March 20, 2023
Action on medication abortion, investigate failed banks, volunteer for fair maps, and more!
Contact all members of Congress:
- By phone: (202) 224-3121
- By email: democracy.io
- By US mail: Representatives / Senators
- By fax: Representatives / Senators
- By Resistbot: Resist.bot
Contact White House or other federal agencies:
- PUSH THE WHITE HOUSE FOR A PLAN ON MEDICATION ABORTION
On Wednesday, a Trump-appointed federal judge notorious for accepting legally dubious conservative arguments heard a case that could overturn the FDA’s approval of mifepristone – one of the pills in the standard and very safe two-drug regimen for medication abortion. Reporters in the courtroom have indicated he seemed sympathetic to the anti-abortion argument. This decision would raise barriers to abortion nationwide, no matter what our state laws, at a time when medication abortions now make up a majority of terminations obtained in the United States. A ruling could come any time. Let’s contact the White House and push them to publicly announce how they will respond to protect abortion access if Judge Kacsmaryk orders the FDA to withdraw its approval. - DEMAND AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF SVB COLLAPSEWe need an independent third party to investigate the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s role in this event must be scrutinized. His lax interpretation of already weakened regulations may have contributed to the collapse, and therefore he should not be in charge of investigating himself. Even Senator Jon Tester, who was once a staunch supporter of Powell, now agrees that it is time for him to step aside from the probe. It is crucial that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions and prevent similar catastrophes from occurring in the future.We can call our representatives and demand that Powell recuse himself from the investigation and allow an independent investigation to take place. Additionally, we can call for his resignation if we question his ability to ensure that such a collapse won’t happen again.
- SUPPORT FAIR REDISTRICTING
The fight for fair maps isn’t over for the census cycle, with Ohio and North Carolina in particular likely to redraw their congressional districts. We need to stay engaged. All On The Line is a national campaign to restore fairness to our democracy and ensure every American has an equal say in our government, fighting against gerrymandering and pushing for fair maps in redistricting, and they’re looking for volunteers to help. We can find out how to get involved, here: https://www.allontheline.org/takeaction.
- STILL TIME TO ADVOCATE FOR WISCONSIN SUPREME COURTWe have another opportunity to help get Wisconsin voters to the polls in support of Janet Protasiewicz for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. On Tuesday, March 21 and Wednesday, March 22 from 12 – 5pm ET please join Stand Up America to text Wisconsin voters in support of Judge Janet Protasiewicz for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We’ll get training on how to use their texting tool, and their platform provides scripted responses and a list of voters to text. We’ll need a laptop, computer, or tablet. Cell phones are not recommended. Sign up here. (h/t Jessica Craven)
- NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST FUNDING FOSSIL FUELS TOMORROW
Climate change activists have been increasing pressure on the financial sector to do their part and stop funding fossil fuel projects. They earned a significant victory in December, with HSBC announcing it will not invest in new oil and gas fields, and are looking to keep up the pressure. Third Act is leading a national day of action TOMORROW, March 21st to stop dirty banks. Let’s see if we can join an action near us, and follow along with Third Act, Stop The Money Pipeline and activists like Bill McKibben to get engaged with future efforts.
STATE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS
- NY – BAIL REFORM AND RECIDIVISM RATES
John Jay College’s Data Collaborative for Justice has just released a study showing that the 2020 bail reform laws, which eliminated the ability of judges to impose bail for low-level crimes reduced the likelihood that someone would get arrested again. The only exception was bail-eligible people released after recent violent felony arrests; among these people, there was a slight increase in rearrest. Despite this new evidence, Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul are firmly allied against these existing bail reform measures. If we live in NY, we must tell one or both of these officials to follow the evidence — Mayor Adams on this form and Governor Hochul here or at 1-518-474-8390.