Actions for the Month of June 2020
ACTION #1: Justice in Policing Act
On Monday, House and Senate Democrats introduced sweeping legislation to prevent police violence. The Justice in Policing Act:
forces federal police to use body and dashboard cameras, ban choke holds, eliminate unannounced police raids known as "no-knock warrants", makes it easier to hold police liable for civil rights violations and calls for federal funds to be withheld from local police forces who do not make similar reforms,
makes lynching a federal crime,
limits the sale of military weapons to the police
gives the Department of Justice the authority to investigate state and local police for evidence of department-wide bias or misconduct
creates a "national police misconduct registry" - a database of complaints against police.
Call: Sen. Elizabeth Warren 202-224-4543; Sen. Ed Markey 202-224-2742; Rep. Jim McGovern 202-225-6101
Suggested Script: Hi, my name is [________], I’m writing from [______], my zip code is [____] to say I strongly support the Justice in Policing Act introduced on Monday. We cannot wait for substantive solutions that end police brutality. This bill will address problems that have gone on too long, such as the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants that, too often, have taken innocent lives. I also strongly support the Acts [fill in one or two other elements of the Act that you feel strongly about]. Thank you.
Call: Senate Judiciary Committee (Ranking Member’s office) (202) 224-3841 or (415)-393-0707
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __].
I’m calling to get a message to both Senators Lindsey Graham and Dianne Feinstein in their capacity as Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I want both Senators Graham and Feinstein to insure that the Justice in Policing Act, introduced on Monday is acted on quickly in the Senate and brought up for a vote. We cannot wait for substantive solutions that end police brutality. This bill will address problems that have gone on too long, such as the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants that, too often, have taken innocent lives. I also strongly support the Acts [fill in one or two other elements of the Act that you feel strongly about]. Thank you.
ACTION #2: Elections/Voting - Ensure Right to Vote
Support effective local elections. [h/t Center for Tech and Civic Life]
Email or write: Your local (county or town) election official (look up).
Script: Hi. I live in [COUNTY or TOWN] and am writing to offer encouragement as you prepare for the November 3 election. There is still time to prevent polling-place confusion and labor/materials shortages like those seen in some primary elections. These free, nonpartisan resources can help you and your staff prepare for a safe and accurate election
The Center for Tech and Civic Life is producing 12 free webinars (recordings and slides are also free) for election officials, on topics including virtual training of election workers, managing surges in mail ballot requests, organizing mail ballot dropoff locations, and public health guidelines for polling places.
ElectionTools.org has a collection of free resources to educate voters and allocate resources to polling places.
The Brennan Center’s report on securing the 2020 elections during the pandemic includes detailed recommendations on polling place preparation, resource planning for a surge in provisional voting and absentee voting, and much more.
Thank you for all you’re doing to ensure every person can vote.
ACTION #3: Speak up for murder of Breonna Taylor
Breonna’s 27th Birthday would have been this past Friday. The three police officers who murdered her are still emploued and still free.
Write or Call:
Louisville Metro Police Department: 633 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, 502-574-7111 [or 502-574-2136]
Voice Mail for Louisville Metro Council [502-574-1100]
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, 527 W. Jefferson St. #600, Louisville, KY 40202, 502-574-2003
Or E-mail Assistant Chief of Police rober.Schroeder@louisvilleky.gov
Prosecutor: tbwine@louisvilleprosecutor.com
ACTION #4: DEMAND REFORM ON POLICE USE OF FORCE
Our systems of policing are riddled with racial biases. Over-policing, unnecessary military-style equipment, and unreasonable thresholds for the use of force (notably for low level and misdemeanor offenses) have led to increased suffering in communities of color. The recent deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have again brought to the forefront the cost in human lives, especially of black and brown people, that are associated with the problems in our policing systems.
Organizations such as “Campaign Zero” have outlined explicit policy solutions that have been shown to reduce police-involved killings. These policies include:
Using minimum amount of force to apprehend a subject, with specific guidelines for the types of force and tools authorized for a given level of resistance;
Utilizing de-escalation tactics (verbalization; creating distance, time and space; tactical repositioning) whenever possible instead of using force;
Restricting officers from using deadly force unless all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted;
Banning chokeholds, strangleholds, hog-tying, and transporting people face down in a vehicle;
Carrying a less-lethal weapon;
Banning using force on a person for talking back or as punishment for running away;
Requiring officers to intervene and stop other officers who are using excessive force and report them to a supervisor;
Carrying first aid kits and immediately render medical assistance to anyone in police custody who is injured or who complains of an injury; (and)
Requiring police departments to notify the state when an officer is found to have willfully violated department policy or committed official misconduct.
Police use of force policies should protect human life and rights. Policies should include guidance on reporting, investigation, discipline, accountability and increase transparency to the public. Demand your state enact policies that protect people from police violence and the unnecessary use of force.
OK, here is the best contact number for Governor Baker: (617) 725-4005 (we can press 1 to leave a message)
As for Maura Healey....so far....this email address is what I've been told to use. The email address does go through - I wrote to this email address and asked them for a phone number we could use and I got an automatic reply. If I hear back from any of my sources with a number, I will send it to you.
Calls to Governor and Attorney General - Governor Charlie Baker 617-725-4005;
Attorney General Maura Healey (413) 784-1240 called Viola Kaci at 10:15am
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
SCRIPT: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [FULL STREET ADDRESS, TOWN] and my phone number is [NUMBER]. I am calling to urge [Governor Baker] // [Attorney General Healey] to demand our state police agencies enact policies that have been shown to reduce officer-involved violence and killings. Police use of force policies should protect human life and rights. Our current system is racially biased and causing the unnecessary deaths of and harm to members of our community. Policies should include guidance on reporting, investigation, discipline, accountability and transparency to the public. I demand our state enact policies that protect people from police violence and the unnecessary use of force.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
ACTION #5: Advocate for COVID-19 relief for all people in America
The "HEROES" Act passed the House on May 15th and it now is in the Senate. This urgent legislation makes clear the steps required to protect people in disadvantaged groups, as well as ensure necessary and struggling institutions. We must take these steps to protect the health and safety of the entire US population.
Protections for farm workers who continue to harvest our food during the pandemic, including sick pay, pandemic hazard pay, and legal protection from deportation during this critical time.
Funds for housing, including $11.5 billion in homelessness assistance, $100 billion for emergency rental assistance, and $10 billion in long-term housing vouchers.
Expansion of SNAP, including a 15% expansion in the maximum SNAP benefit and more flexibility around how SNAP benefits can be used.
Support for disabled people at home, including uninterrupted access to critical supplies and comprehensive paid leave to include all caregivers/chosen family, as well as emergency paid sick leave to include all workers even if they need more than two weeks to recover or protect their health.
Release into community supervision people in federal prisons who are at greater risk due to health issues, pregnancy, or age, unless they pose a violent threat to the community.
Free COVID-19 testing and treatment for all people in our nation, including undocumented people.
Financial assistance for families with mixed immigration status left out of previous relief packages.
Extend employment authorization for DACA and TPS recipients, many of whom are operating as essential workers during this pandemic.
Emergency funding for the USPS.
Election security grants of $3.6 billion to states from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Calls to Senate: Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543;
Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script:
Hello, I’m [NAME] and I’m a constituent and my address is [ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE] and my phone number is [NUMBER]. I’m calling to express my strong support for the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, recently passed in the House. I’m asking the senator to support this Act for many reasons, including:
Free COVID-19 testing and treatment for everyone in our nation, including undocumented people.
The assistance specified for many disadvantaged groups in our country, especially assistance for farm workers because the agricultural industry -- and our economy -- depends on workers tending and harvesting crops
Election security grants to states.
Emergency funding for the postal service.
I value protection for all people during the pandemic. I am counting on you to vote in favor of the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) and urge the Majority Leader to bring it to the Senate floor. Thank you.
ACTION #6: Support HR 4 to Restore Federal Protections Against Voter Suppression
•This measure passed the house in Dec. 2019
•Calls to Senate: Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543;
•Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script:
Hello, I’m [NAME] and I’m a constituent and my address is [ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE] and my phone number is [NUMBER]. I’m calling to urge Senator [Warren/Markey] to support S 561: The Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019. We must restore federal oversight of potentially discriminatory voting law changes to ensure elections are fair and free for all. Thank you for your time and attention.
ACTION #7: SAVE the USPS - Scripts for the Senate and the House
•Script for Senate:
•I’m calling today to demand Congress support a stimulus package for the United States Postal Service to keep it solvent and for the Senate to immediately pass HR2382, the USPS Fairness Act. The post office is critical part of our public infrastructure and should be given the same consideration that Congress gave private business in the CARES Act.
•Script for House
•I’m calling today to demand Congress support a stimulus package for the United States Postal Service to keep it solvent. The post office is critical part of our public infrastructure and should be given the same consideration that Congress gave private business in the CARES Act.
ACTION #8: Pass S. 3529- The Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act (NDEBA)
The Coronavirus has already had drastic negative impacts on voting. Primaries have been canceled in many states. Last week in Wisconsin vast numbers of polling places were closed. People stood in long lines, struggling to stay a safe distance from each other. Many people forfeited their chance to vote because they opted to stay home rather than take the health risks associated with going to vote in person. We need to urge the Senate to pass the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act to both encourage as well as financially support states to immediately implement safe alternative voting options.
Call Senate Committee on Rules and Administration – Vice-Chair Klobuchar; Dial (507) 288-5321 or (218) 287-2219
Suggested Script:
Hello. My name [is ________]. My address [including ZIP is _____]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling to get a message to both Senators Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar in their capacities as Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. I want the senators to urge the full committee to pass Senate Bill 3529 and to urge the Senate to pass appropriate funding measures to ensure that every American has safe alternatives to “in-person” voting during this coronavirus emergency. Specifically, we need to:
1. Expand no-excuse vote-by-mail to every state;
2. Expand early voting to at least 20 days in every state so that voters who vote in person, including voters with disabilities, can do so safely;
3. Expand online voter registration; and
4. Appropriate $4 Billion Dollars to provide assistance to the states for this purpose.
ACTION #9: CALL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF VOTE-BY-MAIL IN MASSACHUSETTS
We want to ensure the Commonwealth can balance the ongoing public health concerns with fall elections that can take place in a safe, secure manner, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard at the ballot box. Our current state process, which includes absentee ballots, will need significant design improvements, as well as new equipment and financial support. For example, the state will need new technologies and security measures, including high-speed sorting equipment and scanners, signature verification systems, and 24/7 video surveillance of ballot processing centers. Furthermore, to assist with voting, the state should provide pre-paid envelopes so voters can return their ballots and it should extend the voter return deadline.
A current “sticking point,” is whether to mail all citizens a ballot or just those who request one by a deadline (Secretary of State William Galvin wants to mail ballots only to those who request one). In fairness to all citizens of the state, everyone should receive a ballot – not just those who are aware enough to request a ballot before a deadline. Massachusetts can and must implement a universal vote-by-mail system in time for the fall elections.
If you wish to learn more or get involved, these groups are working on this issue: MassVote, Common Cause Massachusetts, the League of Women Voters and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.
Call state officials to voice your support and concerns:
Secretary of State William Galvin Boston 617-727-7030 Western District: 413-784-1376
Script: Hello Secretary of State Galvin - I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, CITY] and I’m a resident of the state calling to thank you for your work developing an alternative ballot-casting option during the COVID-19 health crisis. We need to get ready now and develop a safe, secure system that is available for all residents. I do not think your plan goes far enough – all residents should receive ballots – not just those who make a request before a deadline. Our state needs a universal vote-by-mail option for Election Day that allows all residents to have their voices heard. Thank you.
Attorney General Maura Healey (617) 727-2200
Script: Attorney General Healey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, CITY] and I’m a resident of the state calling to thank you for your work developing an alternative ballot-casting option during the COVID-19 health crisis. We need to get ready now and develop a safe, secure system that is available for all residents. All residents should receive ballots – not just those who make a request before a deadline. Our state needs a universal vote-by-mail option for Election Day that allows all residents to have their voices heard. Thank you.
State legislators – select your reps to call – a few are listed here:
Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester (Northampton, Hadley, Amherst): Senator Joanne M. Comerford (617) 722-1532
First Hampden and Hampshire, (Belchertown, Chicopee): Senator Eric Lesser (617) 722-1291
3rd Hampshire (Amherst, Pelham, Granby): Rep Mindy Domb (617) 722-2400
2nd Hampshire Rep (Hadley): Representative Daniel R. Carey: (617) 722-2060
1st Hampshire Rep (Northampton, Hatfield): Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa (617) 722-2460
SCRIPT:
Hello - I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, CITY] and I’m a resident of the state calling to ask that you work on and support an alternative ballot-casting option for Massachusetts during the COVID-19 health crisis. We need to get ready now and develop a safe, secure voting system that is available for all residents. All residents should be mailed a ballot – not just those who request one. Our state needs a universal vote-by-mail option for Election Day that allows all residents to have their voices heard. Thank you.