Actions of the Month - May 2020
ACTION: Get Congress and Senate Back to Work- REMOTELY!
Call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Dial (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his role as Senate Minority Leader. With legislators, members of their staff, and Capitol Building personnel testing positive for coronavirus, it is too risky for the Senate to conduct its work in person. Please urge the Senate to immediately pass rules to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, so the work of the country can still be done in a timely and safe way. Thank you,
Call Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Dial (859) 578-0188 or (270) 781-1673
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Senator McConnell in his capacity as Senate Majority Leader. With legislators, members of their staff, and Capitol Building personnel testing positive for coronavirus, it is too risky for the Senate to conduct its work in person. Please urge the Senate to immediately pass rules to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, so the work of the country can still be done in a timely and safe way. Thank you,
Call Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (415) 556-4862 or (202) 225-4965
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Representative Pelosi in her capacity as Speaker of the House. With legislators, members of their staff, and Capitol Building personnel testing positive for coronavirus, it is too risky for the House of Representatives to conduct its work in person. Please urge the House to immediately pass rules to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, so the work of the country can still be done in a timely and safe way. Thank you,
Call House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (661) 327-3611 or (202) 225-2915
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Representative McCarthy in his capacity as House Minority Leader. With legislators, members of their staff, and Capitol Building personnel testing positive for coronavirus, it is too risky for the House of Representatives to conduct its work in person. Please urge the House to immediately pass rules to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, so the work of the country can still be done in a timely and safe way. Thank you,
ACTION: Pass S. 3529- The Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act (NDEBA)
The Coronavirus has already had drastic negative impacts on voting. Primaries have been canceled in many states. Last week in Wisconsin vast numbers of polling places were closed. People stood in long lines, struggling to stay a safe distance from each other. Many people forfeited their chance to vote because they opted to stay home rather than take the health risks associated with going to vote in person. We need to urge the Senate to pass the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act to both encourage as well as financially support states to immediately implement safe alternative voting options.
Call Senate Committee on Rules and Administration – Vice-Chair Klobuchar; Dial (507) 288-5321 or (218) 287-2219
Suggested Script:
Hello. My name [is ________]. My address [including ZIP is _____]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling to get a message to both Senators Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar in their capacities as Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. I want the senators to urge the full committee to pass Senate Bill 3529 and to urge the Senate to pass appropriate funding measures to ensure that every American has safe alternatives to “in-person” voting during this coronavirus emergency. Specifically, we need to:
1. Expand no-excuse vote-by-mail to every state;
2. Expand early voting to at least 20 days in every state so that voters who vote in person, including voters with disabilities, can do so safely;
3. Expand online voter registration; and
4. Appropriate $4 Billion Dollars to provide assistance to the states for this purpose.
Call Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; Dial (518) 431-4070 or (607) 772-6792
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Senator Schumer in his capacity as Senate Minority Leader. I want Senator Schumer to urge the Senate Finance Committee to pass Senate Bill 3529 and to urge the full Senate to pass appropriate funding measures to ensure that every American has safe alternatives to “in-person” voting during this coronavirus emergency. Specifically, we need to:
1. Expand no-excuse vote-by-mail to every state;
2. Expand early voting to at least 20 days in every state so that voters who vote in person, including voters with disabilities, can do so safely;
3. Expand online voter registration; and
4. Appropriate $4 Billion Dollars to provide assistance to the states for this purpose.
Call Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell; Dial (859) 578-0188 or (270) 781-1673
Suggested Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Senator McConnell in his capacity as Senate Majority Leader. I want Senator McConnell to urge the Senate Finance Committee to pass Senate Bill 3529 and to urge the full Senate to pass appropriate funding measures to ensure that every American has safe alternatives to “in-person” voting during this coronavirus emergency. Specifically, we need to:
1. Expand no-excuse vote-by-mail to every state;
2. Expand early voting to at least 20 days in every state so that voters who vote in person, including voters with disabilities, can do so safely;
3. Expand online voter registration; and
4. Appropriate $4 Billion Dollars to provide assistance to the states for this purpose.
ACTION: Mandate Public Disclosure of COVID-19 Related Nursing Home Deaths
Call the House Committee on Financial Services Dial (323) 757-8900
Suggested Script: Hello. My [Name is __]. My [Address and ZIP is __]. My [Phone number is __]. I’m calling to get a message to “both” Representatives Maxine Waters and Patrick McHenry in their capacities as Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services. I want them to use the oversight power of the Committee to:
(1) investigate why the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has failed to mandate that nursing homes and long-term care facilities publish coronavirus statistics on deaths and active cases -- and urge the CMS to immediately do so;
(2) investigate why the CMS has failed to mandate that patients and their families get this critically important information within 24 hours of new deaths or active cases in the facilities;
(3) and investigate why the overall CMS response to the coronavirus was slow to focus on nursing homes and long-term care facilities, when those places have been among the most at risk during this COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you.
Call the Senate Finance Committee (503) 326-7525 or (541) 431-0229
Suggested Script: Hello. My [Name is __]. My [Address and ZIP is __]. My [Phone number is __]. I’m calling to get a message to “both” Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Wyden in their capacities as Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. I want them to use the oversight power of the Committee to:
(4) investigate why the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has failed to mandate that nursing homes and long-term care facilities publish coronavirus statistics on deaths and active cases -- and urge the CMS to immediately do so;
(5) investigate why the CMS has failed to mandate that patients and their families get this critically important information within 24 hours of new deaths or active cases in the facilities;
(6) and investigate why the overall CMS response to the coronavirus was slow to focus on nursing homes and long term care facilities, when those places have been among the most at risk during this COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you.
ACTION: COVID-19 - Advocate for Immigrants - prioritizing human health and safety
Call or email: Matthew T. Albence, Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, via Office of Public Affairs: 202-732-4242 or publicaffairs.iceofficeof@dhs.gov.
Or Write postcard:
Chad Wolf, Acting Secretary of the Dept. of Homeland Security; Department of Homeland Security; Washington, D.C. 20528
Script: Hello, I’m writing/calling from [ADDRESS] concerned about the safety of people that ICE is currently detaining during a pandemic. Numerous positive cases among detainees and staff are evidence that limited space and resources in detention centers make proper hygiene and social distancing impossible. I am joining with thousands of medical professionals and human rights advocates to ask for a moratorium on all ICE raids and immediate release of all non-violent people from custody. Thank you.
BONUS ACTION: Also ask Governor Baker, our two US Senators and one House rep to make a public statement calling for the immediate release of detainees.
Charlie Baker 617-725-4005; Elizabeth Warren 202-224-4543; Ed Markey 202-224-2742; Jim McGovern 202-225-6101
ACTION: DEMAND TRUMP USE THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT TO MASS PRODUCE MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Background: As the COVID-19 cases started to grow in the United States, the medical community began sounding the alarm that they did not have enough personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, gloves, and gowns, or medical equipment, such as ventilators, to meet the upcoming demand produced by the pandemic. The quantities needed of these life saving supplies are in the millions, which pushed Trump to sign an Executive Order on March 18th invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 which allows him to direct private companies to produce good and materials that are deemed necessary for national defense. With the EO in place, Trump can now call on manufacturers across the country to pivot to making these urgently-needed medical supplies. However, except in very limited ways, Trump has failed to use this power to direct organizations to do so even as health care workers from across the country beg for more supplies. It is critical we ensure we have both enough medical equipment for patients and PPE for medical care professionals and all front line workers to counter the threat of COVID-19. Demand your Members of Congress pressure Trump to use the Defense Production Act to ensure the manufacture of critical supplies for the coronavirus fight ahead. And for bonus points, call trump to urge him, as well.
Contact: Senator Markey (617) 565-8519 or (212) 224-2742; Senator Warren (617) 565-3170 or (202) 224-4543; Rep McGovern (413) 341- 8700 or (202) 225-6101
Script: “Hello, this is [your name] and I am your constituent calling from [your town, zip code]. As you know, America’s hospitals, health systems, physicians and nurses have urged President trump to immediately use the Defense Production Act to increase the domestic production of medical supplies and equipment that hospitals and all front line providers so desperately need. I urge you to pressure the president to use the DPA to ensure the manufacture of critical supplies for healthcare workers. Thank you for your continued efforts in helping all Americans during this this crisis.”
Call the President: Comments: 202-456-1111; Switchboard: 202-456-1414
Script: “Hello, this is [your name]. I am an American citizen calling from [your city/state], and would like to get a message to President Trump. America’s hospitals, health systems, physicians and nurses have urged you to immediately use the Defense Production Act to increase the domestic production of medical supplies and equipment that hospitals, health systems, physicians, nurses and all front line providers so desperately need. As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country, these supplies are urgently needed to care for our patients and communities. I request that President Trump use the DPA to ensure the manufacture of critical supplies for healthcare workers. Thank you.”
ACTION: Information to Americans Concerning Federal Response to COVID19
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543; Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742; Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
•Script: Hello. My name [is __]. My address [including ZIP is __]. My phone number [is ___]. I’m calling Senator/Congressman [Name] to urge (him/her) increase oversight and provide Americans with information about the Federal response to the coronavirus pandemic. I am particularly interested in measures like [Choose 2 or 3 items to highlight]
•Clear information about what, when and why the federal government is confiscatingPPE and testing supplies from states and other local authorities, and where is thatequipment (and)
•Testimony from FEMA, HHS and other federal officials regarding the reasons behind the confiscations, to rule out political motives (and)
•Testimony from FEMA officials about the way contracts are being awarded and managed
•Recommendations for states to follow for reopening economies, and measures that assist them in testing and contact tracing.
Congress has oversight responsibility over the executive branch and should be leading the call for accountability. Thank you for your time.
ACTION: Vote By Mail for Florida Dems
Please contact Gloria for names and addresses of Florida Democrats urging them to VOTE BY MAIL - every postcard that is written and sent will help in the effort to get Florida Democrats to vote! Please help in the effort - Contact Gloria DiFulvio at gdifulvio1@gmail.com to get names and addresses. Just write a few lines on the postcards (index cards work well) and mail them off - this action has been very successful with super positive results!
ACTION: URGE CONGRESS TO PASS ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS RELIEF MEASURES
Congress has now passed three separate relief bills to alleviate the coronavirus pandemic’s economic impact. The CARES Act includes provisions like expanded unemployment payments, mandated private insurance coverage of coronavirus testing and treatment, and cash payments to most American households. Congress, however, must do more to support our economy and help people financially to stay home to reduce coronavirus’ spread.
Some promising ideas include:
· Suspension of all consumer and small business credit payments (including mortgages, student loans, and personal loans)
· Suspension of negative consumer credit reporting
· Suspension of rent and a nationwide ban on evictions
· Suspension of utility payments
· Expanded monthly stimulus payments
· Expanded unemployment benefits to cover the majority of lost income
Calls to Senate and House:
Senator Elizabeth Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543 ; Senator Ed Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
Script: Hello Senator. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m a constituent calling to ask you to pass additional measures to alleviate the economic pain and pressure on Americans due to the virus. I’m interested in assisting with rents, mortgages, loans, and utility payments, as well as suspending evictions and negative consumer credit reporting. I’m in favor of expanding stimulus and unemployment benefits. Protecting families economically will help them stay home, reduce anxiety, and reduce the spread of coronavirus. Thank you.
Congressman Jim McGovern Northampton 413-341-8700 DC 202-225-6101
Script: Hello Congressman McGovern. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, ZIP] and I’m a constituent calling to ask you to pass additional measures to alleviate the economic pain and pressure on Americans due to the virus. I’m interested in assisting with rents, mortgages, loans, and utility payments, as well as suspending evictions and negative consumer credit reporting. I’m in favor of expanding stimulus and unemployment benefits. Protecting families economically will help them stay home, reduce anxiety, and reduce the spread of coronavirus. Thank you.
ACTION: CALL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF VOTE-BY-MAIL IN MASSACHUSETTS
We want to ensure the Commonwealth can balance the ongoing public health concerns with fall elections that can take place in a safe, secure manner, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard at the ballot box.
Our current state process, which includes absentee ballots, will need significant design improvements, as well as new equipment and financial support. For example, the state will need new technologies and security measures, including high-speed sorting equipment and scanners, signature verification systems, and 24/7 video surveillance of ballot processing centers. Furthermore, to assist with voting, the state should provide pre-paid envelopes so voters can return their ballots and it should extend the voter return deadline.
A current “sticking point,” is whether to mail all citizens a ballot or just those who request one by a deadline (Secretary of State William Galvin wants to mail ballots only to those who request one). In fairness to all citizens of the state, everyone should receive a ballot – not just those who are aware enough to request a ballot before a deadline. Massachusetts can and must implement a universal vote-by-mail system in time for the fall elections.
If you wish to learn more or get involved, these groups are working on this issue: MassVote, Common Cause Massachusetts, the League of Women Voters and the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.
Call state officials to voice your support and concerns:
Secretary of State William Galvin Boston 617-727-7030 Western District: 413-784-1376
Script: Hello Secretary of State Galvin - I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, CITY] and I’m a resident of the state calling to thank you for your work developing an alternative ballot-casting option during the COVID-19 health crisis. We need to get ready now and develop a safe, secure system that is available for all residents. I do not think your plan goes far enough – all residents should receive ballots – not just those who make a request before a deadline. Our state needs a universal vote-by-mail option for Election Day that allows all residents to have their voices heard. Thank you.
Attorney General Maura Healey (617) 727-2200
Script: Attorney General Healey. I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, CITY] and I’m a resident of the state calling to thank you for your work developing an alternative ballot-casting option during the COVID-19 health crisis. We need to get ready now and develop a safe, secure system that is available for all residents. All residents should receive ballots – not just those who make a request before a deadline. Our state needs a universal vote-by-mail option for Election Day that allows all residents to have their voices heard. Thank you.
State legislators – select your reps to call – a few are listed here:
Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester (Northampton, Hadley, Amherst): Senator Joanne M. Comerford (617) 722-1532
First Hampden and Hampshire, (Belchertown, Chicopee): Senator Eric Lesser (617) 722-1291
3rd Hampshire (Amherst, Pelham, Granby): Rep Mindy Domb (617) 722-2400
2nd Hampshire Rep (Hadley): Representative Daniel R. Carey: (617) 722-2060
1st Hampshire Rep (Northampton, Hatfield): Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa (617) 722-2460
SCRIPT:
Hello - I’m [NAME] from [STREET ADDRESS, CITY] and I’m a resident of the state calling to ask that you work on and support an alternative ballot-casting option for Massachusetts during the COVID-19 health crisis. We need to get ready now and develop a safe, secure voting system that is available for all residents. All residents should be mailed a ballot – not just those who request one. Our state needs a universal vote-by-mail option for Election Day that allows all residents to have their voices heard. Thank you.
ACTION: DECARCERATE NON-VIOLENT AT RISK PRISONERS IN MASSACHUSETTS
Background: On April 3rd, our Supreme Judicial Court ruled that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, some pretrial detainees could request a hearing for release. Advocates had requested more sweeping efforts at decarceration but the SJC argued it did not have the legal authority to order the release of sentenced people, saying such action would be a power of the governor.
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa filed a bill that calls for individualized reviews for releases of all pretrial detainees as well as sentenced people. At hearings on the bill experts testified that decarceration is imperative because of the increased threat of contagion that COVID-19 poses in prison settings where the spread of the virus would be impossible to control, a spread that would, inevitably, also impact staff and through them, the general public. There is, therefore, a dire need to decarcerate vulnerable prisoners to protect prisoners, prison staff and the public in general.
Under the bill, sentenced people in jail and prison who pose no immediate physical threat to the community would be released, including those over 50 years of age, those who are medically vulnerable, those who qualify for medical parole, those incarcerated due to technical violations of probation and/or parole, people incarcerated due to failure to pay fines or fees as well as those who are within six months of their parole eligibility or release date. The bill directs pretrial services, county sheriffs, the state Department of Correction and the Massachusetts Parole Board to review each individual incarcerated person’s case for potential release. It also demands the release of pretrial people who pose no immediate physical threat to the community and who are being held solely because they are unable to afford cash bail, those over 50 years of age, those who are medically vulnerable to COVID-19 and those awaiting a violation of probation hearing.
Finally, the bill also demands that, for the period of the pandemic, “appropriate health and safety policies and practices” be implemented in all correctional facilities, free hygiene products and expanded access to email and phone calls for incarcerated people. Yesterday, the House asked for an extension for this legislation until June 30, 2020 pending concurrence by the Senate. This means we still have time to advocate for the bill to be reported out of Committee.
Suggested Script:
My name is (___________) and my address is (____________). I am [writing/calling] to express my support for H.4625, “An Act regarding decarceration and COVID-19”. As expert after expert has confirmed, decarceration is imperative because of the increased threat of contagion that COVID-19 poses in prison settings where the spread of the virus would be impossible to control. There is, therefore, a dire need to decarcerate vulnerable prisoners to protect prisoners, prison staff and the public in general. As a result of the SJC’s recent decision, we now know that COVID-19 is indeed spreading in our prisons and jails. That is why I strongly support this bill, which calls for individualized review of incarcerated persons who pose no threat to society, and urge you to do the same.*
*If emailing or calling Committee Chairs Eldridge or Cronin, ask that they report the bill out of committee.
1) Please write to the Committee Chairs, Senator Jamie Eldridge (James.Eldridge@masenate.gov) and Representative Claire Cronin (Claire.Cronin@mahouse.gov) to ask that they report the bill out of committee.
2) Please write to Speaker DeLeo (Robert.Deleo@mahouse.gov) and Senate President Spilka (Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov) to tell them that you support the bill, why, and that they bring it to a vote once it is reported out of committee.
3) If you would prefer to make calls, the numbers are below:
Senator Eldridge: (617) 722-1120; Representative Cronin: (617) 722-2396; Speaker DeLeo: (617) 722-2500; President Spilka: (617) 722-1500
4) If you have not already done so, please send your testimony to Governor Baker and Secretary Sudders. It is important for the Governor to know that he can take action immediately and that people are paying attention.
Governor Baker: charlie.baker@state.ma.us; Secretary Sudders: marylou.sudders@massmail.state.ma.us
5) Call or email your State Rep.
Mindy Domb: (617) 722-2400 or (413) 461-2060; Thomas Petrolati: (617) 722-2575 or (413) 589-7303; Aaron Vega: (617) 722-2011 or (413) 650-2727
Final note from Rep. Sabadosa:
“If you have further ideas on how to continue this conversation, they are welcome. In the next week, I will be circulating a Dear Colleagues letter and would welcome your help in getting senators and representatives to sign on.”