Thursday, November 30, 2017

ACTION: KEEP UP THE PRESSURE STOP THE TRUMP TAX SCAM NOW!

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Thursday, November 30, 2017
———————————————————————————
KEEP UP THE PRESSURE: STOP TRUMP TAX SCAM NOW!
———————————————————————————
#TrumpTaxScam
#NotOnePenny
#WhenWeFightWeWin
Yesterday Republicans took another step toward passing the Tax Scam. Citizen pressure stopped the ACA repeal. We must do it again! 
This plan isn't tax reform. It's tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of our communities.
• 178,000 Oregonians will lose health insurance coverage.
• 402,300 Oregon families will see a tax increase.
• The increased deficit will trigger automatic cuts to nearly the entire web of government support for daily life.
• Medicare will be cut by $25 billion in the first year—and $400 billion over ten years.
• Affordable house, nutrition, grants for elementary and secondary education, scientific research, roads, bridges, law enforcement...and much, much more would be subject to cuts every year.
• The proposed elimination of the ACA's requirement to buy health insurance will drive up premiums 10 percent year after year. 13 million people will lose insurance over the next ten years. 
We may only have a few days before the final vote. Take these action steps now, and every day until we win.
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL CONSTITUENTS IN SWING STATES**
Call progressive constituents in critical swing states – Alaska, Arizona, Tennesse, and West Virginia – and urge them to call their Senators to vote NO on the Tax Scam.
The Indivisible Guide makes it easy with their calling tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/
Better yet: invite visiting family/friends to join you and make calls together! Count how many calls you can make and cheer each other on!
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: JOIN US FOR A CALLING PARTY TOMORROW**
If you’re in the Portland area, join Indivisible Oregon volunteers to call swing state constituents, and urge them to call their senators to vote NO on the tax scam. We’ll use this tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/
If you’ve never made these types of calls before, this a nice chance to try with a friendly group!
Friday, Dec 1
12:30pm-2:30pm
Belmont Library, 1038 SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd
*IMPORTANT: Bring a charged laptop or tablet and a cell phone*
https://www.facebook.com/events/429794284102247/
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family in every state. Help them to call their Senators. Every Senator is a target. These GOP senators have expressed concerns about the bill – Arizona (Flake and McCain), Maine (Collins), Alaska (Murkowski), Louisiana, (Kennedy), Tennessee (Corker), Wisconsin (Johnson), Montana (Daines), Oklahoma (Lankford), Kansas (Moran), Indiana (Young), Utah (Lee), Florida (Rubio).
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 4: HAVE YOUR OWN CALLING PARTY --- EVEN A VIRTUAL PARTY WITH FARFLUNG FAMILY AND FRIENDS**
Everyone can set goals to call for a certain number of hours or everyone can call at the same time. Remember – NOW IS THE TIME! Don’t put this off. We need to do this for ourselves, our families and for future generations.
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 5: CALL YOUR SENATORS **
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling about PAYGO, the time bomb hidden in Trump/GOP Tax Scam. The best way to avoid it is to kill the bill. Please slow down the process so resistance can build. Thank you.”
_________________________________________________________________
**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

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

URGENT CALL TO ACTION: THERE IS NO TOMORROW...OPPOSE TRUMP TAX SCAM NOW

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
————————————————————————————
OPPOSE TRUMP TAX SCAM NOW
————————————————————————————
#TrumpTaxScam
#NotOnePenny
#WhenWeFightWeWin
Despite widespread public resistance, the Trump Tax Scam is rushing through the Senate at frenzied pace. The Finance Committee passed the bill on Tuesday. A full vote may come as early as Thursday. 
The Tax Scam advances three false narratives: 
1) “Cuts will pay for themselves by creating economic growth.” => NOT TRUE
• No government report supports this claim.
• Companies won’t hire more workers or increase wages; instead, they will use tax cuts to buy back shares/increase dividends/retire debt/reward CEOs.
• Job-creating funds that already available are going unused; there's no reason to expect otherwise in future.
2) “The middle class is the primary beneficiary.” => NOT TRUE
• By 2027, over 55% of those earning $48,000 - $225,000 will pay higher taxes than they do currently.
• The Senate bill is even more of a bait-and-switch than House bill.
3) “The richest 1% will enjoy no net benefit under the GOP plan.” => DEFINITELY NOT TRUE
• Over $900 billion of cuts go directly to corporations
• The top 1% will get 61.8% of reduced taxes by 2027, while two thirds of middle-income Americans and half of all taxpayers will face tax hike. 
Trump Tax Scam must be stopped. There is no tomorrow.
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: JOIN US FOR A CALLING PARTY TODAY IN PORTLAND**
If you’re in the Portland area, join Indivisible Oregon volunteers in calling swing state constituents, and urge them to call their senators to vote NO on the tax scam. We’ll use this tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/
If you’ve never made these types of calls before, come try it with a friendly group!
Wed, Nov 29th
12noon-2pm
TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont
*IMPORTANT: Bring a charged laptop or tablet and a cell phone*
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1951700321822517/
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL CONSTITUENTS IN SWING STATES (FROM HOME OR ANYWHERE)**
Call progressive constituents in critical swing states – Alaska, Arizona, Maine, and West Virginia – and urge them to call their Senators to vote NO on the Tax Scam.
The Indivisible Guide makes it easy with their calling tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/
Better yet: invite visiting family/friends to join you and make calls together! Count how many calls you can make and cheer each other on!
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: HAVE YOUR OWN CALLING PARTY 
Invite some friends over and call swing-state constituents together using the Indivisible calling tool. https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/ Or: challenge farflung friends/family on social media to make calls.
Everyone can set goals to call for a certain number of hours or everyone can call at the same time. Remember – NOW IS THE TIME! Don’t put this off. We need to do this for ourselves, our families and for future generations.
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 4: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family in every state. Every Senator is a target. These GOP senators have expressed concerns about the bill – Arizona (Flake and McCain), Maine (Collins), Alaska (Murkowski), Tennessee (Corker), Wisconsin (Johnson), Montana (Daines), Oklahoma (Lankford), Kansas (Moran), Indiana (Young). Help them call their Members of Congress.
_________________________________________________________________
**ACTION 5: CALL YOUR SENATORS **
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling about the Trump/GOP Tax Scam. I am completely opposed to this bill, as I know you are. Please slow down the process so that resistance can build. Thank you.”
_________________________________________________________________
**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

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

ACTION: STOP THE TRUMP TAX SCAM

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
————————————————————————————
STOP THE TRUMP TAX SCAM, A DISASTER FOR OREGONIANS!
————————————————————————————
#TrumpTaxScam
#NotOnePenny
#WhenWeFightWeWin

For many days, we have explained why the Trump Tax Scam is terrible. It will also disproportionately harm Oregonians. And, the bills’ budget-busting deficit will automatically eliminate funding for essential programs under the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) statute.

Say goodbye to:

• The state and local tax deduction: 46% of Oregonians (vs. 30% nationally) itemize their deductions
• Popular “green tax breaks” for electric vehicles and wind energy

Oregon’s budget will be upended when PAYGO cuts off federal funding for "non-defense discretionary" programs:

• Rural areas will suffer when funding for farm price-supports, conservation efforts on private lands, and agricultural export programs is eliminated.
• Block grants for vocational rehabilitation, affordable housing, social services like  foster care, Meals on Wheels, elder abuse prevention, programs for crime victims and many other programs will stop.
• Mineral leasing revenue-sharing programs will end, eliminating Oregon’s 50% share of the lease revenue from its federal lands.
• “Build America Bonds,” lowering state and local borrowing costs, will be defunded.

The Trump Tax Scam is a budget-buster for federal and state budgets and the finances of individual Oregonians, who will see their taxes increase and vital services eliminated. STOP IT NOW!

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL CONSTITUENTS IN SWING STATES (FROM HOME OR ANYWHERE)**

Call progressive constituents in critical swing states – Alaska, Arizona, and West Virginia – and urge them to call their Senators to vote NO on the Tax Scam.

The Indivisible Guide makes it easy with their calling tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/

Better yet: invite visiting family/friends to join you and make calls together! Count how many calls you can make and cheer each other on!

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: JOIN US FOR A CALLING PARTY TOMORROW**

If you’re in the Portland area, join Indivisible Oregon volunteers in calling swing state constituents, and urge them to call their senators to vote NO on the tax scam.  We’ll use this tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/

If you’ve never made these types of calls before, this a nice chance to try with a friendly group!

Wed, Nov 29th
12noon-2pm
TaborSpace ArtSpace, 5441 SE Belmont
*IMPORTANT: Bring a charged laptop or tablet and a cell phone*

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: CALL YOUR SENATORS **
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling about the Trump/GOP Tax Scam. Besides giving tax breaks mainly to the rich, the plan’s budget-busting deficit will trigger automatic program cuts that will hurt every Oregonian.  Please use every available procedural tool to stop this bill. Thank you."

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 4: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family, especially those in these key states with GOP senators who have expressed concerns about the bill – Arizona (Flake and McCain), Maine (Collins), Alaska (Murkowski), Tennessee (Corker), Wisconsin (Johnson), Oklahoma (Lankford). Help them call their Members of Congress

————————————————————————————
**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, November 27, 2017

Member Spotlight:| Melissa Eskue Ousley


Tell us a little about yourself and the ways you’re active with Indivisible North Coast Oregon (INCO).
As an academic advisor at Clatsop Community College (CCC), I really enjoyed teaching a leadership class. We talked about “leaders as informed citizens,” accompanied by a class project that involved researching and then writing about a current issue that students felt was important and then following up by sending postcards to their members of Congress.

I began my counseling career in the field of mental health but soon realized that education is key to helping people transform their lives. So inspired, I earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education and have worked in the field ever since. I particularly like working at a community college with a more diverse student population, especially students from low-income households or who are the first in their family to attend college.

In my free time, I volunteer in the community and write novels. I’m on the Seaside Public Library Foundation (SPLF) Board, and am looking forward to its’ upcoming fundraiser on March 31. It’s being put on in conjunction with Libraries ROCC, which helps promote literacy by giving every child in Clatsop County a library card. At this event, “Little Free Libraries” that have been built by community members, will be auctioned off.

What prompted you to get involved?

I joined INCO because, like other members, I‘m concerned about the current administration’s attacks on education, the environment, health care, civil rights, voting rights, immigration and more. I’m particularly troubled by its impact on my students. Some, like DACA students, are worried about their future; others, like transgender students, are concerned about hate crimes. I’m proud that CCC has assumed a leadership role in welcoming ALL students and is working to ensure a safe learning environment.

What’s a highlight of your involvement so far?
A highlight has been the comradery that comes with taking action and resisting. I’m very encouraged that so many in our community have stood up and taken part in events like the Women’s’ March, local rallies, and the fight to protect health care.

Seeing others’ courage has bolstered my own. I’m excited to see people get actively involved, which, in turn, inspires me to step up my own efforts. I’d never considered running for public office before, but am now seeking training to do so. I feel strongly that I can’t expect others to step up if I’m not willing to as well.

What’s your vision for a better future?
My vision for a better future is an engaged and informed community of voters who elect officials who truly represent their communities, investing in education, health care, and other public services, and who lead us in combating climate change, protecting the environment and pursing renewable energy sources. I’d also like to see our country become more welcoming to those identifying as LGBTQ.

What’s one book, quote, or action that you recommend to everyone who’ll listen?
For anyone interested in learning more about transgender issues, I recommend Trans* in College, written by one of my colleagues, Z. Nicolazzo. I see it as a personal challenge to become more knowledgeable about this issue to better help my students.

INCO WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 11/27

ACTION PRIORITIES
 www.indivisible.org
Contact your Members of Congress now.
How will they know what you want if you don't tell them?
STOP THE TAX PLAN 
If you haven't already contacted your Member of Congress, do it now.  The GOP plan isn’t “tax reform.” It’s tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of the 99% and our communities. To pay for the huge federal deficit it would create, the bill effectively kills the Affordable Care Act. Along with other GOP proposals, these cuts would severely harm rural hospitals like ours.
IN OREGON:
178,000
 people in Oregon would lose health insurance coverage
402,300 Oregon families would see a tax increase
IN WASHINGTON STATE:
290,000
 people in Washington would lose health insurance coverage
520,100 Washington families would see a tax increase
Text TAX SCAM to 977-79 to be connected with your Senators now!
Toll-free at 1-855-980-2350, or use the contact info here.

SAVE FAIR INTERNET ACCESS
In another proposed giveaway to its corporate donors, the GOP wants to undo net neutrality.This means you might not have equally speedy and affordable access to the websites you want.  Tell your Members of Congress to keep net neutrality part of US law. Read more from Wired.com here.

Stay Vigilant:
PROTECT AMERICA'S TRADE, SAFETY, AND STANDING IN THE WORLD. The Washington Post presents an excellent overview of the global leadership vacuum being created by Trump. Details from Indivisible here.

PROTECT THE MUELLER INVESTIGATION. Recent  indictments and other developments threaten Trump, his administration, and his family. Details here.

SUPPORT THE DREAMERS PLEDGE. Most Americans support a clean DREAM Act to protect 800,000 immigrant youth.
Do Democracy Here:  Become a board member at the college
As a three term board member or trustee for Clatsop Community College, I know we have a current opportunity for a person to be appointed to finish the term of office vacated by Patrick Wingard for District 2. I ask you to please spread the word and urge any responsible voter and College education supporter within that district to contact CCC and indicate their interest. This appointment will not requiring “running” or filling for office but a simple statement of their interest and experience. The BOD will then conduct interviews and make a selection. Right now I am surprised to say we have but one applicant and I do not know their identity.  There is no better or easier introduction to public service that I know of and the College BOD is really non-partisan.  

For more info, contact Stephanie at the president's office: 503-338-2425
-- Tessa Scheller
INCO ACA Enrollment Information Day
 Wednesday, November 29
10 am - 2 pm 

2nd floor, Columbia Hall
Clatsop Community College, 16th & Lexington, Astoria
Enter parking lot behind the building from Lexington Avenue between 15th & 16th
Everyone is invited to stop by to get more information about the Affordable Care Act at this free public event.

* * * * * 
Share Info about the ACA
Deadline for enrolling is December 15.
Check out OregonHealthCare.gov for more information. Enter your zip code here to find local resources.. Here's one guide to enrollment. The Indivisible Toolkit for the ACA ishere. There is still a penalty for going without health coverage. 

Make copies of this color flyer or this black & white flyer to distribute.
HAPPENINGS
Check for details and new posts on our events page.
 
WEEKLY
Postcard Parties - The INCO Washington Community Group on the peninsula gathers almost every week to write postcards to Members of Congress and the White House. Contact gwenbrake@gmail.com for details.

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, November 29 - INCO ACA Enrollment Information, 10 am - 2 pm, Columbia Hall, 2nd floor, Clatsop Community College, 16th & Lexington, Astoria

UPCOMING 
Tuesday, December 5 - Oppose Bigotry Team meeting6 pm, Astoria; email catladyjoan@gmail.com for location and directions.

Wednesday, December 13 - INCO Book Club, 6:30 pm, Astoria. This month's book is Dan Rather's What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism. RSVP and get location and directions at cebeady@outlook.com.

Saturday, December 16 - Warrenton INCO Community Group meeting, 11 a.m., Dooger's Seafood and Grill, Hwy 101, Warrenton

Wednesday, December 20 - Vote the Future Team meeting,  6:30 pm, Seaside Library Board Room; prep for the January County Commission meeting about the voter information booklet and also the January 20 INCO community conference.

Saturday, January 20 - Turn the Tide 2018 • INCO Regional Summit, 8:30 - 4:30, Lovell Showroom, 426 14th Street, Astoria
 
SAVE THE DATE !
Turn the Tide 2018 

INCO Regional Summit
Saturday, January 20 
8:30 - 4:30 • Lovell Showroom, 426 14th Street, Astoria
• Energize & strategize for 2018
 • Community networking and engagement

• Resources, opportunities, imagination
IN SOLIDARITY
 Americans are opposing Trumpism and supporting democracy in myriad ways. Read this encouraging Mother Jones article.

"Thankfully Recommitting to Resistance" - Charles Blow reminds us why Indivisibles oppose authoritarianism, bigotry, and corruption.


Vox.com described American authoritarianism in March, 2016. What's your take so far on this administration?  

Talking & Listening 101: How do we get better at talking with people who have wildly different views and backgrounds?  Try the practical suggestions in this segment from "Here and Now" on OPB.

Two new books:  : 'Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump,' by David Neiwert; and 'The Trouble with Reality,' by Brooke Gladstone

This brief book is a bold alert to authoritarianism and worse:  ON TYRANNY: TWENTY LESSONS FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, by Timothy Snyder.
INCO's Faces of Democracy
At the Astoria Women's March, January 21, 2017 
"Once Democracy ceases to exist for a large enough segment of the population, it no longer exists at all.”
- - Thomas Merton

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

 Get involved with your INCO Community Group today in Manzanita-Cannon Beach, Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria, Washington Peninsula.
 
Questions, suggestions, & photos to INCO at incoregon@gmail.com
Share this newsletter and our website with other resisters. They can join INCO here and ask to join our closed Facebook group.

INCO is supported entirely by your donations. Donate here.

Deb Vanasse and Laurie Caplan, INCO Co-chairs
INCO Weekly Newsletter   November 27, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO STOP THE RUSH TO PASS THE TRUMP TAX SCAM

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Monday, November 27, 2017
————————————————————————————
STOP THE RUSH TO PASS THE TRUMP TAX SCAM
————————————————————————————
#TrumpTaxScam
#NotOnePenny
#WhenWeFightWeWin
The GOP is in a rush to pass the Trump Tax Scam -- The House passed it only 14 days after the bill was released, and the Senate is scheduled to vote after only 10. The GOP is worried that this deeply unpopular bill won’t pass if people learn more about it through a regular legislative process. The news emerging about the GOP bill is not good:
- Numerous independent analyses and all 42 economists surveyed maintain that both bills substantially increase the national debt, regardless of the model used
- Only 1 of these economists thinks the tax bills will expand the economy meaningfully
- GOP claims of middle class tax breaks are based on budget gimmicks, since individual tax cuts expire after 2025 to keep the deficit under $1.5 trillion. The GOP can’t have it both ways. Extending the middle-class tax breaks will increase the deficit by up to $2 trillion. 
Bloating the national debt through budget gimmicks without growing the economy is a recipe for financial crisis that the GOP has served us before. 
A crucial committee vote is scheduled for Tuesday, followed by a floor vote on Thursday. Call now to “stop the rush.” Our country and ordinary Americans deserve better!————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATORS **
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling about the Trump/GOP Tax Scam. The GOP is rushing to pass its tax plan before its unpopularity sinks it. Please use every available procedural tool to slow the process down and "stop the rush" so that opposition has a chance to kill this bill. Thank you."
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family, especially those in these key states with GOP senators who have expressed concerns about the bill – Arizona (Flake and McCain), Maine (Collins), Alaska (Murkowski), Tennessee (Corker), Wisconsin (Johnson), Oklahoma (Lankford). Help them call their Members of Congress
__________________________________________________
**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

Thursday, November 23, 2017

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU!

**CALL TO ACTION**
Thursday, November 23, 2017
————————————————————————————
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU
————————————————————————————
On this Thanksgiving, Indivisible Oregon would like to express our deep thanks for all those who resist with us. It is an honor to work alongside you. Together, we have accomplished so much this past year. We are hopeful for what we can accomplish next. Have a wonderful holiday.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

ACTION: STOP TRUMP TAX SCAM: OPPOSE MASSIVE HIDDEN POLICY CHANGES

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**  
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 
———————————————————————————— 
STOP TRUMP TAX SCAM: OPPOSE MASSIVE HIDDEN POLICY CHANGES
————————————————————————————
#TrumpTaxScam 
#NotOnePenny
#WhenWeFightWeWin
The Trump Tax Scam contains hidden provisions that will enact long-held, unpopular GOP dogma, affecting laws and policy unrelated to the Tax Code. 
The House bill:
• Refers to “unborn children,” defining fetuses as “persons.” This language could be used to help outlaw abortion
• Repeals a 63-year-old law prohibiting public charities from endorsing/opposing political candidates. This will allow clergy to preach partisan politics from the pulpit, cost the Treasury $2.1 billion over 10 years as political donors shift their contributions to tax-exempt charities, and lead to potential abuse jeopardizing the future of the charitable deduction, donor privacy, and public trust in non-profit sector.
The Senate version changes the cost-of-living calculation to limit increases due to inflation (“chained CPI”), affecting programs and benefits indexed to inflation. The
chained CPI erodes the benefits of the standard deduction and Earned Income Tax Credit, increasing lower and middle-class taxes. If the GOP succeeds in applying the chained CPI to Social Security, payouts will be cut by $230+ billion over 10 years. Seniors will receive lower benefits and pay higher taxes
We must shed light on these provisions and derail the Trump Tax Scam. Start calling now!
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATORS **
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.) 
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling about the Trump Tax Scam’s hidden provisions that lay the groundwork for anti-abortion legislation, abuse of political donations, and higher taxes for the middle class. I want to thank the Senator for speaking out loudly against this tax bill, but I am asking for even more: (1) To vote NO on the Motion to Proceed; and (2) To shutdown the Senate by withholding unanimous consent on every bill or nominee that McConnell puts forward. Will the Senator commit to those actions?”
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CALL CONSTITUENTS IN SWING STATES**
Call progressive constituents in critical swing states – Alaska, Arizona, and West Virginia – and urge them to call their Senators to vote NO on the Tax Scam. 
The Indivisible Guide makes it easy with their calling tool: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/calls-to-kill-the-tax-scam/
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: JOIN A CALLING PARTY THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND** 
We must act urgently to stop this dangerous bill. Indivisible Oregon is organizing emergency calling parties in the Portland area Thanksgiving weekend. Together, we will use the Indivisible Guide tool to call progressive constituents in critical swing states and urge them to call their Senators to vote NO on the Tax Scam. If you’ve never made calls before – or if you’d like to give/receive moral support – please join us! 
Details coming soon. Watch Indivisible Oregon Events tab for details:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/IndivisibleOregon/events/
————————————————————————————
**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

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

ACTION: STOP THE TRUMP TAX SCAM’S ATTACK ON HEALTHCARE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Friday, November 17, 2017
————————————————————————————
WE MUST STOP THE TAX SCAM IN THE SENATE
————————————————————————————
#TrumpTaxScam
#ProtectOurCare
#NotOnePenny

Yesterday, the House voted for the GOP’s massive permanent tax giveaway to corporations and the super-rich. Their version triggers automatic Medicare cuts of $400 billion over next decade.

Senate’s version is even worse:
• Largest wealth transfer (from working people to ultra-wealthy) in American history when 400 richest Americans together already have more wealth than bottom 2/3
• Backdoor ACA repeal eliminating the “individual mandate” which kicks 13 million off insurance and sends system into death spiral
• Punishes blue states (like Oregon) by repealing state and local tax exemption
• Raises taxes (on average) of all income brackets under $75,000 by 2027
• Makes corporate tax cuts permanent, while crumbs given to rest of us cease after 2025

As we did with healthcare, we can stop Trump’s Tax Scam and save the ACA (again), by applying loud and continuous pressure, forcing Republicans to slow down.

So, get out your phone and call our Senators. Demand that they continue fighting with all available tools. Reach out to friends and family in red states. Support sit-ins across the country.

If we are silent, the bill will pass. Let’s make some noise. We must stop the Tax Scam in the Senate.

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**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH OUR SENATORS**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am outraged that the GOP is trying to repeal the ACA and raise taxes on 36 million American families—all to give money to billionaires and corporations. Please use all Senate procedural tools available—including withholding consent and the filibuster where possible—to ensure that the Tax Scam never becomes law. You helped save the ACA.  We are counting on you to save health care again. Thank you.”

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**ACTION 2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**

Share this post with friends and family. Help them tell their Senators to vote no on the Trump Tax Scam.

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**ACTION 3: PUBLICIZE AND ATTEND INDIVISIBLE’S NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION**

Indivisible Group Leaders are planning sit-ins in Senators’ offices across the country. Pass this message on to friends and family in red states and urge them to get involved.

How to organize an event: https://www.trumptaxscam.org/tax-scam-day-of-action-sit-ins

How to find an event near you: http://act.indivisible.org/event/local-actions/search/

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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

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

Monday, November 20, 2017

INCO WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 11/20

THANKSGIVING
 . . . for the possibilities of our democracy and country
. . . for our ability to stand up and speak up
. . . for all who contribute time, talent, energy, money, imagination and hope to INCO
. . . for INCO Community Groups and Events, Oppose Bigotry, and Vote the Future teams
. . . for all who work to be good neighbors and strengthen our communities and country

Our best wishes for your holiday.
Deb Vanasse and Laurie Caplan
INCO co-chairs
ACTION PRIORITIES
 www.indivisible.org
Contact your Members of Congress now.
How will they know what you want if you don't tell them?
 
WE CAN STOP THE TAX SCAM!  
CALL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS BEFORE THANKSGIVING.
National, loud, and sustained constituent pressure will be the death knell of this bill.
Toll-free at 1-855-980-2350, or use the contact info here.
The Senate and House will write a compromise bill soon, possibly by November 30. With enough pressure from all of us,  GOP Members of Congress could stop this tax bill. It's a mean-spirited giveaway to the wealthy with at least one provision that could effectively kill the Affordable Care Act. You can use these talking points and suggested scripts for calling  Democrats and Republicans.

Stay Vigilant:
PROTECT AMERICA'S TRADE, SAFETY, AND STANDING IN THE WORLD. The Washington Post presents an excellent overview of the global leadership vacuum being created by Trump. Details from Indivisible here.

PROTECT THE MUELLER INVESTIGATION. Recent  indictments and other developments threaten Trump, his administration, and his family. Details here.

SUPPORT THE DREAMERS PLEDGE. At DREAMerPledge.org, we’re calling on every member of Congress to refuse to pass a budget that doesn’t include a clean DREAM Act to protect 800,000 immigrant youth.
INCO at Astoria's Regatta Grand Land Parade, August, 2017
HAPPENINGS
Check for details and new posts on our events page.

THIS WEEK
Tell your Members of Congress to stop the GOP's tax and kill-Obamacare bill.  Toll-free at 1-855-980-2350, or use the contact info here.

UPCOMING
Wednesday, November 29 - INCO ACA Enrollment Information, 10 am - 2 pm, Columbia Hall, 2nd floor, Clatsop Community College, 16th & Lexington, Astoria

Tuesday, December 5 - Oppose Bigotry Team meeting6 pm, Astoria; email catladyjoan@gmail.com for location and directions.


Wednesday, December 13 - INCO Book Club, 6:30 pm, Astoria. This month's book is Dan Rather's What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism. RSVP and get location and directions at cebeady@outlook.com.

Saturday, December 16 - Warrenton INCO Community Group meeting, 11 a.m., Dooger's Seafood and Grill, Hwy 101, Warrenton

Wednesday, December 20 - Vote the Future Team meeting,  6:30 pm, Seaside Library Board Room; prep for the January County Commission meeting about the voter information booklet and also the January 20 INCO community conference.

Saturday, January 20 - Turn the Tide 2018 • INCO Regional Summit, 8:30 - 4:30, Lovell Showroom, 426 14th Street, Astoria
 
• INCO ACA Enrollment Information Day •
Wednesday, November 29
10 am - 2 pm 

2nd floor, Columbia Hall
Clatsop Community College, 16th & Lexington, Astoria
Enter parking lot behind the building from Lexington Avenue between 15th & 16th
Everyone is invited to stop by to get more information about the Affordable Care Act at this free, public event.

* * * * * 
Share Info about the ACA
Deadline for enrolling is December 15.
Check out OregonHealthCare.gov for more information. Enter your zip code here to find local resources.. Here's one guide to enrollment. The Indivisible Toolkit for the ACA ishere. There is still a penalty for going without health coverage. 

Make copies of this color flyer or this black & white flyer to distribute.
SAVE THE DATE !
Turn the Tide 2018 

INCO Regional Summit
Saturday, January 20 
8:30 - 4:30 • Lovell Showroom, 426 14th Street, Astoria
• Energize & strategize for 2018
 • Community networking and engagement

• Resources, opportunities, imagination
IN SOLIDARITY
Talking & Listening 101: How do we get better at talking with people who have wildly different views and backgrounds, perhaps at Thanksgiving? Listen to this segment from "Here and Now" on OPB. It's about bringing together a diverse group of people who don’t know each other, with different political views, and coaching them to talk and listen to each other. It’s a great piece with lots of practical tips, too.

November 19, 1863: President Lincoln 
delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It ends with "... the great task remaining before us ... that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Read the speech here. 

Russia-Trump Probe and Robert Mueller 
The Mueller investigation gets closer to Trump. If Trump and the GOP try to fire Mueller, check INCO's Facebook page and  email about INCO's response, most likely a rapid response rally in Astoria. 
INCO's Faces of Democracy
At the Astoria Women's March, January 21, 2017 
“Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky.  They are people who say, ‘This is my community, and it’s my responsibility to make it better.’”             -- Oregon Governor Tom McCall
RESISTANCE READING 
For an offbeat take on politics, history, and resistance, read about the major Doinks of history in this New York Times column.

This brief book is a bold alert to authoritarianism and worse:  ON TYRANNY: TWENTY LESSONS FROM THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, by Timothy Snyder.

 
Send your suggestions for books, articles, and YouTubes to feature here to incoregon@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

 Get involved with your INCO Community Group today in Manzanita-Cannon Beach, Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria, Washington Peninsula.
 
Questions, suggestions, & photos to INCO at incoregon@gmail.com
Share this newsletter and our website with other resisters. They can join INCO here and ask to join our closed Facebook group.

INCO is supported entirely by your donations! Donate here.
INCO Weekly Newsletter   November 20, 2017