sen. Murray warns, KUOW

‘It helps to know you’re not alone’: small towns in ‘ruby-red’ counties joined Saturday’s Hands Off! Protests, The Spokesman-Review

Washington apple shipments to India fall by 99% after Trump’s tariffs announcement, King5

US appeals court blocks Trump from removing Democrats from labor boards, Reuters

House Democrats’ midterm battle plan, The Washington Post

Proposed WA tax on social media platforms would fund support for youth behavioral health, The Olympian

Scoop: Schatz expands holds to 300 Trump nominees, Axios

What I’m Watching and Reading

Democrats launch new ‘war room’ to counter Trump and Republicans, The Washington Post
I am extremely excited about the DNC’s new effort to counter the misinformation and lies coming out of the Trump administration.

Thanks for all you do,

Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party


DONATE

We sincerely thank you for your help and support.

Washington State Democrats
PO Box 4027
Seattle, WA 98194
United States

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Congratulations to Dan Newhouse on his retirement. Here is John Duresky for Congress short statement on Dan Newhouse's retirement from Washington's 4th Congressional D#fypi#democrat #Democrats##politics #ActBlues#DanNewhousea#WA04o#Washingtonstatepoliticstepolitics ... See MoreSee Less

“We congratulate Dan Newhouse on his retirement. We anticipate a crowded Republican Primary. We are pleased the Democratic Base has consolidated around our campaign and believe this unity will prove decisive in the November Election.” John Duresky for Congress short statement on Dan Newhouse's retirement from Washington's 4th Congressional District. https://johnduresky4congress.com/ #fyp #democrat #democrats #politics #actblue #dannewhouse #WA04 #washingtonstatepolitics

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Join us on 12/18 for our December General Meeting! We will be meeting at Round Table Pizza (the Leslie Rd. Richland location).🗓️Thursday, December 18th🕡6:30pm📍Round Table Pizza - Leslie Rd. Richland location (1769 Leslie Rd.) ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
"Our government is not meant to be a spectator sport, we need you off the sidelines today!" - John Duresky for Congress ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Remember his name: John Duresky for Congress ! ... See MoreSee Less

Have Central WA Democrats already chosen their pick to challenge Rep. Newhouse?

www.yahoo.com

Early endorsements are already rolling in.
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Yakima River at Kiona live tracking water.noaa.gov/gauges/kiow1 ... See MoreSee Less
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Party Calendar

December 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    December 2, 2025  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

    December 2, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
3
4
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    December 4, 2025  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

•
5
6
  • Volunteer Opportunity: ICE OUT OF TRI Door Knocking

    Volunteer Opportunity: ICE OUT OF TRI Door Knocking

    December 6, 2025  1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Tri-Cities Socialists will be hosting a volunteer door-knocking this Saturday Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, both at 1pm, for our ICE Out of Tri campaign.

    We especially need bi-lingual and Spanish-speakers to attend.

    We will be distributing Know Your Rights info to neighborhoods currently at high risk of attacks by I.C.E., as well as inviting them to an organizing meeting where they can learn how to organize their communities for defense against I.C.E. as we have seen in communities from Portland, to Chicago, to Los Angeles, and beyond.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb665yKfpDFxL43PocKg7ro30k8oWqNvL8qGIpUzs8YfqfPg/viewform

    See more details

•
7
  • Volunteer Opportunity: ICE OUT OF TRI Door Knocking

    Volunteer Opportunity: ICE OUT OF TRI Door Knocking

    December 7, 2025  1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Tri-Cities Socialists will be hosting a volunteer door-knocking this Saturday Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7, both at 1pm, for our ICE Out of Tri campaign.

    We especially need bi-lingual and Spanish-speakers to attend.

    We will be distributing Know Your Rights info to neighborhoods currently at high risk of attacks by I.C.E., as well as inviting them to an organizing meeting where they can learn how to organize their communities for defense against I.C.E. as we have seen in communities from Portland, to Chicago, to Los Angeles, and beyond.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb665yKfpDFxL43PocKg7ro30k8oWqNvL8qGIpUzs8YfqfPg/viewform

    See more details

•
8
  • BCDCC Executive Board Meeting

    BCDCC Executive Board Meeting

    December 8, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Round Table Pizza 1769 Leslie Rd, Richland

    This meeting is for Benton County Party Officers and committee chairs as well as representatives of regional LPO's.
    PCO's are invited to attend, particularly if they have something they wish to share with the board.

    See more details

  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    December 8, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
9
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    December 9, 2025  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

    December 9, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
10
  • Precinct Committee Officer Training Opportunity

    Precinct Committee Officer Training Opportunity

    December 10, 2025  10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Online with Zoom

    Online Zoom Training

    December 10, 2025 10:00 AM PST

    If you don't already have a free account with NDTC, create one in order to attend this online training.

    See more details

•
11
  • BADGER FORUM: Understanding Vaccines

    BADGER FORUM: Understanding Vaccines

    December 11, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://badgers.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=392306

    Since the Covid-19 pandemic, support for public health policies has gradually declined. At the federal level certain policies and practices regarding vaccines have been thrown into question.

    Vaccine proponents note the long-time and widespread benefits of the traditional MMR vaccine; vaccine skeptics generally insist it causes autism. Some say the approval process (Operation Warp Speed for Covid-19) was either rushed or rigged; others say the process was instrumental in reducing suffering and saved the lives of millions of people.

    See more details

  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    December 11, 2025  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

• •
12
  • Whistle Workshop & Learning Event

    Whistle Workshop & Learning Event

    December 12, 2025  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Richland Public Library, Conf Room B, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA

    📣Our Voices United is sharing whistle safety packs as a simple, but powerful, grassroots tool that helps communities stay alert and protect each other. Indivisible Tri-Cities is joining in to help promote this campaign and support local outreach.

    🧊These whistles create instant signals when ICE activity is nearby, helping neighbors gather quickly, record what's happening, and stand with anyone who may be approached. Join us this Friday to learn more!

    🎶Different whistle patterns can signal urgent moments, like ICE being in the area or someone being detained. This gives those nearby a way to respond that's faster than social media and doesn't rely on being on your phone all the time.

    🛡️Though it's a small tool, it helps combat quiet threats by creating visible community action, solidarity, and support. When we come together in efforts like this, our collective strength grows.

    See more details

  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, December 12, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, December 12, 6:00 PM

    December 12, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza3201 W Court St, Pasco

    It's time for a holiday celebration. This month we'll meet at the Round Table Pizza on Court Street in Pasco. December 12 at 6pm. Come gather with like-minded folks and share some fellowship, food and beverages. As is our normal practice, Tri-City Democrats will order several pizzas to share. We'll have the donation box available for those who care to financially support the group. Some of our generous members are likely to purchase pitchers of beer to share. If you want the salad bar or soft drinks, you are on your own for those items.

    At this writing, we do not have a planned program, but we will have 'Hate Has no Home Here' signs available. We are coming up on election time for the group - at our January meeting we'll plan to hold elections for our officers for 2026. Please let us know if you are interested in serving on the board!

    For full details, including the address, and to RSVP see https://www.meetup.com/tri-city-democrats/events/312303177/

    See more details

• •
13
  • Indivisible Tri-Cities Holiday Potluck

    Indivisible Tri-Cities Holiday Potluck

    December 13, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Libraries -- Kennewick, 1620 S Union St, Kennewick, WA

    ✨Join us for our holiday potluck!✨

    💚We're celebrating the season together and giving back to the community at this fun, low-key social event.

    🎁We'll be collecting non-perishable food for Second Harvest, and toys and gift cards for Communities in Schools. Your donations help support local families and students during the holidays.

    🍽️Come share a dish, bring a friend, and join in community with us!

    See more details

•
14
15
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    December 15, 2025  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
16
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    December 16, 2025  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

  • Family Meeting: Child Care & the Washington State Budget Emergency

    Family Meeting: Child Care & the Washington State Budget Emergency

    December 16, 2025  6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/873403/

    Organizing for a brighter future for Washington families in 2026 starts now! It’s time to huddle up and make a 2026 game plan for protecting child care during the Washington state budget crisis.

    Join SEIU 925, Children's Campaign Fund Action, and MomsRising for a virtual Family Meeting: Child Care & the State Budget Emergency.

    Our state is in a budget crisis, and we know most of our families are too. We’re calling a family meeting to learn about what’s at stake and to co-create the budget solutions that will lift all families.

    Together, we'll get up to speed about the state of the 2026 state budget and how budget choices will impact moms, families, caregivers, and workers in our state. We'll hear from leaders from across Washington state, including Senator Claire Wilson, Senator Emily Alvarado, Representative Mary Fosse, and leaders from SEIU 925 and MomsRising.

    We hope you can join us in getting organized and informed so we can hit the ground running in early 2026! Make sure to RSVP so you receive the Zoom link once it's available.

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    December 16, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• • •
17
18
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    December 18, 2025  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 Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) No Meeting in December

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) No Meeting in December

    December 18, 2025  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    No Meeting

    There will be no Franklin County Democrats December meeting. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season! 

    Please join us for our January general meeting on Thursday, January 15. Hope to see you then!

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    December 18, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    General Meeting

    December 18, 2025

    Leslie Road Roundtable Pizza

    1769 Leslie Rd

    Richland

    Kennewick Roundtable Pizza

    See more details

• • •
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21
22
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    December 22, 2025  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
23
  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    December 23, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

•
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  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    December 29, 2025  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

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