The Power of Many - Minnesota: October 2017

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Tuesday 10/31 Call to Action

Tuesday
Happy Halloween!

Whoa boy. The news, it’s coming at us fast and furiously. Yesterday was something else.

1. Remember, if Trump decides to collar Robert Mueller we the people need to resist. Plan now where you will go to protest in the event of this crisis. Pack your car with signs, snacks, and warm weather gear, just in case.

Continue to contact your members of Congress about HR 3654 and S 1735. These bills would prevent the president (Trump) from firing special counsel (Robert Mueller) without a panel of three judges agreeing to it first.
https://www.countable.us/…/s1735-115-special-counsel-indepe…

https://www.countable.us/…/875-senators-act-shield-trump-ru…

2. Despite yesterday’s hullabaloo, we need to keep our focus on the tax bill. The GOP plans to drop their bill Wednesday, November 1st, so we will focus more on that tomorrow. There will be a coordinated call in day on Thursday, November 2nd.

Here are some articles to read in preparation:

Here’s a quick one about our GOP Congressmen from City Pages:http://www.citypages.com/…/emmer-paulsen-and-lewi…/453517763

Here’s a little more information about SALT (bonus-there’s a video!):https://www.newsy.com/…/gop-salt-compromise-could-move-tax…/

In this article, Gov. Mark Dayton states that the new GOP tax plan would cut deductions for 900K Minnesotans: http://www.startribune.com/dayton-says-gop-tax-plan-woul…/…/

3. CHIP
The House will be voting on funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program sometime this week. The current plan is controversial because it includes funding cuts for many Affordable Care Act programs as well.
http://thehill.com/…/357321-house-to-vote-on-chip-extension…

Call your members of Congress and tell them to pass a clean CHIP funding bill without any changes to the ACA.
https://www.indivisible.org/…/congress-still-needs-reautho…/

4. No Scientists at the EPA
Scott Pruitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency is working hard to push scientists out of his office. It seems that his goal is to remove any environmental regulators and replace them with fossil fuel and chemical advocates. This is terrible stuff! The changes are swift and are mostly happening with little fanfare.
Read more about it here: https://www.vox.com/…/epa-science-advisory-board-scientific…

Want to be a thorn in Scott Pruitt’s side? You can make an official request for a public hearing with Pruitt about his intention to withdraw from the Clean Power Plan.
Learn more here: https://www.commondreams.org/…/samantha-bee-skewers-trumps-…

Here’s a copy of a letter you can send to the EPA. The deadline is today, October 31st .
http://samanthabee.com/if-you-love-sam-send-this-letter-to…/

Former EPA staffers have followed in the footsteps of the Indivisible Guide and created a document that explains to us how to fight regulatory changes and make agencies listen. I think this is so great. Check it out!https://docs.google.com/…/1kqFdVb0avt1GpGOX8daC-5SMlDO…/editBeing smart is so cool.

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/
Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

Congressional District 2 residents: Check out this website for information about groups and events in your area. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Enjoy this song! Warning: NSFW language.

(Earth is) Not OK ft. Ingrid Michaelson | October 25, 2017 | Full Frontal on TBS

This summer's endless fires and storms left us a little unsure,…

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Monday, October 30, 2017

Monday 10/30 Call to Action

It's a special "first special counsel indictment" Call to Action today.

Two things. First, if the special counsel goes away, get out and protest! Details below.

Second, call to get your senator to support: S.1741 to protect the special counsel.

Franken-202-224-5641

Klobuchar-202-224-3244

Here's a message from the host of the Mueller Firing Rapid Response event you signed up to attend:

Hi Network/ Mueller Firing Rapid Response Hosts,

Yesterday evening, CNN reported that the first charges have been filed in Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the US presidential election and related issues that have sprung out of the inquiry.

It's no coincidence that GOP rhetoric on the Special Counsel's investigation is at a fevered pitch. Mueller has been called on to resign, his reputation impugned and the investigation's budget threatened.

Citizens concerned about the Russia investigation should be on high alert.

- If Trump Fires Mueller: Remember that we have decided to do our protest at (insert location) at 5 PM local time if he fires Mueller before 2 PM local time and the following day at Noon local time if he fires him after 2 PM time.

- If Trump pre-emptively pardons a member of his administration or campaign, we will likely be calling for rallies shortly afterwards, but this will not trigger the rapid response. Please stay tuned.

- Let Congress know we are watching: write a letter to the editor and reach out to our senators and representative on Monday using the switchboard number (202) 224-3121 and ask them to support the bipartisan Senate (S 1741 , S 1735) and House bills (HR 3771) to protect the investigation and to ensure that there is a robust and ongoing congressional investigation as well -we are concerned that the GOP over the last week seems to be moving away from this.

- Attend a special call being organized by March for Truth on Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Attorney and commentator Renato Marriotti will share his perspective on what the news means and what to expect in the coming days, in addition to voices from #MarchForTruth partner organizations such as Jonah Minkoff-Zern, Co-Director of Public Citizen's Democracy Is For People Campaign. CALL-IN DETAILS: Toll-free dial in: (844) 844-0414, Passcode: 710305

Onward,

Hi Network/ Mueller Firing Rapid Response Hosts,

Citizens concerned about the Russia investigation should be on high alert.

- If Trump Fires Mueller: Remember that we have decided to do our protest at Jason Lewis’s office in Burnsville at 5 PM local time if he fires Mueller before 2 PM local time and the following day at Noon local time if he fires him after 2 PM time.

- If Trump pre-emptively pardons a member of his administration or campaign, we will likely be calling for rallies shortly afterwards, but this will not trigger the rapid response. Please stay tuned.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Friday 10/27 Call to Action

Friday

1. Garbage Budget
It was a close one (216-212), but the House managed to pass the budget resolution. (All of MN’s GOP Congressmen voted yea) While this budget will most likely not be implemented, it gives us an idea of what the GOP’s priorities are: cutting health care programs and safety nets for the poor. The most worrisome thing this budget does is allow the Senate to pass $1.5 trillion increase in debt and $5 trillion in tax cuts (for the wealthy) with only 51 votes.

https://www.vox.com/…/26/16526…/2018-senate-budget-explained

The fact that the vote was almost tied gives us some hope. Perhaps there are some Republican members of Congress that believe that tax cuts for the wealthy are not a good idea. This is where we can apply pressure. When the GOP’s tax plan is released on November 1st, we must be ready to react loudly and often. We need to shine the spotlight on this terrible tax plan.

Read this twitter thread from MoveOn’s Ben Wikler:https://mobile.twitter.com/benwik…/status/923573702092099584

Or this on from Indivisible’s Chad Bolt:https://mobile.twitter.com/chadde…/status/923616697189314560

Is Erik Paulsen your representative? He is on the House Ways and Means Committee. Give him some extra attention.

There is so much happening at once and I find it difficult to focus. But this is one of these issues that will have devastating effects for years to come. It is worth the time to do some research on this and get ready. This is the issue that needs our attention. Remember, together we are a powerful force. Arm yourself with facts and the truth!

2. Our National Treasures
The Department of Interior has decided to increase the price of admission to our national parks from $30 to $75. They are also planning on slashing the National Park Service budget by about $300 million. Does this make you angry? Let them know! Yo can submit comments until November 23rd.https://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=83652 or write a letter, 849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop: 2346 Washington, DC 20240.

3. The Scientists are Fighting Back
Former EPA staffers have followed in the footsteps of the Indivisible Guide and created a document that explains to us how to fight regulatory changes and make agencies listen. I think this is so great. Check it out!https://docs.google.com/…/1kqFdVb0avt1GpGOX8daC-5SMlDO…/editBeing smart is so cool.

Congressional District 2 residents: Check out this website for information about groups and events in your area. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Dare To Be Stupid

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Wednesday 10/25 Call to Action

Wednesday

1. Senator Flake Speaks Out
The senator from Arizona made an impassioned speech on the Senate floor yesterday. It’s worth a listen. https://www.nbcnews.com/…/watch-jeff-flake-s-full-senate-fl…
Sen. Flake also wrote an opinion piece for The Washington Post:https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/12488ee4-b908-11e7-a908-a3…
is best for the country is for neither party’s base to fully get what it wants but rather for the factions that make up our parties
His words are like water in the desert. I long for this to be the beginning of the end of these tumultuous nine months. The problem is, his votes are still in line with Trump and the GOP. I can’t help but wonder, is he upset with the way the Republicans have been screwing over Americans, or is he mad at that fact that Trump doesn’t know how to fake decorum?

2. No Lawsuit for You
Last night, the Senate voted to reverse the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s financial arbitration clause that allowed consumers to participate in class action lawsuits against big corporations. This rule gave us more power to fight industry abuses. Thanks to 50 GOP senators and VP Pence, that protection is now gone.

Bureau Director Richard Cordray called the Senate vote “a giant setback for every consumer in this country...It robs consumers of their most effective legal tool against corporate wrongdoing,” Cordray said. “As a result, companies like Wells Fargo and Equifax remain free to break the law without fear of legal blowback from their customers.”
http://www.latimes.com/…/la-fi-arbitration-rule-senate-2017…
Ugh. 100% of the Democratic senators voted against this. If you’d like, give Sens. Klobuchar and Franken and call and thank them for their vote.

3. Ditch Mowing vs. Pollinators
Minnesota Rep. Rick Hansen posted this article and I think it’s worth a mention. There is a controversy brewing in greater Minnesota about the right to mow roadside ditches for hay. The problem with this is, if the ditches are mowed at the wrong time of year it can have a negative effect on pollinating insects. Environmental groups want regulations enforced that dictate safe times for mowing. Read more here: http://www.twincities.com/…/mndot-plans-statewide-hearings…/
You may not like insects, but they are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. Insect numbers are dwindling at alarming rates. This study reports a 75% decline (!!!) in flying insect populations over the last 30 years.http://www.cnn.com/…/euro…/insect-decline-germany/index.html
I encourage you to read these articles and contact your MN representative. Tell them that you think protecting pollinators is important.
Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/
Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

Congressional District 2 residents: Check out this website for information about groups and events in your area. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Tom Petty - Honey Bee (SNL 1994)

R.I.P. Tom Petty Tom Petty performs "Honey Bee" live on SNL in 1994. Also featuring Dave Grohl on drums. Check out my…

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Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Tuesday 10/24 Call to Action

Tuesday

1. Tax Scam
The GOP is busy spreading misinformation on their proposed tax reforms. This tax deal is a windfall for rich corporations at the expense of hard working, everyday Americans. Let’s get busy telling them we know the truth.
From the Indivisible Guide, the GOP tax plan
1. Disproportionately benefits white Americans at the expense of minorities.
2. Drastically reduces corporate tax rates.
3. Gives big money to hedge funds and Trump organizations
4. Hurts Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.

If you were mad about healthcare, you should be equally upset now. Last week, the Senate passed a budget resolution that allows them to use the reconciliation process. What does that mean? Reconciliation allows Congress to pass this crummy tax bill with only 50 votes (plus VP Pence’s tie breaking vote). Yuck. The house will vote on Thursday to pass the Senate resolutions. Expect a committee markup on the tax bill in the next few weeks. They are going to try to railroad this bill through as quickly as possible.

Republicans know that this tax bill is a turd, but they are beholden to their big donors. Our best course of action it to make a big stink about it. Now is the time to call, write, and use social media to spread the truth about this tax scam.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Monday 10/23 Call to Action

Monday 10/23

Sarah Huckabee Sanders said it was inappropriate to question a general. That seems pretty authoritarian.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/20/trump-feud-florida-congresswoman-john-kelly

1. The president went on Twitter and downplayed Russian interference in our democracy. Let's call our Senators and Representatives and ask them to support:
- Senate: Special Counsel Independence Protection Act
- House: Special Counsel Integrity Act

2. Let's call one more time about net neutrality. This might be our last chance to stop it. https://www.battleforthenet.com/

Franken-202-224-5641
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121
MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators
Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/
Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/
Congressional District 2 residents: Check out this website for information about groups and events in your area. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Friday, October 20, 2017

Friday 10/20 Call to Action

Friday
There is so much going on.

1. GOP Budget Proposal Passes Senate
In a vote of 51-49 (Sen. Paul voted “No”), the senate passed a $4 trillion budget yesterday. The passing of this budget gets Congress one step closer to overhauling the U. S. tax code. The cuts in the new tax proposal would create a $1.5 trillion deficit, which republicans claim will be offset by a HUGE bump in economic growth. This tax proposal does great things for the wealthiest in our country at the expense of the most vulnerable, including massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. As an added bonus, the budget allows drilling up in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It is bad stuff people.

Congress has orchestrated all of this in a way that circumvents the need for a 60 vote majority to pass. The GOP is hoping they can pass this through with no one noticing what’s really in it. Our only hope to squash this thing is to make some noise. Call your members of Congress, text, email, Resistbot, write letters, and do your thing. This is as important as healthcare.

http://www.startribune.com/senate-republicans-cruise-tow…/…/

Some resources form Indivisible. https://www.indivisible.org/re…/trump-tax-scam-happens-next/

2. Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2017
Remember when our biggest nuclear concern was that President Bush said nucular? Sigh, who would have thought I would long for the stability of the Bush presidency. Now we have to worry about Trump going rogue and creating nuclear annihilation because someone bruised his ego. Representative Ted Lieu has proposed a bill that would make it difficult for Trump to launch nuclear weapons on a whim. The bill would require Congress to declare war against a country before a nuclear strike was authorized. Give your representative a call about this one. FYI, Reps. Ellison, Nolan, and McCollum are cosponsors.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/669

https://www.countable.us/…/hr669-115-restricting-first-use-…

3. H.R.620 - ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017
A lot has changed since the 1990 signing of the American’s with Disabilities Act. Adaptations in infrastructure have allowed people with physical disabilities access to areas that were once difficult or even impossible to traverse.
Today, some legislators are proposing to take a step backward. Instead of requiring businesses to comply with the ADA, this bill would allow them to wait until they are notified of a failure to meet their legal obligations before removing any physical barriers. This could mean that many buildings could remain inaccessible while complaints of violations are processed in the system. Read more in this piece by Sen. Tammy Duckworth: https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/f508069c-b359-11e7-9e58-e6…
I really liked this part:
This offensive legislation would segregate the disability community, making it the only protected class under civil rights law that must rely on “education” — rather than strong enforcement — to guarantee access to public spaces. As the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Rights Task Force and other civil rights organizations wrote in opposing this bill, “We know of no other law that outlaws discrimination but permits entities to discriminate with impunity until victims experience that discrimination and educate the entities perpetrating it about their obligations not to discriminate.”
For decades, from enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through passage of the ADA, Congress has worked to enshrine the principle in law that no American should be denied access to a public space because of who they are, be it their race, nationality, religion, gender or disability. The ADA Education and Reform Act betrays this bipartisan legacy.

I understand that not everyone thinks about these things because, for most of my adult life, I didn’t either. But the truth is that everyone, whether they realize it or not, is just one bad day away from needing accessible options to help them get around their community.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/620

https://www.countable.us/…/hr620-115-ada-education-and-refo…

Give your representative a call today. FYI, Reps. Emmer and Lewis are cosponsors of this bill

Congressional District 2 residents: Check out this website for information about groups and events in your area. mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com

Rage Against the Machine - Renegades of Funk

This is not a place to start bashing people, starting political…

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Thursday, October 19, 2017

Thursday, 10/19 Call To Action

Thursday, 10/19

Writing this for today felt like picking pieces of paper out of a hat on issues that continue on. These past nine months have felt like a lifetime. Don’t forget to take care of yourselves and unplug now and then.

1. Puerto Rico. Please keep making noise about Puerto Rico. With how things are going there you would think that Hurricane Maria had hit yesterday. More than 80% of the residents are without power, and more than a third of households do not have reliable drinking water. We have another Katrina on our hands.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/18/health/puerto-rico-one-month-without-water/index.html

2. The Honest Ads Act. Our very own Senator Klobuchar has co-authored this bill. “The Honest Ads Act, is an offshoot of the investigations into Russia's use of Facebook, Twitter and Google to influence the 2016 election. It would create federal disclosure requirements for political ads sold online — including who paid for them — so they are "covered by the same rules as ads sold on TV, radio, and satellite.” You can give her a call and thank her for this.

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/18/facebook-ad-disclosure-bill-243914

3. Open Enrollment. It is up to us to get people covered since the Trump administration won’t. Here is a really great enrollment toolkit. Please spread the word.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJOgrGdBcfj-ZGA7MIqcLFapKR1tsx170pnkIpaJBw/mobilebasic

4. “The Russian Ambassador is Russian.” -Senator Franken. Yesterday the Senate Judiciary Committee had Jeff Sessions testify. Both of our Senators questioned Sessions. Feel free to give them a call and let them know they did a good job, especially when it came to Senator Franken questioning Sessions about the Russian interference. If you’d like to watch click the link below.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?434413-1/attorney-general-says-interviewed-special-counsel

Franken-202-224-5641

Klobuchar-202-224-3244

House of Representative switchboard: (202) 224-3121

MN Legislators: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/legislators

Resistbot: https://resistbot.io/

Governor Dayton- https://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/

Congressional District 2 residents: Check out this website for information about groups and events in your area.mn02progressiveactionnetwork.com