Happy Tuesday Activists! Happy World Poetry Day! Here again is the Haiku about voting created by ChatGPT that we previewed a few weeks ago: Voting voices rise, Echoing through the land, Democracy thrives. Now on to the story. As we told you last week, Congressman Brendan Boyle has written a "Dear Colleague" letter and accompanying letter to Speaker McCarthy. Congressman Boyle highlights the Republican hypocrisy in refusing to bring to the floor a clean debt ceiling bill. He highlights the damage that will be done if our country is allowed to fall into default for failure to raise the debt ceiling. Remember that Congress has already spent the money and now we need to pay the bill. In exchange for doing the bare minimum — pay the government's bills — MAGA Republicans want Democrats to agree to cut critical programs like Social Security and Medicare. Last Friday, St. Patrick's Day, we visited Congressman Boyle's office (shamrock's in hand!) to thank him for standing up to the extremists by publishing the letter. And we delivered all of your wonderful thank you notes, which his staff was thrilled about! To date, about 61 Representatives have signed on to the letter. However, Congressman Dwight Evans has not yet. More on that below. Enjoy our photo!
ASK CONGRESSMAN EVANS TO SIGN CONGRESSMAN BOYLE'S LETTER Congressman Boyle's letter about avoiding default has been published. Now it's time for his colleagues to sign on and make these points more forcefully to Speaker McCarthy and to inform voters about the damage that will result from Republicans' plan. Ask Congressman Evans to sign on to the letter and commit to demand a clean vote to raise the debt ceiling. No negotiating any cuts to Social Security or Medicare! And then call Congressman Boyle and thank him for writing the letter! We need to make sure we thank our representatives when they step up. Rep. Evans – D.C. office 202-225-4001; Phila. office (215) 276-0340; email link Rep. Boyle – D.C. office 202-225-6111; Phila office 215-335-3355; email link. CALL FOR MORE FEDERAL JUDGE CONFIRMATIONS President Biden has been nominating judges at a historic pace (with over 100 nominations already), but Senate Democrats are still handing significant power to Republicans to block confirmations through an archaic Senate rule called the “blue slip.” Unsurprisingly, Republicans did not follow this rule when they controlled the Senate under Trump. Some Democrats have recently signaled they’re open to eliminating this rule, something they have the power to do immediately. Tell our senators to support ditching the “blue slip” today! Sen. Casey – Phila office 215-405-9660; D.C. 202-224-6324 email link. Sen. Fetterman – Phila office 215-241-1090; D.C. 202-224-4254; email link For outside PA: Find your Senators’ phone numbers and emails at this link.
HELP GET THE VOTE OUT IN WISCONSIN! Wisconsin will be in the line of fire in next year’s elections and this court will rule on abortion access rights, voter suppression laws, and more. We can help flip the court to one that will more likely rule in favor of our personal freedoms and other rights. See more detail here. The election is on April 4th and we can help get Judge Janet Protasiewicz elected by making calls to Wisconsin voters. Sign up for a phone bank shift here.
IT'S VOTER REGISTRATION SEASON AGAIN! We have a good lineup of voter registration opportunities for you in April, right before the May primary. Check them out! Rittenhouse Square When: April 1, 10:00 to 2:00 (two shifts) Where: In front of the Ethical Society on the south side of the square. Sign up here. Philly AIDS Thrift When: April 1, 10:00 to 2:00 (two shifts) Where: 710 South 5th Street Sign up here. Clark Park -- 5 Saturdays! Where: Baltimore Avenue & South 43rd Street When: April 1, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. When: April 8, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. When: April 15, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. When: April 22, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here. When: April 29, 10:00 to 12:00 Sign up here.
It's That Time Again! Sign Up To Vote By Mail For 2023 Remember that we need to sign up every year if we want to vote by mail. So now's the time. You can sign up online here.
35 Doors Project Talk to voters in your neighborhood to get out the vote. This is some of the most important work you can do - and it's fun! Check out our 35 Doors Project! Email us here for more info.