ACTIONS FOR JANUARY 2025

Action #1: Make calls to reverse cuts to the program that aids farmers, low-income households, and our environment. CISA’s website

HIP, the Healthy Incentives Program, is an essential state program that provides nutritious food for low-income households AND a vital income stream for local farms and markets. Thousands of people across the Commonwealth rely on HIP every week, year-round, to access locally grown produce for their families, and hundreds of farmers have shaped their business plans, staff training practices, outreach, and crop production so that they can serve their low-income neighbors through HIP. Massachusetts has cut HIP benefits from a cap of $80/month, depending on household size, to $20/month for all households. This is the result of HIP having received only $15 million in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget, despite estimates that the program needed $25 million to be fully funded for the whole year. The most vulnerable members of our communities have had their grocery budgets cut, and farmers are already seeing significant loss of sales and customers. Click this link and follow the steps CISA (Community Involved in Sustainable Agriculture) has put together to tell our elected officials we want them to reverse the cuts!

Action #2: Tell Your Senators to Oppose RFK Jr.’s Confirmation to Lead HHS

Background: RFK Jr., a notorious conspiracy theorist, has spent years spreading dangerous misinformation about vaccines and public health. His debunked claims, like falsely linking vaccines to autism, have fueled the anti-vaccine movement and contributed to public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he aligned with extremist groups opposing science-backed safety measures, putting lives at risk. RFK Jr. has also attacked trusted public health institutions like the CDC and FDA, undermining confidence in the agencies we rely on to manage crises. His confirmation would jeopardize public health, erode trust, and endanger millions of Americans.

Call: Senator Elizabeth Warren (413-788-2690) or (202-224-4543) and Senator Ed Markey (413-785-4610) or (202-224-2742) or (617- 565-8519)

Suggested script:

My name is ___________ and my address is __________. I’m calling to ask Senator [Warren/Markey] to vote NO on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This role demands a leader who relies on evidence-based decision-making, upholds public trust, and prioritizes the health and safety of all Americans. RFK Jr.’s long record of promoting pseudoscience and opposing evidence-based approaches proves he cannot be trusted to lead an agency so vital to the nation’s health and safety. If confirmed to head HHS, millions of American lives would be at risk. I strongly urge the Senator to oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as head of HHS.

Also call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is __. My address [including ZIP is __]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his role as Senate Minority Leader, to urge him to oppose the confirmation of RFK Jr. as head of Health and Human Services.

Action #3: Tell Your Senators to Oppose Russ Vought’s Confirmation to lead the OMB

Background:

Russell Vought is the architect of Trump’s dangerous Project 2025. As Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Vought would have immense power to enforce Trump’s extremist agenda. We know from his time at the agency during Trump’s first term that Vought will not hesitate to violate laws and norms in service of the MAGA agenda. He would be even more dangerous if handed the reins again at OMB. In his previous OMB leadership roles, Vought orchestrated federal budgets, agency operations, and policies and regulations that embodied MAGA’s anti-democratic, pro-corporate agenda and consolidated executive power in Trump’s hands. Vought led numerous efforts to bypass or defy congressional authority in his crusade to turn the presidency into a dictatorship, including violating federal law by directing OMB to withhold aid to Ukraine as part of Trump’s alleged extortion scheme. When Vought left office in January 2021, he was just beginning to roll out some of Trump’s most extreme policies for “crush[ing] the deep state” - including reclassifying federal employees to enable mass firings that clear the way for MAGA operatives who will be loyal to Trump, Vance, and Vought - no matter the legality or morality of the order. Trump has vowed to begin those mass firings on day one, and it’s a crucial component of Project 2025 - the MAGA playbook for replacing the rule of law with Trumpian autocracy, for which Vought wrote the chapter on executive power. Vought has spent the last four years serving as a chief architect of Project 2025, preparing draft executive orders and policies to supercharge its implementation. He was also the policy director for the Republican National Committee’s 2024 platform committee, shaping the GOP agenda and allying closely with Trump to promote it. Now Vought wants to finish what he started - remaking the federal government into a tool of white Christian nationalism and political revenge for Trump to wield as dictator starting day one.

Call: Senator Elizabeth Warren (413-788-2690) or (202-224-4543) and Senator Ed Markey (413-785-4610) or (202-224-2742) or (617- 565-8519)

Suggested script:

My name is ___________ and my address is __________. I’m calling to ask Senator [Warren/Markey] to vote NO on the nomination of Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought has spent the last four years serving as a chief architect of Project 2025, an extreme and highly unpopular agenda, including preparing draft executive orders and policies to supercharge its implementation. Confirming Vought would accelerate Trump’s plans to dismantle democracy. He must not be confirmed as OMB Director.

Also call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is __. My address [including ZIP is __]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his role as Senate Minority Leader, to urge him to oppose the confirmation of Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Action #4: Tell Your Senators to Oppose Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation to Lead the DOD

Background:

A right-wing Fox News commentator with no qualifications to oversee the nation’s largest federal agency, Pete Hegseth has a troubling record of promoting Christian nationalism and extreme views. He’s called abortion “generational genocide” and vowed to dismantle policies that improve access to reproductive healthcare for military families. Confirming him would undermine national security, harm military morale, and prioritize ideology over integrity. Hegseth has a documented history of offensive and dangerous behavior, including allegations of sexual assault and public questions about his character. His record raises serious concerns about his ability to lead with integrity. Hegseth’s lack of relevant experience is equally alarming. Hosting a TV show and dabbling in veterans’ advocacy does not prepare someone to manage the Department of Defense, which requires robust leadership and organizational expertise. Additionally, he has a record of displaying poor judgment and reports of mismanagement and problematic behavior that led to his removal from leadership roles in veterans’ organizations. Even more concerning, Hegseth has openly promoted Christian nationalist views that have no place in a democratic government committed to serving a diverse population. His rhetoric and symbols associated with Christian nationalism risk marginalizing non-Christian service members and fostering division within the military. Hegseth’s extreme policy views would weaken the military’s effectiveness and inclusivity. He opposes women serving in combat roles and has vowed to roll back policies expanding reproductive healthcare for military families, moves that would erode morale and readiness. His nomination is a clear and present danger to our national security and the values our military defends.

Call: Senator Elizabeth Warren (413-788-2690) or (202-224-4543) and Senator Ed Markey (413-785-4610) or (202-224-2742) or (617- 565-8519)

Suggested script:

My name is ___________ and my address is __________. I’m calling to ask Senator [Warren/Markey] to vote NO on the nomination of Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth’s nomination risks undermining our armed forces' integrity and cohesion. His troubling record of misconduct, extreme ideological views, and lack of qualifications make him fundamentally unfit to lead the world’s largest and most complex defense organization.

Also call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is __. My address [including ZIP is __]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his role as Senate Minority Leader, to urge him to oppose the confirmation of Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense.

Action #5: Thank Senator Warren and Markey for Voting No on S. 5, the Laken Riley Act

Background:

Last week the Senate voted 84-9 to open debate on S. 5, the Laken Riley Act. This bill imposes mandatory, indefinite incarceration on any undocumented person who has merely been accused of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting-related offenses. Most Democrats voted to consider this bill, which exploits the tragic death of Laken Riley, to make it easier to criminalize and target all noncitizens. But 9 Democrats voted against the motion to proceed, including our Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. Tell them they have your support and gratitude.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (413-788-2690) or (202-224-4543)

Senator Ed Markey (413-785-4610) or (202-224-2742) or (617- 565-8519)

Suggested Script:

My name is ___________ and my address is __________. I’m calling to thank Senator [Warren/Markey] for voting against the Laken Riley Act and opposing anti-immigrant fear-mongering. I strongly believe you voted the right way and ask that you encourage your colleagues to join you in blocking cloture on the bill and prevent a vote on its final passage.

Also call Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is __. My address [including ZIP is __]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his role as Minority Leader, to urge him to oppose the Laken Riley Act. The bill is bad policy that demonizes all immigrants and opens the door for a full MAGA takeover of immigration. I urge you to stand up against this fearmongering and vote no on S.5.

Action #6: Urge Rep McGovern to call on VP Harris to publish the Equal Rights Amendment

Background:

Until Trump takes the oath of office at noon on January 20th, the Biden-Harris Administration must do everything in its power to protect our rights and democracy from the onslaught of attacks that will come with the new administration. The ERA cleared the threshold for ratification by 38 states during Trump’s first term, but because of Republican opposition and legal debates about the process, the National Archivist has yet to formally publish and certify the ERA as the 28th Amendment. By publishing the ERA, the Biden-Harris Administration can put guardrails on the incoming Trump Administration and provide a critical tool for combating discrimination against women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people nationwide. VP Harris was the first Democratic presidential candidate to champion the ERA during her 2019 campaign. Our Representative can call on VP Harris to use her position to get the ERA over the finish line. 

Call: Rep. Jim McGovern DC 202-225-6101 or Northampton 413-341-8700

Suggested Script:

Hi, my name is ______. And I’m a constituent from [address]. I’m calling to ask Representative McGovern to urge Vice President Harris to publish the Equal Rights Amendment before leaving office. The ERA would enshrine gender equality in our Constitution and has met the ratification requirements to become the 28th Amendment. VP Harris is a champion for equal justice under the law and could lead the way for the Biden-Harris Administration to publish the ERA in the Constitution. I want my elected representatives to do everything in their power to protect our rights and leave no stone unturned.

Action #7: Demand the Senate Block Kash Patel from Becoming the Director of the FBI

Background:

Trump has nominated MAGA extremist Kash Patel as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, who has publicly announced his intention to weaponize the FBI against journalists, government officials, nonprofit organizations, and ordinary Americans, would take the bureau in an unprecedented and dangerous direction. He explicitly vowed to punish those who refused to promote Republicans’ Big Lie about the 2020 election, saying: “We’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. We’re going to come after you.” This sets a dangerous precedent for using federal law enforcement as a political weapon. Even during Trump’s first term, Patel’s appointment to a senior FBI position was blocked—not by Democrats, but by Bill Barr, Trump’s handpicked Attorney General. Barr reportedly said “over my dead body” when Trump tried to establish Patel as second-in-command at the FBI. If someone as loyal to Trump as Barr found Patel unfit, it speaks volumes about the risks of allowing him to lead the agency. The FBI already has a long and troubling history of targeting individuals who challenge power while often letting corporate criminals go unchecked. But appointing Patel would not be a step toward accountability or reform. Instead, it would entrench the worst abuses of power and turn the bureau into a tool for political vengeance.

Call{ Senator Elizabeth Warren (413-788-2690) or (202-224-4543) and Senator Ed Markey (413-785-4610) or (202-224-2742) or (617- 565-8519)

Suggested script:

My name is ___________ and my address is __________. I’m calling as a deeply concerned constituent to urge you to oppose any effort to confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director. Patel has openly declared plans to use the FBI to target journalists, government officials, and nonprofit organizations, and punish those who refused to promote Republicans’ Big Lie about the 2020 election. The FBI needs moral leadership to restore trust while addressing its past and ongoing failures. Kash Patel is clearly not the person to do that. I strongly urge you to stand up for the rule of law and our democratic institutions by opposing any effort to confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director.

Also call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792

Suggested Script:

Hello. My name is __. My address [including ZIP is __]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his role as Senate Minority Leader, to urge him to oppose any effort to confirm Kash Patel as FBI Director.

Action #8: Ensure all Americans have the freedom to vote: Call your Representative and Senators and urge them to vote NO on the SAVE ACT.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act claims its purpose is to stop non-citizens from voting in Federal elections, but in effect, it is an attempt to codify a voter suppression law. It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote. Also, there has been almost no instance where non-citizen voters have voted, and that is because every state already has strong protections in place that work exceptionally well to protect voter rolls and keep out ineligible voters. Even though there has been no voter fraud discovered in any federal or state election, the SAVE Act would nonetheless impose a new onerous requirement on anyone registering to vote to provide two forms of documentary proof of their US citizenship. This requirement will negatively impact many marginalized, racial, and ethnic segments of eligible voters as well as transient people, migratory workers, displaced people, those who travel for extensive periods of time, citizens who reside abroad, homeless people, college students, etc. making it harder for these eligible voters to register to vote or putting them at risk for being purged from voter rolls. (In fact, one research study has shown that 1 out of 10 eligible voters in the US cannot easily access the proof of citizenship this act requires (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, etc.))

Call Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer - (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792 or (202) 224-6542

Suggested Script: Hello. My name is [__]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number is [___]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his capacity as Senate Minority Leader. I want to urge him to publicly oppose the SAVE Act. The SAVE act will make it unduly more burdensome for eligible US voters to register and vote. The SAVE Act isn’t needed because it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote. And every state already has effective protections in place that work exceptionally well to protect voter rolls and keep out ineligible voters. The extra burden imposed by the SAVE Act is unnecessary and will have the negative result of suppressing the vote of many otherwise eligible voters.

Call Senate Majority Leader John Thune - (202) 224–2321

Suggested Script: Hello. My name is [__]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number is [___]. I’m calling Senator Thune in his capacity as Senate Majority Leader. I want to urge him to publicly oppose the SAVE Act. The SAVE Act will make it unduly more burdensome for eligible US voters to register and vote. The SAVE Act isn’t needed because it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote. And every state already has effective protections in place that work exceptionally well to protect voter rolls and keep out ineligible voters. The extra burden imposed by the SAVE Act is unnecessary and will have the negative result of suppressing the vote of many otherwise eligible voters.

Call Senators Elizabeth Warren (202) 224-4543 or (413) 788-2690 and

Ed Markey (202) 224-2742 or (413) 785-4610

Suggested Script: Hello. My name is [__]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number is [___]. I’m calling Senator [ Warren / Markey ] to urge [her/him] to publicly oppose the SAVE Act. The SAVE Act will make it unduly more burdensome for eligible US voters to register and vote. The SAVE Act isn’t needed because it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote. And every state already has effective protections in place that work exceptionally well to protect voter rolls and keep out ineligible voters. The extra burden imposed by the SAVE Act is unnecessary and will have the negative result of suppressing the vote of many otherwise eligible voters.

Call Jim McGovern - (413) 341-8700 or (202) 225-6101

Suggested Script: Hello. My name is [__]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number is [___]. I’m calling Representative McGovern to urge him to publicly oppose the SAVE Act. The SAVE Act will make it unduly more burdensome for eligible US voters to register and vote. The SAVE Act isn’t needed because it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote. And every state already has effective protections in place that work exceptionally well to protect voter rolls and keep out ineligible voters. The extra burden imposed by the SAVE Act is unnecessary and will have the negative result of suppressing the vote of many otherwise eligible voters.