Wednesday, May 31, 2017

THE UN-AMERICAN QUALITY

Tiffiny Mitchell, one of the leaders of INCO's Astoria Community Group, writes in today's Daily Astorian about why she and so many other Americans will rally for truth Saturday and continue to resist the Trump agenda.  Thank you, Tiffiny!

Read her guest column here, at http://www.dailyastorian.com/columns/20170531/guest-column-the-un-american-quality.


ACTION: CALL BECAUSE OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND STANDING ARE AT RISK

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
————————————————————————————
OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND STANDING ARE AT RISK
—————————————————————————————
#TrumpRussia
#KingDonald
#AmericaLast
The last few weeks prove America is no longer the leader of the free world http://bit.ly/2rhopnQ. Our international standing is decimated and our national security is at risk.
Trump cozied up to dictators by:
--selling the repressive Saudi monarchy billions in weapons http://bit.ly/2rqH96Q
--praising Philippines President Duterte’s drug war –which includes extra-judicial killings - AND sharing nuclear submarine intelligence https://usat.ly/2rznq5u
--congratulating President Erdogan on a referendum cementing autocratic rule http://nyti.ms/2rlywds
--offering classified intelligence to Russia http://nyti.ms/2pRsWw0
Trump rebuffed Democratic Europe by
--not reaffirming Article 5 of NATO – an attack on one is an attack on all – invoked ONCE: for America after 9/11 http://wapo.st/2sgmgIF
--blasting E.U. trade http://read.bi/2qz5ovX
--not supporting the Paris Climate Accords http://bbc.in/2s7hNaT
At home
--Jeff Session lied about meeting with Russian officials http://cnn.it/2qdElul.
--Jared Kushner tried to establish a secret backchannel with Russia http://cnn.it/2s8TFFO
Germany’s Chancellor Merkel stated Europe cannot rely on America (http://wapo.st/2rPYGWw). France’s President Macron compared Trump to autocratic leaders http://ind.pn/2s8TVVo
Oregon MoCs (except Walden)—have spoken out against Trump’s move towards dictatorships like Russia. Now they must demand an independent commission AND the resignation of compromised staff. Our national security and standing depends on it. 
—————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
SAMPLE SCRIPT SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I am deeply concerned about the Trump administrations actions which move the US away from Democratic Europe and towards dictatorships like Russia. We must stand with our allies. Our national security and international standing depend on this. I ask that the [Senator/Representative] call for the resignation of Attorney General Sessions and Jared Kushner. I also ask that he/she do all that he/she can to establish an independent commission regarding Russian interference in our election and HOLD Congressional business until this happens."
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN OTHER STATES**
Urge them to ask their MoCs to 1) call for the resignation of Attorney General Sessions and Jared Kushner AND 2) do all they can to establish an independent commission regarding Russian interference in our election.
______________________________________________________
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

INCO Newsletter May 20 2017

Share this email with other resisters. They can join INCO here.
ACTION NOW
 
Indivisible's Priorities This Week
Save the Affordable Care Act, get an independent commission to investigate the Russia-Trump connection, resist Trump's destructive budget, and protect our families from Wall Street greed. Details here. Tell your Members of Congress to defend democracy and oppose the Trump agenda.

Rally for Truth
Saturday, June 3  •  11 am - 12:30 pm
8th and Commercial, Astoria

Rain or shine  •  Bring your signs  •  Smile and wave
INCO's rally is part of the national March for Truth
 

We rally to encourage citizen involvement, promote the importance of truth and facts, and demand truth and transparency in government.

Rally for Truth Sign-making Parties
Bring your own supplies if you can, especially foamboard, markers, etc.

 
Tuesday, May 30, 5:30 - 7 pm at Winekraft, foot of 11th on the river, hosted by the Astoria Community Group and Winekraft

Friday, June 2, 1-3 pm, Carolyn Eady's home on Astoria's south slope. Please email here for address and directions.


Friday, June 2, 6 - 7:30 pm, Carrie Nyland's home near Sunset Beach. Space is somewhat limited. Please email her directly to confirm attendance.

Resistance School
Thursday, June 8, 6-8 pm •  note new start time
Seaside Public Library Community Room
2nd Thursday for 4 months. Attend as many as you'd like.
Powerful video, great discussion, lots of Q&A

INCO Stands with Astoria Pride
Building community with the Lower Columbia Q Center

 
Saturday, June 10, noon -7 pm, Set up or take a shift at the INCO booth at the Pride Block Party. Pins, patches, and people!  Contact INCO here to volunteer.

Sunday, June 11, Walk with INCO in the Pride Riverwalk Parade. Meet by 11:45 am at the Columbia Maritime Memorial Park under the bridge. The parade starts at 12:30 and goes to the foot of 21st Street, with a short rally with speakers. Who will carry the INCO banners?

Into the Light 
Details about Trump's budget here.
The Republican Hypocrisy Hall of Fame here.
The ACLU wants to make public the special prosecutor's investigation. Details here.
Senator Jeff Merkley answered challenging questions from a full house at his Town Hall on May 28. Thanks to Patterson Celata for these photos.

HAPPENINGS

THIS WEEK
Tuesday, May 30, Sign-making Party for Rally for Truth, 5:30-7 pmWinekraft, Astoria; details above
Friday, June 2, Sign-making party for Rally for Truth, 1-3 pm, Astoria; details above
Friday, June  2, Sign-making party for Rally for Truth, 6-7:30 pm, Sunset Beach area; details above
Saturday, June 3, INCO Rally for Truth, 11 am - 12:30 pm, 8th and Commercial, Astoria


UPCOMING
Thursday, June 8,  Resistance School, 5:30-8 pm, Seaside Public Library Community Room.
Saturday, June 10, INCO booth at Pride Block Party, foot of 21st Street, 1-7 pm; details above
Sunday, June 11, INCO walks in Pride Riverwalk Parade, Astoria, 12:30 pm; details above
Thursday, June 15, INCO Leadership Monthly meeting; contact for details. 
Saturday, June 24, 10 am, Indivisible OR-1 district-wide training and meeting, Hillsboro

Check for details and new posts on our events page.
Democracies die when they can no longer distinguish between honest opponents of another ideological kind and toxic enemies who come from far outside all normal values.  — Adam Gopnik

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Resistance Reading
Read and discuss important books with INCO's book club.  Details here. The book for June is Timothy Snyder's ON TYRANNY: TWENTY LESSONS FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 

You can make a difference as we work together to defend democracy.
Get involved with your INCO Community Group today! 
This is your last week to buy your Indivisible t-shirtsDeadline to order is June 1.

ACTION: CALL TO SAVE MEDICAID FROM TRUMPCARE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION** 
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
——————————————————————————————
SAVE MEDICAID FROM TRUMPCARE – IT’S ENTITLEMENT REFORM IN DISGUISE 
——————————————————————————————
#SaveMedicaid
#DumpTrumpCare
#ProtectOurCare
Trumpcare (AHCA) will end Medicaid as we know it and cost lives. It destroys a 52-year Federal Government pact to provide a medical safety net. 
Currently Medicaid: http://bit.ly/2mcSfrh
--cares for our most vulnerable patients– children, disabled, elderly, working poor
--covers 1 in 3 births
--fills funding gaps for 1 in 6 Medicare recipients
--is the nation’s MAJOR source of long term care: covering 6 in 10 nursing home patients
Under Trumpcare/AHCA, the federal government will: http://bit.ly/2n8nZRs
-- drastically cut its share of Medicaid funding
-- no longer provide guaranteed Medicaid funding to States but instead provide funds per capita – a limited set sum. Increases in population or illness rates will force states to cut coverage.
--end the ACA Medicaid expansion, freezing it in 2020. Re-enrollment after coverage interruption will be nearly impossible. 
Trump’s FY-2018 budget also cuts $800-billion from Medicaid!! http://cnn.it/2r9mK6P
Senators Wyden and Merkley have spoken out against Trump’s drastic Medicaid cuts. http://bit.ly/2reaBfVhttp://bit.ly/2rbw1Z9.
Trumpcare is entitlement reform to end Medicaid and breaks the federal government’s promise to take care of all Americans—not just the wealthy. We must throw out the Trumpcare/AHCA, save Medicaid, and fix the ACA.
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I want to thank Senator [--] for standing up against Trumpcare. I am especially concerned about drastic proposed cuts to Medicaid. We cannot abandon our most vulnerable patients. I am asking the Senator to withhold consent on all Senate business until a Health Plan at least as good as the ACA--with no Medicaid cuts-- is passed. Trumpcare must be thrown out. It cannot be changed for the better 
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE YOUR MEDICAID STORIES**
With Senator Merkley http://bit.ly/2mTMX5P
With the White House: http://bit.ly/2nhCany
With the Senate Finance Committee: healthreform@finance.senate.gov
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN OTHER STATES
Urge them to call and ask their Senators to promise to protect Medicaid and to share their Medicaid stories.
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 4: SHOW UP AT TOWN HALLS**
Our MoCs are on recess. Show up at their town halls and let them know how you feel about your healthcare!
May 30th Senator Merkely Town Hall: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/events/town-halls
May 30th Rep Blumenauer Single Payer Town Hall: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/events/town-halls
______________________________________________________
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 

Monday, May 29, 2017

KUDOS to the 34% of Clatsop County's registered voters who registered to vote in the May 16, 2017 Special Districts Election. Where were the other 66%? At a time when Russia is actively working to destabilize democracies and democratic institutions, we Americans are doing that without any help from outsiders. 

What can we do to improve voter turnout?
•  The county must prepare a hard-copy and online voter information booklet for every election. Otherwise, voters are voting in the dark, especially if they don't read the Daily Astorian regularly - or not voting at all.

•  Get active with local political parties.

•  Get active with Indivisible North Coast Oregon (INCO). One of our main goals is to encourage citizen participation in governance. Sign up here. 

•  Register others to vote. Forms available online and at the county Elections Office, 820 Exchange, 2nd floor, Astoria.

•  Attend City Council and County Commissioner meetings. Run for office. Recruit candidates to run. Support political campaigns for candidates and issues you endorse. 

•  Share your ideas with INCO. Vote the Future remains an active site for local and national elections.  How can we make this site more effective?

Friday, May 26, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO STAND AGAINST TRUMPCARE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Friday, May 26, 2017
——————————————————————————————
TRUMPCARE IS A TAX CUT THAT WILL COST LIVES
——————————————————————————————
#DumpTrumpcare
#ProtectOurCare
The CBO score for Trumpcare 2.0 proves it’s not a healthcare bill. It’s a tax break that throws 23 million off insurance. It passed the House. Our Senators are asking for our stories which will help them stop Trumpcare in the Senate.
Under Trumpcare (AHCA):
--many with preexisting conditions will be unable to afford insurance (http://bit.ly/2qXRQxh);
--older patients will see 800% premiums increases (http://wapo.st/2r0DMDc);
--state waivers will force patients to self-pay thousands for maternity and mental health care (http://nyti.ms/2rS2vI3)
--$884 billion will be slashed from Medicaid – hurting nursing home residents, the disabled, and low income families. (http://bit.ly/2rUffO7)
The Senate version is uncertain. They are:
--holding no hearings and inviting no expert or public comment (http://bit.ly/2qhoq9h)
--rushing to pass a bill before the August recess (http://bit.ly/2rztuL1)
President Trump:
--threatened to withhold subsidies unless insurers support Trumpcare (http://lat.ms/2qXpBiW)
--is destabilizing the market, causing premiums to rise (http://lat.ms/2qXpBiW). 
Our Senators are trying to save the ACA. Sen Wyden is investigating GOP attempts to hold it hostage (http://bit.ly/2qmpmct). Sen Merkely held a rally blasting Trumpcare http://bit.ly/2qiLh57. They are asking us to speak out (http://bit.ly/2rXbu9Phttp://bit.ly/2mTMX5P). 
We must keep calling. Our stories can stop Trumpcare.
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I want to thank Senator [--] for standing up against Trumpcare. It is an inhumane bill that will make America sicker and poorer. I am asking the Senator to withhold consent on all Senate business until there is an OPEN and TRANSPARENT process stablished for FIXING the ACA. Trumpcare must be thrown out. It cannot be changed for the better. 
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE YOUR STORIES
With Senator Merkley http://bit.ly/2mTMX5P
With the Whitehouse: http://bit.ly/2nhCany
With the Senate Finance Committee: healthreform@finance.senate.gov
______________________________________________________
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 

Thursday, May 25, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO STOP HARMFUL PROTECTION ROLLBACKS IN THE SENATE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION** 
Thursday, May 25, 2017
—————————————————————————————
STOP HARMFUL PROTECTION ROLLBACKS IN THE SENATE
—————————————————————————————
(Digesting the #Trumpcare CBO report today and will have an action on it tomorrow!)
While Trump has been busy obstructing justice, taking away healthcare, and writing a draconian budget, the House has passed protection rollbacks that, if approved in the Senate, will adversely affect all Americans. 
--The Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951) changes how federal agencies provide protections and gives industry a free pass. It prioritizes corporations by requiring agencies to adopt the CHEAPEST protections, while placing a gag-order on agencies discussing proposed protections. http://bit.ly/2rNrxaY
--The REINS Act (S.21) makes it harder for federal agencies to help Americans. Under S.21, major funding for any services must be approved by Congress within 70 days (which is the blink of an eye for Congress!). Agencies also must describe funding request impacts on corporations rather than citizens. http://on.nrdc.org/2hxOY6H
--The Midnight Rules Act (S.34) will allow Congress to take an up or down vote on legislation submitted by federal agencies with the last 60 days of the Obama Administration. These votes can be done en-bloc and NOT on the record. http://bit.ly/2j7an31
These bills are not in the headlines but will have real and lasting effects on our lives. They sailed through a House vote. We must stop them in the Senate.
—————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I am concerned about all the regulatory bills that are going through the Senate right now. If passed, they will make American lives worse, not better. I am asking the Senator to vote NO on S.951 (the Regulatory Accountability Act), S.21 (the REINS Act), and S.34 (the Midnight Rules Act). We need the Senator to stand up for rules that protect the American people.
—————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Urge them to ask their Senators to vote NO on S.951 (the Regulatory Accountability Act), S.21 (the REINS Act), and S.34 (the Midnight Rules Act).
—————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS** 
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750 
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298 
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129 
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244 
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229 
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 962-7691 

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 
http://earthjustice.org/…/dirty-bundle-of-regulatory-bills-…

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO URGE RESISTANCE OF SESSION'S CRUEL AND UNUSUAL APPROACH TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION** 
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
——————————————————————————————
ATTORNEY GENERAL PUSHES LONGER PRISON TERMS FOR NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS
——————————————————————————————
#JUSTSAYNOTOWARONDRUGS
AG Sessions is taking his crusade against criminal justice reform from Congress to the Department of Justice. He is taking America in a harsh, discriminatory direction, which is unacceptable. 
--Sessions has reinstated the unsuccessful, racially discriminatory War on Drugs, mandated harsh treatment for immigrants, and stopped phasing out private prisons. http://bit.ly/2rb1jSQ
--The DOJ rescinded the policy that low level drug offenders not face charges triggering long mandatory minimum sentence and ordered US attorneys to seek the highest penalties. http://nyti.ms/2rME5zp
--Blowback to the DOJ policy was immediate. Sens. Merkley, Leahy, and Paul introduced the Justice Safety Valve Act (S.1127), amending current law to allow judges to sentence below mandatory minimums under certain circumstances. H.R.2435, the companion bill was introduced by Reps. Massie and Scott. http://wapo.st/2rwX2J0 . 
--15 Attorneys General (including Oregon’s) and 30 current and former state and local prosecutors (including the Deschutes County District Attorney) also roundly condemned this policy. http://bit.ly/2q518rYhttp://wapo.st/2qdn545
Sen. Merkley is leading the charge against Sessions’ crusade with S.1127. Oregon MoCs also co-sponsored legislation that will block ICE agents from stalking sensitive locations. http://bit.ly/2nP4vOChttp://bit.ly/2qSEIay. We must make sure they all keep up the strong work for our civil and human rights.
—————————————————————————————— 
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS** 
SAMPLE SCRIPT SEN. MERKLEY:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I am appalled that Attorney General Jeff Sessions seeks to reinstate the failed “War on Drugs” and mandatory harsh sentencing which could undo years of successful bipartisan justice reform and target the poor and communities of color. I want to thank Sen. Merkley for introducing S.1127, the Justice Safety Valve Act, which would restore humane and fair sentencing. I urge him to push for its speedy passage, and seek other ways to resist Mr. Session’s cruel and unusual approach to criminal justice.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT SEN. WYDEN:
“I am appalled that Attorney General Jeff Sessions seeks to reinstate the failed “War on Drugs” and mandatory harsh sentencing which could undo years of successful bipartisan justice reform and target the poor and communities of color. I am calling today to ask Sen. Wyden to work for speedy passage of S.1127, the Justice Safety Valve Act, which would restore humane and fair sentencing. I also urge him to seek other ways to resist Mr. Session’s cruel and unusual approach to criminal justice.”
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL YOUR US REPRESENTATIVE**
Find yours: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
SAMPLE SCRIPT: 
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I am appalled that Attorney General Jeff Sessions seeks to reinstate the failed “War on Drugs” and mandatory harsh sentencing which would undo years of successful bipartisan justice reform AND disproportionately affect communities of color. I am calling today to ask the Representative to push for speedy passage of H.R.2435, the Justice Safety Valve Act, which would restore humane and fair sentencing. I also urge [her/him], and to seek other ways to resist the Attorney General’s cruel and unusual approach to criminal justice.”
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Urge them to call their Members of Congress to support the Justice Safety Valve Act. Tell them that the bill has bi-partisan support – a rarity in this Congress. 
——————————————————————————————
**ACTION 4: CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE** (202-353-1555)
SAMPLE SCRIPT:
“I am calling to express my outrage at Attorney General Sessions’ policy on mandatory minimum sentencing. This harsh, cruel, and unusual policy reverses years of successful bipartisan justice reform. It will overwhelm our prisons, cost us money, and do nothing to make us safe. As Mr. Sessions is well aware, it wall also disproportionately target the poor communities of color. I ask the Attorney General to reverse this policy and return sentencing discretion to federal prosecutors immediately.Thank you for your time and attention.”
—————————————————————————————— 
**PHONE NUMBERS** 
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750 
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298 
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129 
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244 
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229 
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 962-7691 
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010 
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400 
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300 
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732, 
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609 
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100, 
Oregon City (503) 557-1324 
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**
https://www.nytimes.com/…/mandatory-sentencing-sessions-hol…

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO DEMAND AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
—————————————————————————————
WE NEED AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION – SPECIAL COUNSEL IS NOT ENOUGH
—————————————————————————————
#Russiagate
Last week Rod Rosenstein appointed a Special Counsel to address the Trump Administration’s Russia ties. Why? Because Trump fired the FBI Director investigating those ties, General Flynn refused to testify, and US Attorney General Sessions lied about his own Russian connections. But it isn’t enough. Congress must ALSO create an independent commission.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation is not enough because he will:
--report to the DOJ which reports to Trump (http://lat.ms/2rgDIzL);
--produce a classified report for Congress with no obligation to make it public;
--focus on legal matters ONLY - if no legal issue is found then NO report has to be issued (http://bit.ly/2qNm2ei); and
--be at risk of being undermined by the White House (http://reut.rs/2rmHNTe).
We need an independent commission which:
--does NOT report to Trump;
--can focus on policy/procedural matters – i.e. how Russia hacked the election; and
--produces a public report (http://wapo.st/2qcRNJV). 
Sen Merkely supports S27 and all Oregon Reps (except Walden) support HR 356 – bills that establish an independent commission. These bills MUST to come to the floor for a vote and be approved – our democracy hangs in the balance.
—————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR MERKLEY:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I want to thank Senator Merkley for his support of S.27, which will establish an independent commission to examine Russian election interference. I ask that the Senator do all he can to bring S.27 to the floor for a vote and HOLD Senate business until this happens. 
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WYDEN:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I understand Senator has not signed on to S. 27, which will establish an independent commission to examine Russian election interference. I ask that the Senator co-sponsor this bill, do all he can to bring it to a floor vote, and HOLD Senate business until this happens
—————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL YOUR US REPRESENTATIVE**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR EVERYONE BUT WALDEN:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I want to thank Representative [--] for his/her support for HR 356, which will establish an independent commission to examine Russian election interference. I ask that the Representative do all [he/she] can to bring HR 356 to a floor vote, and HOLD Congressional business until this happens.
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I am disappointed that Represenatative Walden has not signed on to support HR 356, which will establish an independent commission to examine Russian election interference. I ask the Representative to co-sponsor this bill, do all he can to bring it to a floor vote, and HOLD Congressional business until this happens
—————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN RED DISTRICTS**
Tell them to pressure their Republican House Members to sign the HR 356 discharge petition (which will allow it to come to a floor vote without House Speaker Paul Ryan’s approval), and their Republican Senators to pass SB 27.
—————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!** 

Monday, May 22, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Monday, May 22, 2017
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DEVOS-TRUMP BUDGET DAMAGES PUBLIC EDUCATION
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#SaveOurPublicEducation
#AmericaLastBudget
President Trump is expected to send Congress his final budget this week http://politi.co/2r1Hk9h. The proposed federal cuts follow a familiar pattern of shifting resources away from low and middle-income people and undercutting bedrock social institutions in favor of get-richer-quick schemes and tax cuts for wealthy people. 
--Cuts to education spending overall are likely to hit 13.6 percent. http://wapo.st/2r1EXTV
--Oregon would lose an estimated $312 million for pre-college schools. These cuts would worsen Oregon’s current $1.6 billion state deficit. 
-- Student loans, loan forgiveness and supplemental grants for low-income students are facing steep cuts or zero funding http://bit.ly/2q568Il.
--Pre-college schools are slated for less funding for Title I students, and zero-funding for mental health services, teacher recruitment and training, and community centers http://wapo.st/2r1EXTV
-- School choice and voucher programs could gain about $1.4 billion in funding http://wapo.st/2r1EXTV .
-- Donors to charter schools could get a new tax credit http://politi.co/2r1Hk9h.
-- Oregon MOCs champion education. Senators Wyden and Merkley voted against Betsy DeVos's nomination. Reps. Bonamici and Schrader, Blumenauer, and DeFazio are on record opposing Trump’s overall budget; Bonamici and Schrader singled out education cuts (http://bit.ly/2rrT5W2http://bit.ly/2qJbuNrhttp://bit.ly/2qa9RV9http://bit.ly/2qMnMTk).
Oregon MOC’s must fight for education now more than ever. Tell your representatives “Don’t touch our education system.”
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**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH SENATORS**
Please tell a personal story, if you have one, about how federal support for education made a difference to you or to someone close to you. 
SAMPLE SCRIPT [with personal story if possible]:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I want to thank Senator [--] for his longtime advocacy for education and for his opposition to the nomination of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. We need a budget that will maintain or even expand public education at all levels. I ask that the Senator oppose further funding for charter schools and school vouchers in the FY 2018 budget. Also, I ask that the Senator vote to continue all of the other programs in the FY 2017 budget at current or higher funding levels. 
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**ACTION 2: CALL YOUR US REPRESENTATIVE**
Please tell a personal story, if you have one, about how federal support for education made a difference to you or to someone close to you. 
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR BONAMICI, BLUMENAUER, SCHRADER, AND DEFAZIO [with personal story if possible]:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I want to thank Representative [--] for [her/his] longtime advocacy for education. We need a budget that will maintain or even expand public education at all levels. I ask that the Representative oppose further funding for charter schools and school vouchers in the FY 2018 budget. Also, I ask that the Representative vote to continue all of the other programs in the FY 2017 budget at current or higher funding levels. 
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN [with personal story if possible]:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon. I am deeply disappointed in the Administration’s proposed budget for education. We need a budget that will maintain or even expand public education at all levels. I ask that the Representative oppose further funding for charter schools and school vouchers in the FY 2018 budget. Also, I ask that the Representative vote to continue all of the other programs in the FY 2017 budget at current or higher funding levels. 
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**ACTION 3: CALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN RED DISTRICTS**
Alert your friends to the upcoming Trump-DeVos education budget. Urge them to call their Members of Congress to support the FY 2017 education funding levels, except for charter schools and vouchers, which should be de-funded. Ask them to include their personal experience with how federal education funding made a difference in their lives.
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**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**