OWL ALERT MARCH 25, 2021

HR 1 VOTING RIGHTS RESTORATION ACT, ENDANGERED BY THE FILIBUSTER

SITUATION: . The critical stress test of any democracy is the ease with which its people are empowered to vote and participate in free and fair elections. It’s a promise enshrined in the Constitution that the United States has increasingly failed to deliver to its electorate. For several decades, American elections have averaged a turnout of 55.7%, a voter participation rate that lags behind most of the developed world. RanttMedia

 HR 1 expands access to the ballot box by taking aim at institutional barriers to voting, including cumbersome voter registration systems, disenfranchisement and limited voting hours.

 Senator Feinstein has recently signaled her willingness to move to end the filibuster which is the ability of 40 senators to effectively block most bills from being put forward for a vote by the Senate. This would include the very important HR1 that concerns election standards and reforms. President Biden, who has supported the filibuster in the past, has also spoken against the practice recently.

 Here is an article from the New York Times that explains how the two issues of voting rights and the filabuster are intertwined. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/24/us/politics/filibuster-democrats-voting-congress.html

 ACTION: Do you think It is time to end the unfair practice of the filibuster in the Senate?  

 If you prefer to leave a message, call during off-hours. Staff may ask for your zip code

SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS ACROSS OUR NATION AND URGE THEM TO CONTACT THEIR OWN U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

SITUATION: This week the US House of Representatives passed two landmark sensible bipartisan gun prevention bills and sent them to the US Senate. HR 8 would expand background checks on people who want to purchase or transfer guns.  HR 1446 would close the loophole used by the shooter to buy a gun to kill nine Black people during a Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. HR 1446 would extend the initial background check review period from three to 10 days.

 ACTION:  Please help to end the Gun Violence Epidemic!  Help to save lives.

If you prefer to leave a message, call during off-hours. Staff may ask for your zip  code

 SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS ACROSS OUR NATION AND URGE THEM TO CONTACT THEIR OWN U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

URGE SENATORS TO PASS THE VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT H.R. 4

 SITUATION:  The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore critical elements of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were gutted by a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2013 – a decision which has allowed states to engage in such racism-fueled voter suppression with impunity.

The attempts to disenfranchise Black and Brown voters in this last election were egregious – from attacks on vote by mail to cuts to early voting periods to unnecessary ID requirements.  This bill specifies that jurisdictions engaging in discriminatory thresholds regarding racial minority groups, language minority groups, or minority groups on Indian land, must preclear (be approved by the Dept. of Justice)  before changing certain practices,  including changes to methods of election, changes to jurisdiction boundaries, redistricting, changes to voting locations and opportunities, and changes to voter registration list maintenance. 

ACTION:  Contact your senators and urge them to pass the VRAA, HR 4 now!

Contact those listed below and your own Senators.

 SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND URGE THEM TO CONTACT THEIR OWN U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

CA END OF LIFE OPTION ACT SB380

SITUATION:  California’s End of Life Option Act, that went into effect in June 2016 authorizing the compassionate option of medical aid in dying for terminally ill adults to get a prescription they can take to end their lives peacefully, will sunset in January 2026.  Recently introduced SB 380, will reauthorize and improve upon our current legislation.  OWL-SF supported the current law.

For more information on this legislation see https://compassionandchoices.org/in-your-state/california/?emci=87e6e24a-926c-eb11-9889-00155d43c992&emdi=c4713d85-996c-eb11-9889-00155d43c992&ceid=1920212

 ACTION: Call and/or write to let your state representatives know you support the reauthorization of the End of Life Option Act and that you plan to watch the bill as it goes through the legislative process.

Call or email your own Assemblymember

  Call or email your own state Senator:

URGE PRESIDENT BIDEN TO FILL USPS VACANCIES

SITUATION: Throughout the pandemic, postal workers have been among the most essential employees―working tirelessly to deliver medication, ballots, letters, and checks. But the leadership of the USPS deliberately slowed the mail.

There are four vacancies on the USPS Board of Governors.  President Joe Biden can fill them all and tilt the balance of power back to a leadership that believes in the simple, universal promise of the postal service!

 ACTION:  Contact the President and urge him to fill the vacancies immediately.

 The White House 202-456-1111 Leave comment

https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/  

 Sen. Gary Peters D-MI 202-224-6221 and Sen. Rob Portman R-OH 202-224-3353 Committee Chairs of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs which has jurisdiction over the USPS.

 SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND URGE THEM TO CONTACT OUR PRESIDENT

Additional Funding Needed for the OLDER AMERICANS ACT In the Next Covid Relief Act

SITUATION: Specifically, we should support $1.364 billion in emergency funding for OAA programs and services.  This includes money for home delivered meals; supportive services; assistance with securing and keeping vaccine appointments; caregiver support services; health & wellness programs; as well as funding for Native American tribes.

 ACTION:  Contact your Senators and Representatives to insist that Congress include critical OAA funding to keep older Americans safe in the next round of coronavirus response.

 Take Action! Contact those listed below and your own Senators.

 SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS ACROSS OUR NATION AND URGE THEM TO CONTACT THEIR OWN U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

SENATE MUST IMPEACH TRUMP

 SITUATION:  Some people are backing off impeachment, saying “it will divide the country” or that “the legislators have more important thins to do.”

 ACTION:  Contact those below and TELL THEM everyone must be held accountable for criminal actions.  This is imperative to re-instill respect for and trust in our democracy.  No one must be or appear to be above our laws.  There can be no healing or reconciliation without accountability.

Contact those listed below and your own Senators.

SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS ACROSS OUR NATION AND URGE THEM TO CONTACT THEIR OWN U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

“If not us, then who? if not now, then when?” John Lewis 1940-2020

 “There is no reason to wait around for Health Care For All and Single Payer in California”  Gavin Newsom first expressed 1/7/2018\

SITUATION:  His first day in office, Newsom requested a waiver from the Trump administration allowing California to use Federal Medicare and Affordable Care Act money to set up such a system for California which is home to 12% of the nation’s population

 ACTION:  Notify Newsom and tell him to do the same now that Biden is in office.  Get Details:  https://healthyca.org/

Governor Gavin Newsom
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 445-2841

Email https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/  

PLEASE SHARE  WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN CALIFORNIA

OWL ALERT DEC. 11, 2020
STIMULUS for UNEMPLOYMENT and MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS

SITUATION:  The COVID-19 pandemic is raging, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans and infecting millions more. Struggling families in our state and across the country are facing increasing financial strains with each passing month, with a disproportionate impact on women and people of color.

ACTION:  Urge your legislators to demand continued unemployment benefits and a continued moratorium on evictions for 12 months after the bill passes

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

NOTE: Protect wildlife.  If you’re using disposable masks be sure, before disposal, to cut the ear loops.  They’re a trap for wildlife.

SHARE AND URGE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER CITIES AND  STATES TO CONTACT THEIR U.S. REPRESENTATIVES and SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.

OWL ALERT DEC. 6, 2020
THE NEXT STIMULUS MUST INCLUDE FUNDS
FOR CENSUS BUREAU

If not us, then who?

SITUATION:  Republicans shortened the time to collect data and rush operations.  Shortening the timeline during a national pandemic is an intentional plot to sabotage the census and skew Congressional representation, redistricting, and critical funding allotments for every state in the country.

ACTION:  Tell your legislators to protect the census.  Include funds in the current stimulus package to EXTEND THE DATA DELIVERY DEADLINES.

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

SHARE AND URGE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER CITIES AND  STATES TO CONTACT THEIR U.S. REPRESENTATIVES and SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.

OWL ALERT NOV 27, 2020

STOP SHUT DOWN of SHELTER-IN-PLACE HOTELS

SITUATION: There’s a plan to close the city’s Shelter-in-Place (SIP) hotels without housing people–often seniors and people with disabilities.  On Dec. 9 there will be a continuation of the hearing on the SIP hotel closure plan and an introduction of legislation sponsored by Supervisor Matt Haney to halt the closures.

ACTION:
 1)  Write, call or email  the mayor to ask her to stop the shut down of the SIP
hotels until there’s a home for each of the residents.
      Mayor London Breed
      City Hall, Room 200, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place,
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-554-6141
       https://actionnetwork.org/…/stop-the-plan-to-shut-down…

 2)  Share this link: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-the-plan-to-shut-down-
the-sip-hotels
    Attend the December 9th meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
    Register for the Zoom meeting here:  

   https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpf-6ppzMoG9dKBULePrTDd_aE2pYkMsWM

OWL ALERT Nov. 20, 2020
BLOCK TRUMP’S $23B UAE ARMS SALE

SITUATION:  Only last week the Trump administration notified Congress it has approved the sale of more than $23B in advanced weapons systems to UAE (United Arab Emirate), a country that has dropped bombs on Yemeni civilians, creating a humanitarian crisis.  Congress can block the sales with resolutions such as the ones introduced by a trio of bipartisan senators (Menendez-D, Murphy-D and Paul-R).

 ACTION: To go into effect the resolutions must pass the Senate and the House.  Congress can stop these sales but has only until December 10 to do so.  Urge your congressional representatives to back the resolutions to stop the weapons sale.

 CALL OR EMAIL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

SHARE AND URGE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER CITIES AND  STATES TO CONTACT THEIR U.S. REPRESENTATIVES and SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.

OWL ALERT October 10, 2020

URGE THE SENATE TO PASS THE TEMPORARY PROTECTION STATUS BILL – HR 6

 If not us, then who?

SITUATION:  The Temporary Status Protection bill halts deportation of hundreds of thousands of TSP holders who have lawfully lived in the U.S. for years – many with children who are U.S. citizens.  Many of these immigrants from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal and others would have to go back to countries experiencing humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence and natural disasters.

ACTION:  TPS and DACA holders built lives and families in the U.S. because they counted on the US government to keep its word. Now the Trump administration is trying to eliminate these protections. A recent appeals court decision could start sending people back next March. The House already passed HR 6 with bipartisan recognition of DACA and TPS holders as permanent and essential members of our society. .  Now it’s the Senate’s turn to support this path to citizenship for TSP and DACA holders.

Call, email or write your senators.  Urge them to vote to protect the TSP bill HR6 and to urge their fellow senators to do the same.

PLEASE  SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER STATES. ASK THEM TO CONTACT THEIR SENATORS, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE INCLINED TO OPPOSE THIS BILL.  https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

OWL ALERT Sept. 27, 2020

DEADLINE WED. 9/30 URGE NEWSOM TO SIGN BILLS THAT GIVE ALL FAMILIES SUPPORT

SITUATION: AB 2520 will help low-income people and immigrants more easily apply for a variety of crucial public benefits programs. It expands access to medical records necessary to apply for these programs, as well as requires healthcare providers to complete benefit-eligibility forms for free, so families can access these programs as quickly as possible.

AB 2377 will keep more adult “board and care” facilities open, after too many have closed in recent years.  Residents with mental health and other chronic challenges have depended upon Adult Residential Facilities for critical housing, care, and support services, and this bill would help keep them open so their residents don’t become homeless.

ACTION:  Email, call Governor Newsom by Wednesday Sept 30

Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/

NO QUICK VOTE FOR NEXT U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

SITUATION: “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” Ruth Baden-Ginsburg Sept.18, 2020.  Senator Mitch McConnnell is locking down key votes from Republican senators racing to replace RBG Sept. 19, 2020.  In Feb.2016, 9 months before that election, McConnell delayed Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, because it was too close to the election and the “next president should name the nominee.”  Hypocrisy in caps!

ACTION:  Please demand that these Senators honor RBG’s request, and stand strong for democracy by allowing the winner of this election to select her successor. This vote will be one of the most important these Senators can make, and will alter their legacy if they choose to disrespect the people of this country by going forward with a vote for a replacement before the next president is inaugurated. (Thank Collins and Murkowski for opposing a quick vote and urge them to hold the vote until after inauguration.)

 If you do not wish to speak with a live person, call during off-hours. 

SHARE AND URGE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER CITIES AND  STATES TO CONTACT THEIR U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

OWL ALERT Sept 13, 2020

Funds for Your City and State Depend on U.S. Census

SITUATION:  The Republican Senate has cut short the time (by an entire month) allotted for the census to be taken.  Why??  Local governments and advocacy groups have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration arguing that an inaccurate count will cost some communities political representation and millions of federal dollars. The Census count influences  school funding, senior housing, public transit, etc. https://2020census.gov/en/community-impact.html  

ACTION:  BE COUNTED TO GET WHAT YOU DESERVE FOR YOUR CITY and STATE https://www.2020census.gov/  or 844-330-2020.  Hurry! Census information gathering currently ends SEPTEMBER 30.

ALERT YOUR SENATORS to urge an extension of the deadline back to the original October 31 date and please write and call Dr. Steven Dillingham, Director of the Census Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill Rd, WDC 20233 or 800-923-8292 (Cust. Service) M -F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT

SHARE AND URGE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER CITIES AND  STATES TO CONTACT THEIR U.S. SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.
 https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

SHARE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN CALIFORNIA http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

“If not us, then who? if not now, then when?” John Lewis 1940-2020

URGE NEWSOM TO SIGN TASK FORCE BILLS TO STUDY REPARATIONS and DIVERSE CORPORATION BOARDS

SITUATION:  AB3121 would just set up a task force to study the idea of reparations for African Americans and AB979 just for a study requiring at least one person of an under representative group be appointed to California  corporate boards. Both bills received legislative approval and only await Governor Newsom’s signature. Here’s an interesting illustrated read on discrimination policies throughout U.S. history: https://www.yesmagazine.org/issue/make-right/2015/05/14/infographic-40-acres-and-a-mule-would-be-at-least-64-trillion-today/

ACTION:   Write, email, call Governor Newsom

Governor Gavin Newsom
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 445-2841
Fax: (916) 558-3160

https://govapps.gov.ca.gov/gov40mail/

OWL ALERT AUGUST 30, 2020

Nov 3 Election Depends on a Functioning Post Office

SITUATION:  President Trump by his actions and words is trying to UNDERMINE MAIL-IN VOTING.  He has appointed Louis DeJoy as Post Master General (no experience in the postal service, but a huge Republican donor with financial ties to an alternate shipping company, XPO Logistics).  LeJoy has dismantled mail-sorting machines and removed mailboxes from streets in several cities in order to SLOWDOWN VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT REQUESTS as well as actual incoming ballots.

ACTION:  It is paramount during this national election period that mail-in ballots with your vote will be counted on time.  Demand full funding for the USPS.  If you can, please also write to the man who should fire DeJoy on the grounds of his conflict of interest.
Robert M. Duncan, Chair USPS Bd. Of Govnrs, 475 L’Enfant Plaza West, SW, WDC 20260

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

OWL ALERT August 15, 2020

 KEEP the U.S. Postal Service OPERATING

PLEASE  SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER STATES. URGE THEM TO CONTACT THEIR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES and SENATORS – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHOSE LEGISLATORS ARE INCLINED TO DISAGREE.  https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

SITUATION:   Current administration working on undermining voting-by-mail by claiming it’s fraudulent (it carries a fraud rate of 0.00006 percent according to msn). His statements are sounding a lot like voter suppression. He’s saying he’ll veto any stimulus bill if it funds the USPS

ACTION:  Our Postal Service must be fully funded to give us on-time delivery!  Other actions to take to combat vote-by-mail suppression: When We All Vote suggests asking for multiple options to request, receive, and return mail-in ballots.  Familiarize yourself with your state’s deadlines (all of which are available here).  Voters can drop their ballots in designated collection boxes managed by election officials,

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

OWL ALERT August 8, 2020

 Fully Fund The U.S. Postal Service

PLEASE  SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN OTHER STATES. ASK THEM TO CONTACT THEIR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES and SENATORS https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

If not us then who? if not now, then when?

SITUATION:    Our USPS (United States Postal Service) is on the brink of bankruptcy and needs funding to continue the delivery of mail. To save our elections, Congress must appropriate significantly more funding to support clean polling places, additional poll workers, early voting, and mail-in ballots. The $400 million provided by the CARES Act covers only 10 percent of the funds needed. Without full funding, our country will not be able to guarantee fair, secure, and safe elections in 2020.

ACTION:  You depend on timely delivery by the USPS for medication or for your mail-in-ballot vote to be delivered and counted on time.  Our Postal Service must be fully funded to give us on-time delivery!  

CALL OR EMAIL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members