Stop Cassidy-Graham, Help Stabilize the Insurance Markets and Save CHIP!
by DWC member Nancy Hutchens
Medicare for All is getting a lot of the attention from activists this week, but right now, today, we have to mobilize to not let Senate Republicans push through the Cassidy-Graham Bill. This is the last repeal and replace Obamacare bill standing and is actually worse than either the House or Senate repeal bills.
The Center for Budget Policy and Priorities estimates more people would lose coverage than a straight repeal (and that's 32 million!). McConnell has asked the Congressional Budget Office to rush a markup so they can get it up for a vote.
It has to pass by September 30th to qualify under reconciliation (which only requires 50 senate votes--Pence would be the tie breaker).
It is estimated that 48 senators are on board. (We can't count on McCain who is BFF with Lindsay Graham!)
This bill would make the ACA a block grant administered by the states and has no provision for pre-existing conditions.
We can't take our eye off of this!
Here's a link to contact GOP Senators: https://trumpcaretoolkit.org/.
In addition, phone both Senator Donnelly ( 202-224-4814) and Senator Young (202-224-5623) and tell them this is unacceptable.
Also, ask them to support: the bills coming out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP Committee) to stabilize the insurance markets and the Senate Finance Committee to extend funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) more than one year. CHIP has given low-income kids heath care for decades and it is due to expire.
RISE TO RUN brings scores to City Hall
Mayor John Hamilton welcomed young women to the Kickoff Event of Rise to Run. He noted that the future would be bright as young persons used their creativity to work on local issues. He encouraged women to rise to their potential. Young, Local, Female.
Kentucky State Representative Attica Woodson Scott addressed the gathering and encouraged them to run for office. Her story was one of support from other women who helped her campaign with on-the-ground work, urging her and buoying her up all the way. Representative Scott was in the very first class of Emerge Kentucky, a training program for pro-choice Democratic women, and hasn't looked back since!
Several DWC members, Julie Thomas, Shelli Yoder, Amanda Barge, and Nicole Browne joined by Dana Black from Indianapolis, Diana O'Brien, professor of political science at IUB, and Representative Scott in a discussion of problems women encounter in running, overcoming those obstacles, and talked about mentoring and support during campaigns. Young women had a chance to chat with these women over snacks afterwards.
Joining the Rise to Run Bloomington Hub was Eileen Soffer of the national R2R board. She came all the way from CA for this kickoff event, one of only four at this time in the US. More hubs will develop soon, and the goal of the national group is to have a hub in every state by 2020, the 100th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment.
To connect a young woman, high school, college or graduate student with Rise to Run Bloomington, email Rachel Guglielmo at [email protected] or Regina Moore at [email protected]
Above: Kentucky State Representative and Rise to Run Trailblazer Attica Woodson Scott addressed young women to encourage them to seriously consider careers in public service as elected officials. Below: Panel members (l to r) Representative Attica Scott, County Clerk Nicole Browne, Professor Diana O'Brien, IDP Deputy Chair Dana Black, Commissioner Amanda Barge, County Council member Shelli Yoder, Commissioner Julie Thomas moderator.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Item
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Applicants needed!
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners is seeking an applicant to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This is a quasi-judicial board which hears requests on variances and conditional uses in the application of planning ordinances on particular properties or developments. This is a fabulous way to learn about County Planning and Zoning and to have a lasting impact on our community. Applicants cannot hold an elected or appointed position in City/Town, County or State government. They must reside in the jurisdiction of Monroe County Planning (residence in Monroe County, but outside town and city boundaries). If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thomas ([email protected]).
The Board of Commissioners is also seeking applicants to the Environmental Commission and the Cemetery Commission. To apply for the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Environmental or Cemetery Commissions please complete the appropriate application - they are available through "Link to Board Application" at http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Commissioners/MonroeCountyBoardsandCommissions.aspx
Constitution 101. 6 Thursday evenings starting October 5th
101 -- Sounds elemental, right? Well, actually not. The League of Women Voters and the Monroe County Public Library are combining to present a 6 week program studying the Constitution as a founding document. This program has limited seating to allow for the dialogue between participants and instructor, Robert Lemming, National Director of the We the People Program for the Center for Civic Education, Civic Education Consultant for the Indiana Bar Foundation, and Professor of Graduate Studies at Kansas State University. Information and registration are at the link below.
If you know you can't be present for all 6 weeks, it would be better to allow someone else to take that place.
http://mcpl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=56813
EVENTS:
Constitution Day: “Perspectives on Charlottesville”
Monday, September 18th at Noon
IU Maurer School of Law Moot Court Room, 211 S. Indiana Ave.
This Constitution Day, join a community discussion of the constitutional issues surrounding the tragic, troubling recent events in Charlottesville: issues of racial equality, speech, protest, and guns, under the First, Second, and Fourteenth Amendments.
Panel remarks from Indiana University Provost Lauren Robel and IU Maurer Law Professors Jeannine Bell, Kevin Brown and Dawn Johnsen.
Sponsored by IU Provost Lauren Robel and IU Maurer's American Constitution Society and Black Law Students Association.
Lunch provided.
Tuesday, September 19 at 11:30 am
The Monroe County Democrats' Club Luncheon
DeAngelo's Restaurant at Eastland Plaza
In keeping with the theme of "Hometown Heroes," the Monroe County Democrats Club will honor and hear from John Tilford, who will speak about his work with veterans. The public is invited to attend. When you enter the restaurant, go to the front desk where you pay $11 and place your order. You can then find a seat and the server will bring your order to you. You will have a choice of salad and soup or salad with chicken or shrimp. The price includes a non-alcoholic beverage, tax and tip.
Please let Marsha know if you are planning to be there. The restaurant needs an accurate count so they can be better prepared. You can reply to by email or phone 812-339-5087.
Tuesday, September 19th, 7-8:30pm
“Fair Elections, Strong Democracy. A Public Forum on Redistricting Reform for Indiana.”
Franklin College (Napolitan Student Center, Branigin Room) 101 Branigin Blvd., Franklin, IN
Panelists:
Paul Helmke, Professor, IU School of Public & Environmental Affairs, former Republican mayor of Ft. Wayne
Luis Fuentes-Rohwer, Professor, IU Maurer School of Law
Julia Vaughn, Policy Director, Common Cause
On behalf of the Indiana Coalition for Independent Redistricting, the Johnson County Democrats are facilitating an important, non-partisan redistricting event. Learn how citizens can help pass redistricting reform legislation in 2018. This event is attracting press coverage and we need a strong showing! Please mark your calendar, bring friends, and forward this information to your contacts of all political persuasions.
For more Information, contact Norma Blake [email protected]
For the Facebook Page for this event: check here. And here is the Common Cause Indiana’s Event Announcement
Saturday, September 23, 2017 4-7 pm
Fawcett for Judge campaign kickoff
Please join Darcie Fawcett as she kicks off her 2018 Campaign for Judge, Seat 9.
Stop by the home of Lisa Abbott (510 E Woodridge Dr, Bloomington, IN) for light food and drinks
before you head out for your evening activities! This event is open to all and a family friendly!
Saturday, September 23, 2017 11:am to 3 pm
Indiana Democratic Party Fall Training Series
107 Community Drive, Seymour IN
Includes Grassroots organizing, social media, Votebuilder and party building
http://www.indems.org/fall-training-series/
Thursday, September 28, 9:00 am
First Annual Monroe County Government Opioid and Prescription Drug Summit
Monroe County Convention Center
Commissioner Amanda Barge, Councilwoman Shelli Yoder, and Monroe County Government officials are teaming up to provide leadership on this issue for this region. This event is for anyone who has an interest in this issue and being part of the solution. CEU's will be offered.
The event is technically sold out, but perhaps you'd like to sign up to volunteer your time.
Use this sign-up genius to see what you could do that day. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4da8ad2cabff2-south
If your organization wants to sponsor this event, please email Shelli at: [email protected]
If you are interested in presenting at the event, or having a booth, please email Amanda at: [email protected]
Be Golden
October 5-7
Be Golden is a multi-day experience to inspire and empower individuals to lead unapologetically authentic lives. This conference is headquartered in Bloomington, but will attract women from across the US. The conference will provide space and time for individuals to explore a variety of experiences within large scale presentations and breakout sessions for personal exploration.
http://begoldenstaygolden.com/
Jackson Screening
Sunday, November 5th at 3:00 p.m.
Waldron Art Center's Whikehart Auditorium, Bloomington
Common Cause Indiana and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington's Reproductive Justice Task Force are sponsoring a screening of the film Jackson followed by panel discussion. Waldron's Whikehart Auditorium. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Ceramics for sale. All proceeds benefit Common Cause Indiana in their fight to end gerrymandering.
NEW INFORMATION! Tickets available at Yarns Unlimited or by emailing [email protected]
Seats are limited, so reserve yours in advance!
ACTION ITEMS:
See our lead story today with regards to the Cassidy-Graham health care option.
Nancy Hutchens is counting on you to do your part!
Here's a link to contact GOP Senators: https://trumpcaretoolkit.org/.
In addition, phone both Senator Donnelly (202-224-4814)
and Senator Young (202-224-5623) and tell them this is unacceptable.
Join the DWC. Renew your membership today.
The DWC is dedicated #1 to inspiring, recruiting, training, supporting and funding women to increase the number of progressive, pro-choice women in the political arena. We ALL help with this mission, together, collectively. Make sure you have full rights and privileges of membership.
Only $20 for one year’s membership. Join online here: https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership
Do you have news items? Send your items of interest to us at [email protected]
Deadline for MMN is noon on Sunday.
Paid for by DWPAC - Democratic Women's Political Action Committee
Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/