Monday, February 5, 2018

ACTION: PASS A BUDGET THAT HELPS PEOPLE NOT DONORS

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Monday, February 05, 2018
————————————————————————————
PASS A BUDGET THAT HELPS PEOPLE, NOT DONORS
————————————————————————————
#GOPTaxScam
#ProtectMedicare
#ProtectMedicaid

Despite controlling Congress and the White House, Republicans are unable to perform the basic functions of government: pass a budget and pay America’s debts.

The government runs out of money February 8th.  Instead of working on a bipartisan budget, the GOP plans to pass another continuing resolution.   Continuing resolutions create uncertainty, negatively impact our country’s preparedness, and limit our ability to use funds efficiently and responsibly.

America is projected to hit the debt ceiling earlier than expected because the GOP tax plan acutely decreases America’s cash flow.  Under Trump’s first full budget year, America is expected to borrow $1 trillion - an 84% jump from last year.

The GOP solution? Cut social programs! Paul Ryan and the Freedom Caucus are using the very economic uncertainty THEIR tax plan creates to justify massive cuts to our safety net.

At best Republicans are incapable of doing their jobs.  At worst they are actively tearing down our institutions.  We need a multifaceted approach to combat this:
• demand that MoCs pass a responsible budget and protect our safety net
• plan for midterms because the only viable long-term solution is to vote in MoCs who prioritize people over donors.

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

SAMPLE SCRIPT to thank everyone but Walden:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about America’s about finances.  We are taking on debt at an alarming rate and the GOP is using this as an excuse to cut our safety net.  This week the government will again run out of money.  I urge the Senator/Rep to work to pass an actual budget (not a continuing resolution) and to make sure that all of our social programs are protected. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT for Walden:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling to express my disappointment and disgust with the Representative who continues to uphold Trump’s agenda and to support the tax plan. America is taking on debt at an alarming rate, and the GOP leadership is using this as an excuse to cut our safety net. This week the government will again run out of money. I am urging Rep Walden to work to pass an actual budget (not a continuing resolution) and to make sure that all of our safety programs are protected. Thank you.”

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: GET YOUR MID TERM PLANS READY
We must vote in MoCs who value people over donors. Check out the action groups below. Each is ready, in some way, to tackle the 2018 elections. Find one that speaks to you and sign up for their emails or follow them on social media. This list is just a small sample of the amazing groups out there. If you know of other resources, please let us know!

Indivisible435 https://indivisible435.org
Swing Left https://swingleft.org
Sister district https://www.sisterdistrict.com
Flipppable https://www.flippable.org
Woke Vote https://www.wokevote.us
Let America Vote https://www.letamericavote.org
Postcards for Voters https://postcardstovoters.org

————————————————————————————
**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!**