Monday
The House Intelligence Committee found no evidence of Trump-Russia collusion. On the same day, we discovered close ties between Natalya Veselnitskaya and the Kremlin.
The House Judiciary committee passed a bill to protect Mueller. It's not clear whether McConnel will bring it to a vote.
1. Tariffs on the EU will begin May 1, unless they can be averted. Let's call Congress and tell them we oppose protectionism.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/apr/30/eu-us-trade-war-donald-trump-tariffs
2. The Iran deal could be gone on May 12. It also appears Trump may already be violating the deal.
https://www.politico.eu/article/iran-nuclear-deal-may-merkel-macron-uk-germany-france-agree-is-best-way-to-stop-nuclear-threat/
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/04/iran-deal/559235/
3. Richard Painter, former Bush Ethics Lawyer is running for Franken's former / Smith's current senate seat as a Democrat. Seems ok, as long as we let the primary decide.
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/385430-ex-bush-ethics-official-to-run-for-frankens-former-senate-seat-as-dem
What can you do?
*Get Out The Vote*
Do your part to get out the vote.
“The poll surveyed Americans who aren’t registered to vote or who are registered but say they’re unlikely to cast a ballot. Combined, the two groups include more than 100 million adults, the pollsters note.
The top reasons unregistered voters gave for not voting were that they doubted their vote would make a difference (15 percent), they were uninterested (12 percent) or they were too busy (8 percent).”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/heres-why-many-americans-a…
Check out this page from CD2Action with link to organizations that help register voters. https://cd2action.com/1533-2/
*Volunteer for a Minnesota Campaign*
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
Check out these candidates and make plans to help.
Congressional District 2
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
All Districts
https://en.wikipedia.org/…/Minnesota_House_of_Representativ…
Statewide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_elections,_2018…
*Write Postcards to Voters*
Sign up to volunteer here: https://postcardstovoters.org/volunteer/
Sites to Check:
Want to fight for the environment? Join the Climate Majority Project
http://www.mn350.org/climate-majority-project/
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
MN02 Congress Watch http://mn02congresswatch.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/572562169758984/
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Monday, April 30, 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018
Friday 4/27 Call to Action
Friday
1. Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (S 2644)
The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act was approved by a bipartisan vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. This bill would protect special counsel Robert Mueller from being fired. (https://www.congress.gov/bi…/115th-congress/senate-bill/2644). Despite the vote to advance this bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that he still has no intention of bringing this bill to the Senate floor.https://www.usatoday.com/…/senate-panel-blank-bi…/553255002/
1. Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act (S 2644)
The Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act was approved by a bipartisan vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. This bill would protect special counsel Robert Mueller from being fired. (https://www.congress.gov/bi…/115th-congress/senate-bill/2644). Despite the vote to advance this bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that he still has no intention of bringing this bill to the Senate floor.https://www.usatoday.com/…/senate-panel-blank-bi…/553255002/
First, let’s thank Senator Amy Klobuchar, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, for voting to approve this bill. Second, let’s call Majority Leader McConnell and ask him to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
202-224-2541
317 Russell Senate Off. Bldg, Washington DC 20510.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
202-224-2541
317 Russell Senate Off. Bldg, Washington DC 20510.
2. Mike Pompeo Confirmed as Secretary of State
Yesterday, in a 57-42 vote, Mike Pompeo was confirmed as Secretary of State. Thankfully, Minnesota’s senators voted against him, but the controversial nominee made it through with the help of five Democratic senators. https://www.nytimes.com/…/mike-pompeo-secretary-of-state.ht…
Yesterday, in a 57-42 vote, Mike Pompeo was confirmed as Secretary of State. Thankfully, Minnesota’s senators voted against him, but the controversial nominee made it through with the help of five Democratic senators. https://www.nytimes.com/…/mike-pompeo-secretary-of-state.ht…
Now that Pompeo has left the CIA, Gina Haspel will be considered to replace him as CIA Director. Haspel has a dubious past involving torture programs. Read more about it here, time.com/5250440/gina-haspel-retired-military/ and then get on your phones and tell our senators that they should vote “NO” on Haspel’s confirmation. Here’s a calling script.https://5calls.org/team/roguenasa/gina-haspel-cia-director
3. The Rent is to Darn High
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson has introduced a legislative proposal which would triple rent for low-income families, and allow public housing agencies to implement work requirements for individuals and families (http://www.baltimoresun.com/…/ct-hud-rent-changes-20180425-…). The bill, the Making Affordable Housing Work Act of 2018, will need congressional approval. Let’s contact our MoC and voice our opposition to this bill. We can also contact Secretary Carson and tell him what we think of this attack on low-income families. Office of the Secretary phone number: (202) 708-0417 Mailing address: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson has introduced a legislative proposal which would triple rent for low-income families, and allow public housing agencies to implement work requirements for individuals and families (http://www.baltimoresun.com/…/ct-hud-rent-changes-20180425-…). The bill, the Making Affordable Housing Work Act of 2018, will need congressional approval. Let’s contact our MoC and voice our opposition to this bill. We can also contact Secretary Carson and tell him what we think of this attack on low-income families. Office of the Secretary phone number: (202) 708-0417 Mailing address: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
4.Republican Farmer Labor Caucus?
Minnesota Republicans have created a caucus, the RFL, that parrots the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. It’s mission is discussing issues and Republican solutions important to Minnesota's farmers and labor unions. It may be tempting to laugh off the RFL, but I think we need to pay attention to this. In order to win elections in November and beyond, Democrats need to connect with voters all over the state and share with them the message that the DFL is the party that will fight for high quality jobs and livable wages.
A DFL lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Republican Farmer Labor Caucus, telling the “RFL” to change its name and logo. Read more about it here: http://www.bluestemprairie.com/…/roll-over-elmer-benson-par…
Check out the RFL Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaRFL/
Minnesota Republicans have created a caucus, the RFL, that parrots the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. It’s mission is discussing issues and Republican solutions important to Minnesota's farmers and labor unions. It may be tempting to laugh off the RFL, but I think we need to pay attention to this. In order to win elections in November and beyond, Democrats need to connect with voters all over the state and share with them the message that the DFL is the party that will fight for high quality jobs and livable wages.
A DFL lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Republican Farmer Labor Caucus, telling the “RFL” to change its name and logo. Read more about it here: http://www.bluestemprairie.com/…/roll-over-elmer-benson-par…
Check out the RFL Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaRFL/
What can you do?
*Get Out The Vote*
Do your part to get out the vote.
“The poll surveyed Americans who aren’t registered to vote or who are registered but say they’re unlikely to cast a ballot. Combined, the two groups include more than 100 million adults, the pollsters note.
The top reasons unregistered voters gave for not voting were that they doubted their vote would make a difference (15 percent), they were uninterested (12 percent) or they were too busy (8 percent).”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/heres-why-many-americans-a…
Check out this page from CD2Action with link to organizations that help register voters. https://cd2action.com/1533-2/
Do your part to get out the vote.
“The poll surveyed Americans who aren’t registered to vote or who are registered but say they’re unlikely to cast a ballot. Combined, the two groups include more than 100 million adults, the pollsters note.
The top reasons unregistered voters gave for not voting were that they doubted their vote would make a difference (15 percent), they were uninterested (12 percent) or they were too busy (8 percent).”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/…/heres-why-many-americans-a…
Check out this page from CD2Action with link to organizations that help register voters. https://cd2action.com/1533-2/
*Volunteer for a Minnesota Campaign*
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
Check out these candidates and make plans to help.
Congressional District 2
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
All Districts
https://en.wikipedia.org/…/Minnesota_House_of_Representativ…
Statewide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_elections,_2018…
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
Check out these candidates and make plans to help.
Congressional District 2
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
All Districts
https://en.wikipedia.org/…/Minnesota_House_of_Representativ…
Statewide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_elections,_2018…
*Write Postcards to Voters*
Sign up to volunteer here: https://postcardstovoters.org/volunteer/
Sign up to volunteer here: https://postcardstovoters.org/volunteer/
Sites to Check:
Want to fight for the environment? Join the Climate Majority Project
http://www.mn350.org/climate-majority-project/
http://www.mn350.org/climate-majority-project/
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Thursday 4/26 Call to Action
Thursday 4/26
1. Mike Pompeo
Mike Pompeo is said to be right in line with views like Trump, and his nomination for Secretary of State is on it’s way to a full Senate vote. Continue to keep on the pressure with our Senators. Need more information on Pompeo and a calling script? Here you go.
2. Local
Want to find out what is happening at the local level? Check this out. Looks like the pipeline has passed Committee in the Senate and is waiting on a full floor vote. Call your senators and say NO to SF3510.
Rep. Anderson has also added language to the government funding bill that would make gerrymandering much easier in our state by drawing unfair, competitive legislative districts. Call your local reps and sign the petition.
3. Get Out The Vote
“The poll surveyed Americans who aren’t registered to vote or who are registered but say they’re unlikely to cast a ballot. Combined, the two groups include more than 100 million adults, the pollsters note.
The top reasons unregistered voters gave for not voting were that they doubted their vote would make a difference (15 percent), they were uninterested (12 percent) or they were too busy (8 percent).”
What can we do about this? See step 4.
4. Volunteer for a Minnesota Campaign
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
Check out these candidates and make plans to help.
Congressional District 2
All Districts
Statewide
Sites to Check:
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
MN02 Congress Watch http://mn02congresswatch.org/
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Wednesday 4/25 Call to Action
Wednesday
1. Sit-in for Sensible Gun Legislation
Yesterday morning, State Representative Erin Maye Quade began a 24 hour sit-in on the House floor to protest the lack of gun legislation at the Capitol. Rep. Maye Quade is joined by a handful of other legislators and they are calling for expanded background checks and a legal way for family members to temporarily restrict a loved one’s gun access. These sensible gun regulations are overwhelmingly supported by Minnesotans so the lack of legislative progress is disappointing.
https://www.facebook.com/tptalmanac/videos/10155065985252493/
https://www.twincities.com/…/mn-legislature-erin-maye-quad…/
Yesterday morning, State Representative Erin Maye Quade began a 24 hour sit-in on the House floor to protest the lack of gun legislation at the Capitol. Rep. Maye Quade is joined by a handful of other legislators and they are calling for expanded background checks and a legal way for family members to temporarily restrict a loved one’s gun access. These sensible gun regulations are overwhelmingly supported by Minnesotans so the lack of legislative progress is disappointing.
https://www.facebook.com/tptalmanac/videos/10155065985252493/
https://www.twincities.com/…/mn-legislature-erin-maye-quad…/
Today, let’s call our own local members of Congress and tell them we understand Rep. Maye Quade’s frustration over the lack of sensible gun regulation in Minnesota. Tell them it’s time to pass some bills.
Let’s remind them of the bills Rep. Dave Pinto introduced.
HF 1669, mandates criminal background checks for firearm transfers
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php…
HF 1605, enables law enforcement and family members to petition a court to prohibit a person from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php…
Let’s remind them of the bills Rep. Dave Pinto introduced.
HF 1669, mandates criminal background checks for firearm transfers
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php…
HF 1605, enables law enforcement and family members to petition a court to prohibit a person from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves or others.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php…
Also, the Murphy/Klein the Firearm Data Collection for Research bill SF2726/HF2891 that would allow Minnesota to research gun violence.
https://protectmn.org/…/HF-2891-Firearm-Data-Collection-for…
https://protectmn.org/…/HF-2891-Firearm-Data-Collection-for…
After calling, drive over to the Capitol and join Moms Demand Action as they rally together to demand sensible gun legislation from 9-12. Here’s more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1673371259383596/
2. De-escalation Training for Police
Tragedy occurred in Canada this week when a man drove into a series of pedestrians, killing 10 people and injuring many others. When the suspect was apprehended, he was restrained by the police officer with no injuries despite actions that would have warranted deadly force. It is remarkable to watch the footage. Canadian police receive significantly more training in de-escalation techniques than their American counterparts do. Perhaps it is time for us to demand this type of training here as well.
Tragedy occurred in Canada this week when a man drove into a series of pedestrians, killing 10 people and injuring many others. When the suspect was apprehended, he was restrained by the police officer with no injuries despite actions that would have warranted deadly force. It is remarkable to watch the footage. Canadian police receive significantly more training in de-escalation techniques than their American counterparts do. Perhaps it is time for us to demand this type of training here as well.
Read more and watch a video of the brave Canadian police officer here: https://www.nytimes.com/…/toronto-van-police-constable-lam.…
https://www.apmreports.org/…/…/police-de-escalation-training
https://www.apmreports.org/…/…/police-de-escalation-training
Last year, legislation was introduced in the state legislature to provide more de-escalation training for Minnesota police officers. Let’s call our local members of Congress and ask them to revisit this bill.
HF59 – De-escalation training for police officers
Introduced: 1/5/2017
Authors: Johnson S, Lien, Loeffler, Lee, Thissen, Slocum, Bly, Lien (1/9), Loeffler (1/9), Lee (1/9), Thissen (1/11), Slocum (1/11), Bly (2/2)
Status: Referred to Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committee.asp…
Companion Senate Bill: SF464
Introduced: 1/30/2017
Authors: Hawj, Dziedzic, Champion, Marty (3/16)
Status: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/commit…/committee_bio.php…
HF59 – De-escalation training for police officers
Introduced: 1/5/2017
Authors: Johnson S, Lien, Loeffler, Lee, Thissen, Slocum, Bly, Lien (1/9), Loeffler (1/9), Lee (1/9), Thissen (1/11), Slocum (1/11), Bly (2/2)
Status: Referred to Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committee.asp…
Companion Senate Bill: SF464
Introduced: 1/30/2017
Authors: Hawj, Dziedzic, Champion, Marty (3/16)
Status: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/commit…/committee_bio.php…
3. Volunteer for a Minnesota Campaign
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
Check out these candidates and make plans to help.
Congressional District 2
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
All Districts
https://en.wikipedia.org/…/Minnesota_House_of_Representativ…
Statewide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_elections,_2018…
Congressional District 2
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
All Districts
https://en.wikipedia.org/…/Minnesota_House_of_Representativ…
Statewide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_elections,_2018…
Sites to Check:
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Tuesday 4/24 Call to Action
Today's call to action is a shorty in honor of my dauther's birthday. I am off to put up decorations and make some pancakes. 
Happy birthday Viv!
Happy birthday Viv!
Tuesday
1. Protecting Salmon
Salmon are a remarkable species. They begin life in freshwater streams, move to the ocean and finally make a long and arduous trek back to the stream where they were born to spawn and die. They are a remarkably resilient species. Unfortunately, the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin where salmon spawn, impedes the salmon’s migration. A population that once numbered around 10 million has dwindled to 1 million. This has earned salmon a spot on the endangered species list.
Things had been looking up for our salmon friends when in 2016, courts ruled that managing federal agencies needed to find a dam solution (ha, ha) that would protect salmon populations. Unfortunately for the salmon, their protection is in jeopardy. Continuing the disappointing trend of reversing all the good accomplished by the Obama administration, the House is looking to change that rule. HR 3144 will be on the House floor this week. This bill would thwart efforts to protect endangered wild salmon and hinder development of a more efficient and reliable power system by locking in status quo hydropower operations on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Read more about it here: https://www.americanrivers.org/…/legislative-overreach-sal…/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3144
Salmon are a remarkable species. They begin life in freshwater streams, move to the ocean and finally make a long and arduous trek back to the stream where they were born to spawn and die. They are a remarkably resilient species. Unfortunately, the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin where salmon spawn, impedes the salmon’s migration. A population that once numbered around 10 million has dwindled to 1 million. This has earned salmon a spot on the endangered species list.
Things had been looking up for our salmon friends when in 2016, courts ruled that managing federal agencies needed to find a dam solution (ha, ha) that would protect salmon populations. Unfortunately for the salmon, their protection is in jeopardy. Continuing the disappointing trend of reversing all the good accomplished by the Obama administration, the House is looking to change that rule. HR 3144 will be on the House floor this week. This bill would thwart efforts to protect endangered wild salmon and hinder development of a more efficient and reliable power system by locking in status quo hydropower operations on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Read more about it here: https://www.americanrivers.org/…/legislative-overreach-sal…/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3144
H.R. 3144 is legislative overreach.
The actual purpose of H.R. 3144 is never stated or acknowledged in the bill: to overturn these two carefully-considered court decisions. Without ever mentioning them, H.R. 3144 would block both judicial decisions by requiring that, until 2022, dam operations must follow the illegal dam management plan rejected by the Court in 2016.
In addition, H.R. 3144 would seek to prevent any study, analysis, or consideration of dam management alternatives, such as additional increases in spill or breaching of the four lower Snake River dams. This legislative effort to circumvent the courts and the requirements of our nation’s environmental laws is contrary to the way the rule of law is intended to work in a democracy. Sadly, it would also protect a failed and costly status quo while blocking the opportunity to create a new plan that both reflects regional stakeholder input and works to achieve salmon and steelhead recovery.
American Rivers and our partners will work hard to prevent H.R. 3144 from becoming law. Please join us by contacting your U.S. Representative and requesting that he or she opposes H.R. 3144.
The actual purpose of H.R. 3144 is never stated or acknowledged in the bill: to overturn these two carefully-considered court decisions. Without ever mentioning them, H.R. 3144 would block both judicial decisions by requiring that, until 2022, dam operations must follow the illegal dam management plan rejected by the Court in 2016.
In addition, H.R. 3144 would seek to prevent any study, analysis, or consideration of dam management alternatives, such as additional increases in spill or breaching of the four lower Snake River dams. This legislative effort to circumvent the courts and the requirements of our nation’s environmental laws is contrary to the way the rule of law is intended to work in a democracy. Sadly, it would also protect a failed and costly status quo while blocking the opportunity to create a new plan that both reflects regional stakeholder input and works to achieve salmon and steelhead recovery.
American Rivers and our partners will work hard to prevent H.R. 3144 from becoming law. Please join us by contacting your U.S. Representative and requesting that he or she opposes H.R. 3144.
2. Support Your Local Elections
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
The best way to change the trajectory of this administration is to elect public servants who want to work for the good of their constituents. The most important thing you can do right now is support Minnesota’s candidates. Are you well represented in your district? Adopt another district. November 2018 is a huge election for Minnesota. All hands are needed on deck.
Check out these candidates and make plans to help.
Congressional District 2
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
https://cd2action.com/minnesota-house/
https://docs.google.com/…/1Uqe_MoEAkideRALrCol62N…/htmlview…
Sites to Check:
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Monday, April 23, 2018
Monday 4/23 Call to Action
- The DNC filed a lawsuit against Russia, Trump and Wikileaks: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-russia/democratic-party-sues-russia-trump-campaign-for-allegedly-disrupting-2016-election-idUSKBN1HR2BE
- Trump invited Putin to the U.S.
- The Comey Memos went to Congress and Leaked.
- Trump pressed Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray to find derogatory information on two senior FBI officials.
1. Puerto Rico (From Rogan's List)
The devastation suffered by Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria is turning out to be far worse than the government has said. Researchers say more than 1,000 people died due to the Hurricane, as opposed to the official estimate of 64 (https://www.axios.com/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-death-toll-underreported-lack-of-data-99fb8e1c-cd76-442f-bb8d-7b1c5daa9698.html). It is well beyond time for our country to treat Maria like the catastrophe it really was and help Puerto Rico recover. Let’s tell our MoC to move forward the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act (H.R. 4782/S. 2165) to ensure folks get the assistance they need.
2. Call about Scott Pruitt (From Rogan's List)
The ethics violations against EPA Chief Scott Pruitt continue to grow. Over the weekend it was reported that he used a shell company to buy a home from a top lobbyist in Oklahoma, whom he later sided with on a key deregulatory bill (http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/384279-nyt-pruitt-gave-top-epa-positions-to-oklahoma-business-partners). Let’s continue to insist to our MoCs, the White House, and the EPA (202-564-4700) that Pruitt must resign. We can use this 5calls script.
3. Support Wednesday's National Day of Action against the Muslim ban.
https://www.nomuslimbanever.com/#home-national
4. Mike Pompeo Secretary of State Nomination.
Pompeo will likely lose the vote in the Senate Nominations Committee, but he will still be considered by the full Senate. Our senators have announced their intentions to vote against him.
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/384356-this-week-senate-barrels-toward-showdown-over-pompeo
Sites to Check:
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
MN02 Congress Watch http://mn02congresswatch.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/572562169758984/
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Dates to Remember
April 20th #NationalSchoolWalkout
Find an event in your area http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
- Trump invited Putin to the U.S.
- The Comey Memos went to Congress and Leaked.
- Trump pressed Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray to find derogatory information on two senior FBI officials.
1. Puerto Rico (From Rogan's List)
The devastation suffered by Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria is turning out to be far worse than the government has said. Researchers say more than 1,000 people died due to the Hurricane, as opposed to the official estimate of 64 (https://www.axios.com/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-death-toll-underreported-lack-of-data-99fb8e1c-cd76-442f-bb8d-7b1c5daa9698.html). It is well beyond time for our country to treat Maria like the catastrophe it really was and help Puerto Rico recover. Let’s tell our MoC to move forward the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Equitable Rebuild Act (H.R. 4782/S. 2165) to ensure folks get the assistance they need.
2. Call about Scott Pruitt (From Rogan's List)
The ethics violations against EPA Chief Scott Pruitt continue to grow. Over the weekend it was reported that he used a shell company to buy a home from a top lobbyist in Oklahoma, whom he later sided with on a key deregulatory bill (http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/384279-nyt-pruitt-gave-top-epa-positions-to-oklahoma-business-partners). Let’s continue to insist to our MoCs, the White House, and the EPA (202-564-4700) that Pruitt must resign. We can use this 5calls script.
3. Support Wednesday's National Day of Action against the Muslim ban.
https://www.nomuslimbanever.com/#home-national
4. Mike Pompeo Secretary of State Nomination.
Pompeo will likely lose the vote in the Senate Nominations Committee, but he will still be considered by the full Senate. Our senators have announced their intentions to vote against him.
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/384356-this-week-senate-barrels-toward-showdown-over-pompeo
Sites to Check:
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
MN02 Congress Watch http://mn02congresswatch.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/572562169758984/
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Dates to Remember
April 20th #NationalSchoolWalkout
Find an event in your area http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Friday, April 20, 2018
Friday 4/20 Call to Action
The Trump administration has started on the path towards drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the United States’ most pristine and environmentally sensitive areas. Starting today, the Bureau of Land Management, will begin environmental impact analysis of the area. The plan is to start drilling as early as next year!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/trump-just-took-the-firs…/…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/trump-just-took-the-firs…/…
As a country, we need to decide what’s more important to us. Are the fossil fuels available in this area worth jeopardizing one of the last undisturbed wild areas on the planet? It the Trump administration is allowed to move forward, this area will never be the same.
Learn a little more about the history of ANWR in this video here. https://www.usatoday.com/…/trump-administration-…/533176002/
This article from National Geographic argues that this area might not hold as much crude oil as the Trump administration claims. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/…/arctic-wildlife-refu…/
Today, you can help by calling your members of Congress and demanding that they protect ANWR for future generation.
The Bureau of Land Management is holding a comment period. Be sure to add your voice to the list. https://www.blm.gov/…/plans-in-dev…/alaska/coastal-plain-eis
The Bureau of Land Management is holding a comment period. Be sure to add your voice to the list. https://www.blm.gov/…/plans-in-dev…/alaska/coastal-plain-eis
2. SNAP under Attack
SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is under attack by the House GOP. Last week, House Republicans introduced a plan as part of the 2018 Farm Bill that would expand work requirements for those receiving food assistance. Recipients between the ages of 18-59 would be required to work part-time or enroll in 20 hours of workforce training, a move the Congressional Budget Office said would cut SNAP participation by at least one million people and cost an extra $1 billion per year.
SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is under attack by the House GOP. Last week, House Republicans introduced a plan as part of the 2018 Farm Bill that would expand work requirements for those receiving food assistance. Recipients between the ages of 18-59 would be required to work part-time or enroll in 20 hours of workforce training, a move the Congressional Budget Office said would cut SNAP participation by at least one million people and cost an extra $1 billion per year.
While workforce training seems like a good idea, experts argue that it would cost a lot more money, about $10,000 per year per participant, to actually make a difference. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that it would cost $15 billion per year to fully fund a national employment program.
It appears that this is just another GOP tactic to villainize the poor. I do not understand denying hungry people access to healthy food.
It appears that this is just another GOP tactic to villainize the poor. I do not understand denying hungry people access to healthy food.
The House Committee on Agriculture just voted to move this bill to the House floor. Two Minnesota congressmen, Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan, are on the House Committee on Agriculture. https://agriculture.house.gov/about/committee_members.htm
Why not call them and ask why this is even in the Farm Bill. Call your own member of Congress as well.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/the-republican-plan-to-t…/…
Why not call them and ask why this is even in the Farm Bill. Call your own member of Congress as well.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/…/the-republican-plan-to-t…/…
But wait, there’s more.
Second Congressional District’s Representative Jason Lewis is co-sponsoring a bill, HR 2996 (https://www.congress.gov/bi…/115th-congress/house-bill/2996…), that would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and increase work requirements for those receiving food assistance. It’s the same thing in a different bill.
I think Rep. Lewis deserves a call today so he can explain why he is penalizing his constituents for being poor and hungry.
http://mn02congresswatch.org/h-r-2996-supplemental-nutriti…/
Second Congressional District’s Representative Jason Lewis is co-sponsoring a bill, HR 2996 (https://www.congress.gov/bi…/115th-congress/house-bill/2996…), that would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and increase work requirements for those receiving food assistance. It’s the same thing in a different bill.
I think Rep. Lewis deserves a call today so he can explain why he is penalizing his constituents for being poor and hungry.
http://mn02congresswatch.org/h-r-2996-supplemental-nutriti…/
3. Babies on The Floor
On Wednesday, Senate passed a rule that would allow senators to be on the chamber floor with children under the age of one. This decision arrives just in time for Senator Tammy Duckworth, who gave birth to a girl a few weeks ago and is the first senator to give birth while serving in the Senate. This is a step forward in the right direction for honoring the importance of families. Like Senator Roy Blunt said, “Being a parent is a difficult job, and the Senate rules shouldn’t make it any harder.”
Since we have stepped off in the right direction, let’s keep going by asking Senate to allow breastfeeding on the floor.
http://paidleave.us/…/let-senators-breastfeed-on-the-senate…
On Wednesday, Senate passed a rule that would allow senators to be on the chamber floor with children under the age of one. This decision arrives just in time for Senator Tammy Duckworth, who gave birth to a girl a few weeks ago and is the first senator to give birth while serving in the Senate. This is a step forward in the right direction for honoring the importance of families. Like Senator Roy Blunt said, “Being a parent is a difficult job, and the Senate rules shouldn’t make it any harder.”
Since we have stepped off in the right direction, let’s keep going by asking Senate to allow breastfeeding on the floor.
http://paidleave.us/…/let-senators-breastfeed-on-the-senate…
Sites to Check:
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
https://act.moveon.org/…/mueller-firing-rapid-respo…/search/
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Dates to Remember
April 20th #NationalSchoolWalkout
Find an event in your area http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/
April 20th #NationalSchoolWalkout
Find an event in your area http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Thursday 4/19 Call to Action
Thursday 4/19
1. Puerto Rico Blackout
A toppled transmission line caused a total blackout in Puerto Rico yesterday. The island is still recovering from Hurricane Maria all the while preparing for another hurricane season. The local power company, PREPA, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, said it could take up to 36 hours for the power to be restored, with the priorities being for hospitals, banks, and the airport. I think our elected officials still need pressure that we have not forgotten about Puerto Rico and that they need help getting a reliable power system.
2. DACA
With the November midterm election nearing, Democrats and vulnerable Republicans are urging Speaker Ryan to allow a bipartisan bill to come to the floor for a vote. Many believe that if Ryan would allow a bipartisan bill to the floor, they could pass it. Ryan defends himself saying he won’t bring legislation to the floor he knows Trump won’t sign. Republicans brought many bills to the floor during the Obama administration knowing Obama wouldn’t sign them into law. Let’s continue to pressure our representatives that we have not forgotten about Dreamers and DACA recipients.
3. PROTECT MUELLER AND THE RUSSIA INVESTIGATION
Despite Senator McConnell opposing bipartisan legislation to come to the floor for a vote to protect special counsel Robert Mueller, Senator Grassley and his committee will continue to move forward. Continue to contact your senators about this.
Here is a calling script. https://www.5calls.org/issue/protect-mueller-russia-investigation
If Trump fires Mueller or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, please be ready to take to the streets in protest.
4. Scott Pruitt
“Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticized Pruitt over the allegations. On Wednesday, 38 Democratic U.S. senators and an independent who votes with them in the 100- member chamber introduced a resolution calling for Pruitt to resign.
Pruitt has “completely violated the trust of the American people and the standards of his office, with a list of ethical transgressions that grows longer by the day,” Senator Tom Udall said.
The Senate is controlled by Pruitt’s fellow Republicans. Although Republicans can defeat the resolution, it is symbolically important because it represents the most senators ever to call for a cabinet member’s ouster in such a petition, its sponsors said.” You can thank both of our senators for co-sponsoring this.
Sites to Check:
CD2Action https://cd2action.com/, @CD2action
MN02 Congress Watch http://mn02congresswatch.org/
League of Women Voters MN https://lwvmn.org/
Dates to Remember
Wednesday, April 18th Moms Demand Action Lobby Day at The Capitol
Join Moms Demand Action at the Capitol in St. Paul to meet with your representatives and urge them to support common sense gun safety measures. Meet at Christ Lutheran Church at 9:30am and then walk over to the Capitol after a brief training. We will rally in the Rotunda at 11am. Please wear your Moms Demand Action t-shirts or red!
April 20th #NationalSchoolWalkout
Find an event in your area http://act.indivisible.org/event/national-school-walkout/
Klobuchar-202-224-3244
Smith (202) 224-5641
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/
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