Maternal health, asylum rights, mess with Texas, 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:
- STOP RISING MATERNAL DEATH RATES
Despite having one of the most advanced health systems in the world, the U.S. currently has the highest pregnancy-related death rate among developed nations. Maternal deaths rose a staggering 40% in 2021 from just a year prior. Alarmingly, deaths among Black women is three times higher than any other racial group. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (S.1606 and H.R.3305) has been introduced to address this disparity. Let’s let our senators and representatives know we want them to support this bill. - OPPOSE BILLS TO EXPEL ASYLUM SEEKERS
Humanitarian organizations like Partners in Health and HIAS are alerting us to take a stand against bills filed in Congress that would extend so-called Title 42. Title 42 was a Trump-era exercise of authority to turn away migrants seeking asylum in the name of protecting the U.S. from Covid-19. Before Title 42, migrants could cross illegally, ask for asylum, and stay in the U.S. pending an asylum determination. Title 42 ended in May, but a push is on to codify it into law. It would essentially deny the right to seek asylum. Let’s tell our U.S. Senators to oppose S.1473 and our U.S. Representative to oppose H.R.3234. We can also use these forms from Partners in Health and HIAS.
- TELL THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY IN TEXAS
The Texas legislature has now sent multiple bills to Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX)’s desk to seize control of elections in Harris County, which includes Houston, from local officials. SB1750 abolishes the election administrator’s office and transfers duties to the county clerk and tax assessor, and SB 1933 would allow the Secretary of State, who is appointed by the governor, to take over election administration duties after a formal complaint and investigation. County officials are suing the state for singling out Harris County, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has called on the Justice Department to intervene. Let’s show them support against this power grab and join them in contacting the Justice Department and asking for action.
- WIN BACK THE HOUSE WITH POSTCARDS TO VOTERS IN KEY “BIDEN REPUBLICAN” DISTRICTS
It’s time to flip the House! In the last election, New York and California had 11 districts that went for Biden in 2020 but also sent GOP Representatives to Congress. If we can turn out enough Democratic votes here, we can regain the house and Activate America has a plan to do just that. We can start by writing postcards to Democrats and Democratic leaning independents in key New York and California House districts with Activate America . The voters we are contacting haven’t voted regularly, and we’ll be encouraging them to get to the polls by letting them know what Democrats are achieving and what their Republican representatives are opposing. For example, California Republicans, Mike Garcia (CA-27), and Ken Calvert (CA-41) have voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped Insulin at $35 a month for Medicare recipients. Meanwhile, New York MAGA extremists, George Santos (NY-3), Anthony D’Esposito(NY-4), and Mike Lawler(NY-17), have voted to cut Social Security and Veteran’s benefits, eliminate Student Debt relief and climate change actions.We can find out more about writing postcards to voters in NY and CA Biden Republican districts
- SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST BOOK BANS: As a growing number of school districts are banning books, people are fighting back in a number of ways. Activists in local communities are setting up free pop-up libraries, the Brooklyn Public Library is offering on-line access to teens across the country, and organizations like FIRE and PEN America are taking up the fight on the legal level. Let’s consider supporting some of these organizations with funds or volunteer work, and if we live in a place where books are being banned, let’s join with others to figure out creative alternatives to get books to children who need them.
STATE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS
- FLIP THE ARIZONA STATE SENATE
As Arizona continues to turn blue, Republicans are hanging on to a very narrow edge in the state senate – holding a 16-14 majority. The route to flipping control runs through Legislative District 17 in the Tucson area, which Katie Hobbs won in 2022. Their current state senator is Justine Wadsack, who won her seat 51-49 and who in this legislative session has pushed measures to target the LGBTQ+ community and drag queens, allow book bans, criminalize homelessness, and block gun control. Local activists are organizing a recall effort, and have 120 days to get 30,891 signatures to get on the ballot. If we’re in the district, let’s make sure we sign their recall petition, and all Arizonans can volunteer to help gather signatures. If we’re outside the state, let’s help spread the word by following the #SackWadsack campaign on social media.
Thanks for reading Rogan’s List! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
