Actions of the Month - August 2019
ACTION: OPPOSE CHANGES TO the Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) THAT WOULD EXCLUDE 3 MILLION
The Trump administration has proposed a change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that could exclude over 3 million people from receiving food assistance. A SNAP rule allows low-income people to enroll in SNAP if they’ve qualified for other anti-poverty benefit programs. The rule guarantees access to free school meals for 256,000 children. States also have flexibility to waive income and asset limits for SNAP recipients, meaning families don’t suddenly lose SNAP benefits if their wages or savings increase by a small amount. This reduces administrative costs and program churn while encouraging low-income families to save. The Trump administration has now proposed to eliminate these rules (called broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE)).
The elimination of BBCE would not only harm millions of hungry US residents, but also damage the nation’s economy more broadly. Economists have estimated that every $1 spent on SNAP benefits generates between $1.22 and $1.84 in economic activity. SNAP protects working families during economic downturns and creates jobs.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
ACTION: DEMAND A FEDERAL BAN ON ASSAULT WEAPONS
In 2004, the NRA successfully pressured the Republican-controlled government into not renewing the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban. The ban had worked to protect lives: after it expired the number of gun massacre deaths (which had decreased over 40% during the ban) jumped nearly 2.5 fold.
Gun violence experts are now renewing their calls for a nationwide ban on these types of weapons - and Americans agree - recent polls show at least 60% of Americans support a nationwide assault weapons ban. In response, Senator Dianne Feinstein has introduced legislation to ban assault weapons (S.66). This bill would ban future sales of high-capacity magazines and military-style assault weapons, including the AR-15 which has been the weapon of choice in many recent gun massacres, such as Parkland, Las Vegas, and Newtown.
Legislators must act now before any more lives are needlessly lost.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling to ask Senator Markey to support Senate S.66, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. We cannot afford to wait any longer to protect innocent lives from gun massacres. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I'm calling to ask Senator Warren to support Senate S.66, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. We cannot afford to wait any longer to protect innocent lives from gun massacres. Thank you.
Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I'm calling to ask Rep. McGovern to support House H.R. 1296, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. We cannot afford to wait any longer to protect innocent lives from gun massacres. Thank you.
Action: ADVOCATE TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE
Many Americans are distressed over the growing risk of being shot and killed while socializing, shopping, or going to school. Americans are upset and rather appalled by the Senate’s inaction on such an obvious public safety crisis. The House passed gun reform legislation that most Americans favor nearly six months ago. Our representatives should be publicly supporting H.R. 8 (background checks for every firearm sale) and H.R. 1112 (enhanced background checks). The Majority Leader should be pressured into calling an emergency session to vote on these bills. Many innocent lives depend on it.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I am distressed over the growing risk of being shot and killed while socializing, shopping, or going to school. I’m appalled by the Senate’s inaction on such an obvious public safety crisis. The House passed gun reform legislation that most Americans favor nearly six months ago. I ask that you publicly support H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112 and tell the Mitch McConnell to call an emergency session to vote on these bills. Our lives depend on it. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I am distressed over the growing risk of being shot and killed while socializing, shopping, or going to school. I’m appalled by the Senate’s inaction on such an obvious public safety crisis. The House passed gun reform legislation that most Americans favor nearly six months ago. I ask that you publicly support H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112 and tell the Mitch McConnell to call an emergency session to vote on these bills. Our lives depend on it. Thank you.
meaning families don’t suddenly lose SNAP benefits if their wages or savings increase by a small amount. This reduces administrative costs and program churn while encouraging low-income families to save. The Trump administration has now proposed to eliminate these rules (called broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE)).
The elimination of BBCE would not only harm millions of hungry US residents, but also damage the nation’s economy more broadly. Economists have estimated that every $1 spent on SNAP benefits generates between $1.22 and $1.84 in economic activity. SNAP protects working families during economic downturns and creates jobs.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I would like you to condemn the Trump administration's proposed elimination of the SNAP program's broad-based categorical eligibility rule. Eliminating this rule would leave millions hungry while harming our economy and increasing SNAP program administrative costs. Thank you.
ACTION: DEMAND A FEDERAL BAN ON ASSAULT WEAPONS
In 2004, the NRA successfully pressured the Republican-controlled government into not renewing the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban. The ban had worked to protect lives: after it expired the number of gun massacre deaths (which had decreased over 40% during the ban) jumped nearly 2.5 fold. Gun violence experts are now renewing their calls for a nationwide ban on these types of weapons - and Americans agree - recent polls show at least 60% of Americans support a nationwide assault weapons ban. In response, Senator Dianne Feinstein has introduced legislation to ban assault weapons (S.66). This bill would ban future sales of high-capacity magazines and military-style assault weapons, including the AR-15 which has been the weapon of choice in many recent gun massacres, such as Parkland, Las Vegas, and Newtown. Legislators must act now before any more lives are needlessly lost.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling to ask Senator Markey to support Senate S.66, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. We cannot afford to wait any longer to protect innocent lives from gun massacres. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I'm calling to ask Senator Warren to support Senate S.66, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. We cannot afford to wait any longer to protect innocent lives from gun massacres. Thank you.
Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I'm calling to ask Rep. McGovern to support House H.R. 1296, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019. We cannot afford to wait any longer to protect innocent lives from gun massacres. Thank you.
Action: ADVOCATE TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE
Many Americans are distressed over the growing risk of being shot and killed while socializing, shopping, or going to school. Americans are upset and rather appalled by the Senate’s inaction on such an obvious public safety crisis. The House passed gun reform legislation that most Americans favor nearly six months ago. Our representatives should be publicly supporting H.R. 8 (background checks for every firearm sale) and H.R. 1112 (enhanced background checks). The Majority Leader should be pressured into calling an emergency session to vote on these bills. Many innocent lives depend on it.
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator Markey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I am distressed over the growing risk of being shot and killed while socializing, shopping, or going to school. I’m appalled by the Senate’s inaction on such an obvious public safety crisis. The House passed gun reform legislation that most Americans favor nearly six months ago. I ask that you publicly support H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112 and tell the Mitch McConnell to call an emergency session to vote on these bills. Our lives depend on it. Thank you.
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Script: Hello Senator Warren. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m calling because I am distressed over the growing risk of being shot and killed while socializing, shopping, or going to school. I’m appalled by the Senate’s inaction on such an obvious public safety crisis. The House passed gun reform legislation that most Americans favor nearly six months ago. I ask that you publicly support H.R. 8 and H.R. 1112 and tell the Mitch McConnell to call an emergency session to vote on these bills. Our lives depend on it. Thank you.
Demand Palantir stop assisting ICE
Background: Tech and data companies are building—and profiting from—the Trump administration’s deportation machine, providing local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies with the data analysis and tracking software necessary for a massive web of surveillance. They include a company called Palantir Technologies, which has an active contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Write: Alex Carp, President, Palantir, 100 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301
Script: Your company is profiting from the human rights violations that ICE has committed, and directly enabling them to profile and monitor people seeking citizenship in America. Your software has facilitated mass arrests, deportations, and terror in migrant and asylum-seeking communities across our country. I am joining countless others in asking you to take a principled stand against all projects that support ICE activity, and drop your contracts with them immediately.
END FAMILY SEPARATION/ CARE FOR THOSE DETAINED
BACKGROUND: After public outcry, the administration acted to end its policy of separating migrant families at the border but massively expanded the government’s capability to detain children with their parents in inhumane detention centers. It also has no plans to reunite the approximately 2,300 previously separated children with their parents, instead it is planning on placing these traumatized children with friends, relatives, or INfoster care.
WHAT WE CAN DO NOW: Call our MoC’s and oversight committees and ask them to keep the pressure on or take action.
Senator Ed Markey (202) 224-2742; Senator Eliz. Warren (202) 224-4543; Representative Jim McGovern (202) 225-6101; US House Judiciary Committee (202) 225-3591; Chair Jerrold Nadler (202) 225-5635; Ranking member Doug Collins (202) 225-9893; US Senate Judiciary Committee (202) 224- 5225; Chair Lindsay Graham (202) 224-5972; Ranking member Dianne Feinstein (202) 224-3841
SCRIPT: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [TOWN*]. I'm calling because I’m horrified that our government is not reuniting young children from their families and incarcerating them without proper care or attention. Research shows that infants and babies who experience this type of trauma can suffer lifelong negative effects, such as developmental issues, anxiety, and difficulty reconnecting with family members.
I want the [senator/congressman/committee] to take action to end the practice of keeping children from their families and to work to provide those already affected with access to mental health services and support. Thank you.
[* NOTE: If leaving a voicemail, leave your FULL STREET ADDRESS to ensure your call is tallied.]
Make Immigration Courts part of the Judiciary Branch
Background
The American Bar Association and many other legal service organizations believe that the Trump administration has enacted policies that unfairly pressure immigration judges to ramp up deportations. The new policies show no concern for due process, or the rule of law. Judge Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges said that the biggest challenge to administering justice in immigration cases is that our immigration court system is situated within the Department of Justice. That means immigration courts have been treated as a law enforcement tool since their inception. This allows any president, and the Department of Justice, to use the immigration judges essentially as an extension of a political messaging tool. That’s why the ABA and many legal organizations are (again!) calling for congress to make the immigration court system Article I courts that are independent from the Department of Justice, so they will not be subject to pressure from any presidential administration.
Call Senate Judiciary Committee (202)224-5225 or (415)-393-0707
Suggested Script: Hello, my name is __________. I’m an American citizen. I live and vote in Massachusetts. My phone number if you want to call me back is ______. Tonight I am calling to get a message to Senators Lindsey Graham and Dianne Feinstein in their capacity as Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I want them to vote on legislation to make our immigration courts “Article One” courts. Our immigration courts should be part of the judiciary branch so our immigration judges can be free from political influence, and be truly independent in their decision making. Thank you.
Also call Elizabeth Warren (413) 788-2690 or (202) 224-4543
Suggested Script: Hello, my name is __________. I live in_____ and I am your constituent. My phone number if you want to call me back is _____. Tonight I’m calling Senator Warren to ask her to do what she can to make our immigration courts “Article One” courts. Our immigration courts should be part of the judiciary branch so our immigration judges can be free from political influence, and be truly independent in their decision making. Thank you.
Also call Ed Markey (617) 565-8519 or (413) 785-4610
Suggested Script: Hello, my name is __________. I live in_____ and I am your constituent. My phone number if you want to call me back is ______. Tonight I’m calling Senator Markey to ask him to do what he can to make our immigration courts “Article One” courts. Our immigration courts should be part of the judiciary branch so our immigration judges can be free from political influence, and be truly independent in their decision making. Thank you.
Also call the House Judiciary Committee Dial 202-225-3951
Suggested Script: Hello, my name is __________. I am an American citizen. I live and vote in Massachusetts. My phone # if you want to call me back is _______. Tonight I am calling Representatives Jerry Nadler and Doug Collins in their capacity as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. I want them to vote on legislation to make our immigration courts “Article One” courts. Our immigration courts should be part of the judiciary branch so our immigration judges can be free from political influence, and be truly independent in their decision making. Thank you.
Also call Rep. McGovern (413) 341-8700 or (202) 225-6101
Suggested Script: Hello, my name is __________. I live in________ and I am your constituent. My phone number if you want to call me back is _____. Tonight I’m calling Rep McGovern to ask him to do what he can to make our immigration courts “Article One” courts. Our immigration courts should be part of the judiciary branch so our immigration judges can be free from political influence, and be truly independent in their decision making. Thank you.