WSDCC Meeting Notes

February 2019 Board Meeting

 150 150 34th Democrats

Board Meeting Minutes

February 20, 2019

Attendees: Gina, Ann, David, Tai, Max, Steve, Karen, Nick, Les, Jacqui, Sofia, Ben, Dawn

7:04 Call to Order and Introductions

7:06 Photoshoot

7:16 General Announcements from the Chair

  • KCDCC Bylaws Meeting is this weekend.
  • Joe McDermott invited us to attend the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Luncheon on April 30 at noon at the Sheraton downtown.
  • Still seeking a membership chair.

7:20 Communications Report

  • Carla presented the committees goals for 2019.
  • Committee plans to survey the membership via google docs to solicit input on the 34th communications (web, newsletter and social)
  • A request was made to have Hotspot at the Hall of Fauntleroy for meetings. Board members with Hotspots will share this information at the next meeting.

7:33 Caucus Committee Report

Ann Martin gave a report for Rachel Glass. There are significant changes being discussed for the upcoming election cycles. The group held a lively discussion.

DNC provided the new rules and they are being reviewed.

At April State Party meeting, Ann and Chris will vote to determine how we will do the next election. Several board members requested the ability to give input on this to our representatives.

Suggestion made by Karen and Gina to have this topic on the March meeting agenda to share status with the membership.

  • Historical Context of the Process
  • Options being considered
  • Ask for input to be submitted during the public comment period in March

8:11 Outreach Committee Update

Karen and Steve shared the Outreach Committee events calendar and invited the board to jointhe Outreach Slack channel. Next Outreach Committee meeting March 21. Adopt-a-Street sign is up and will be shared in communications channels when a picture is available.

8:19 Treasurer’s Report will be posted on Slack as Ben wasn’t able to attend the entire meeting to give a report.

8:20 Glen Morgan lawsuit status – Gina provided updates under closed executive session. (No  minutes.)

8:26 Events Committee Report

Jacqui stated she has not been in touch with Lacey (co-chair) yet. Earth Day is in April and she is beginning to plan an event. Her suggestion was to hold it at the West Seattle Nursery.

Jacqui would like to rename the Garden Party to the annual fundraiser.  The group mentioned that this event must be held before the Primary. Jacqui will move forward with a June date for the fundraiser. She proposed a June date with an indoor location (potentially the Eagles hall on California or the Burien community center.

The annual picnic will be held in August.

8: 34 A spirited discussion of the 34th endorsement calendar was held.

Jordan suggested that we have a Policy Roundtable along with the usual debate format.

The endorsement schedule/plan will be defined by Gina and shared at the next meeting.

The South King County Democrats organization is holding a spaghetti feed on May 18. They have asked us to partner on the event providing auction items (10 items), attendance, and someone to attend planning meetings. Nick Bonazza volunteered to represent us.

8:54 Bylaw changes

David shared that we need to update bylaws to align with the DNC bylaws.

Work was done in the past but never pursued. David will bring recommendations to the April Board Meeting.

8:56 Program for March

The group agreed on the following program items for the March 13th membership meeting.

  • Democracy Vouchers
  • Caucus Decision Updates

9:00 Good of the Order

Dawn suggested that state level budget/new revenue discussions be a topic for a future meeting.

9:06 Adjourn

34th District Democrats ⛄❄ Holly Jolly Holiday Party 🎉

 150 150 34th Democrats

Celebrate the holidays and everything we’ve accomplished this year with the 34th District Democrats!

By tradition the 34th District Democrats, like most other local party organizations, does not conduct business in December. Instead we get together at our regular meeting time and location to celebrate our accomplishments and cheer in the next year.

POTLUCK! We’ll have turkey and vegetarian main courses – please bring a dish to share if you can (not required, we’ll have plenty of food)!

GIVE! We’re also collecting food for our local food banks, please bring some canned goods to share the abundance of the holiday season with those less fortunate.

6:30PM-9:30PM
Hall at Fauntleroy (Old Fauntleroy School)
9131 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98136

Parking lot available behind building
Transit Rapid Ride C Line

2017 General Election Endorsements

 150 150 34th Democrats

Dear Neighbor,
These are the candidates and campaigns endorsed by the 34th District Democrats. At our monthly meetings the members of the 34th hold candidate forums and panels on current issues facing our community. As election time nears we deliberate and make informed choices as to which candidates and ballot measures should receive our endorsement and contributions.

Our meetings are public and we welcome you to join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00PM at the Hall at Fauntleroy.

Our Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) knock on your door to encourage you to make your voice heard with your vote. Your participation has never mattered more. Please be a part of the democratic process by returning your ballot by November 7th. We hope you’ll find this endorsement guide useful as you fill out your ballot.

City of Seattle

Mayor of Seattle: Jenny Durkan

City Council Pos. 8: Teresa Mosqueda

City Council Pos. 9: Lorena González

City Attorney: Pete Holmes

City of Burien

City Council Pos. 1: Pedro Olguin

City Council Pos. 3: Jimmy Matta

City Council Pos. 5: Nancy Tosta

City Council Pos. 7: Krystal Marx

King County

Executive: Dow Constantine

Sheriff: John Urquhart

County Council, Position 5: Dave  Upthegrove

North Highline Fire District, Position 1: Liz Giba

Port of Seattle

Position 1: Ryan Calkins

Position 3: Stephanie Bowman

Seattle School Board

Position 1: Eden Mack

Position 5: Zachary DeWolf

Position 7: Betty Patu

Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 1

Judge Position 2: Michael Spearman

Judge Position 5: David Mann

Propositions

King County Prop 1 – Levy Lid Lift for Veterans, Seniors and Vulnerable Populations: Approve

August Primary Endorsements

 150 150 34th Democrats

Dear Neighbor,
These are the candidates and campaigns endorsed by the 34th District Democrats. At our monthly meetings the members of the 34th hold candidate forums and panels on current issues facing our community. As election time nears we deliberate and make informed choices as to which candidates and ballot measures should receive our endorsement and contributions.

Our meetings are public and we welcome you to join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00PM at the Hall at Fauntleroy.

Our Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) knock on your door to encourage you to make your voice heard with your vote. Your participation has never mattered more. Please be a part of the democratic process by returning your ballot by August 1st. We hope you’ll find this endorsement guide useful as you fill out your ballot.

City of Seattle

Mayor of Seattle, dual endorsement: Bob Hasegawa and Jessyn Farrell

City Council Pos. 8: Teresa Mosqueda

City Council Pos. 9: Lorena González

City of Burien

City Council Pos. 1: Pedro Olguin

City Council Pos. 3: Jimmy Matta

City Council Pos. 5: Nancy Tosta

City Council Pos. 7: Krystal Marx

King County

Executive: Dow Constantine

King County Proposition 1 – Cultural Access Program: Vote YES

Port of Seattle

Pos. 1: Ryan Calkins

Pos. 3: Stephanie Bowman

Pos. 4: John Persak

KCDCC Meeting Notes January 23, 2018

 150 150 34th Democrats

Due to the recent government shutdown, Congressman Adam Smith was unable to appear at KCDCC tonight. His campaign chair spoke about the shutdown and stated that Adam voted against the budget deal.

Baily’s Chairs Report – King County Dems have been super busy. There were160 people at the Holiday party. Also, the 4th Vice Chair has resigned. Will begin the process to elect a new 4th Vice Chair next month.

Lobby Day is President’s Day. Registration is up and live on the KCDCC website. $20 carpools

Want a large group of people to go and they urge you to schedule meetings with your representatives. Questions regarding Lobby Day should go to the Legislative Action Committee (Chris Porter). The morning keynote speaker will be Cyrus Habib and Wagner’s bakery will provide the food. There will soon be a video available for viewing that explains what Lobby Day is.

KCDCC is in the process of revamping the Progress Fund – lowest possible donation is $3/month

Committee Reports:

Treasury PDC Report $17,000 in the bank right now

$111,000 raised last year

Inclusion and Outreach needs 3-5 volunteers for each event and need help with construction of a booth for events

Candidate Support Committee – Candidate education, recruitment looking for more people to join the committee. See the KCDCC website for more information.

Endorsements Committee is working on rules for endorsements and new questionnaire for the 2018 election season.

Four Resolutions were presented:

Resolution Opposing the Tacoma Liquefied Natural Gas Plant Passed Unanimously

Resolution Urging our US Senators to Co-Sponsor S1804, Single Payer Health Care Passed Unanimously

Resolution to “Repeal and Replace I-200: Diversity Resolution” This Resolution was tabled due to lack of information on its origin

Resolution to Ban Source-of-Income Discrimination in Rental Housing Passed

A Legislative Agenda was created for use on Lobby Day. It outlines our values as a party and urges State congress members to approve certain bills before them. This agenda will be available on the KCDCC website.

A Code Of Conduct was passed for King County Democrats. This code of conduct does not apply to individual LDs, and the contents of the approved code can be found on the KCDCC website, as well.

 

 

 

 

 

KCDCC Meeting Notes August 2017

 150 150 34th Democrats

KCDCC Meeting August 22, 2017

Although the King County Democrats monthly meeting mostly revolved around the endorsement of the Seattle Mayoral race, the beginning of the meeting featured the Chair’s Report from Bailey Stober where he revealed that the KCDCC has chosen an Executive Director, (name to follow).

Next on the agenda was a report from King County Labor Council’s Deputy Executive Director, Katie Garrow. She stated that they are focusing on candidate recruitment and have endorsed 24 candidates. She also said that there is a lot of overlap between the Democratic Party and the labor movement. They have seen an increase of9% voter turnout where labor had canvassed. In Burien, 38% of voters are labor members. There are 90,000 union voters in Seattle. They also discussed the upcoming Supreme Court decision regarding the right to work law.

There was a Mayoral candidate forum between Cary Moon and Jenny Durkan where several questions were asked, which included the housing crisis, homelessness, HALA, relating to people of color, public transportation, as well as their political inspiration. At the end of the forum, the body voted on whether or not to endorse Jenny Durkan (who needed 60% of the vote, having received the endorsement from the endorsement committee during the primary, but not receiving final endorsement) and she was not endorsed. We then voted on whether or not to endorse Cary Moon (who needed 66% of the vote, having not received either the endorsement of the endorsement committee nor the final endorsement during the primary) and she was endorsed.

It was then suggested by someone who voted for Jenny Durkan that we reconsider and also endorse her. Because the motion did not come from someone who voted against her, it was invalid.

We moved on to endorse Chris Reh for Issaquah City Council Position 1, Denise Daniels for Kent School Board Position 4, Voted to support a NO vote on Burien Prop 1 and finally, Ryan Calkins for port was endorsed.

It was once again suggested that we reconsider endorsing Jenny Durkan for Mayor by someone who voted against her the first time around, so we voted again. Jenny Durkan once again did not get the endorsement.

The last item of business was to vote on supporting a resolution to hold the state accountable for funding education, which passed.

 

Weekly Actions: Week 25

 150 150 34th Democrats

Urgent

Urgent Actions

Healthcare is still the top priority, despite the Donald Jr Russia eye candy!  By delaying the start of the August recess, Mitch McConnell has given himself two additional weeks to get TrumpCare through the Senate – jump –here– to take action.  Everything you do to oppose TrumpCare matters.

General

General Actions

General Information
  • Last chance to help Preserve Net Neutrality – comments due July 17.  Maria Cantwell raised this issue during her Town Halls.   Why?
    • Removal of Net Neutrality rules mean you would have to pay for faster internet access
    • Poorer Americans become disadvantaged users
    • Schools lose out, students suffer
    • Write:
      • Script:  Comment on Proceeding 17-108:  The internet should allow equal access to all.  Net Neutrality rules should stay under Title II.  I insist you protect net neutrality.
      • Address:  FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554
    • Submit a Net Neutrality comment to the FCC with this easy to use website:
    • Copy this text into the letter on the website if you like:
      • Comment on Proceeding 17-108:
      • The internet should allow equal access to all – not just the wealthy or privileged. Equal access promotes educational and economic justice and unbiased access to information that is not influenced by the financial capacity of the information provider. Net Neutrality rules should stay under Title II, not revert to the laxer standards of Title I. I insist you protect net neutrality.
  • Petition:
  • Quotable:  CNNs Jake Tapper – “If these contacts and conversations with Russians were so innocent, as is being claimed, the obvious question, why so many lies about them?”
  • Sub-title of the week:  Regarding the latest Russia Collusion, Frank Bruni, NY Times – “The president’s dim namesake just made things exponentially worse.”
Vashon-Activism (get local – join a team)
  • Want a Democratic controlled Wa State Senate?  Willing to lend some time to make it happen?
  • Help elect Manka Dhingra and take back the Wa State Senate for Democrats in 2017.   Help with canvassing in the 45th district (Redmond area).
    • When: Saturdays and Sundays
    • Time: 10 am and 1 pm
    • Location: 8151 164th Ave NE, Redmond WA 98052 (signs posted in front – we share the building with a Japanese language school)
    • Schedule:
      • 20 minute training on campaign messaging and canvassing techniques
      • 10 minute Q+A period
      • 2 – 2.5 hour canvassing period (subject to group availability)
    • More info – contact:  

Praise

Praise

  • You – for speaking up about the Senate version of TrumpCare!
    • The fight is not over, but Mitch McConnell delaying the start of the August recess is a major admission of Republican failure to implement the damage they want to inflict on the American Health Care system.
    • Thank You for raising your voices!
  • Write – Governor Jay Inslee for his veto corporate tax breaks in the budget:
  • Write – to US Representative Brad Sherman – for introducing Articles of Impeachment against President Trump:
    • Script:  Thanks for your leadership introducing Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump.
    • Address:  Representative Brad Sherman, 2181 Rayburn HOB, Washington DC  20515
    • Or post supporting comments to Representative Sherman’s Facebook page:
    • https://www.facebook.com/CongressmanBradSherman/

Election Actions

Election Actions

Electoral College Repeal
  • No actions this week
Instant Runoff  Voting
  • No actions this week
Return US House and Senate to Democratic Control
  • No actions this week

Climate Actions

Climate & Environment Actions

The Environment
  • Call or Write your Senators – Help stop Mitch McConnell’s “secret, dirty energy bill”:
    • The bill, the Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017 (S.1460), would put fossil fuel expansion on a fast track, locking in decades of dirty energy and undermining the clean energy transition we need. The bill takes us in exactly the wrong direction at a time when we must urgently transition to the low-carbon economy.
    • Script:  As a constituent, I urge the Senator to oppose Senate Bill 1460, the Dirty Energy Bill that would keep us addicted to fossil fuels.
      • Patty Murray: 154 Russell SOB, Washington, D.C. 20510, 202-224-2621
      • Maria Cantwell: 511 Hart SOB, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-3441
  • Petition:  
  • Help stop the world’s largest open pit mine from being built in the salmon rich drainage of Bristol Bay.  Maria Cantwell raised this issue during her Town Halls.   Why?
    • Bristol Bay is the source of the most productive Washington State fishery
    • Thousands of jobs will be lost if this fishery is ruined
    • If built, the Pebble mine would be the largest open pit mine in North America
    • Silt and waste from mining operations will threaten the downstream Bristol Bay fishery
    • Write:
      • Script:  Approval for the Pebble mine, combined with reversal of protections that once prevented mining debris from entering our clean waterways, is a danger to our fisheries and our environment.  The Bristol Bay fishery, a strong economic resource, would be threatened by this mine.  I strongly ask you reverse approval of the Pebble Mine.
      • Address:  Scott Pruitt, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460
  • Petitions:  
Climate Change
  • Write – Wa State elected officials – don’t override Gov Inslee’s veto of corporate tax breaks:
    • Source:  https://www.seattleindivisible.com/daily-actions/
      • Script:  Please do not override Governor Inslee’s veto of the B&O and TransAlta coal plant corporate tax cuts in SB5977.
    • Addresses:
      • Rep Eileen Cody, JLOB 303, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA, 98504-0600
      • Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, JLOB 305, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA, 98504-0600
      • Senator Sharon Nelson, 316 Legislative Building, Olympia, WA 98504-0434
  • Why do we care?  Giant iceberg calves off the Antarctic Larsen C Ice Shelf
  • Good Climate Change news!  
    • A bill extending incentives that make solar more affordable was signed by Gov. Inslee, encouraging installers who say the incentives are key to selling the technology.

Civil Rights Actions

Civil Rights Actions

Anti-Hate Actions
  • No actions this week
Criminal Justice Reform
  • No actions this week
Immigrations/Citizenship
  • No actions this week
Preserving Democracy & Justice
  • No actions this week
Racial Justice & Black Lives Matter
  • No actions this week
Women’s Rights
  • No actions this week
LGBTQ Rights
  • No actions this week

Healthcare Actions

Healthcare Actions

  • Another crucially important week for American Health Care – can you help?
    • Tell your Health Care story – Our senators use your stories to protect health care:
    • http://wadems.ngpvanhost.com/form/-73885622786324736
    • Why should we oppose this Republican bill?
    • As if 23 Million people losing health care coverage wasn’t bad enough:  A study released Tuesday by two bipartisan groups estimated that the country’s poorest families would lose more than $2,500 in average annual health care benefits once the GOP legislation was fully phased in. Families making more than $1 million a year would get tax cuts averaging about $50,000, according to the analysis by the Health Policy Center and the Tax Policy Center.
  • What to do this week:
    • Write or call – to preserve Planned Parenthood funding:
      • Script:  You are right to oppose the BCRA elimination of Planned Parenthood funding.  Women should not be shortchanged when it comes to health care.  Family planning leads to healthy families and economic stability.  Please oppose the BCRA.
      • Senator Lisa Murkowski, 522 Hart SOB, Washington DC, 20510, 202-224-6665
      • Senator Susan Collins, 413 Dirksen SOB, Washington DC, 20510, 202-224-2523
    • Write or call – to preserve access to opioid treatment:
      • Script:  Adding BCRA opioid treatment funds will not help the millions thrown off Medicaid by deep funding cuts to that program.  No Medicaid coverage bars access to doctors, no matter how much opioid treatment money is available.  Please oppose the BCRA.
      • Senator Lisa Murkowski, 522 Hart SOB, Washington DC, 20510, 202-224-6665
      • Senator Shelly Moore Capito, 172 Russell SOB, Washington DC, 20510, 202-224-6472
      • Senator Rob Portman, 448 Russell SOB, Washington DC, 20510, 202-224-3353
    • Call our senators – every day – they log the call numbers and it helps:
      • Script:  Please ask the senator to oppose the Better Care Reconciliation Act.  Please log and report this call.  I am a constituent from zip code xxxxx.
      • Patty Murray: WDC – 202-224-2621, Seattle – 206-553-5545, Tacoma – 253-572-3636, Everett – 425-259-6515
      • Maria Cantwell: WDC – 202-224-3441, Seattle – 206-220-6400, Tacoma – 253-572-2281, Everett – 425-303-0114

Financial Actions

Financial Actions

Economy/Income Inequality
  • No actions this week
Get Big Money Out of Politics
  • No actions this week

Gun Actions

Gun Safety Actions

  • No actions this week

Education Actions

Education Actions

  • No actions this week

Foreign Policy Actions

Foreign Policy/Defense Actions

  • No actions this week

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Actions

  • No actions this week

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

Pond image
Contact Elected Officials

Find your elected officials here!

Regarding petitions:  To amplify your voice on any petition, contact by phone or email the person the petition is intended for.  Phone calls have more impact than emails.

KCDCC Monthly Meeting Notes – June 2017

 150 150 34th Democrats

The June KCDCC Monthly Meeting was brought to order with 57 in attendance and the agenda was approved. We began with Public Announcements, in which John Urquhart – spoke about recent shootings. He requires pepper spray as well as tazer for all of his officers. He also purchased 100 beanbag shotguns today. Dow Constantine is giving him more money for training. The officers undergo de-escalation and implicit bias training every year. He ended by saying, “We cannot get to a high place taking the low road.”

This month’s meeting focused on Endorsements. We started off with the Endorsements Committee sharing their recommendations for endorsements:

Mayor of Seattle – Jenny Durkan and Jessyn Farrell – REMOVED
Seattle City Attorney – Scott Lindsey – REMOVED
Seattle School Board Position 4 – Eden Mack
Seattle School Board Position 5 – Zachary DeWolf and Andre Helmstetter
Seattle School Board Position 7 – Betty Patu
Seattle Port Commission Position 4 – Recommending delay of action until after the primary
Bothell City Council Position 7 – Aaron Moreau-Cook
Federal Way City Council Position 4 – Sharry Edwards
Fire District 10 Commissioner Position 1 – Gloria Hatcher-Mays
Renton City Council Position 6 – Jami Smith
Proposition 1 – Yes – REMOVED

After Jenny Durkan, Jessyn Farrell, Scott Lindsey and Proposition 1 were removed from the slate, it was approved with the above candidates being endorsed, except where it says “REMOVED.”

___________________________

ENDORSEMENT DECISIONS:

King County District 3 Murphy – ENDORSED

King County Council Position 9 – Denise Carnahan -ENDORSED

Port of Seattle Position 3 – Ahmed Abdi – ENDORSED

Stephanie Bowman – Port of Seattle Position 3 – not endorsed (motion made)

Port of Seattle Position 4 – John Persak – ENDORSED

Peter Steinbrueck – TABLED

Mitzi Johanknecht – King County Sheriff moved for endorsement – NOT ENDORSED

Auburn Mayor – Nancy Backus – ENDORSED

Auburn City council position 6 – Larry Brown – ENDORSED

Bellevue City Council position 6 – Lynn robinson – ENDORSED

Burien City Council position 1 – Pedro Olguin – ENDORSED

Des Moines City Council position 1 – Anthony Martinelli – ENDORSED

Federal Way Mayor – Jim Ferrell – ENDORSED

Bothell City Council – Rosemary McCullough – NOT ENDORSED

Kenmore City Council – Nigel Herbig – ENDORSED

Kent Mayor – Elizabeth Albertson – NOT ENDORSED

Kirkland City Council Position 7 – Jon Pascal – ENDORSED

Lake Forest Park City Council position 3 – Benjamin Gonzales O’Brien – ENDORSED

Lake Forest Park City Council Postion 5 – Mark Phillips – ENDORSED

Seattle Mayor

Jenny Durkan – moved and seconded – Failed

Jessyn Farrell – moved and seconded – Failed

Bob Hasagawa – moved and seconded – ENDORSED

Cary Moon – moved and seconded – Failed

Seattle City Attorney – Scott Lindsay – Failed

Shoreline City Council Position 5 – Susan Chang – ENDORSED

Carolyn Ahlgreem – Failed

Tukwila City council position 7 – De’Sean Quinn – ENDORSED

Mercer Island School Director Pos 4 – Diana Lein – ENDORSED

Northshore School Board Director Position 2 – Bob Swain – ENDORSED

Proposition 1 – YES – ENDORSED

__________________________________

Amended budget passed and the KCDCC will be hiring a full time Executive Director. They will be taking applications for the position soon. Also approved in the budget was to expand insurance coverage for the officers in the King County Democrats.

Lastly, we voted on the replacement for Chad Lupkes as State Committeeman and Jon Culver won the position.

Weekly Actions: Week 22

 150 150 34th Democrats

Urgent

Urgent Actions

Nothing particularly urgent this week.

General

General Actions

General Information

Praise

Praise

  • Our collective efforts to raise awareness and speak out.  Polls now reflect a changing perception:
    • 66% disapprove Trump’s handling of Health Care
    • 64% disapprove Trump’s handling of Climate Change
    • 63% disapprove Trump’s handling of Foreign Policy
    • 60% disapprove Trump’s handling of Immigration
    • 60% Trump disapproval rating
    • 55% disapprove Trump’s handling of the Economy
    • 52% disapprove Trump’s handling of Terrorism
    • Let’s continue to raise “owner’s remorse” regarding this administration.  Thanks for all you do!
    • Source:  http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/poll-shows-most-doubt-trumps-respect-for-institutions/ar-BBCGmr9
  • Write – Representative Eileen Cody, for signing the Carbon Free PSE letter to Kimberly Harris:
    • Script:  Thank you for supporting a Carbon Free Puget Sound Energy!  We appreciate you signing the Sierra Club letter to PSE CEO Kimberly Harris.
    • Write:  Rep Eileen Cody, JLOB 303, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA, 98504-0600
  • Courtesy of Marie B:
    • Write – Thank Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) for her tenacious, focused questioning in Sessions’ hearing.
    • Script:  We see your leadership and your care for our country, and are very grateful.
    • Write: 600 B Street, Suite 2240, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Write – Thank Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) for sponsoring the COVFEFE Act.
    • Script:  A permanent record of the president’s tweets makes his presidency more transparent and accountable. Thank you for your humor and integrity.
    • Write: 3223 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657
  • Write – Thank two attorneys general (DC & MD) for filing a lawsuit against the president for emoluments violations.
    • Script:  Preventing corruption and foreign government influence matters to me. Thank you for your leadership.
    • Write:  DC Attorney General Karl Racine, 441 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
    • Write: MD Attorney General Brian Frosh, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
  • Petition – Thank our Wa State Members of Congress for joining the team suing Trump for violating the constitution:
  • Petition – thank Representative Jayapal and others for launching the United for Climate and Environmental Justice task force:

Election Actions

Election Actions

Electoral College Repeal
  • No actions this week
Instant Runoff  Voting
  • No actions this week
Return US House and Senate to Democratic Control
  • No actions this week

Climate Actions

Climate & Environment Actions

The Environment
Climate Change
  • Petition – stand with Bob Ferguson to hold the administration to account for climate change:
    • Two recent actions from our Wa State AG:
      • Joined the lawsuit alleging the administration violated the National Environmental Policy Act for failing to study the environmental impacts of new coal mining leases on public land
      • Filed a suit against the administration’s Department of Energy to demand they stop delaying new energy efficiency and pollution reduction standards
    • Keep Bob on the job!
    • https://petitions.signforgood.com/paris-climate/
  • Climate change book – for Vashon Islanders only (due to distribution issues otherwise):
    • As part of our planning for Strawberry Festival, we are ordering the book Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming.  We would like to know if you would be interested in getting a copy.  Please email Max at MaxAtISD@Gmail.com, with Drawdown in the subject line and the number of books you would like.  We expect the cost to be about $15 each.

Civil Rights Actions

Civil Rights Actions

Anti-Hate Actions
  • No actions this week
Criminal Justice Reform
  • No actions this week
Immigrations/Citizenship
  • Short, personal testimonials summarizing “Why I Care About Immigrants (or Refugees)” should be sent to May Gerstle (jamger@comcast.net) so that we can have a large collection for our next step which is most likely a publication. They should be signed.
Preserving Democracy & Justice
Racial Justice & Black Lives Matter
  • Write – Wa State elected officials and ask them to revise Washington’s Deadly Force Law:
    • The Seattle Times reports the current Deadly Force law in Washington says “that an officer can’t be convicted of a crime for using deadly force if she or he acted in good faith and without malice, or what the law calls “evil intent.””
    • The law does not require officers to consider whether the use of deadly force is “appropriate”.  The shooting death of Charleena Lyles last week is again raising the question that two lawmakers in Olympia, Senator David Frockt and Representative Roger Goodman, have been working on for some time.  The Seattle Times reports that their task force, from last year, did not reach any conclusions and cites the police union reluctance to alter the statute (no surprise).
    • Script 1:  I encourage you to continue your work to change our Deadly Force law to hold police officers legally accountable for inappropriate use of deadly force.
      • Write:  Sen David Frockt, 227 John A Cherberg Building, Olympia, Wa  98504
      • Write:  Rep Roger Goodman, 436B Legislative Building, Olympia, Wa  98504
    • Script 2:  I encourage you to actively support legislative efforts by Sen Frockt and Rep Goodman to change our Deadly Force law to hold police officers legally accountable for inappropriate use of deadly force.
      • Write:  Sen Sharon Nelson, 316 Legislative Building, Olympia, WA 98504-0434
      • Write:  Rep Eileen Cody, JLOB 303, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA, 98504-0600
      • Write:  Rep Joe Fitzgibbon, JLOB 305, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA, 98504-0600
  • Petition – Justice for Charleena Lyles:
Women’s Rights
  • No actions this week
LGBTQ Rights
  • No actions this week

Healthcare Actions

Healthcare Actions

  • Call or Write your Member of Congress to impede the Senate version of Trumpcare:
    • The status of the Senate version of Trumpcare is changing daily now, with Senate leaders saying they will release the bill today (a draft was obtained by some media outlets yesterday).  None the less, writing or calling, as suggested below, will reinforce the call for open debate and a CBO score prior to a vote, even though the first step, actually releasing the plan, looks like it will happen today.
    • These actions assume you are represented by Democratic Senators.  There are two actions Democrat Senators can take:
      1. Withhold Consent
        • If you write:  As my elected representative, I strongly request you withhold your consent on all Senate business until the AHCA has a CBO score and scheduled debates on the merits of the bill.  I am talking about withholding consent on ALL Senate Business, not just Trumpcare.  This is my current number one issue.  The risks of you taking this action pale in comparison to millions of people losing their health care.
        • If you call – Key points:
          • Request your Senator withhold consent on ALL senate business
          • Be clear, this is a forcing strategy to:
            • Require a CBO score for the Senate version of Trumpcare
            • Force open debate on the Senate Trumpcare plan
        • You want your Senator to take this step even if it makes working with Republicans more difficult on other issues
          1. Remind them Republicans didn’t play nice when it came to filling justice Scalia’s seat on the Supreme Court
          2. You don’t want your Senator to “play nice” and jeopardize your healthcare
      2. Filibuster by amendment
        • If you write:  As my elected representative, I strongly request you submit hundreds of amendments to the Senate Trumpcare bill during vote-a-rama.  I want you to delay Trumpcare legislation as long as is needed to force an AHCA CBO score and scheduled debates on the merits of the bill.  This is my current number one issue.  The risks of you taking this action pale in comparison to millions of people losing their health care.
        • If you call – Key points:
          1. Request your Senator issue hundreds of Trumpcare amendments during vote-a-rama
          2. Be clear, this is a forcing strategy to:
            1. Hold the floor as long as required with amendments while,
            2. Requiring a CBO score for the Senate version of Trumpcare
            3. Forcing open debate on the Senate Trumpcare plan
          3. You want your Senator to take this step even if it makes working with Republicans more difficult on other issues
            1. Remind them Republicans didn’t play nice when it came to filling justice Scalia’s seat on the Supreme Court
            2. You don’t want your Senator to “play nice” and jeopardize your healthcare
    • Patty Murray: WDC – 202-224-2621, Seattle – 206-553-5545, Tacoma – 253-572-3636, Everett – 425-259-6515
    • Write:  Senator Murray, 154 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510
    • Maria Cantwell: WDC – 202-224-3441, Seattle – 206-220-6400, Tacoma – 253-572-2281, Everett – 425-303-0114,
    • Write:  Senator Cantwell, 511 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
    • Want to contribute an amendment?  It’s easier than you think – go here:
  • Write – to a different set of Senators this week – disclose the secret American Health Care Act bill to the public:
    • This week, write to Republican Senators who have made disparaging comments about their Republican Senate colleagues, in closed door meetings, crafting their version of the AHCA, which will then be rushed through a vote.  The bill may be voted on without a Congressional Budget Office score, as happened in the House.  The expectation is that millions of people will lose coverage, which allows the Republicans to then pass a large tax cut for the wealthiest Americans.
    • Source:  https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/15/us/politics/secrecy-surrounding-senate-health-bill-raises-alarms-in-both-parties.html
  • Encourage these members of Congress to encourage their colleagues to expose the bill:
    • Script:  I encourage you to press your Senate colleagues to fully disclose their version of the AHCA to the public, allow open debate on the merits of the bill, and assure a CBO score is completed before a vote is allowed.  You are right – the current secret process is not appropriate.
    • Write:  
      • Sen John McCain, 218 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
      • Sen Rand Paul, 167 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
      • Sen Bob Corker, 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
      • Sen Ron Johnson, 328 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
    • And, as suggested by Marie Browne of Write to Resist fame:
      • Sen Lisa Murkowski, 522 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
      • Sen Rob Portman, 448 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
      • Sen Susan Collins, 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
      • Sen Bill Cassidy, 520 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
  • New petitions:
  • Have a personal story about the importance of health care to you?  Share it here:

Financial Actions

Financial Actions

Economy/Income Inequality
  • No actions this week
Get Big Money Out of Politics
  • No actions this week

Gun Actions

Gun Safety Actions

  • No actions this week

Education Actions

Education Actions

Foreign Policy Actions

Foreign Policy/Defense Actions

  • No actions this week

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Actions

  • No actions this week

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

Pond image
Contact Elected Officials

Find your elected officials here!

Regarding petitions:  To amplify your voice on any petition, contact by phone or email the person the petition is intended for.  Phone calls have more impact than emails.

Weekly Actions – Week 19

 150 150 34th Democrats

Urgent

Urgent Actions

General

General Actions

General Information
Vashon-Activism (get local – join a team)
  • Want a Democratic controlled Wa State Senate?  Willing to lend some time to make it happen?
    • Help elect Manka Dhingra and take back the Wa State Senate for Democrats in 2017.   Help with canvassing in the 45th district (Redmond area).
    • When: Saturdays and Sundays
    • Time: 10 am and 1 pm
    • Location: 8151 164th Ave NE, Redmond WA 98052 (signs posted in front – we share the building with a Japanese language school)
    • Schedule:
      • 20 minute training on campaign messaging and canvassing techniques
      • 10 minute Q+A period
      • 2 – 2.5 hour canvassing period (subject to group availability)
    • More info – contact:  
      • Lainie Ferguson, Field Organizer – Friends of Manka
      • 360-431-9355
      • lainie@electmanka.com

Praise

Praise

  • Write – Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, for signing the Carbon Free PSE letter to Kimberly Harris:
    • Script:  Thank you for supporting a Carbon Free Puget Sound Energy!  We appreciate you signing the Sierra Club letter to PSE CEO Kimberly Harris.
    • Write:  Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, JLOB 305, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA, 98504-0600

Election Actions

Election Actions

Electoral College Repeal
  • No actions this week
Instant Runoff  Voting
  • No actions this week
Return US House and Senate to Democratic Control

Climate Actions

Climate & Environment Actions

The Environment
  • No actions this week
Climate Change
  • Petition – US Governors – Commit to Paris Agreement Climate Actions:
    • http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/830/573/282/
    • Add a comment:  Let’s not turn our backs on a global industry, supplying renewable power and the associated electrical distribution grid to the 195 nations that have signed the Paris Agreement.  These are clean jobs that will also help preserve our environment.  Honoring the provisions of the Paris Agreement is a smart business decision, and one that will put the US in a global leadership position in this industry.  Otherwise, we cede the ground to China.  That is not good.
  • Petition – Minnesota Department of Commerce – do not support the Enbridge 3 Line Canada Tar Sands pipeline through the state:
  • Petition – One more Stop Financing Pipelines petition:

Civil Rights Actions

Civil Rights Actions

Anti-Hate Actions
  • No actions this week
Criminal Justice Reform
  • No actions this week
Immigrations/Citizenship
  • No actions this week
Preserving Democracy & Justice
  • No actions this week
Racial Justice & Black Lives Matter
  • No actions this week
Women’s Rights
  • No actions this week
LGBTQ Rights
  • No actions this week

Healthcare Actions

Healthcare Actions

Financial Actions

Financial Actions

Economy/Income Inequality
Get Big Money Out of Politics

Gun Actions

Gun Safety Actions

  • No actions this week

Education Actions

Education Actions

  • No actions this week

Foreign Policy Actions

Foreign Policy/Defense Actions

  • No actions this week

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous Actions

  • No actions this week

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

Pond image
Contact Elected Officials

Find your elected officials here!

Regarding petitions:  To amplify your voice on any petition, contact by phone or email the person the petition is intended for.  Phone calls have more impact than emails.