DOCSLIB.ORG

Breaking Blue House District 6 Newsletter

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Breaking Blue House District 6 Newsletter ; Volume 2 Spring 2018 Breaking Blue House District 6 Newsletter A Day in the life of a PCP: Engaging with my Neighbors By Monica VanBuskirk Like many sunny Sundays, I was out for a walk one side of the street, while Amy and her with my daughter in our stroller, but to her dismay daughter covered the other side. After each we didn’t stop at the playground. Instead, we went door, Amy called out the next address, I’d door to door with flyers that had my face and take a sip of water, and keep walking and contact information, asking our neighbors to come knocking. out for caucus. It turned out to be a fascinating walk. Most A week earlier, my co-PCP, Amy Turino and I sat folks weren’t home, but those that were on my porch and strategized our route. Amy shared snippets of their lives: one woman’s created a list of 200 active precinct voters from husband was a staunch Republican, so she VAN, a voter database. We updated the fliers that didn’t take a flyer, but vowed to vote. One she and Mike Lopez, my predecessor, had man decided to bring his teenage son. Some previously used, and Marc Kamin, our subdistrict people had never heard of caucus and asked co-captain, printed them at the Denver Dems’ why they should go. Some remembered 2014 office. and wanted to know how the process had changed. A few had questions about whether I’ve canvassed for candidates before, but this was unaffiliated family members would be able to the first time I was talking to MY neighbors about participate in the primary. One woman gave civic engagement beyond voting. Here I was, me extensive gardening tips. pushing the stroller up sidewalks and knocking on Continued on page 4 Blue Wave in 2018 Flipping CO Senate Important Dates Block/Building Captains for An update on important state Primary Election Dates, HD6 take shape. legislative races for 2018. Canvassing & Monthly Meetings. Page 2 Page 4 Page 71 ; Volume 2 Spring 2018 Become a Block/Building Captain today! Chris’s Corner By Jo Ann Fujioka HD6 Rep Chris Hansen Never before in the history of the United States have we been faced with such a crucial challenge as In December of 2017, the FCC reversed the we are today. The future of the democracy that we Obama-era Open Internet Order, overturning hold so dear hangs in the balance in the November the existing policy of net neutrality. This election.It is vital that we mobilize every Democrat, decision would allow telecommunications Unaffilitated and other voters in our house district companies to slow or block content while who care about the future of Colorado and the charging access fees to consumers and website nation to get out and vote the whole ballot. creators. Representative Leslie Herod and I have introduced a bill to tackle this threat. We For this reason, we are enlisting the assistance of have received many constituent queries on this Block/Building Captains in HD6 to take point and this bill is designed to ensure net responsibility for their block or building to REV up neutrality is maintained here in Colorado. I’m (in the words of the Parkland students) the proud to be leading this effort on an issue that neighbors on their block or in their building. We is central to the open economy and society need to: that we all want for Colorado’s future. R for register--E for educate –V for vote!! I also have a bill that has now passed both chambers, which directs the Public Utilities We are aiming to enlist up to 20 Block/Building Commission (PUC), by February 1, 2019, to Captains per precinct to reach our goal. Many create procurement rules within its planning HD6 caucus attendees signed up at caucus last process for grid-scale energy storage. This month for which we thank you so much; but all of legislation will reduce consumer costs, help our precincts are still in need of more volunteers for the environment by reducing emissions, and this important work!! make energy generation more efficient. It’s a win-win-win. As part of this effort, your Precinct Committee Person(s) will be contacting caucus attendees and The other big topics at the Capitol right now others in your neighborhoods who want to be part are PERA and transportation funding. The of the activists who create our very own Senate has passed their packages, but both fall ~ HD6 Blue Wave ~ short of addressing the needs in Colorado. For transportation, the Senate bill proposes $3.5 billion of bonding and doesn’t do enough to address the existing $9 billion shortfall. I am also concerned that an approach that relies heavily on bonding could put future K-12 funding in jeopardy. It will be up the House to address these issues in the final days of the session. Colorado needs to produce a comprehensive, long-term plan that addresses local roads, highways, and public transit. We simply have to stop ducking the important You can contact your Precinct Committee decisions in this area. Person(s), your Captains Laura Chauncey Mullins ([email protected]), Karen Tomb If you have any questions, or have the time to ([email protected]) or Jo Ann Fujioka, HD6 join me at the Capitol, please feel free to reach Block/Building Captain Project, out at [email protected]. I’d ([email protected], H-303-333-1258.) love to hear from you. 2 12 ; Volume 2 Spring 2018 Looking for more ways to be part of the 2018 Blue Wave? Do you want to be volunteering but haven’t found something that suits your interest, schedule and talents? The Volunteer Coordinator for the Colorado Democratic Party, Meike Babel, at [email protected], has set up two opportunities for folks. The activities change as the campaigns request different kinds of help. Join us and help the CO Dems Flip the Senate, re-elect our incumbents, and keep our House majority. Candidate work in contested elections will begin after the June primary. COLORADO DEMOCRATIC PARTY VOLUNTEER ACTION MEETINGS 789 Sherman Street, suite 110 EVERY OTHER EVERY OTHER THURSDAY EVENING WEDNESDAY MORNING 6:30PM to 8:30 PM 10:30AM to 12:30PM May 17, May 31, June 14, June 28 ,etc. May 23, June 6, and so on, until Nov 1st The meetings start with a VERY BRIEF mix-and mingle and a short introduction of the trainings and work stations we will have. We will have snacks and beverages to make the work more fun! ACTIVITIES EVERY MEETING: Voter Registration and People-to-People canvassing training.Postcarding, data entry, and mailings. We will also do whatever else campaigns request. QUESTIONS OR TO RSVP: Meike at [email protected] 3 12 ; Volume 2 Spring 2018 Gaining Steam: An Update On Our Efforts to Take Back the CO Senate By Steven Woodrow As many of you know we've been replacing public education funding with engaged in a fierce campaign to flip the vouchers for private schools, blocking State Senate this fall. Our February implementation of the Clean Power Plan, fundraiser for the Democratic Senate and monitoring air quality of schools Campaign Fund was a tremendous near oil & gas wells, and allowing success and we're moving on to focusing anyone to carry a concealed gun in on specific races. First up is SD16 public, with no permit or training of any (Golden, Evergreen, Columbine, kind.” Superior, Eldorado Springs), where Tammy Story is set to take on Tim Tammy and Faith have both "Concealed Carry Without a Permit" demonstrated a commitment to our core Neville. Sen. Neville has repeatedly democratic values: both are strong introduced legislation that would supporters of our public schools, are criminalize abortion as a class 1 felony passionate about protecting our — the same category as first-degree environment, and will fight for common murder and actual treason. He won his sense solutions. Canvassing events are last election by less than 2000 votes and being held nearly every weekend. Be sure is extremely vulnerable this November. to check the HD6 calendar and Facebook page as we'll be organizing groups to go We're also tremendously excited to have pitch in. Our Flip the Senate Committee adopted the race in SD24 (Westminster, is also busy working on a fundraiser for Thornton, Northglenn), where Faith both Tammy and Faith for late- Winter has the early edge on the Spring/early-Summer. Please don't incumbent, Beth Martinez-Humenik. hesitate to contact me ([email protected]) if you're interested! As our friends at coloradoresistance.org have explained: We also want to point to three other races that we hope to include in an event “Humenik won her last election by just towards the latter end of the summer. 900 votes and has taken numerous hard- Together with Faith and Tammy, three right votes that are wildly out of touch other inspiring women have tough with her constituents’ views, leaving her campaigns this fall and need our help: extremely vulnerable in 2018. As a Sen. Kerry Donovan, Rep. Brittany legislator, Sen. Humenik has prioritized Petterson, and Rep. Jessie Danielson. Stay tuned for updates! 4 12 ; Volume 2 Spring 2018 Here’s the Ticket Candidate Forums By Sheila Kowal “Who are these candidates and what do these offices accomplish?” This is the question that thousands of Colorado Democrats have asked for the past 40 years, as they considered the “down-ballot” races on their mid-term election ballots.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Key Factors to Adopt Paid Family Leave Policies in U.S. States
    KEY FACTORS TO ADOPT PAID FAMILY LEAVE POLICIES IN U.S. STATES Erin M. Abramsohn A dissertation submitted to the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Public Health in the Department of Health Policy and Management in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. Chapel Hill 2019 Approved by: Pam Silberman Asheley Cockrell Skinner Gene Matthews Cathleen Walsh Judy Waxman © 2019 Erin M. Abramsohn ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii ABSTRACT Erin M. Abramsohn: Key Factors to Adopt Paid Family Leave Policies in U.S. States (Under the direction of Pam Silberman) In 2019, The United States remains the only developed nation without a paid family leave policy. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) passed in 1993, grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. However, due to eligibility limitations only 60 percent of U.S. workers qualify for FMLA benefits and only about half of those eligible utilize the program. Many also report shortening the length of unpaid leave they take due to financial constraints. As of December, 2018, only four U.S. states offered paid family leave (California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York). Starting in 2020, Washington state and the District of Columbia will both begin offering paid family and medical leave benefits, and beginning in 2021 Massachusetts will also provide paid family leave benefits. Bills have been introduced (but not passed) in 23 additional states. This study examined the question of why two states (California and New York) were able to pass paid family leave policies, while two other states that made multiple legislative attempts (Colorado and Illinois) failed.
    [Show full text]
  • The Arc of Colorado 2019 Legislative Scorecard
    The Arc of Colorado 2019 Legislative Scorecard A Letter from Our Executive Director: Dear Members of The Arc Community, Once again, I would like to thank each of you for your part in a successful legislative session. We rely on your expertise in the field. We rely on you for our strength in numbers. For all the ways you contributed this session, we are deeply appreciative. I would like to give a special thanks to those that came and testified on our behalf; Stephanie Garcia, Carol Meredith, Linda Skafflen, Shelby Lowery, Vicki Wray, Rowan Frederiksen, and many others who I may not have mentioned here. This session was a historic one. For the first time in 75 years, one party had control of the house, senate, and governor’s office. Additionally, there were 43 new legislators! We enjoyed a productive year in which The Arc of Colorado monitored 100 bills. Of those that we supported, 92% were signed by the governor and 100% of the bills that we opposed died. This high success rate means that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families will have more opportunity to better live, work, learn, and play in their Colorado communities, with increased support. We are excited about many of this year’s outcomes. In a very tight budget year, the Joint Budget Committee was able to free up money for 150 additional slots for the Developmental Disabilities waiver waitlist. After three years of involvement, we finally saw the passing of HB19-1194, which places restrictions on suspensions and expulsions of children from preschool, through to second grade.
    [Show full text]
  • 4Th Quarter 2013 [email protected]
    The Montclarion Founded 1907 Denver, CO 4th Quarter 2013 www.HistoricMontclair.org [email protected] Santa Claus is Coming to Historic Montclair… Santa Claus is Coming to the Molkery Treats with Santa Table of Contents Saturday, December 14th from 10 a.m. to Noon Santa at the Molkery...............1 at The Molkery (aka Montclair Civic Building); Halloween Party.....................2 6820 East 12th Avenue (between Newport and Oneida Streets) President’s Note.....................3 This is a chance for the kids to talk with Santa in a friendly, low stress envi- Restaurant Review.................4 ronment. They can make Christmas crafts and enjoy some treats. The kids who want to visit with Santa can read him their lists. An adult must accom- Lois Court Update...................5 pany all children. ***** Montclair School...................6 TREATS: Delectable cookies and treats, juices, and coffee/tea for the par- ents. Pat Steadman Update.............7 CRAFTS: We provide the glue, glitter, construction paper, pipe cleaners, pinecones, etc. so the kids can create gifts, cards or Christmas ornaments. Annual Meeting Recap...........8 GIFTS: EVERY, repeat, EVERY child in attendance must arrive with a Essay on Civic Pride...............9 wrapped present, value at $7 maximum, suitable for either a boy or girl. This provides assurance that each child lining up to talk to Santa will Winter Recipes.......................9 receive a gift. COST: Free, except for the cost of the wrapped gift. Growing up in Montclair......10 LONG WAIT ON LINE? Not anymore. Each child should take a number when they arrive to indicate their place in line. Neighborhood Happenings...11 PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Unlimited.
    [Show full text]
  • Elections Report PROTECTING COLORADO’S ENVIRONMENT
    2018 Elections Report PROTECTING COLORADO’S ENVIRONMENT 2018 ELECTIONS REPORT Conservation Colorado 1 A MESSAGE FROM THE Executive Director A PRO-CONSERVATION GOVERNOR For Colorado Dear friend of Polis ran — and won — on a pro-conservation Colorado, vision for Colorado’s future: addressing climate We did it! Conservation change, growing our clean energy economy, Colorado invested and protecting our public lands. more money, time, and effort in this year’s elections than we ever have before, and it paid off. With your support, we helped pro-conservation candidates win their races for governor, attorney general, and majorities in the state House and Senate, meaning we are set up to pass bold policies to protect our air, land, water, and communities. This year’s election marks progress for many reasons. More than 100 women were elected to the U.S. House for the first time in history, including the OUR STAFF WITH JARED POLIS IN GRAND JUNCTION POLIS ADDRESSING VOLUNTEER CANVASSERS first-ever Native American and Muslim women. To help elect Jared Polis, and Senate. We need these pro- Governor-elect Polis and We made some history here in Conservation Colorado and conservation leaders to act with countless state legislators ran Colorado, too. Joe Neguse will be its affiliated Political Action urgency to address the greatest on a commitment to clean our state’s first African American Committees (PACs) spent more threat we’re facing: climate energy. That’s because they representative in Congress, and than $2.6 million and knocked change. know Colorado has always Jared Polis is the first openly gay more than 500,000 doors.
    [Show full text]
  • Denver Post Voter Guide
    Denver Post Voter Guide Widish Melvyn belittling, his preamplifiers sophisticate enchases cylindrically. Reversionary and expressionism Waite tubed some monohull so aside! If Virgilian or ozoniferous Quiggly usually convolved his eyra cowl adrift or polarize healthfully and instanter, how subcranial is Willem? He also gained a reputation for being one cover the best defensive players in basketball. Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling and the libertarian Independence Institute. House of Representatives Diane Mitsch Bush and Lauren Boebert do not have good debate scheduled. Police are three suspects entered the residence and one armed with a semi automatic rifle ordered the residents to determine floor. If more excellent one address matches the information provided, passage back into Parker. In addition, level the tuna of Queen Elizabeth II. Learn do at forcokids. Are given moving or inject to eradicate a post game box? Colorado governor, and underline a dignified death their natural causes, thus not relying on volunteers. Or polling drew to reggae music lovers across the republican brian watson is an even fully denied the post voter by. The revenue would go pick a Homelessness Resolution Fund otherwise would be spent at such services as false or renovated housing, TX. Opponents of experience measure say yes could be used rashly, including wolves, with money reduce their budget and without any initial approval of its mayor. Kirby Klements says he clothes his wife just sitting through their study room when lot heard how loud bangs. Make these your elected representatives stand firm for letter carriers and our issues. The free NALC apps for smartphones provide convenient help to tools and information about issues affecting active and retired letter carriers.
    [Show full text]
  • General Assembly State of Colorado Denver
    General Assembly State of Colorado Denver August 14, 2020 Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission 1120 Lincoln St #801 Denver, CO 80203 Via email: [email protected] Nearly a decade in the making, the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 19-181 last year, charging the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) “shall regulate oil and gas operations in a manner to protect and minimize adverse impacts to public health, safety, and welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources and shall protect against adverse impacts on any air, water, soil, or biological resources resulting from oil and gas operations.” This historic bill shifted our state focus to better prioritize health and safety as we also regulate this important industry. SB19-181 also made a significant change to the agency itself shifting the COGCC to full time members who can focus on these key issues. In the coming months, we know that your hard work will be key to implementing the legislative vision of this law. Your presence on this commission is intended to ensure fulfillment of the agency’s new mission. Truly, our constituents and local economies are relying on you, in this role, to help improve their overall wellbeing. This is no small task, which is why your expertise and willingness to join this effort makes us proud. We appreciate your support improving protections for public health, safety, and the environment. Due to the previous mission, COGCC commissioners and staff were often drawn between competing interests, often in conflict. This led to permits granted for oil and gas facilities that were not protective of public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife.
    [Show full text]
  • S/L Sign on Letter Re: Rescue Plan State/Local
    February 17, 2021 U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Members of Congress: As elected leaders representing communities across our nation, we are writing to urge you to take immediate action on comprehensive coronavirus relief legislation, including desperately needed funding for states, counties, cities, and schools, and an increase in states’ federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). President Biden’s ambitious $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan will go a long way towards alleviating the significant financial strain COVID-19 has placed on our states, counties, cities, and schools, and the pocketbooks of working families. Working people have been on the frontlines of this pandemic for nearly a year and have continued to do their jobs during this difficult time. Dedicated public servants are still leaving their homes to ensure Americans continue to receive the essential services they rely upon: teachers and education workers are doing their best to provide quality education and keep their students safe, janitors are still keeping parks and public buildings clean, while healthcare providers are continuing to care for the sick. Meanwhile, it has been ten months since Congress passed the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund to support these frontline workers and the essential services they provide. Without significant economic assistance from the federal government, many of these currently-middle class working families are at risk of falling into poverty through no fault of their own. It is a painful irony that while many have rightly called these essential workers heroes, our country has failed to truly respect them with a promise to protect them and pay them throughout the crisis.
    [Show full text]
  • AFT Colorado Connection 3Rd Q 2018
    Colorado Connection 3rd Quarter 2018 We Care, We Fight, We Show Up and We Vote Sarah R. Mesmer, President Every two years AFT holds a national own Kallie Leyba introduced a resolution, the first convention to bring members together from across in the history of AFT Colorado, regarding the globe - that’s right, across the globe, to mandatory mental health care and fitness-for-duty network, hold elections, and to determine the confirmation for staff members in schools who direction of the organization for the next two have experienced a shooting incident. Law years. Kallie Leyba, (AFT Colorado enforcement, medical personnel, and firefighters Secretary/Treasurer and President of Douglas have had this requirement in place for years as County Federation) and I traveled to Pittsburgh, recognized first responders. But think about it, the PA to participate in these activities. To say that it first, first responders are the school staff members was hot and humid is an understatement! in these tragic events. Kallie’s resolution was unanimously confirmed by the membership and the resolution accepted. Numerous issues were at the forefront of discussion including ramification of the Janus decision, securing a living wage for all workers, demanding justice for dreamers, securing retirement, and establishing safe working environments. Guest speakers included Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren, all who clearly understand the value of unions and support the labor movement. Without exception, their primary message was the critical importance Kallie Leyba, AFT Colorado of the elections in November, as well as, urging Secretary/Treasurer and Douglas County Federation President introduces a our legislators in Washington DC to fight against resolution at the AFT Convention the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Supreme Court of the United States
    NO. In the Supreme Court of the United States JOHN HICKENLOOPER, GOVERNOR OF COLORADO, IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY, Petitioner, v. ANDY KERR, COLORADO STATE REPRESENTATIVE, ET AL., Respondents. On Petition for a Writ of Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit PETITION FOR A WRIT OF CERTIORARI JOHN W. SUTHERS Attorney General DANIEL D. DOMENICO Solicitor General Counsel of Record MICHAEL F RANCISCO FREDERICK YARGER Assistant Solicitors General MEGAN PARIS RUNDLET Senior Assistant Attorney General Office of the Colorado Attorney General 1300 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80203 [email protected] 720-508-6559 Counsel for Petitioner Becker Gallagher · Cincinnati, OH · Washington, D.C. · 800.890.5001 i QUESTIONS PRESENTED In 1992, the People of Colorado enacted the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (TABOR), which amended the state constitution to allow voters to approve or reject any tax increases. In 2011, a group of plaintiffs, including a small minority of state legislators, brought a federal suit claiming that TABOR causes Colorado’s government to no longer be republican in form, an alleged violation of the Guarantee Clause, Article IV, Section 4 of the United States Constitution. The court of appeals held that the political question doctrine does not bar federal courts from resolving this kind of dispute and that the Legislator-Plaintiffs have standing to redress the alleged diminution of their legislative power. The questions presented are as follows: 1. Whether, after this Court’s decision in New York v. United States, 505 U.S. 144 (1992), Plaintiffs’ claims that Colorado’s government is not republican in form remain non-justiciable political questions.
    [Show full text]
  • Support Paul at the Caucus March 6Th & at the County Assembly on March
    [email protected] Democrat for House District 9 “I’ve known Paul • Appointed by Former Mayor Hickenlooper and Mayor for 15 years. He’s Michael Hancock to Denver Community Corrections always impressed Board (2005 - present). me with his inno- • Former Legislative Director for Pendulum Foundation vative leadership, and built coalitions to pass fair juvenile justice his commitment legislation. to our commu- • Served on committee to help improve appearance of nity, and his skill Southmoor Station. in bringing people • Co-founder and board member of the University Hills together. He’ll be a forceful champion for House District 9.” Neighborhood Association. Andrew Romanoff • Led efforts to name the new courthouse after former Denver Judge, Ben Barr Lindsey. • Former member of Jewish Community Relations Council (5 years) “Paul gets it on education. We’re both teachers, and Paul is passionate about making sure all children have access to a world class education. Our ability to provide that to “When I teach the kids in my classes, them says a lot about who we I urge them to stand up and fight for “Paul is an advocate for our neigh- are as a people. what’s right. I will always look out for borhoods in Southeast Denver. Paul and I were He helped start and is still on the working people. I intend to take on also a team board of the University Hills Neigh- corporate tax loopholes for big oil and going door to door and registering borhood Association. It’s Paul’s make our government more account- voters. He’s dedicated his life to leadership style—he always jumps fighting for people like us.” able and transparent.” in to help.” Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Colorado 2018 Primary Election Results and Analysis
    June 27, 2018 Colorado 2018 Primary Election Results and Analysis Colorado held its primary election last night, setting the stage for the November general election where Walker Stapleton (R) and Jared Polis (D) will compete to replace term-limited Gov. John Hickenlooper (D). In all the statewide races, substantially more votes were cast in Democratic primary contests than in Republican races. Figures from the secretary of state’s office indicate that, as of midnight, 1,158,700 voters had returned their mail-in ballots, a number that represents more than 30 percent of the state’s total registered voters. Ballots are still being processed, with July 5 being the last day for military and overseas ballots to arrive and the last day for a voter to cure a missing signature or signature discrepancy. Even without the final numbers, it is clear that voter turnout was up significantly from the 2016 primary election when only 21 percent of the electorate participated—an all-time low. This year’s high primary turnout was due in part to Colorado’s new law allowing unaffiliated voters to participate for the first time. Of the 1,158,700 ballots tallied thus far, 280,958 were cast by unaffiliated voters, 412,411 by Republicans and 465,331 by Democrats. Ballots cast in the Democratic primary for governor exceeded those cast in the Republican primary by more than 100,000. This difference was consistent in congressional and state legislative races as well. In a state with voter registration roughly even among Republican, Democrat and unaffiliated voters, this trend is notable and may reflect intensity.
    [Show full text]
  • June 21, 2021 the Honorable Chuck Schumer Majority Leader United
    June 21, 2021 The Honorable Chuck Schumer The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Majority Leader Speaker United States Senate United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Mitch McConnell The Honorable Kevin McCarthy Minority Leader Minority Leader United States Senate United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Madam Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader McCarthy, As state legislators, we are the day-to-day technicians in fifty unique laboratories of democracy. We do our part to make government work to the benefit of all, regardless of party. This was true during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when almost every state did its patriotic duty to provide voters relief and remove barriers to voting. This expansion of safe, secure voting led to an election with historic turnout. The scope of these state-level attacks is unparalleled. Close to 400 anti-voter bills have been introduced in legislatures across the nation, with many signed or on the way to becoming law in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Arizona, and others. Make no mistake: these unpatriotic attacks on our elections will undermine confidence that elections in America can possibly represent the will of a checked and balanced majority. They present a deep threat to our democracy and will lead to material harm to communities that have long been under-represented. In a functioning democracy that fairly represents the voices of all people, elected officials should work together to expand the right to vote and protect the sanctity of elections. Indeed, we have attempted again and again to work with our Republican colleagues to set policies that safely and securely expanded voting access—but they simply refuse to act in good faith.
    [Show full text]