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Congressional Republicans are trying to disenfranchise millions of voters
Congressional Republicans are trying to disenfranchise millions of voters
From Clatsop to Curry and Marion to Malheur, communities across Oregon are already bracing for and feeling the economic impact of Trump’s chaotic, cruel, and costly “agenda.” This week, the Portland Business Journal chronicled the fallout in each of Oregon’s 36 counties — from looming financial hits to farms to the threat of shuttered rural libraries and hospitals to weakened wildfire preparedness. It’s worth a read.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO VOTE
WHAT'S HAPPENING: The so-called “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility” (SAVE) Act was recently passed by the House of Representatives. If passed by the Senate, SAVE would place the burden on every single American to prove their citizenship in order to vote. Make no mistake: This act does absolutely nothing to make our elections more secure. If passed, it could disenfranchise millions of citizens from participating in our democracy and make registering to vote more difficult for all Americans.
This law would make it harder for voters from marginalized communities to vote – particularly low-income Americans who are eligible to vote but might not have access to the onerous documentation this law would require. It could make it difficult for married women and other people who have changed their last name to vote if the name on their birth certificate does not match their legal name.
Federal law already requires all registered voters to swear they are U.S. citizens and eligible to vote, under penalty of perjury. Despite repeated claims by Trump and Republicans to the contrary, studies have shown there is little to no evidence of voter fraud that would merit these onerous new requirements.
The egregious assault on voting rights is par for the course for Republicans in Congress, who are rapidly pushing through a dangerous and unpopular agenda to disenfranchise and disempower marginalized communities — though the SAVE Act would also harm traditionally Republican-learning voters in rural areas who would need to drive hours to register to vote in person. Even here in Oregon, some Republicans have introduced a ballot measure that would eliminate vote-by-mail. Now is the time to fight back.
HOW WE'RE FIGHTING BACK:
Email your member of Congress today to tell them to STOP the SAVE Act.
PROTECTING CLEAN AIR
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Since taking office, Trump has seized every opportunity — legal or not — to attempt to halt and reverse efforts to combat climate change and hold fossil fuel companies accountable. He started by undermining federal climate regulations and now has his sights set on trying to unconstitutionally thwart the rights of states to invest in climate resilience and bring down soaring energy costs. Last month, Trump directed the Justice Department to create a list of local and state climate initiatives it deemed a threat to the nation’s “energy dominance.” And just last week, the Justice Department filed lawsuits against four states — Vermont, New York, Hawaii, and Michigan — targeting their ability to hold fossil fuel companies and other super polluters accountable.
Legal experts agree: Trump’s latest salvo against states largely amounts to posturing. Presidents cannot change state laws. But Trump’s aim seems clear: Doing the bidding of fossil fuel companies — some of his top donors — and trying to intimidate states so they back away from tackling climate change.
HOW WE'RE FIGHTING BACK: Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined two multi-state lawsuits against the Trump administration to allow Oregon to chart its own wind energy future and unlock millions in federal funding for EV charging that is being withheld from Oregon. In the legislature this session, climate justice and consumer advocacy groups are working to advance a package of energy affordability and resilience bills that aim to bring down costs and increase access to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Gov. Tina Kotek told the Capital Chronicle: “What I want to see for the end of this session is a renewed commitment to keeping utility rates low, giving the Public Utility Commission additional tools to do that, and more opportunities to put more of the burden on folks who are using the energy.”
PROTECTING OUR HEALTHCARE
WHAT'S HAPPENING: As soon as next week, we anticipate Congressional Republicans will roll out their plans to cut federal Medicaid funding, which will terminate healthcare for millions of Americans, including seniors in nursing homes, children, and people with disabilities, to finance massive tax cuts for billionaires. We need to STOP any plan that rollbacks health care from moving forward. Every Oregon Democrat serving in Congress is opposing these Medicaid cuts, but Rep. Cliff Bentz in Congressional District 2 has voiced support for them.
Next Wednesday, May 14th, Oregon’s chief economist will provide a revenue forecast. No matter the forecast, we need lawmakers to brace for the impacts of Trump tariffs and federal funding cuts by:
Rejecting new tax breaks for the wealthy or large corporations.
Maintaining a flexible and robust emergency fund.
Investing in working families and regular people, not the wealthy.
HOW WE'RE FIGHTING BACK: A coalition of progressive organizations and labor groups is asking Oregonians to email lawmakers directly this week and remind them to stay strong, prioritize stability for everyday Oregonians, and maintain enough flexibility in the budget to respond to whatever comes next. We also need to get EVERY lawmaker on the record saying that they will stand up against cuts to Medicaid, the health care coverage for seniors in nursing homes, children, and new mothers.
Use this tool to quickly send a message to your elected officials urging them to reject tax cuts for the ultra rich and big corporations and stand up for Medicaid against Trump's attacks.
Call Cliff Bentz at 202-225-6730 and demand he votes NO on any Medicaid cuts.
UPCOMING TOWN HALLS AND EVENTS
Want to make your voice heard? Show up to a town hall, rally, or event in your community where Oregonians will be gathering to speak out, push back, and build a better future for our families:
PROTECT OREGON COALITION MEETING
Join the Protect Oregon Coalition Meeting for updates and actions you can take in your neighborhood.
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 4:00 PM
ELECTION DAY
Have you received your ballot yet? Don’t forget to return it by May 20th to vote in this year’s election and make your voice heard in critical school board races in your community.
WE ARE THE BRIDGE: RISE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE RALLY
In memory of George Floyd, Brown Hope is organizing a week of action May 15 - May 24. The culminating event will be a rally and peaceful march through downtown Portland and the Burnside Bridge. See all events here.
Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark Street