Benton County Democrats

Standing up for the people of Benton County, WA

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WSDCC Wrap-up June 30, 2023

Posted on June 30, 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Hello Democrats,

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling deeply disappointed and outraged by this week’s Supreme Court rulings, one of which will strike a massive blow to equity in higher education by effectively ending affirmative action in college admissions – while others will send our country backward by blocking student loan forgiveness and weakening critical protections for the LGBTQIA+ Community. As Democrats, we must do everything we can to fight back against today’s highly partisan court and protect the rights of all Americans. 

I wish these developments came as a surprise, but with the Dobbs decision just one year behind us, and countless other questionable rulings on the books – they feel like par for the course. Instead of the fair, just, and impartial body envisioned in the Constitution, today’s court is a hyper-partisan agent of the right and we must stand up against every single harmful decision they throw at us.

If we want to have any chance at fixing the Supreme Court and paving a path toward a more equitable and just future we must stand strong for our Democratic values and ensure we hold the presidency through multiple future appointment processes. We face an uphill battle, but we cannot and will not yield in this fight. 

While we still have a great deal of work to do – let’s not forget that Democrats are achieving big things for the American people. 

The first success I want to highlight is that the Biden administration fought and won to earn well-deserved sick leave for rail workers – a powerful victory for working people across the nation. With the largest worker strike in U.S. history impending – it has never been more important that we stand by our brothers and sisters in the labor movement and we commend the President for doing just that. 

I also want to amplify all the work the Biden admin has been doing to create jobs and spur economic recovery – I’ll let this White House fact sheet do the talking, but suffice it to say that “Bidenomics” are creating countless jobs and having a major positive impact nationwide.  

Last but not least, we should take note of the White House’s decision to allocate $42B to expand high-speed internet access to every American household by 2030. This will prove to be a huge boon to many rural communities nationwide that still lack access to high speed broadband and the benefits it provides. 

While it can sometimes feel like each step forward is followed by an equally large step back, we must remember to stay resilient and fight for what we believe in every single day. The simple truth is that when we do the hard work to elect Democrats at every level, they can and will do the work needed to improve the lives of people across the country. Thank you to all of you for standing with us in this critical fight.

WORKING FOR WASHINGTON

This past weekend I was proud to come together with Democrats from across Washington State to support great candidates and stand strong for our values! 

On Saturday I had the pleasure of speaking at the Franklin County Dems’ Valora Loveland dinner. A big kudos to Chair Ana Ruiz Kennedy for a great event. It was an honor to share the stage with great Democrats like Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Senator Manka Dhingra, and Senator Loveland herself to name just a few!

Then on Sunday I had the opportunity to join King County Dems marching in the Seattle Pride Parade. There has never been a more important time to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and we will continue to do so long after Pride Month has passed! 

DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS

Biden announces $42 billion high-speed internet initiative

President Joe Biden is kicking off a more than $42 billion plan to give every American household access to high-speed internet by 2030.

Senator Murray speaks out against discrimination of LGBTQ+ Americans

This Pride Month U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced legislation to ban harmful practices against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Murray, Cantwell Announce $1.2 Billion Federal Investment in WA Broadband Infrastructure

U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the State of Washington will receive $1,227,742,066 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help expand broadband access to areas that remain without high-speed broadband.

“The consequences are severe:” Rep. Jayapal on fight for abortion access one year after Dobbs decision

MSNBC’s Alicia Menendez is joined by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) to discuss the ongoing fight to protect abortion access nationwide one year after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and her efforts to protect the trans community from Republican lawmakers who are pushing anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!

With gratitude,

Chair Shasti Conrad
Washington State Democratic Party
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The work we do today wins elections this November. 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

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Thank you for showing up today! Your presence matters. Your voice matters. Together, we stand! #ICEOutForGood #NonviolentAction #solidarity #indivisibletricitieswa Indivisible Tri-Cities WA ... See MoreSee Less

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A life was lost, and we refuse to remain silent.📍 Columbia Center Blvd🗓️ Saturday, January 10⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM✅ Dress warmly. Wear black. Remember this is a nonviolent event, and we expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully.✊🖤 ICE OUT FOR GOOD 🖤✊This Saturday, our community is coming together to speak out, stand in solidarity, and demand accountability. A life was lost, and we refuse to remain silent.📍 Columbia Center Blvd🗓️ Saturday, January 10⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMA core principle behind all Indivisible Tri-Cities events is a commitment to nonviolent action and no civil disobedience. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should be held in public spaces or on public property.Dress warmly and wear black in remembrance. ❄️🖤Your presence matters. Your voice matters. Together, we stand. 💪🌎#IceOutForGood #NonViolentAction #Solidarity #Indivisibletricitieswa ... See MoreSee Less

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Well said John Duresky for Congress! ... See MoreSee Less

Why did a federal immigration enforcement operation end with a woman dead, and why are communities still being given vague answers instead of real accountability? YESTERDAY: ICE officers were involved in an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis that ended with a civilian woman fatally shot during a roadside encounter. Federal officials described the shooting as self-defense, while local leaders, witnesses, and family members disputed that account and called for an independent investigation. THIS MORNING: A community is grieving and demanding answers. Eyewitness accounts and available video raise serious questions about whether deadly force was necessary. Federal authorities have offered limited detail and no independent review. This is not a partisan question. It is a question of accountability. Public safety matters. Law enforcement matters. But when the federal government uses deadly force, it must explain, clearly, publicly, and credibly, why. In WA-04, people live in small towns. They know their neighbors. They expect government power to be exercised carefully, and that when something goes wrong, leaders do not close ranks. They tell the truth. We should never be asked to choose between public safety and civil liberties. A serious government protects both. Here is what I will do differently as your Congressman: Demand full, public investigations when federal enforcement actions result in preventable loss of life, unlawful arrests, or violence Push for independent oversight of federal agencies operating in our communities Insist that use-of-force standards are clear, constitutional, and enforced — not justified after the fact with press releases and silence Accountability is not anti-law-enforcement. ICE officers were involved in an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis that ended with a civilian woman being fatally shot during a roadside encounter. Federal officials described the shooting as self-defense, while local leaders, witnesses, and family members disputed that account and called for an independent investigation. https://johnduresky4congress.com/

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Our hearts break for the friends and loved ones of Renee Nicole Good 💔 We know what we saw and we stand with you Minnesota!WA Democratic Party Chair, Shasti Conrad, released the following statement: ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

January 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    January 2, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    101 Wellsian Way Richland, WA 99352

    See more details

•
3
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    January 3, 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

  • No War

    No War

    January 3, 2026  5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick

    Well, waking up to an invasion in Venezuela gets your heart pumping and a desire to say NO TO WAR!

    The local Tri-Cities for Palestine is holding a rally TODAY and TOMORROW at 5pm. IF you want to get out on the streets. Indivisible will not be there as a group, but know many want to get out! Join them!!

    The Benton County Democrats are not part of planning or activity of this rally. Please attend at your own risk.

    See more details

• •
4
  • No War

    No War

    January 4, 2026  5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick

    Well, waking up to an invasion in Venezuela gets your heart pumping and a desire to say NO TO WAR!

    The local Tri-Cities for Palestine is holding a rally TODAY and TOMORROW at 5pm. IF you want to get out on the streets. Indivisible will not be there as a group, but know many want to get out! Join them!!

    The Benton County Democrats are not part of planning or activity of this rally. Please attend at your own risk.

    See more details

•
5
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 5, 2026  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

•
6
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 6, 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

    January 6, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
7
8
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 8, 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

•
9
  • FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    FredMeyer Pickup Order Time

    January 9, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    101 Wellsian Way Richland, WA 99352

    See more details

  • Tri-City Democrats - Friday, January 9, 6:00 PM

    Tri-City Democrats - Friday, January 9, 6:00 PM

    January 9, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Round Table Pizza3201 W Court St, Pasco

    Let’s join together for our first gathering of 2026. This month we'll meet at the Round Table Pizza on Court Street in Pasco. January 9 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/312748334/

    See more details

• •
10
  • Ice Out for Good

    Ice Out for Good

    January 10, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd, in front of the mall, parking near JC Penny’s

    A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for a coordinated Ice Out For Good Weekend of Action on Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.

    See more details

•
11
  • Sunnyside WA Street Rally and Protest against ICE and corporations that assist them!

    Sunnyside WA Street Rally and Protest against ICE and corporations that assist them!

    January 11, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/880996/

    This a local Indivisible event!

    We will meet on the sidewalk in front of Sunnyside Walmart at 12pm.✊🏼Sunday, January 11, there will be a protest in front of Walmart in Sunnyside from 12-2pm! Community, bring your 'No ICE' signs, your flags, and your voices! 📣 We are tired of shopping at their stores and them not protecting or supporting their customers! We don’t want ICE in their parking lots! 🧊🚫 Please share… See you there 🙏🏼

    See more details

•
12
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 12, 2026  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

  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    January 12, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
13
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 13, 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

    January 13, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
14
15
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 15, 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 Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    January 15, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    Please join us for our first general meeting of 2026! The January general meeting will happen on Thursday, the 15th. We will have our usual potluck at 5:30pm and with the meeting starting at 6pm. Our meeting will be both in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) and on zoom. 

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    See more details

• •
16
17
  • Indivisible Tri-cities Working Meeting

    Indivisible Tri-cities Working Meeting

    January 17, 2026  11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library (Union) 1620 S Union St Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join us to get the year rolling! We will be planning for the coming year, join together in community, and have a little fun!

    See more details

•
18
19
  • A Taste of Afghanistan

    A Taste of Afghanistan

    January 19, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    B5 Learning Center 715 S Jean Street Kennewick, WA 99336

    Join B5 for a meal prepared by our Afghan friends on Monday, January 19. It will be an evening of delicious food, community, and an opportunity to learn about Afghan culture. We hope you join us as we create a community of open hearts, helping hands, and supportive systems where we all thrive.
    https://thriveatb5.networkforgood.com/events/95545-a-taste-of-afghanistan

    See more details

  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 19, 2026  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

• •
20
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 20, 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

    January 20, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
21
22
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 22, 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

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    January 22, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
23
24
  • Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    January 24, 2026  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Richland Public Library Doris Roberts Gallery 955 Northgate Richland, WA

    You’re invited to our next Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities!

    Join us for a cozy, welcoming morning of book discussion, community conversation, and knitting or crafting if you’d like.

    See more details

•
25
26
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    January 26, 2026  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

•
27
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    January 27, 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

    January 27, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
28
29
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    January 29, 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

•
30
  • National Day of Action and Walkout

    National Day of Action and Walkout

    January 30, 2026  1:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    John Dam Plaza Knight @ George Washington Way Richland, WA

    On January 20, I pledge to walk out on fascism and walk toward a Free America.
    I refuse to accept raids, purges, surveillance, and fear as the new normal. I will help block the routines of power, support my community, and take action with courage and care.

    Join us for 5 minutes or an hour or more.

    See more details

  • Benton-Franklin Democrats Precinct Committee Officer Training

    Benton-Franklin Democrats Precinct Committee Officer Training

    January 30, 2026  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    IBEW Local 77, 7025 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick WA.

    Plan to attend. Mark your calendar for Precinct Committee Officer Training January 30, 2026, 5 PM to 8PM at IBEW Local 77, 7025 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick WA.

    More details coming.

    See more details

  • Precinct Committee Officer Training

    Precinct Committee Officer Training

    January 30, 2026  5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    IBEW Local 77, 7025 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336, USA

    See more details

• • •
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