ACTIONS OF THE MONTH - May 2021
ACTION # 1 - Use US Census for Redistricting Not the American Community Survey
More than 55 civil rights groups and legal experts agree that legislative districts should be based on Census counts—even if that data is delayed—to ensure fair representation of all communities.
Jo Comerford: (413) 367-4656
Lindsay Sabadosa: (617) 722-2460 or (413) 270-1166 or email: lindsay.sabadosa@mahouse.gov
Mindy Domb: (617) 722-2400 ext 4 or (413) 461-2060 or email: mindy.domb@mahouse.gov
Natalie Blais: (413) 362-9453 or email: natalie.blais@mahouse.gov
Daniel Carey: (617) 722-2060 or email: Daniel.carey@mahouse.gov
Jacob Oliveira: (617) 722-2800 x 7317 or email: Jacob.oliveira@mahouse.gov
Script: This is a message for Representative [___________]. My name is [_________] from [address with ZIP]. I’m calling to oppose the use of the American Community Survey (instead of U.S. Census data) for redistricting purposes. More than 55 civil rights groups and legal experts agree that legislative districts should be based on Census counts—even if that data is delayed—to ensure fair representation of all communities. Can I count on [NAME] to support using only Census data for redistricting? Thank you.
ACTION #2 - Protect Dreamers and TPS Recipients with the Dream and Promise Act
BACKGROUND:
Donald Trump repeatedly attempted to dismantle the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and revoke hundreds of thousands of immigrants’ Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The DACA program protects approximately 825,000 undocumented people who entered the US as minors from deportation and gives them access to work permits and education. TPS allows over 300,000 immigrants from countries affected by natural disasters, violence, and other dangers to remain in the US until conditions in their home nations improve. The former administration’s attacks on both the DACA and TPS programs were only stopped by court injunctions and legal challenges, displaying the need for a permanent legislative fix to decisively protect members of these programs.
House Democrats’ Dream and Promise Act of 2021, HR 6, would provide permanent legal protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA and TPS recipients. The bill would let TPS recipients who have been in the US since the fall of 2017 apply for green cards, and full citizenship after five years. DACA recipients could apply for “conditional permanent residency” after meeting certain requirements. After receiving conditional residency, they could then apply for a green card after completing two years of a bachelor’s or technical program, receiving a higher education degree, serving in the military for two years, or working for three years. If passed the Dream and Promise Act could help as many as 2.5 million people obtain legal status and put them on a path to citizenship.
Call: Elizabeth Warren DC 202-224-4543 Springfield 413-788-2690;
Ed Markey DC 202-224-2742 Springfield 413-785-4610
SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [full address]. I'm calling in support of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2021. It is time we permanently protected our DACA and TPS recipients, and I expect Senator [Warren/Markey] to support this legislation. Thank you for all your hard work answering phones.
ACTION #3 - Ask your Senator to Co-Sponsor the EACH Woman Act (S.1021)
Background: The EACH Woman Act would repeal the restrictive Hyde Act and provide equal access to abortion regardless of SES.
WHO TO CALL:
Sen. Warren in Springfield 413-788-2690 or DC 202-224-4543; Sen. Markey in Springfield 413-785-4610 or DC 202-224-2742
SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent and my address is [address] and telephone number [number]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Warren/Markey] to co-sponsor S. 1021 the EACH Woman Act. This bill would repeal the Hyde Act and make abortion services to all woman regardless of socioeconomic status.
ACTION #4 - Write and Thank Liz Cheney
Background: The Republicans voted today to remove Liz Cheney from her leadership position because she will not support the Big Lie that Biden did not win the presidency.
WHO TO Write: Sen. Liz Cheney, 416 Cannon, HOB, Washington, DC 20515
Suggested Script: Tell Liz Cheney why you are grateful to her for consisting that a commission be formed regarding the Jan. 6 insurrection focusing solely on the attack and not on anti-racism protests. Also express why you are grateful that she speaks out against the Big Lie.
ACTION #5: Support Massachusetts Voters
There is a proposed Massachusetts law (MA HB 816) that would require that two watchers from different political parties oversee the counting of absentee and early ballots, verify voters’ signatures, and verify the final vote count. This law would enact a system where political parties are inserted into the process of counting the votes, rather than watching and recording any irregularities they might observe. This proposal and others across the country are aimed at inserting politics into the counting of votes, in addition to harassing voters. We must support our voters and free the system from political partisanship.
Amherst, Pelham: Senator Joanne M. Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester, (617) 722-1532
Representative Mindy Domb, 3rd Hampshire, (617) 722-2400
Hadley: Senator Joanne M. Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester, (617) 722-1532
Representative Daniel R. Carey, 2nd Hampshire, (617) 722-2060
Belchertown: Senator Eric P. Lesser, First Hampden and Hampshire (617) 722-1291
Representative Susannah M. Whipps, 2nd Franklin (617) 722-2090
Northampton: Senator Joanne M. Comerford, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester, 617) 722-1532
Representative Lindsay N. Sabadosa, 1st Hampshire, (617) 722-2460
To find your legislator if not listed above, use the website below. Once you input your town and locate the legislator, click the name and you will be taken to a site with the individual’s contact information:
https://malegislature.gov/search/findmylegislator
IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent and my address is [address] and telephone number [number]. I’m calling because of my concern with what is happening across the country with regard to voting rights and voting integrity. In Massachusetts we had no issues with our elections and yet I see proposed bill HB 816 requiring an additional role from political parties in our process is in committee. I am asking you to oppose legislation that increases the power of partisan poll watchers or in any way impacts the voting experience. Please support a voting experience that is free from harassment and free from partisan influence. Thank you.
ACTION #6 - For the People Act [S. 1]
BACKGROUND:
The For the People Act (S1) would expand and protect this most fundamental right and bring voting into the 21st century. Thank your Senator for so-sponsoring S1
WHO TO CALL:
Sen. Warren Springfield 413-788-2690 DC 202-224-4543
Sen. Markey Springfield 413-785-4610 DC 202-224-2742
SCRIPT:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent and my address is [address] and telephone number [number]. I’m calling to thank you for co-sponsoring The For the People Act [S. 1] . This legislation is essential to maintaining a functional democracy. Addressing corruption, protecting voting rights, and reforming campaign finance should be a bipartisan priorities to make our democracy better for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Please continue to speak out publicly about moving this bill without letting the filibuster get in the way. Thank you for your time and attention.