Actions of the Month December 2020

ACTIONS OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2020

Action #1 - Advocate for parole to reduce COVID-19 spread in prisons

Contact: The Massachusetts Department of Corrections at (508) 422-3300

Script: Infectious disease is spreading quickly in MA prisons, and I’m concerned for every person living and working in these facilities. With COVID-19 deaths on the rise in prisons, I’m asking that parole not be revoked for technical violations while we remain in a pandemic.

Action #2 - Reduce bail to prevent new COVID-19 cases in prisons

Contact: Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan at 413-586-9225

(or send an email at: https://www.northwesternda.org/contact-info/webforms/send-us-note)

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni at 413-747-1000

(or send an email at: https://hampdenda.com/contact-us/#).

Script: Infectious disease is spreading quickly in county jails in Massachusetts as well as in prisons, and I’m concerned for every person living and working in these facilities. I’m asking that you reduce bail to $0 for all low-level, nonviolent offenses to reduce the number of new people entering the system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Action #3 - Call for the release of Massachusetts prisoners

Email Governor Charlie Baker: go to https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

Or you can try calling and leaving a message (might not be able to do this after 5 pm) at either (617) 725-4005 or (413) 784-1200

Script: Infectious disease is spreading quickly in MA prisons, and I’m concerned for every person living and working in these facilities. I’m asking that you exercise your powers to mitigate harm to people by:

1. Commuting sentences and granting clemency to release vulnerable people from incarceration, including those at high risk.

2. Releasing nonviolent people and those with under two years remaining on their sentences.

Action #4 - Ask Gov. Baker to sign the Police Reform Bill

Email Governor Charlie Baker: go to https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

Or you can try calling and leaving a message (might not be able to do this after 5 pm) at either (617) 725-4005 or (413) 784-1200

Script: [If calling remember to leave your name and address] I am writing to urge you to sign the Police Reform bill recently passed by the House and Senate. While the compromise bill should have included better protections from police misconduct and fewer loopholes that will allow police misconduct to go unchecked, the bill is still better than the status quo. I urge you to sign the bill as is.

Action #5 - Continue pressure to shed light on forced sterilizations by ICE

In September, a whistleblower filed a complaint detailing appalling abuses against immigrants detained at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Irwin Detention Center in Georgia. The complaint alleged the facility was failing to test detainees for COVID and also detailed horrifying allegations of forced sterilizations of women detainees. Since mid-November, three things have occurred: 1) Democratic lawmakers from the House Homeland Security Committee requested an investigation into the forced sterilization, 2) the U.S. temporarily halted deportation of immigrants who may have been forcibly sterilized in the Georgia prison (estimated to be about 18 women), and 3) last week the Los Angeles Times sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seeking the release of records detailing allegations of widespread sexual abuse and harassment at immigration detention centers, including the alleged forced sterilization.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543

Senator Ed Markey, Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742

Congressman Jim McGovern, Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101

Reminder to leave full address to ensure call is tallied.

Script: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [Address, Phone number].

I'm calling to request a full investigation into the appalling abuses of ICE detainees at the Irwin Detention Center in Georgia and elsewhere, such as the withholding of COVID tests and forced hysterectomies. I further request that pressure be put on the Department of Homeland Security to release its records about these appalling incidents. Thank you.

Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Jackson: (601) 946-9003 DC (202) 225-5876

Script: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm calling from [Address, Phone number] because of the Congressman’s leadership position on the Committee on Homeland Security.

Action #6 - Advocate for a COVID Relief Bill

Contact two senators: Warren: 413-788-2690 or 202-224-4543; Markey: 413-785-4610 or 202-224-2742

Script: Hello, I’m writing because COVID-19 cases are surging, unemployment remains high, and many schools and childcare centers remain closed. To protect public health and keep the economy afloat, Congress must deliver the support our families need. I am counting on [NAME] to join bipartisan lawmakers in standing up for our families and immediately pass a robust, comprehensive COVID-relief bill.

[Optional: Choose specific inclusions Such as:

• Extend federal unemployment programs

• Restore the $600/week boost in unemployment benefits

• Expand emergency paid family leave and earned sick days

• Provide robust funding for childcare and k-12 education

• Expand eviction protections,

• Expands the EITC and Child Tax Credit

• Include immigrant families who are on the front lines fighting COVID

• Ensure every family can access the testing care and vaccinations we need to fight COVID.]. Thank you.

Action #7 - Show your appreciation for political integrity

Write: Secretary Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State’s Office, 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R-GA) showed the highest integrity by prioritizing the law and voters over his loyalty to the Republican party. Send him a postcard telling him how his actions have impacted the nation, and why you appreciate his courage and honesty.

Example Script: I am writing to thank you for your role in defending the voters of Georgia and the Constitution. I am grateful that you prioritized your commitment to your oath over your loyalty to the Republican party. The evidence that this election was a free and fair election is clear. Upholding democracy within the United States should be everyone’s number one goal. In the face of great pressure to do otherwise, you stood firm and demonstrated courage and honesty. Thank you!

Action #8 - Tell Gov. Baker: Protect Reproductive Freedom

Call 617-725-4000 or (617) 725-4005 or (413) 784-1200

Or email Gov. Baker at: https://www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

Background: The Massachusetts House and Senate passed a budget that includes central provisions of the ROE Act. Now it’s waiting to be signed into law by Governor Baker. Call or write Governor Baker and leave a message urging him to support the ROE Act provisions that were included in the FY 2021 budget. When you call, you will hear a minute-long automated recording, and at the end you will be asked to leave a message if you have a comment for the Governor.

It’s most important to identify yourself as a constituent from YOUR community and share that you are calling to ask that Governor Baker support the ROE Act provisions that were included in the state budget.

Not sure what to say in your message? Here is an example script to get you started:

SCRIPT: Hi, my name is __________, and I live in ___________.

I’m calling to urge you to support the ROE Act provisions that were included in the FY 2021 budget.

Massachusetts law still upholds medically unnecessary barriers to care that delay and deny access to abortion.

[Add your own story or reasoning]

Thank you for your time.