Happy Tuesday, Activists!
It's impeachment week - again. This one is different than the last one from a few perspectives. There will be a lot of videos this time and probably an easier case to make, since the core of the case all happened in front of us. Today, BOTH of our senators voted for the trial to proceed on the basis that it is indeed constitutional. And this time, a recent ABC/Ipsos poll found that 56% of Americans say they want Trump to be convicted and barred from future office.
Now that today's 4-hour debate is over, tomorrow will bring the beginning of 16 hours for each side to present their case. Following that they will vote on whether to call witnesses. So it'll be a busy week.
BUT, we can all call our MoCs anyway. The Call To Action is below as well as some interesting items for you.
OUR NEXT MEETING – Bigger and Better in 2021 and 2022
As promised at our meeting last week, we’ve set up our next meeting for Wednesday, March 3, at 7:00 pm. We’re rolling out our exciting plans for 2021 and 2022. We have important elections this year and important elections next year. So we need to start getting ready now. We’ll review the results of our big postcard project, the data on the election results, and then the plan to go bigger and bolder to Get. More. Done. See you there!
Speak your mind – tell the City what you want to see in the next budget!
From the City Budget Office: “On April 15, 2021, Mayor Kenney will propose a budget to City Council for the coming year. Due to COVID-19, the City is facing difficult budget choices this year. We have less resources than in the past but know that Philadelphians have more needs than ever before. Before the City finishes drafting the budget, we want to hear from Philadelphians like you on how the City should focus its spending.” Click here to go to the survey.
CALL TO ACTION
Sen. Toomey – Phila offices: 215-241-1090; D.C. 202-224-4254; email link
Sen. Casey – Phila office 215-405-9660; D.C. 202-224-6324 email link.
Rep. Evans – D.C. office 202-225-4001; Phila office 215-276-0340; email link
Rep. Boyle – D.C. office 202-225-6111; Phila offices 215-335-3355; 215-426-4616, 215-744-7901, 215-982-1156, 267-335-5643; email link.
For outside Philadelphia:
Find your House Representative’s phone number and email at this link.
Find your Senators’ phone numbers and emails at this link.
Two Actions Today – call or email every day this week!
1. Today began the second impeachment trial of a certain former reality TV star. We need to call our senators – every day this week – and insist they vote to convict the former president.
Call Sen. Toomey– Thank him for recognizing that Trump committed impeachable offenses and insist that now he must vote to convict him for inciting an insurrection.
Call Sen. Casey – Thank him for his acknowledged willingness to vote to convict and insist that he stay strong and vote for conviction.
2. Call all of our Members of Congress and demand they pass the COVID-19 Relief Package without watering it down. Last week, both chambers of Congress voted to pass a budget resolution that puts us on the path of passing a final COVID-19 relief package. This is just the first step in the process, so we can’t get comfortable until Congress passes a package that takes this crisis seriously.
CONGRESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS
Do you know about the Congressional Progressive Caucus? It’s a group of Democratic lawmakers in the House (plus Sen. Bernie Sanders). They function as a solid voting bloc at critical times. The plan includes a process for operating as a voting bloc in key moments. Any CPC member can ask for caucus support on a particular position, whether that’s supporting a major progressive bill or amendment, or opposing a harmful concession. If at least two-thirds of CPC members agree, then they are all expected to cast their votes as a bloc.
This past weekend they forced the House Democrats to re-insert the $15 minimum wage provision in the COVID relief package. Wow! That’s progressive power. Nearly 100 House Dems are in the Caucus, and from our area that includes Representatives Evans, Boyle, Dean and Scanlon. You can read more about the Progressive Voting Bloc here.
MAIL-IN VOTING
It’s time to sign up – again – for your mail-in ballot.
Did you sign up to vote by mail last year? You will need to renew your application again for this year’s elections, even if you signed up to be on the “permanent” list. Yes, the state had called the application status “permanent” when it only covered one year, which is super confusing. You are not signed up forever and ever - you are signed up annually. And it’s time to do it again for this year’s elections.
You can read more about it here and you can sign up on the state website here. Or you can wait to receive a paper application in the mail from your local election board. They were due to go out the first Monday in February.
MERCH!
You can see all of our beautiful items on our website! Here’s how it works:
1. View the selections and pick out what you would like to order.
2. Make a donation for the amount (or more!) listed for each item.
3. Use the email link in the item description and tell us you made your donation.
4. We’ll ship you the item.
5. You’ll enjoy it, and know you donated to a worthy cause!
And as always, we appreciate you. And remember to --
Be safe. Wear a mask. Keep a distance. Be kind.