Embedded Files
Action is the foundational key to all success. ~Picasso
Action is the foundational key to all success. ~Picasso
Celebrate the Accomplishments of 2022
Firsts
Karine Jean-Pierre became the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House press secretary.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the SCOTUS in U.S. history.
Congress passed and the president signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law, making lynching a federal hate crime for the first time in American history.
Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson (Navajo Nation) was elected to serve as president of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, becoming the first Navajo American president of the public health research society.
Charlotte Sweeney became a U.S. district judge for the District of Colorado—making her the first openly lesbian judge west of the Mississippi to serve on a federal court.
Mary Peltola became the first Alaska Native to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Milwaukee elected its first Black mayor, Cavalier Johnson.
Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts were featured on the cover of Essence, becoming the first queer couple to appear together on the magazine’s cover.
Tribal
The ten tribes of the Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council regained control of Tc’ih-Léh-Dûñ (Fish Run Place), part of North America’s ancient redwood forests.
The Snoqualmie Tribe regained 12,000 acres of their ancestral forest land.
Amber Ortega (Tohono O’odham) was found not guilty after being charged for protesting border barrier construction near the sacred Quitobaquito Springs.
Indigenous students across the U.S. may now attend certain colleges tuition-free.
Native students who are members of federally recognized tribes and residents of California may now attend the University of California tuition-free.
The reauthorized Violence Against Women Act includes strong tribal provisions advocated for by Indigenous rights organizations, including the restoration of tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians for certain crimes.
Social justice (race, religion, class, gender)
Via executive order, President Biden formally made sexual harassment in the U.S. military a crime.
President Biden pardoned everyone with federal convictions for marijuana possession, urged governors to follow suit on state possession charges, and called on his administration to review how the drug is classified under federal law.
President Biden issued 78 pardons and sentence commutations for nonviolent offenses and proposed an administration strategy to help formerly incarcerated people secure employment.
Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba (Mohegan Tribe) was appointed Treasurer of the United States.
DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel affirmed Congress’s power to remove the seven-year timeline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, clearing the path toward the ERA’s inclusion in the Constitution.
The USDA addressed historical discrimination in farming via a program that will make available $2.2 billion to farmers who have faced discrimination from the agency in the past.
The Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized as part of the omnibus spending bill.
The House passed and the president signed legislation to make lynching a hate crime.
Congress passed and the president signed the Inflation Reduction Act which:
Includes the largest climate investment in U.S. history.
Enables Medicare to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs.
Extends expiring healthcare subsidies for three years.
Includes a 15% minimum tax on large corporations and a tax on stock buybacks, revenue from which will be used to lower the national budget deficit.
Congress passed and the president signed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.
The Senate passed legislation to make Amache, a former Japanese internment camp, part of the National Park System to ensure future generations can prevent repeating history.
NJ now requires Asian American history to be taught in public schools.
The former Minneapolis police officers responsible for the death of George Floyd were found guilty of violating Floyd’s civil rights.
Students, alumni, parents, and educators in PA’s Central York School District successfully reversed their school board’s freeze on various books and resources on people of color and racism.
After years of consumer advocacy, Citi banks eliminated overdraft fees that unfairly punish society’s most vulnerable.
HBCU Paul Quinn University will now accept up to two family members of accepted students who meet certain requirements.
Yale Law School will provide full-tuition scholarships for 45-50 students in its J.D. program whose family income falls below the federal poverty line for three years.
Denver expanded a successful pilot program that dispatches mental health teams, instead of police officers, to certain 911 emergency calls.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that trans people who undergo at least one gender-affirming surgery have significantly lower odds of psychological distress.
Black Lives Matter Global Network and cultural architecture firm Trap Heals held their UPLIFT art and concert series in celebration of Black Futures Month.
The latest edition of Scrabble’s official dictionary does not include 200 slurs and other offensive words.
U.N. passed a resolution condemning any denial of the Holocaust and urged all nations and social media companies “to take active measures to combat antisemitism and Holocaust denial or distortion.”
Reproductive justice
The White House announced new commitments to support safe pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care as part of the first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action.
Attorney General Merrick Garland asserted that states cannot ban mifepristone, an FDA-approved medication used to end pregnancy before 10 weeks of gestation.
States rallied to protect abortion access by protecting abortion providers and clients from legal action in CA, CT, MA, MN, NY, CO, DE, ME, NC, NV, RI, and WA.
States blocked bans and restrictions on abortion in FL, LA, UT, and MN.
Illinois ensured minors can make decisions about their bodies without parental consent.
Planned Parenthood opened their first mobile abortion clinic to expand access to care in places where patients can’t exercise their reproductive autonomy.
Free The Pill celebrated the first-ever application submitted to the FDA for an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill.
LGBTQ+
A record number of LGBTQ candidates won their elections in November’s midterms.
Passport applicants can now select the gender neutral “X” marker on their forms.
NYU Nursing School now offers a new course that focuses on “affirming and inclusive” LGBTQ+ health to provide better care for LGBTQ+ people.
The U.S. Air Force now offers medical and legal help to members’ families affected by state laws discriminating against and endangering LGBTQ+ children.
Disney paused political contributions in FL after the state passes a discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ education bill.
Immigration
Ukrainians in the U.S. were invited to apply for temporary protected status (TPS), shielding them from deportation and allowing them to obtain work permits.
Approximately 75,000 people from Afghanistan residing in the U.S. were granted temporary protected status.
A new DHS regulation ensured that aspiring Americans can access healthcare, food assistance, and other federal programs without affecting their immigration applications.
Environmental justice
The Biden administration dedicated $1 billion to clean and restore sites around the Great Lakes, a major source of drinking water.
The EPA created a national office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, focusing billions of dollars on helping BIPOC communities fight pollution and the climate crisis.
The U.S. Army released its first-ever strategy to address climate change including slashing its emissions in half by 2030.
The Dept. of the Interior is expanding wind energy projects.
The EPA reinstated the Clean Air Act waiver that allows states to enforce vehicle tailpipe standards that are stronger than federal standards.
A federal court invalidated a gulf oil and gas lease due to the projected negative climate impact.
Farming conglomerate Monsanto pleaded guilty to pesticide-related crimes and must pay $12 million in fines.
A European court ordered countries to respond to a lawsuit from young climate activists, upholding the progress of a landmark climate case that could hold governments accountable for unhelpful or dangerous environmental policies.
Education
The federal government erased $415 million in debt for nearly 16,000 students defrauded by for-profit colleges.
Through a variety of channels, nearly $13 billion in student debt was forgiven by January 2022.
Orange County Schools Board of Education voted to keep three books regarding racism, segregation, and gender identity on school library shelves indefinitely, citing the books’ literary and social value to students.
Gun sense
Congress passed and the president signed new gun safety legislation that keeps firearms from abusers and expands background checks for young people.
The families of five adults and four children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 received a $73 million settlement from gun manufacturer Remington Arms.
Labor
The USDA issued new rules and funding to support independent meat processors and ranchers and curb exploitative tactics by large meat and poultry companies.
St. Vincent Hospital Nurses’ union secured a contract providing significant improvements in staffing, patient care, wages, and benefits.
Workers from Trader Joe’s, Apple, Starbucks, and Amazon took steps to unionize.
Target raised workers’ minimum wage to as much as $24 per hour.
Voting
All 50 U.S. states redistricted before midterms using 2020 census data; in some states, non-partisan or bi-partisan committees redrew the maps.
2022 had one of the better turnouts in midterm history, with 48.6% of eligible voters casting a ballot.
Federal employees got time off to vote and volunteer as poll workers.
In 21 states, people convicted of felonies now automatically regain their right to vote upon their release from incarceration.
Kansas court struck down portions of a new state law criminalizing the distribution of advance mail ballot applications.
NV lawmakers approved an additional $2.2 million to improve the state’s switch to primarily mail-in ballots.
UT’s voting system retains default mail-in voting despite legislative attempts to return to default in-person polls and make voting less accessible.
Shelby County (TN) criminal court ordered a new trial for Pamela Moses, who was sentenced to six years in prison for unknowingly trying to register to vote while ineligible, and charges were later dropped
The Philadelphia School Board approved a resolution ensuring that all students have access to civic engagement and voter registration education.
Stronger democracy
In the midterms, voters nationwide did not elect candidates who questioned the security of the 2020 election; this was particularly true of Secretary of State races where those elected have authority over election proceedings.
DOJ and 35 states filed a suit against Apple for violating antitrust laws.
Treasury Dept. enacted transparency rules for shell companies in order to limit illegal and corrupt actions.
Attorneys Bob Bauer and Ben Ginsberg created the Election Official Legal Defense Network, which provides pro bono legal advice to election officials facing threats.
After midterms, the percentage of women serving in state legislatures went up to 31.9%, 2% higher than 2021.
19,000 new citizens participated in more than 235 naturalization ceremonies across the nation during September.
Dear Huddlers,
As 2022 comes to an end and we look forward to 2023, let’s remember some good things that happened this year. Besides the entries under Good News that have been posted each week over the past year, the items below are provided courtesy of Americans of Conscience Checklist.
Celebrate the Accomplishments of 2022
Firsts
Karine Jean-Pierre became the first Black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House press secretary.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the SCOTUS in U.S. history.
Congress passed and the president signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law, making lynching a federal hate crime for the first time in American history.
Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson (Navajo Nation) was elected to serve as president of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, becoming the first Navajo American president of the public health research society.
Charlotte Sweeney became a U.S. district judge for the District of Colorado—making her the first openly lesbian judge west of the Mississippi to serve on a federal court.
Mary Peltola became the first Alaska Native to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Milwaukee elected its first Black mayor, Cavalier Johnson.
Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts were featured on the cover of Essence, becoming the first queer couple to appear together on the magazine’s cover.
Tribal
The ten tribes of the Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council regained control of Tc’ih-Léh-Dûñ (Fish Run Place), part of North America’s ancient redwood forests.
The Snoqualmie Tribe regained 12,000 acres of their ancestral forest land.
Amber Ortega (Tohono O’odham) was found not guilty after being charged for protesting border barrier construction near the sacred Quitobaquito Springs.
Indigenous students across the U.S. may now attend certain colleges tuition-free.
Native students who are members of federally recognized tribes and residents of California may now attend the University of California tuition-free.
The reauthorized Violence Against Women Act includes strong tribal provisions advocated for by Indigenous rights organizations, including the restoration of tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians for certain crimes.
Social justice (race, religion, class, gender)
Via executive order, President Biden formally made sexual harassment in the U.S. military a crime.
President Biden pardoned everyone with federal convictions for marijuana possession, urged governors to follow suit on state possession charges, and called on his administration to review how the drug is classified under federal law.
President Biden issued 78 pardons and sentence commutations for nonviolent offenses and proposed an administration strategy to help formerly incarcerated people secure employment.
Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba (Mohegan Tribe) was appointed Treasurer of the United States.
DOJ’s Office of Legal Counsel affirmed Congress’s power to remove the seven-year timeline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, clearing the path toward the ERA’s inclusion in the Constitution.
The USDA addressed historical discrimination in farming via a program that will make available $2.2 billion to farmers who have faced discrimination from the agency in the past.
The Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized as part of the omnibus spending bill.
The House passed and the president signed legislation to make lynching a hate crime.
Congress passed and the president signed the Inflation Reduction Act which:
Includes the largest climate investment in U.S. history.
Enables Medicare to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs.
Extends expiring healthcare subsidies for three years.
Includes a 15% minimum tax on large corporations and a tax on stock buybacks, revenue from which will be used to lower the national budget deficit.
Congress passed and the president signed the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.
The Senate passed legislation to make Amache, a former Japanese internment camp, part of the National Park System to ensure future generations can prevent repeating history.
NJ now requires Asian American history to be taught in public schools.
The former Minneapolis police officers responsible for the death of George Floyd were found guilty of violating Floyd’s civil rights.
Students, alumni, parents, and educators in PA’s Central York School District successfully reversed their school board’s freeze on various books and resources on people of color and racism.
After years of consumer advocacy, Citi banks eliminated overdraft fees that unfairly punish society’s most vulnerable.
HBCU Paul Quinn University will now accept up to two family members of accepted students who meet certain requirements.
Yale Law School will provide full-tuition scholarships for 45-50 students in its J.D. program whose family income falls below the federal poverty line for three years.
Denver expanded a successful pilot program that dispatches mental health teams, instead of police officers, to certain 911 emergency calls.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that trans people who undergo at least one gender-affirming surgery have significantly lower odds of psychological distress.
Black Lives Matter Global Network and cultural architecture firm Trap Heals held their UPLIFT art and concert series in celebration of Black Futures Month.
The latest edition of Scrabble’s official dictionary does not include 200 slurs and other offensive words.
U.N. passed a resolution condemning any denial of the Holocaust and urged all nations and social media companies “to take active measures to combat antisemitism and Holocaust denial or distortion.”
Reproductive justice
The White House announced new commitments to support safe pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care as part of the first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action.
Attorney General Merrick Garland asserted that states cannot ban mifepristone, an FDA-approved medication used to end pregnancy before 10 weeks of gestation.
States rallied to protect abortion access by protecting abortion providers and clients from legal action in CA, CT, MA, MN, NY, CO, DE, ME, NC, NV, RI, and WA.
States blocked bans and restrictions on abortion in FL, LA, UT, and MN.
Illinois ensured minors can make decisions about their bodies without parental consent.
Planned Parenthood opened their first mobile abortion clinic to expand access to care in places where patients can’t exercise their reproductive autonomy.
Free The Pill celebrated the first-ever application submitted to the FDA for an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill.
LGBTQ+
A record number of LGBTQ candidates won their elections in November’s midterms.
Passport applicants can now select the gender neutral “X” marker on their forms.
NYU Nursing School now offers a new course that focuses on “affirming and inclusive” LGBTQ+ health to provide better care for LGBTQ+ people.
The U.S. Air Force now offers medical and legal help to members’ families affected by state laws discriminating against and endangering LGBTQ+ children.
Disney paused political contributions in FL after the state passes a discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ education bill.
Immigration
Ukrainians in the U.S. were invited to apply for temporary protected status (TPS), shielding them from deportation and allowing them to obtain work permits.
Approximately 75,000 people from Afghanistan residing in the U.S. were granted temporary protected status.
A new DHS regulation ensured that aspiring Americans can access healthcare, food assistance, and other federal programs without affecting their immigration applications.
Environmental justice
The Biden administration dedicated $1 billion to clean and restore sites around the Great Lakes, a major source of drinking water.
The EPA created a national office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, focusing billions of dollars on helping BIPOC communities fight pollution and the climate crisis.
The U.S. Army released its first-ever strategy to address climate change including slashing its emissions in half by 2030.
The Dept. of the Interior is expanding wind energy projects.
The EPA reinstated the Clean Air Act waiver that allows states to enforce vehicle tailpipe standards that are stronger than federal standards.
A federal court invalidated a gulf oil and gas lease due to the projected negative climate impact.
Farming conglomerate Monsanto pleaded guilty to pesticide-related crimes and must pay $12 million in fines.
A European court ordered countries to respond to a lawsuit from young climate activists, upholding the progress of a landmark climate case that could hold governments accountable for unhelpful or dangerous environmental policies.
Education
The federal government erased $415 million in debt for nearly 16,000 students defrauded by for-profit colleges.
Through a variety of channels, nearly $13 billion in student debt was forgiven by January 2022.
Orange County Schools Board of Education voted to keep three books regarding racism, segregation, and gender identity on school library shelves indefinitely, citing the books’ literary and social value to students.
Gun sense
Congress passed and the president signed new gun safety legislation that keeps firearms from abusers and expands background checks for young people.
The families of five adults and four children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 received a $73 million settlement from gun manufacturer Remington Arms.
Labor
The USDA issued new rules and funding to support independent meat processors and ranchers and curb exploitative tactics by large meat and poultry companies.
St. Vincent Hospital Nurses’ union secured a contract providing significant improvements in staffing, patient care, wages, and benefits.
Workers from Trader Joe’s, Apple, Starbucks, and Amazon took steps to unionize.
Target raised workers’ minimum wage to as much as $24 per hour.
Voting
All 50 U.S. states redistricted before midterms using 2020 census data; in some states, non-partisan or bi-partisan committees redrew the maps.
2022 had one of the better turnouts in midterm history, with 48.6% of eligible voters casting a ballot.
Federal employees got time off to vote and volunteer as poll workers.
In 21 states, people convicted of felonies now automatically regain their right to vote upon their release from incarceration.
Kansas court struck down portions of a new state law criminalizing the distribution of advance mail ballot applications.
NV lawmakers approved an additional $2.2 million to improve the state’s switch to primarily mail-in ballots.
UT’s voting system retains default mail-in voting despite legislative attempts to return to default in-person polls and make voting less accessible.
Shelby County (TN) criminal court ordered a new trial for Pamela Moses, who was sentenced to six years in prison for unknowingly trying to register to vote while ineligible, and charges were later dropped
The Philadelphia School Board approved a resolution ensuring that all students have access to civic engagement and voter registration education.
Stronger democracy
In the midterms, voters nationwide did not elect candidates who questioned the security of the 2020 election; this was particularly true of Secretary of State races where those elected have authority over election proceedings.
DOJ and 35 states filed a suit against Apple for violating antitrust laws.
Treasury Dept. enacted transparency rules for shell companies in order to limit illegal and corrupt actions.
Attorneys Bob Bauer and Ben Ginsberg created the Election Official Legal Defense Network, which provides pro bono legal advice to election officials facing threats.
After midterms, the percentage of women serving in state legislatures went up to 31.9%, 2% higher than 2021.
19,000 new citizens participated in more than 235 naturalization ceremonies across the nation during September.
Actions for Week of December 18, 2022
Good News!
For the first time, Alcoa TN has elected 2 women as mayor and vice mayor. CONGRATULATIONS Tanya Martin and Tracey Cooper!
On December 1st, an extra $500 was added to EBT cards for TN families enrolled in the TANF program.
New Mexico voted a childcare guarantee into its constitution, which means the state offers free childcare to most of its residents.
For the first time USA currency will be printed with the signatures of two women, Janet Yellen (Treasury Secretary) and Lynn Malerba (Treasury Chief). The first bills will be $1 and $5.
Earle Arkansas has elected the country’s youngest Black mayor. Jaylen Smith is 18 years old.
MacKenzie Scott is donating >$150 million to public schools across the country.
Educate Yourself
A newly-released audit of the TN Department of Child Services details numerous deficiencies, many of which endanger children in their care. Legislators are beginning to take notice.
Read about the worst polluters in the USA.
Did you know that China operates >100 police stations in countries around the world?
Learn about the predatory practices of the title lending business.
The TN textbook commission says it is not equipped to handle library book appeals.
Actions for Week of December 11, 2022
Support Electoral Reform Bill – Consider urging the Senate to pass S4573, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022, before the lame duck session ends. Here’s a summary of what the bill does. This bill has bipartisan support. Please ask our Senators to support the bill. Contact information is provided below. You can also send them a letter through this link.
Support Pregnant Workers Fairness Act – S1486 outlaws discrimination against, and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. See details here and read why the bill is important. Please ask our Senators to support the bill. You can send them a letter through this link.
Good News!
The administration extended temporary protected status to >100,000 Haitians in the USA until August 3, 2024.
A Texas judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against an abortion provider stating that “people who have no connection to the abortion and have not been harmed by it do not have standing to bring the lawsuit”. This ruling could substantially undermine TN Senate Bill 8.
Growing Change is a program in North Carolina that is turning an abandoned prison into a sustainable farm.
The President plans to make Avi Kwa’Ame (Spirit Mountain) in Southern Nevada into a National Monument. The monument would protect almost 450,00 acres of land that is sacred to the 10 Yuman-speaking tribes of the area, as well as the Hope and Paiute people.
Spread the word: Parents can order free books/reading resources for K-2 students at this website.
The President recently signed the Planning Animal Wellness (PAW) Act (S.4205) that directs FEMA to protect pets and other animals during/after disasters.
Educate Yourself
Did you know that Rep. Burchett voted against HB2521 that expands services for pregnant and postpartum veterans? He also voted against the Respect for Marriage Act that protect same-sex and interracial marriages.
Learn about the four ways the Inflation Reduction Act invests in rural communities.
TN Education Commissioner, Penny Schwinn, has plans to make it easier for private schools to access $60 million in leftover COVID relief funds?
The situation has gotten so bad at TN Dept of Children Services that children (especially those with disabilities) taken into custody are spending months in TN hospitals because DCS has no place to put them.
A bill has been filed in the TN legislature to expand the governor’s school voucher program to Chattanooga/Hamilton county.
Hillsdale College has plans to reopen its bid to build charter schools in TN. An associated entity, American Classical Education, has filed letters of intent in several school districts.
for Week of December 4, 2022
Support Assault Weapon Ban – The last few weeks have seen a terrible series of mass killings, most of which have been carried out with AR-15s. Please urge Sen. Schumer to bring the Assault Weapons Ban bill forward for a vote and encourage our Senators to vote for it. See their contact information below. You can also contact them through this link.
Petitions to Sign –
a. The merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster resulted in them controlling 70% of ticketing and live venue market. Now ticket brokers can obtain tickets to events prior to their release to the public and then turn around and sell them at exorbitant prices. This petitionasks the DOJ and FCC to investigate this monopoly.
b. Numerous members of Congress violated the STOCK Act this past year by owning and trading stocks while in office. This petition asks that a more comprehensive stock ban bill be passed before Congress leaves for the holidays in December.
c. This petition asks Congress to bring back the expanded child tax credit that reduced poverty rates so dramatically during the pandemic.
Good News!
a. The Respect for Marriage Act passed, which protects interracial and same-sex marriages. Sad to say our MoCs voted against it.
b. The Speak Out Act also passed. The bill limits the enforceability of pre–dispute nondisclosure and nondisparagement clauses relating to sexual assault and sexual harassment claims. Happy to report that our MoCs supported this bill.
c. All -terrain wheelchairs are being introduced at US National & State Parks. Very cool!
d. The Inflation Reduction Act is changing electric vehicle production in the USA, including the investment of LG Chem to build a battery plant in Montgomery County TN.
e. The TN Supreme Court struct down mandatory life sentences for juveniles.
f. At the recent CITES meeting in Panama, members voted to provide more protections for numerousspecies of sharks. The plan will greatly reduce the shark fin trade.
Educate Yourself
a. Conservative groups are suing the FDA to revoke approval of abortion pills.
b. Elevated levels of mercury and PCBs are poisoning Native American tribes along the Columbia River where salmon is a main staple of their diet.
c. Now the fossil fuel companies are setting their sights on Africa.
d. Gov. Lee is proposing creating toll roads and raising fees on electric vehicles.
e. This week SCOTUS will hear arguments in the Moore vs. Harper case, a NC case that is a severe threat to democracy. NC legislators are arguing that the “independent state legislature theory” renders state courts and constitutions powerless in matters relating to federal elections. They do not feel the NC Supreme Court has the power to strike down the severely gerrymandered congressional map on grounds it violates the NC Constitution. Read more on what’s at stake.
Actions for Week of November 27, 2022
Special Blount County Commission Meeting regardingBMH – Blount Memorial Hospital’s financial situation has deteriorated over the last 2 years due to the pandemic. Tensions with Blount County have been high since the BMH Board elevated Dr. Naramore from Chief Medical Officer to CEO, without an exhaustive search and little input from the County. Most recently, BMH Board decided to sell the Springbrook facility without telling the County despite it being a County asset. BC Mayor Ed Mitchell has issued a letter requesting all Blount Memorial Hospital (BMH) board members resign. If the board fails to do so, BC’s current relationship with BMH will end, and in itsplace the county plans to designate another nonprofit organization to operate the hospital. You can read the mayor’s letter and the proposed amendments and a response from Dr. Naramore. A special meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29th at 5PM in Room 430 of the Courthouse, Court St, Maryville for the BC Commission to discuss the proposed amendments. BMH is an important asset for our county impending decisions could impact us greatly. Please consider attending the meeting. If unable to attend, Zoom meeting Id is 815-1516-1694. You can join the meeting through this link. Thanks to Heather for keeping on top of this issue.
Petitions to Sign –
a. This petition urges lawmakers to safeguard Oak Flat in Arizona. Oak Flat is known for its dramatic rock formations and rich desert landscape. The San Carlos Apache and other tribes have deep connections to this special place.
b. This petition asks Congress to raise corporate taxes before the lame-duck session ends by closing 3 major tax loopholes.
c. You can sign a card here thanking Planned Parenthood health center staff for their continued dedication to thedelivery of reproductive healthcare.
d. Florida has started arresting individuals who vote believing they are eligible, but it is later determined the state election commission made a mistake. This petition asks that the arrests stop, and the FL election system be repaired.
Good News!
a. A federal judge has blocked key parts of Florida’s “stop woke” law.
b. On November 14th, a memorial was dedicated in Washington DC to Native Americans who served in the military.
c. The Administration has extended the freeze on student loan payments until June 30, 2023.
d. On Dec. 6th, the Capitol Police Officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6th insurrection will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony in the rotunda.
e. The Administration is releasing $13 billion to modernize the US power grid. This work is desperately needed because up to 66% of energy produced and transmitted is lost before it is delivered.
Educate Yourself
a. Did you know that >1500 students in the Memphis-Shelby school district are homeless? Read how homeless school children are not receiving the federal benefits they’re eligible for because schools are not identifying them.
b. Tennessee’s textbook panel has issued more guidelines to school libraries about age appropriate materials and which books should be banned.
c. A Climate Resilience for Frontline Clinics Toolkit has been created by Harvard School of Public Health that is designed to help clinics and physicians deal with environmental emergencies, such as the wild fires in the Western USA.
d. Learn about DonorsTrust.org, a conservative group that feeds dark money into elections and conservative causes. They took in >$1 billion dollars in 2021, including two donations of $425 million. Arizona is fighting back the influence of dark money by requiring anonymous political donors reveal their identity.
e. Visit the Imi website to learn about the free web-app, digital guide designed for LGBTQ+ teens to support their mental health. Spread the wor
Actions for Week of November 20, 2022
Support Respect for Marriage Act – This bill protects interracial and same-sex marriages under federal law. It requires states to recognize same-sex marriages performed anywhere in the USA and makes them eligible for Medicare and Social Security coverage. The bill is scheduled for a vote in the Senate November 28th, and then will go to back the House for their consideration. The original bill (HR8404) passed the house last July but it has been tweaked by the Senate. Please contact our MoCs and ask them to support the bill. Contact information is provided below.
Heads Up! – Although Knoxville Sen. Briggs has expressed the desire to modify the TN abortion ban bill, he is already receiving push back from national anti-abortion lobbyists. In fact, they want the TN General Assembly to try within the next 2-3 years to restrict IVF, the morning-after pill, and IUDs, using the TN law that established “life begins at conception” as the basis.
Good News!
Historic numbers of LGBTQ candidates won elections this year.
South Dakota voters have approved expansion of Medicaid. SD is the 7th state to do so. Medicaid expansion will also be addressed by the North Carolina legislature in 2023.
Gen Z voters turned out in force in several states on November 8th, and climate change was one of their main concerns. Millennials (ages 26-40) also turned out in greater numbers.
Nebraskans voted to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
A record number of women were elected governor this year. Twelve will take office in 2023.
Blount County is now recycling glass and pulverizing it into gravel or sand to be used for other purposes.
Educate Yourself
Why does the IRS look the other way when churches break the law during elections?
Despite dire warming trends, rate of warming is slower in protected forests.
Concerns are growing about foreign (especially Chinese) investment in US farmlands.
Did you know that gun deaths in rural areas are 28% higher than in urban areas? See the map that shows which counties have the highest number of deaths.
Read about the impact the midterm election may have on our public lands.
Actions for Week of November 13, 2022
1. Heads Up – Within 24 hours of the election on Tuesday, TN General Assembly members filed 2 bills directed against the LGBTQ+ community. HB0001/SB0001 would prohibit all transitional medical and surgical care for transgender minors. SB0003 prohibits all adult cabaret performances in any location where they could be viewed by a minor. This bill is directed against drag shows but is so vague that many comedy and artistic programs could be deemed obscene or pornographic. Rather than work for the people of TN, Sen. Johnson & Rep. Lamberth continue their hateful efforts to penalize Tennesseans they perceive to be different. We will monitor these bills closely when the GA opens its next session on January 10, 2023.
2. Consider Supporting Rev. Warnock – The Huddle tries to be an issue-driven group rather than a partisan group but the Georgia Senatorial run-off has brought a new twist on racism to the election process. We cannot ignore or condone such racism. Hershel Walker was specifically chosen to run for office because he is a massa’s boy. He is a brain-damaged, amazingly unqualified candidate that will vote however his white handlers tell him to vote if elected. The fact so many white people in Georgia voted for him this past Tuesday is appalling. Whites were his sole supporting group. In comparison, Rev. Warnock is a highly-qualified, incumbent candidate with a history of serving all the people of Georgia. He is no puppet. Here are ways to get involved before the December 6th run-off election:
a. Sign up with Indivisible’s volunteer team in Georgia.
b. Sign up for Working Families Party’s text banking.
c. Email Activate America at AnnaMartin@activateamerica.vote to join their postcard writing team.
d. Sign up for postcarding and phonebanking with Center for Common Ground.
e. Sign up for texting and phonebanking organized by SURJ.
f. Sign up here to travel to Georgia to knock on doors.
g. Sign up with Postcards to Voters by texting JOIN to 484-275-2229 or emailing Join@TonyTheDemocrat.org .
h. Donate to the Warnock campaign here.
3. Good News!
a. A $10million initiative will study how tutoring benefits students.
b. Equinor company of Norway has abandoned plans to drill for oil in the Artic.
c. The Federal Trade Commission voted recently torestore the agency’s focus on unfair methods of competition, including cracking down on price gouging.
d. Washington DC voted on Tuesday to do away with the subminimum wage.
e. Indigenous leaders are working to keep LNG exports off sacred lands at the Port of Brownsville TX.
4. Educate Yourself
a. Did you know that TN has disenfranchised 21% of its Black citizens?
b. Learn about crisis pregnancy centers that are using taxpayer money intended for poor people to grow an anti-abortion movement.
c. Read how private equity firms are buying up fossil fuel assets and what it might mean in the future.
d. Analysis indicates remote learning was not the primary cause of academic losses over the past 2 years.
e. Did you know that November is Native American Heritage Month?
Actions for Week of November 6, 2022
1. Be Sure to Vote – Last opportunity to vote is Tuesday, November 8th. For information on precinct locations, visit the TN voter lookup website.
2. Support EARN Act – The Senate Finance Committee advanced the Enhancing American Retirement Act in late June that helps people save more and easier for their retirement. It raises the age for required minimum distributions to 75. Please ask our Senators to support EARN (which will be merged with the Rise & Shine Act) or the House version (Secure 2.0 Act) when it comes to the floor for a vote. Their contact information is below.
3. Good News!
a. A new generation of farmer worker advocates is stepping up in rural communities in North Carolina.
b. A Florida judge who denied a Florida teen an abortion, citing her grades, was defeated in a recent election.
c. Independent groups are pushing for electric agricultural equipment in Oregon.
d. Patagonia Company has started Action Works to promote community activism on climate change. You can sign up for alerts here.
4. Educate Yourself
a. Read about the outside groups who have spent $1billion of dark money to boost GOP Senate candidates in this election. And a profits boom for shipping supply (e.g. cardboard boxes), Uline, is funding the Uihlein family’s anti-democracy causes around the country.
b. TN student scores dropped across the board, as did scores in most places across the country.
c. Farmers are turning to agave production in drought-stricken Western USA.
d. It appears corporate greed is a major driver of inflation. See the record profits posted by Exxon Mobile, Chevron, and Shell.
e. COP27 Climate Summit runs November 6-18th in Egypt. Read about it here.
Actions for Week of October 30, 2022
Be Sure to Vote – Early voting ends Thursday, November 3rd. See details below.
Support Trans Youth in TN – Attacks continue on the trans community and trans youth. Right-wing conservatives are targeting drag shows, schools, libraries, and private businesses to pressure cancellation of events, and get books, pride flags and stickers removed. Recently, 2 rallies were held in Nashville protesting gender-affirming medical care, and TN politicians intend to introduce legislation in the next session prohibiting it. A similar bill has been filed in Florida. You can contact our legislators in support of trans youth through this link provided by TN Equality Project.
Support Appalachian Bear Rescue – ABR is a finalist for Land Rover’s Animal Welfare Defender Award. Scroll down the page to vote. You can vote daily until midnight Nov. 6th.
Good News!
a. More than 800 companies and NGOs will advocate for a global treaty to end plastic waste.
b. Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be featured on a new USPS stamp.
c. Several states (e.g. New Jersey, Delaware) and municipalities are suing the fossil fuel industry over climate change.
d. Recently the head of TN Charter Commission recommended that 2 charter schools in Memphis not be approved.
e. Let’s hope these voting trends turn out to be true. See the Harvard Youth poll and the TargetEarly data.
Educate Yourself
a. Read about the case (Brackeen v. Haaland) that will be argued before SCOTUS in November that challenges the Constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act(ICWA). ICWA aims to protect Native children from forced removal from their families and tribes. If ruled unconstitutional, it could have devastating consequences for Native children, families and tribes while simultaneously putting the existence of tribes in jeopardy.
c. Learn how new power paradigms are needed to protect the poor, especially in Appalachia.
e. Did you know that Republicans have introduced a federal Don’t Say Gay bill?
Actions for Week of October 23, 2022
Educate Yourself on TN Amendments Prior to Voting –
Amendment 1: Right to Work - Four amendments appear on this November’s ballot. ‘Right to work’ is a policy that supporters say protects workers from being forced to join a union; however, it undermines the ability to form and sustain unions in the state. Here’s a video on its effect on workers and more information on what the amendment would do. In addition, TN already has a Right-to-Work state law, so many question why an amendment is needed. Please vote No!
Amendment 2: Speaker of Senate assumes power if Governor disabled - This amendment would add to article III, section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution a process for the temporary exercise of the powers and duties of the governor by the Speaker of the Senate—or the Speaker of the House if there is no Speaker of the Senate in office—when the governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of governor. TN is the only state that DOES NOT provide for a temporary acting governor. Please vote Yes.
Amendment 3: Remove slavery from TN Constitution - Currently, the Tennessee State Constitution allows for slavery as punishment for a crime. Article I, Section 33 of the 1870 Tennessee Constitution, reads: “That slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, are forever prohibited in this State.” The amendment, which passed the Tennessee Senate in March and the House in May 2021, proposes removing that language entirely and replacing it with a new section: “Slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an inmate from working when the inmate has been duly convicted of a crime.” Though the legislation would ban slavery under all circumstances, incarcerated persons could still work for pay and receive on-the-job training. TN is one of 5 states with this issue on the ballot. Please vote Yes.
Amendment 4: Allows clergy to serve in the legislature - This amendment would delete article IX, section 1 of the Tennessee Constitution that prohibits ministers of the gospel and priests of any denomination from holding a seat in either House of the TN General Assembly. Note the TN Constitution still prohibits atheists from serving in the General Assembly. Please consider carefully how to vote on this issue. There are both pros and cons to this amendment.
Offer Comments on OTC Birth Control – The federal government is considering making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter (OTC), and your comments could make a difference. Tennessee has already made oral contraceptives available from a pharmacist, but new attacks are anticipated attacks on contraception access in the state post-Roe. This federal rule could mean a lot to Tennesseans. Submit comments to the Federal Register here by midnight, Wednesday, October 26th.
Good News!
The DC attorney general has opened an investigation of Gov. DeSantis & Gov. Abbott shipping thousands to migrants to Washington DC. A Texas sheriff in Bexar County has certified that 48 migrants involuntarily flown to Martha’s Vineyard were victims of a crime, which makes them eligible for a U visa or green card.
Did you know that Dolly Parton purchased uniforms at predominantly Black high schools for years without any publicity.
Researchers at ORNL and UT have discovered a key material needed for fast-charging, lithium-ion batteries that could improve charging times for electric vehicles.
On October 21st, Canada began a nationwide freeze on the sale, purchase & transfer of handguns effectively immediately.
Educate Yourself
Learn about the United Clean Power Group that doesn’t support clean energy at all and tried to kill the IRA bill.
Read the blueprint for a bill of rights on artificial intelligence the White House is developing.
Learn about gender inequality around the globe.
Have you ever heard of “Accusation in a Mirror”? The concept was developed after it came to light that almost every genocidal movement has carried out the atrocities they falsely claimed their targets were planning. Here is an essay on the subject. It is alarming much of this is being practiced by some members of the GOP.
Did you know aluminum is the most valuable recyclable commodity?
Actions for Week of October 16, 2022
Amendment 4: Allows clergy to serve in the legislature - This amendment would delete article IX, section 1 of the Tennessee Constitution, which prohibits ministers of the gospel and priests of any denomination from holding a seat in either House of the legislature. Please consider carefully how to vote on this issue. There are both pros and cons to this amendment. Passage of amendments to the state constitution is linked to the number of voters who cast a ballot for governor, so voters must vote on the amendment and also cast a vote for their choice of candidate for governor.
Learn About Candidates for TN Governor – Unfortunately, Gov. Lee refuses to debate his opponent, Dr. Jason Martin, (a critical care specialist), despite debating his opponent (Karl Dean) 3 times in the last election. Gov. Lee also refused to answer questions posed by Ballotpedia. Gov. Lee’s website lists his accomplishments. Dr. Martin’s websiteprovides his position on various issues. Here is an article on what the candidates have said about education.
Good News!
The US Military will remove or rename 1100 bases, locations, and other entities that commemorate the Confederacy. Fort Hood will be renamed for Gen. Richard Cavazos, who earned the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross in the Korean War.
A felon voter rights case is before the TN Supreme Court that argues people granted clemency out of state must have their rights restored in TN if they become residents of the state.
Eleven people who blockaded an abortion clinic in Mt. Juliet TN in March have been charged with violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
A federal judge dismissed one of the lawsuits against the student loan cancellation plan.
The Indiana Supreme Court ordered the state’s abortion ban to be blocked while lawsuits move through the courts. In addition, SCOTUS declined to hear a case of fetal personhood.
Educate Yourself
Learn about the TN charter school commission members who have ties to private charter school companies. This commission was appointed and can over rule local school board decisions on charter schools.
Read the Appalachian Regional Commission’s 12th annual updatethat features data on Appalachia’s economy, income, employment, education, and other factors during the first 10 months of the COVID pandemic.
Read Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s response to criticism of its transgender clinic.
Flock Safety is selling license plate readers to police and neighborhoods across the USA. Learn of the concerns the readers may be weaponized against women seeking an abortion.
This past week President Biden designated Colorado’s Camp Hale and portions of the Ten Mile Range as the Camp Hale - Continental Divide National Monument.
Remember Mason TN, the small predominantly Black town that the TN comptroller wanted to take over? It’s going to elect a new mayor.
Actions for Week of October 9, 2022
1. Amendment 3: Remove slavery from TN Constitution - Currently, the Tennessee State Constitution allows for slavery as punishment for a crime, much like the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Article I, Section 33 of the 1870 Tennessee Constitution, reads: “That slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, are forever prohibited in this State.” The amendment, which passed the Tennessee Senate in March and the House in May 2021, proposes removing that language entirely and replacing it with a new section: “Slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an inmate from working when the inmate has been duly convicted of a crime.” Though the legislation would ban slavery under all circumstances, incarcerated persons could still work for pay and receive on-the-job training. Faith-based leaders throughout the state are supporting this amendment. Other bipartisan groups support passage of the amendment.
SURJ will hold a public discussion on Amendment 3 via Zoom Monday, October 17th, from 6:30-8:30PM. Featured panelists are Rev. Jeannie Alexander, TheedaMurphy, Max Parthas and Tribal Raine. Register here no later than Friday, October 14th.
Passage of amendments to the state constitution is linked to the number of voters who cast a ballot for governor, so voters must vote on the amendment and also cast a vote for their choice of candidate for governor. Please vote YES.
2. Pistol Creek Cleanup – Volunteers are needed to help at this year’s Pistol Creek Day at Clayton Bradley Academy, to work with middle schoolers on a privet control project along Pistol Creek. The event is on Wed, Oct 19th from 9-11AM. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. If you’re interested in helping, please send an email to Jennifer Arnold Webster (jwebstergarden@gmail.com ), the coordinator of this year’s event.
3. Good News!
a. California is going to install solar panels over canals in the Turlock Irrigation District to combat drought.
b. Starbucks will begin contract talks with around 240 unionized stores in the USA.
c. California has passed a bill making it easier for farmworkers to participate in union elections.
d. The Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act, led by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). This legislation allows rural homeowners, renters, and small businesses to more easily access disaster relief in the wake of a natural disaster.
e. Judges in both Ohio and Arizona have blocked abortion bans in the state.
f. SCOTUS has left in place the ban on bump stocks.
4. Educate Yourself
a. Read the letter signed by more than 700 healthcare professionals to the TN General Assembly asking them to reconsider the state’s abortion ban.
b. Did you know that 60% of low-wage workers have no access to paid sick days?
c. The 2021 Census Report highlights how government relief plays a vital role in reducing poverty.
d. Texas is now the biggest emitter of toxic substancesinto regional waterways.
e. Read about the first tribally-owned textile company in the USA.
f. Learn about the self-sustaining solar city in Florida that survived Hurricane Ian without even a power outage.
Actions for Week of October 2, 2022
Amendment 2: Speaker of Senate assumes power if Governor disabled - This amendment would add to article III, section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution a process for the temporary exercise of the powers and duties of the governor by the Speaker of the Senate—or the Speaker of the House if there is no Speaker of the Senate in office—when the governor is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office of governor. Please consider your vote carefully. Passage of amendments to the state constitution is linked to the number of voters who cast a ballot for governor, so voters must vote on the amendment and also cast a vote for their choice of candidate for governor.
Support Respect for Marriage Act – HR8404 will come up for a vote in the Senate when they return from the recess. Read about the importance of this bill in protecting LGBTQ rights. You can send a direct message to our Senators to support this bill through this link.
Petitions to Sign (Thanks, Ruth)
This petition from EveryTown supports holding the Gun Industry accountable for failing to address the violence and death caused by their products.
This petition supports gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Good News!
One of the most important climate treaties of the past decade (Kigali Amendment) quietly passed the Senate last week, with bipartisan support. The treaty phases out use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide. ( Sens. Blackburn & Hagerty voted against it).
After passage if the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest manufacturer of solar panels in the USA (First Solar) is investing $1.2billion to boost its manufacturing capacity.
Sen. McConnell is going to support the Electoral College Act, which probably ensures its passage. An amendment added to the bill by Sen. Klobuchar that makes it clear a governor’s determination of who won the state election is subject to broad judicial review; strengthens the ability of state courts to review election disputes; and makes SCOTUS review of appeals discretionary.
A federal court blocked key parts of Arizona’s voter suppression bill.
After an expose of racist comments by a speaker from Hillsdale College, Hillsdale has dropped their appeal to start 3 charter schools in TN. Thanks to Phil Williams at Channel 5 in Nashville for breaking this story.
Educate Yourself
Read the President’s Safer America Plan to combat gun violence. It is included in the 2023 budget.
Learn how zoonotic diseases (e.g. COVID, monkeypox) may become more common.
The report on Tennessee’s lowest performing schools is out. You can review the list here.
Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the Fascists Brothers of Italy Party has been elected Prime Minister. Yikes!
Groups backed by billionaires have filed sue to block Pres. Biden’s student loan forgiveness program. They are sure to be joined by some red state Attorneys General.
Actions for Week of September 25, 2022
Four amendments appear on this November’s ballot. Two things must happen for an amendment to pass and become part of the Constitution. The first is the amendment must get more yes votes than no votes. The second is that the number of yes votes must be a majority of the total votes in the gubernatorial election.
Vote NO on Amendment 1: Right to Work - ‘Right to work’ is a policy that supporters say protects workers from being forced to join a union; however, it undermines the ability to form and sustain unions in the state. Here’s a video on its effect on workers. Please vote No on Amendment 1 and be sure to also vote for governor. You can pledge to vote No on the TN for All website.
Vote YES on Amendment 3: Amendment 3 will finally end the exception to the abolition of slavery in Tennessee. Learn more about Amendment 3 here.
Electoral Count Act Reform Bill - U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced S. 4573, the long-awaited proposal to reform the antiquated Electoral Count Act (ECA). The ECA Reform Act clarifies that the vice president’s role in these proceedings is purely ceremonial and raises the threshold for members of Congress to initiate objections to results. The bill also aims to ensure that there is one conclusive slate of electors from each state by clarifying unclear language from the original 19th century bill. The bill is not a panacea and hopefully it will be tweaked before it comes out of committee. However, it is worth asking our Senators to support and refine it.
Good News!
Healthcare is a right and not a privilege. HHS ruling reinforces that people who qualify for Medicaid, CHIP and other health programs can do so without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.
The European Central Bank will limit purchases of longer-term debt issued by companies that rank poorly under a new scoring system created to screen out polluters and tackle climate change.
Wyoming to build world’s largest carbon capture plant
Educate Yourself
TN Republican lawmakers are planning to pass legislation in 2023 to stop Vanderbilt University Medical Center from performing pediatric transgender surgeries. Read VUMC’s statement about transgender healthcare. Learn more about supporting Trans people in TN.
Learn about Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communitiesand Regenerative communities;
Read about what’s next with the Hillsdale-backed charter schools in Tennessee. Public hearings are over. The Tennessee Charter Commission will vote in October whether to overturn denials. Learn more about the Hillsdale curriculum and a critique.
Actions for Week of September 11, 2022
SCOTUS Term Limits Bill – The Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act (S.4706) has been introduced to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Justices would serve a maximum of 18 years and then retire to inactive duty. A formula for their replacement is laid out in the bill. Sen. Blackburn sits on the Judiciary Committee. Please ask her to support the bill.
Support Social Security Expansion Act – This bill (HR 8005) seeks to offset the impact of inflation by increasing each SS recipients monthly check by $200. Here’s a fact sheet on the bill. Please ask Rep. Burchett to support the bill.
Good News!
Abortion Access Front has turned its training program into podcasts. You can access them here.
A judge upheld a $14 million fine against Exon for violating the Clean Air Act.
FedEx has set the goal of being carbon neutral by 2040. A big part of that is to convert to electric vehicles.
Tritium has opened a facility in TN to manufacture fast chargers for electric vehicles.
Visa, Mastercard and AmEx will start categorizing gun shop saleswhich will help make it easier to track suspicious gun sales.
Educate Yourself
Read about the planned mergers of the two largest poultry processing plants in the USA.
Where are all the guns? Learn about gun ownership by state in this interesting article. TN is 14th.
Did you know that kids born near fracking sites are 2-3 times more likely to develop leukemia?
Read about the groups associated with Bill Gates and the Walton family who donated to support passage of Gov. Lee’s TN Investment in Student Achievement Act (TISA) that changed school funding formulas in TN.
Learn how companies are being encouraged to publish pesticide labels in both Spanish and English because most farmworkers speak Spanish.
Read about the desperate situation currently facing the Department of Children Services.
Actions for Week of September 4, 2022
TN Walk for Our Lives – Ms. Francie Hunt of TN Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP) is planning to walk 538 miles across Tennessee to promote women’s right to abortion. After the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned abortion rights, thousands of pregnant people were stripped of their right to bodily autonomy and must either flee the state for care or be forced to give birth. TAPP is looking for folks willing to walk with them, provide logistical support, and would like to meet people along the route. You can sign up to volunteer here.
Eliminating Foreign Political Influence – Rep. Katie Porter has introduced a bill (HR 4847) in the US Congress that would close loopholes that enable foreign governments and corporations to make campaign contributions. The bill also goes after lobbyists for foreign governments who give campaign contributions, hide their foreign clients, or dodge penalties for breaking the law. Please ask Rep. Burchett to support this bill. Contact information is below.
Good News!
The Navy has abandoned plan for a golf course on a conservation site near Annapolis.
An all Black, female American Airlines crew flew to honor the 100thanniversary of Bessie Coleman earning her pilot’s licenses. She was the first Black woman to achieve it.
A little-known aspect of the Inflation Reduction Act is that the IRS has to study free tax filing options.
Earthjustice is suing the EPA over coal ash dumps that are contaminating ground water, including the one at Bull Run. Four sites in TN are included in the suit.
California has passed a package of bills protecting women’s reproductive rights.
Educate Yourself
Keep up with Biden nominees and their confirmation process through this tracking website.
Without greenhouse gas reductions, countries in tropic & subtropics will face extreme heat danger by 2100, and as many as 1 in 6 tree species are threatened with extinction.
Read this op-ed on how people are better off under the current administration.
The Hillsdale charter school plan for TN is still making national news.
Learn about the man who has donated $1.6 billion dollars to conservative groups trying to sway the outcome of the November election. Dark, dark money.
Learn how TVA makes it hard for the public to provide them input.
Actions for Week of August 28, 2022
Thank the President – Please consider thanking Pres. Biden for cancelling some student debt this past week. Here’s a fact sheet with details. It is believed this programs will positively impact millions of Americans. Temporary halt of student loan payments has been extendedto the end of the year. Note this is not an Executive Action but a ruling under the auspices of the HEROES Act, which may serve to protect it from litigation. Also note these monies were funded years ago and significant principal has already been paid. You can send an email through this link.
Support Global Nutrition Act – The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has passed S 2956/HR 4693, which will improve government’s efforts to address global malnutrition. It passed the House in late April. See this fact sheet for details. Please ask our Senators to support it. Their contact information is below, and you can send then a quick email through this link.
Good News!
A judge ruled in Idaho that abortions must be available when a mother’s health is at risk, and in North Dakota a judge blocked the abortion trigger ban before it went into effect.
A judge has ruled the Florida “Woke law” is unconstitutionalbecause it violates First Amendment free speech.
A federal judge ordered Starbuck to rehire fired union organizers in Memphis.
A federal judge ruled Arkansas cannot enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for trans kids.
Educate Yourself
Learn how underpaid teachers are in different states. Scroll down the article to see graphs and maps that compare states. In TN teachers make 23.8% less than comparable college-educated workers.
Read about the Texas school district that banned Anne Frank’s Diary from its libraries.
Did you know the Inflation Reduction Act commits $2 billion to rural energy programs.
Tennessee has delayed its school grading system for another year.
When you hear of someone complaining about the student loan forgiveness program, you can find out how much money they were forgiven in PPP loans at this website.
Actions for Week of August 21, 2022
Support Khanna-Warren Bill – This bill bans profiteering associated with water scarcity. The Future of Water Act (HR 7182) prevents Wall Street from speculating on life-sustaining water resources in an attempt to profit from current and projected scarcity under fossil fuel-intensified drought conditions. Water must be managed as a public resource, not a corporate profit center. Bill would amend the Commodity Exchange Act to affirm that water is a human right to be managed for public benefit—not a commodity to be bought and sold by corporations and investment firms. This is particularly timely given the federal government is requiring Western states to draw less water from the Colorado River, which is dangerously low. Please contact Rep. Burchett and ask him to support the bill.
Sen. Blackburn Blocks Bills – Is Marsha a Russian asset? Sen. Blackburn blocked 3 bills that are designed to prevent foreign interference in US elections. One of the bills requires campaigns to notify the FBI if they are offered election help from a foreign power. Another bill funds the Elections Assistance Commission, which makes sure voting machines are not connected to the Internet. She says the bills are designed as a federal power grab to take control over elections away from the states. Please contact Sen. Blackburn about her objections
Good News!
The first sea turtle nest since 2018 has been found on a beach in Pass Christian, Mississippi and Kemp’s Ridley turtles are nesting on Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands for the first time in 75 years.
GSMNP will start a parking fee program March 1, 2023. Daily tag is $5, weekly is $15 and annual is $40. Tags will be available online. See details here. Monies earned will go towards park maintenance.
A federal appeals court has ruled that gender dysphoria is covered under the American Disabilities Act. This ruling may protect transgender folks from punitive bathroom bills and gender health care prohibitions passed by various states, including TN.
New voter registrations amongst women are up dramatically in a number of states since the Dobbs decision. Most are under 25 years of age.
A Michigan judge ruled the state cannot prosecute clinics performing abortions under an archaic 1931 abortion law.
Food Forward has rerouted 250 million pounds of food to people in need.
Educate Yourself
Gov. Youngkin of Virginia is proposing a set of parenteral rights that would require teachers to inform parents of their kids’ sexual orientation and gender identity without the student’s express permission.
Read about how exposure to air pollution harms the developing brain.
Can beavers and wolves help save the West from global warming?
Check out how new Congressional maps are shifting voting powerin every state. Note that only 34 of 435 House seats are now considered competitive.
Learn how the Inflation Reduction Act incorporates carbon captureinto some of its climate calculations.
Gov. DeSantis is shaping up to be one evil dude. Read how he’s ruining the lives of people who voted because they mistakenly thought they were eligible and whose registration applications were approved.
Actions for Week of August 14, 2022
Celebrate Passage of Inflation Reduction Act – This week the President will sign one of the most important pieces of legislation in recent history. Although the IRA has received a lot of publicity, it is worthwhile looking into the details. For example, the $2000 cap on Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs does not go into effect in 2025. Although insulin will be capped at $35 per month for Medicare patients, Republicans blocked it for people with private insurance. Our Senators voted against the insulin capdespite the fact that 14% of Tennesseans are diabetic. Medicare will initially be able to negotiate price on only 10 expensive medications but this is still a huge blow to big pharma.
Importantly, the bill moves the US away from the carbon tax movement towards reducing emissions via tax credits and incentives. However, the full tax credit for purchasing an electric vehicle is difficult to obtain because certain components of the vehicle must be mined or manufactured in the USA. Income caps also apply. The bill offers companies considerable incentives for investing in and manufacturing green energy. Tax credits are also available for installation of solar arrays on residences and measures to improve energy efficiency. It is estimated emissions will decrease by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and the deficit will decline due to tax increases on big corporations and the wealthy. The IRA also contains money to support sustainable agriculture.
To learn more, the White House is offering a series of briefings on the bill. You can participate through the links below:
Aug 16th, Tues 3:30 PM: How the Inflation Reduction Act will Cut Costs for American Families, with Special Guest Secretary Granholm. A catch-all briefing on the components of the Inflation Reduction Act. RSVP: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_VskSVy3TQgaB8eO2g6dVnw
Aug 17th, Wed 2PM: How the Inflation Reduction Act will Tackle the Climate Crisis and Bolster American Energy Security. RSVP: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_WNJ5Of1pQimmhV7rugBrqw
Aug 18th, Thurs 1PM: How the Inflation Reduction Act will Cut Prescription Drug Costs, Lower Health Insurance Premiums and Expand Coverage, with Special Guest Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Andrea Palm. RSVP: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_LfSsDsUVTxuSV5WvT-2qHQ
Aug 18th, Thurs 3PM: How the Inflation Reduction Act will benefit Rural Americans. RSVP: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_58SjeyOvS-SLh_4bkHK9zQ
Good News!
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld law that allows mail in voting for any voter.
A federal judge ruled that the federal government must redress harms done to Muslims by 45’s Muslim ban. It means providing opportunities for family reunification, student visas, work visas, and traveling here for medical reasons.
A federal court has struck down Texas’ voter suppression law, SB111, that imposed strict residency requirements.
The world’s tiger population has increased by 40%. Numbers have increased particularly in India and Nepal.
The first woman, Monica Bertagnolli, has been named to lead the National Cancer Institute.
Educate Yourself
A court failed to block TN’s school voucher plan, this past week, so it can proceed immediately. As of August 9th, no voucher applications had been approved. It is believed that the decision by 3 local school boards to deny Hillsdale-affiliated charter school applications will be appealed to the new TN state commission.
Learn about the lawsuit filed in Texas that would remove preventive care (e.g. birth control, vaccines) and anti-HIV coverage from Obamacare policies.
Passing the I.R. Act is coming none too soon because climate change is intensifying, especially in the Artic.
Here is a list of culturally responsive back-to-school titles for students and educators provided courtesy of New York Public Library.
Did you know that one of the deputies involved in the death of Breonna Taylor is pleading guilty?
Actions for Week of August 7, 2022
Eye-Opening Book – How Civil Wars Start: And How to Stop Them by Barbara F. Walter describes the ongoing research on how civil wars start; the scoring systems used to determine whether countries are at risk for civil war; and the 10 steps to genocide. Using this research, along with historical comparisons to past and current civil wars, the author outlines where the USA is today. She doesn't hesitate to call out individuals and entities in the USA that are posing a dangerous threat to our country. In the last chapter, she provides concrete advice on how to improve the situation. The book is available free through TN READS ebookdownloading library system.
Ways to Support Kentucky – Flooded areas in Kentucky need our support. Thanks for Nina for providing suggestions on how to help. For those personally affected, see this website for available resources and services.
General recovery funds established by the state and a regionally based community foundation:
Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund established by Governor Andy Beshear.
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky‘s Appalachian Crisis Aid Fund. Donate using the online form.
Mutual aid groups distribute funds and goods directly to community members. Here are three that have been verified by local organizations:
EKY Mutual Aid, available via Paypal, Venmo (@ekymutualaid), and Cash App ($ekymutualaid)
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards-Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid Fund
Happalachian Social Club mutual aid via PayPal. Send to happalachiansocialclub@gmail.com to support communities in southwestern Virginia that have also been hit hard by flooding.
For more suggestions, read this article.
Offer Feedback – The FAA is seeking comments on airplane seat sizeand its impact on passenger safety. FAA is researching whether to change the minimum dimensions for seats. For background information and submission of comments, visit this website.
Good News!
Read about solar windows, i.e. windows that generate electricity.
Learn about the group that has been slowly bringing bison back to Tribal Lands.
The Biden Administration continues to reunite migrant families separated at the border. Parents of 400 families that were deported while their children remained in the USA can now come here to live and work legally for 3 years.
The Dept. of Justice has sued Idaho over its near-total abortion ban. Now let’s do TN! The bill here also goes into effect August 25th.
A trans 8-year-old and her family here in TN has sued the TN Dept of Education for not letting her use the girl’s bathroom at school. This is a response to a TN law passed in 2021.
Educate Yourself
Once again TN is joining with other anti-LGBTQ red states to sue the federal government on school guidance that school meals program must not discriminate. You can read AG Slatery’s letter here.
Read how overturning Roe will plunge many single moms further into poverty.
Australia has had more extinctions than any other continent.
Does allowing cattle to graze on federal lands worsen climate change?
Read about the stillbirths that occurred due to COVID and how misinformation about vaccines and pregnancy took root.
Did you know that Volkswagen is producing its all-electric ID.4 SUV in Chattanooga?
Actions for Week of July 31, 2022
Support the PACT Act – The PACT Act expands medical coverage to millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pit chemicals during their service. It passed the Senate in June 2022 with a vote of 84-14 but had to be voted upon again this past week because an error was discovered. In a fit of anger because it looks like the reconciliation bill may pass that includes monies for climate change, Senate Republicans voted it down 55-42 this past week. Both our senators voted against veterans. Sen. Schumer plans to bring the bill up for another vote this week. Please sign this petition by Jon Stewart and John Feal, and consider contacting our senators directly (contact information below). Watch Jon’s defense of PACT Act here.
Support Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 – ECRA reforms and modernizes the 1887 Electoral Count Act. This bipartisan bill clarifies the Vice President has only a ceremonial role in counting Electoral College votes. It also makes it harder for Senators to challenge the votes and prohibits submission of alternative electors. Very importantly, it ensures state legislatures cannot override the popular vote. Please tell our Senators that we urgently need this bill to pass (contact information below).
Good News!
Lt. Gen. Michael Langley has been nominated as the first-ever, Black, 4-star general of the Marines.
The House passed a ban on assault weapons this past week. Now, if it could just pass the Senate. Here is Everytown’s stance on assault weapons.
Casey Arrowood has been nominated for US Attorney for Eastern District of TN.
The President has nominated Julie Rikelman, the lawyer who represented the Mississippi abortion clinic in the Dobbs case before SCOTUS, to the 1st Circuit Appeals Court.
Educate Yourself
Amendment 1 on the November ballot in TN strengthens the State’s right-to-work stance. A “yes” vote supports amending the state constitution to make it illegal for workplaces to require mandatory labor union membership. Please plan to vote “No” in November on Amendment 1. Watch for more information on this as we get closer to November.
The value of the federal minimum wage is at its lowest in 66 years. Check out the Economic Policy Institute’s minimum wage tracker.
Things are getting crazier and crazier post-Roe. A proposed bill in South Caroline outlaws websites that provide information on how to obtain an abortion.
As of last week, 2200 families have filed for school vouchers in TN.
Learn how fertile farmland in Illinois and other midwestern states are being destroyed by silica mining to support the fracking industry.
Actions for Week of July 24, 2022
Support DISCLOSE Act – Recently reintroduced in the Senate, the DISCLOSE Act (S.443) forces corporations to disclose their political spending; prohibits foreign governments/entities from contributing to political campaigns; requires companies to inform shareholders where money goes; prohibits corporations from sponsoring candidates; etc. The bill is designed to remove dark money from the election process and blunt the SCOTUS decision in Citizens United. Sign this petition in support of the bill and ask our Senators to vote for it (contact information below).
Support Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) – Last week the House passed this marriage equality bill. RFMA repeals Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defined marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Despite being overturned by SCOTUS, new concerns have arisen that SCOTUS may reverse their earlier decision in Obergefell v Hodges. RFMA requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages performed anywhere. States also cannot discriminate based on sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. RFMA protects interracial marriage. There is a chance the bill can pass the Senate because 5 Republican Senators have expressed support for it. Please ask our Senators to also support it. For the record, be sure to make your opinion known to Sen. Blackburn even though she’ll vote against it. Read this thought-provoking op-ed on how close we are to a civil war over these issues. Btw, Rep. Burchett failed to vote in the House and all other TN House Republicans voted against RFMA.
Petition to Sign – Consider signing this petition urging President Biden to declare a climate emergency. Invoking an emergency would allow the banning of US crude oil exports, end offshore drilling and speed up the manufacture of electric vehicles. The Defense Production Act could provide loans to increase clean energy deployment. IEEPA could prohibit importation of chemical compounds that warm the environment, as well as illegally-harvested wood from the Amazon.
Good News!
Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled the VOTES Act is constitutional. It establishes no-excuse mail-in voting, expands early in-person voting and more.
Rhode Island passed a bill that requires presidential candidates to release 5 years of their taxes to get on the ballot.
A judge struck down abortion restrictions in Minnesota and the Biden Administration warned states that abortions must not be restricted when a woman’s life is in danger.
USPS has decided to purchase more electric vehicles after all. The goal has been raised from 10% to 40%.
Did you know that Clingmans Dome may be renamed as Kuwahi(“mulberry place”) and that the Cherokee Nation supports the name change?
Educate Yourself
After the court ruling allowing Gov. Lee’s school voucher program (TN Education Savings Account Program) to proceed, most of the schools that have announced they will accept vouchers are religious schools. Our tax dollars will be shuffled away from local public schools to the schools listed here. Remember that vouchers only pertain to Shelby and Davidson counties, the 2 most urban counties in the state with the highest number of minority students. Note: This fight is not over. Lawyers representing 9 public schools in Memphis are suing the state over the program’s rushed launch.
Should “ecocide” be added to the list of crimes tried in the International Criminal Court?
As expected, confusion post-Roe is altering treatment of pregnancy complications. One Texas women was forced to carry her dead fetus for 2 weeks before she found a doctor willing to perform a D&C.
Most House Republicans (all but 8) voted against the bill last week that codifies the right to contraception. Rep. Burchett did not vote on the issue but all other State Republicans voted against it. Sen. Blackburn has already spoken out that she believes contraception should only be available to heterosexual married couples. Shades of Gilead.
The horrible judge (Donna Davenport) that illegally arrested and jailed school children in middle TN is retiring. Read about the candidates running to replace her.
Did you know that Bridge Refugee Services is helping displaced Ukrainian women and children to be settled in Oak Ridge?
Actions for Week of July 17, 2022
Support Proposed EPA Rule Under Clean Water Act – EPA’s proposed rule restores the primary role Congress intended for Tribes and states to have in reviewing and rejecting projects that threaten their water quality. Watch this webinar and visit EPA website for more details. Public comments can be submitted at this site (scroll down to Q&A point 3) untilAugust 8, 2022.
Petitions to Sign –
The U.S. Government gave the Cherokee Nation the right to seat a congressional delegate in the 1835 Treaty of New Echota but a delegate has never been seated. Please sign this petition asking our Members of Congress to honor the treaty.
Here is a petition demanding expulsion of the Congressmen/women who tried to overturn the 2020 election.
These petitions encourage the investigation and prosecution of the former president for trying to overturn the election: Petition to investigate, Petition to Merrick Garland, Change.org to prosecute, Move On to prosecute, and Common Cause to investigate.
Sen. Manchin Does it Again – Sen. Manchin announced this week he will not support the climate actions included in the budget reconciliation bill to be taken up by the Senate that can be passed with a simple majority. Not only is this a crushing blow, his stalling has delayed other avenues of action. If you want to provide him feedback on his position, here is his email address: https://www.manchin.senate.gov/contact-joe/email-joe and phone number: 202-224-3954.
Good News!
The first statue ever of a Black American was unveiled in Statuary Hall in Congress this past week. It is a statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who founded Daytona Literary and Industrial Training Institute for Negro Girls and Bethune-Cookman University.
A federal judge restored protections in the Endangered Species Actthat were weakened by 45.
The Crown Act went into effect in TN last week. It prevents employers from discriminating against people with ethnic hairstyles.
The President signed the Butch Lewis American Rescue Plan on July 6th. Named for heroic Ohio union leader and pension advocate Butch Lewis, the American Rescue Plan's Special Financial Assistance program will provide financial relief to struggling multiemployer pension plans and ensure that millions of families facing benefit cuts will receive the full benefits they earned.
The veteran’s burn pit bill took another step towards passage when the House passed the amended Senate version of the bill this past week.
California passed a bill that allows gun manufacturers to be suedwhen their products cause harm.
Educate Yourself
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have problems with Tennessee’s proposed medical block grant program. They are demanding significant changes.
52 yellow school buses formed a mile-long caravan to Sen. Ted Cruz’ house in Houston last Thursday. They represent 4,368 empty seats of children killed by gun violence in the last 2 years. The caravan was named the NRA Children’s Museum and carried items from school shooting victims. The photos in this article are truly heartbreaking.
A judge ruled that TN can proceed with its private school voucher program. The Education Savings Account website will be active tomorrow. Since the value of the vouchers represents only a fraction of tuition costs to private school, the state is starting a loan service that encourages parents to become indebted to the state.
Learn about the right-wing think tank that has achieved “church” status in the eyes of the IRS to avoid paying taxes. Family Research Council has a multimillion dollar headquarters in Washington DC.
Manure-eating worms may be a climate solution for the dairy industry.
The Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees in Yosemite National Park is not the only park to be threatened by fires made more severe by climate change. Read about these other highly-threatened national parks.
Actions for Week of July 10, 2022
Ally of Gov. Lee Repeatedly Insults TN Teachers – Recently Gov. Lee attended a closed-door reception where the president of Michigan’s Hillsdale College (Dr. Larry Arnn) criticized the intelligence of public school teachers and diversity efforts in higher education. Dr. Arnn claimed:
“Teachers are trained in the dumbest parts of the dumbest colleges in the country."
“They are taught that they are going to go and do something to those kids.... Do they ever talk about anything except what they are going to do to these kids?"
"In colleges, what you hire now is administrators…. Now, because they are appointing all these diversity officers, what are their degrees in? Education. It's easy. You don't have to know anything."
“The philosophic understanding at the heart of modern education is enslavement…. They're messing with people's children, and they feel entitled to do anything to them.”
“You will see how education destroys generations of people. It's devastating. It's like the plague.”
“Here's a key thing that we're going to try to do. We are going to try to demonstrate that you don't have to be an expert to educate a child because basically anybody can do it.”
During the 2-hr video exposed by News Channel 5 in Nashville, Gov. Lee never disputed the above statements. Instead he heaped praise upon Dr. Arnn and Hillsdale College, who he has contracted to open 50+ charter schools in TN. Following the event, the governor’s spokesperson was disingenuous in how they tried to spin the event. Since the governor failed to support teachers, various college/university/educational leaders in the State have spoken out to refute the above statements, such as Maryville College, ETSU Clemmer College, TN Organization of School Superintendents, TN Independent Colleges & Universities Assoc, TN Educators Assoc, Chronicle of Higher Education, etc. The relationship with Hillsdale is being condemned and a charter school in Chattanooga recently terminated its agreement with Hillsdale.
Please contact the governor’s office with your feedback at https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us.html or at 615-741-2001.
Please contact our local state representatives and senators and ask them to defend our teachers and respond publicly to Gov. Lee’s failure to do so.
Rep. Bob Ramsey – 615-741-3560, rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jerome Moon – 615-741-5481, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Art Swann – 615-741-0981, sen.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov
Please thank Dr. Coker, the president of Maryville College, for speaking up for teachers in the Facebook post.
Good News!
TN Sen. Haggarty is a cosponsor S.2372, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which recently passed the House. It has 16 Republican co-sponsors, so its chances of passing the Senate is good. Thanks to Donna for forwarding this essay on its potential impact.
An Active Shooter Alert (like the Amber Alert system) bill passed the house 2 weeks ago.
The administration has banned the use of land mines by the USA, reversing a 45-era rule that allowed them.
To cut plastic pollution in oceans, fishermen are turning to renewable gear.
California is enacting a stringent single use plastics bill.
Ana Isabela de Alba, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers has become the first Latina judge of US District Court for Eastern District of California.
Educate Yourself
Check out this climate map that shows how the USA is being transformed by rising temperatures. It is predicted that TN will experience 5-8 weeks per year with temps above 95 degrees.
TN Dept Environment & Climate issued a warning last week that fish in 43 Tennessee lakes are unsafe to eat because of high levels of mercury and PCBs.
In a challenge to 1st Amendment and privacy rights, Florida enacted a bill on July 1st that requires students and faculty be asked their political beliefs.
Overturning Roe v Wade is creating problems for women obtaining methotrexate, a chemotherapeutic, immune-suppressant drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases, that can also induce abortions at a low dose.
Currently, no states have banned Plan B contraception but some are considering banning IUDs.
Actions for Week of July 3, 2022
Petitions to Sign –
Impeach Justice Thomas - MoveOn’s petition to impeach Justice Thomasis one of most active in their history. Within the last 48 hours another 200,000 people have signed it. You can add your signature here.
Empower Young Girls –Join Global Citizen in calling on world leaders to urgently commit funds to ensure that no woman or girl, no matter where she lives, is denied this fundamental human right. Sign petition here.
TN Corporations Need to Pay Taxes – 60% of corporations in TN are paying no state corporate income tax. See this videofor details and sign a petition here.
Get Involved in Local Elections – Local candidates need your support between now and the August 4th election. There are many ways to help them and some can be done right from your home. Here are the candidates who participated in the Huddle Meeting on Thursday and their contact information:
Hannah Volk - Register of Deeds, maudevolk@gmail.com
Tracey Farr - County Commission District 2, Seat A, votetraceyfarr@gmail.com , https://www.traceyfarr.com/home , https://www.facebook.com/votetraceyfarr/
Robert Hanye - County Commission, District 3, Seat B, electroberthanye@gmail.com , https://www.citizenstoelectroberthanye.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/electroberthanye
Corinne Dooley - County Commission, District 4, Seat A, fieldspaniels6@gmail.com , https://www.votecorinnedooley.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/VOTECORINNE
Jenny Jordan - County Commission, District 5, Seat B, electjennyjordan@gmail.com ,
Phil Tiehen - County Commission, District 6, Seat A, philtiehen@gmail.com , https://www.facebook.com/Phil-Tiehen-for-Blount-County-Commission-Dist-6-Rep-102835565684290/?ref=page_internal
John Ross Conley - County Commission, District 7, Seat B, Johnrossi87@msn.com , https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077579306884
Phil Young - County Commission, District 8, Seat A, phossilphil49@gmail.com , https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076959161677 , https://www.philyoungdistrict8.com/
Alice Wardrep - County Commission, District 9, Seat B, alice.wardrep@bellsouth.net ,
Stanley Young - County School Board, District 3, votestanleyyoungsr@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/VoteStanleyYoungSr/
Nathan Higdon – State Democratic Executive Committee for Senatorial District 2, j.nate1879@yahoo.com , https://www.facebook.com/electJNathanHigdon
Jeff Russell – Maryville City School Board, https://m.facebook.com/jeffrussellformaryvilleschools?ref=py_c
Bob Ramsey – State Representative District 20, rep.robert.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Good News!
GenBioPro, the generic maker of abortion medications, plans to sue states that restrict or ban the medications. The company has already sued Mississippi for banning telehealth abortion consultations. They need to sue TN because it has a similar law.
A 1998 Mississippi Supreme Court decisionthat ruled the MS state Constitution grants abortion rights may negate that state’s trigger law. Louisiana and Utah trigger laws have also been temporarily blocked. Lawsuits have also been filed in Texas and Idaho, WV, OH, KY, AZ & FL. In other states, District Attorneys are pledging not to prosecute abortion cases.
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in this past week as the 1st black, female SCOTUS justice. May she bring more empathy to the court.
Hawai’i will provide free feminine hygiene productsin its public schools.
1,000 acres of New York forest is being returned to the Onondaga Nation.
University of Arizona is offering free college tuition to Native American students.
Educate Yourself
A lot of statistics are being bantered about regarding whether people in the USA support abortion and whether it has deleterious effects. See reliable data from the Pew Research Institute about numbers of abortions performed in the USA; public views on abortion and whether it should be legal; and views on how to reduce the need for abortions. For access to more data, visit this link.
Did you know that scientific research shows abortion and contraceptionare not linked to mental health issues, but restricting access is.
It is estimated that a federal abortion ban (if enacted in the future) may increase maternal deaths by 24%.
Several college students created Farmlink Project, which has intercepted food destined for waste and turned it into millions of meals. Learn more about Farmlink.org here.
Read about the transportation agreement the Cherokee Nation reached with the Federal Transportation Department.
Gov. Lee proposes that students be taught January 6th was a day of lawlessness.
Actions for Week of June 26, 2022
Post-Roe: What Can We Do? – Times like these can make you feel powerless. For the first time in modern history, a long-established right has been taken away and women are once again relegated to second-class citizenship in this country. We must NOT accept this loss and we must NOT give up. Here are some concrete steps you can take:
Support Women’s Health Protection Act – This bill has no chance of passing the Senate unless the filibuster is suspended.
Contact the White House at this link to ask that Pres. Biden stop supporting the filibuster and begin to pressure the Senate to suspend it.
Please flood Sens. Sinema’s (202, 224-4521, https://www.sinema.senate.gov/contact-kyrsten ) and Manchin’s(202-224-3954, https://www.manchin.senate.gov/contact-joe/email-joe offices with calls and emails asking them to drop their opposition to suspending the filibuster.
This one action could end the current nightmare by enacting a federal law upholding the right to an abortion.
Support Operation Save Abortion - Abortion Access Front and other organizations are planning a Save Abortion Day training day on July 17th. You can learn more and sign up for notifications here.Mountain Access Brigade supports women in Appalachia the need reproductive health access and may not be able to afford it. Click this link to learn more.
Read this Op-Ed on How to Help – Thanks to Sarah for sharing this NY Times article with links to AidAccess.org, Miscarriage/Abortion Hotline, and Digital Defense Fund’s advice on protecting your online data from state monitors. Also learn about Women on Web, a worldwide organization that can help women in the USA.
Donate to Abortion Funds – Thanks to Donna for sharing this Women’s Health article describing legitimate organizations to support in various regions of the country. Thanks to Nina for supplying this link to the National Network of Abortion Funds, which is a central site that distributes donations across 90+ groups.
Patronize Supportive Businesses – These companies will cover costs for employees who need an abortion. Locally, they include Kroger and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Patagonia will pay bail for any employee arrested at an abortion rights protest.
Find a Provider – Governors in several blue states have pledged to make access to abortion easy for out-of-state women. Share this Find a Provider website widely.
Remind Women of Medical Abortion – Up until 10 weeks of pregnancy the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol can be used to terminate a pregnancy. These drugs are also often used to abbreviate a miscarriage. Although TN has passed a law requiring women to see a physician in person to obtain the drugs and outlawing their shipment, FDA regulations allow them to be ordered via the internet. The Dept. of Justice reminded states on Friday they cannot ban these drugs.
Engage in Election Activities –
Local Elections - Here is the sample ballot for the August 4thelection. After meeting candidates for BC School Board and Commission at this Thursday’s Huddle Meeting, reach out to the candidates in your district and get involved.
Senate Races – It is imperative that Pro-Choice candidates be elected to the US Senate in November. Please consider following and donating to these campaigns, particularly those that are toss ups, leaning or open seats:
Georgia: Raphael Warnock https://warnockforgeorgia.com/
Florida: Val Demings https://valdemings.com/
Ohio: Tim Ryan https://timforoh.com/
Arizona: Mark Kelly https://markkelly.com/
Nevada: Cortez Masto https://catherinecortezmasto.com/
New Hampshire: Maggie Hassan https://maggiehassan.com/
Pennsylvania: John Fetterman https://johnfetterman.com/
Wisconsin: Primary scheduled for August 9th
North Carolina: Cheri Beasley https://cheribeasley.com/
Colorado: Michael Bennet https://michaelbennet.com/
Vermont: Peter Welch https://welchforvermont.com/
Good News!
Lizzo and Live Nation have pledged to donate $1 million from her upcoming Special Tour to Planned Parenthood and Abortion Rights.
Although it is weak, the first anti-gun violence bill in 30 years was signed by the President yesterday. Here’s what’s in it.
The Senate passed a bill expanding care for veterans exposed to toxins, e.g. from burn pits.
Pres. Biden signed an Executive Order addressing anti-LGBTQ measures passed by states and businesses. It includes protective changes under Title IX.
The Senate has passed a proposal that would allow people stuck with student loan debt from a spouse or ex-spouse not be responsible for payment.
For the first time, Native American tribes will be allowed to co-manage a national monument. Five tribes will be involved in the management of Bears Ears.
Educate Yourself
In his concurring opinion overturning Roe v Wade, Justice Thomas recommended reviewing previously decided cases on contraception and same sex marriage. We’ve been warned!
Did you know the Jewish faith supports abortions? Jews believe that life begins at birth, not conception. The recent SCOTUS decision infringes Jewish religious freedom.
Would you believe the Saudi government is confiscating clothes and toys with rainbows on them?!?
If you’re not aware of the hurdles girls face in Africa because of their menstrual periods, read about these organizations. A local nonprofit in Zambia who is also involved is Project Luangwa.
Learn how Mississippi lawmakers have absolutely no plans for how to spent $53.3 million from the BP oil spill.
Do you know who Jeff Yass is? He’s a billionaire, election-denier supporter who is gaming the tax system.
Actions for Week of June 19, 2022
Petitions to Sign –
The January 6th Committee has released evidence showing 45 called for and directed the insurrection. This petition requests he be prosecuted for seditious conspiracy.
Here’s a petition urging the area around Shenandoah Mountain in Virginia be made into a National Scenic Area to better protect it from development.
If Roe v Wade is overturned there is fear that data collected by Google that involves searches on abortion and reproductive health could be used by states to prosecute women. Here’s a petitionrequesting Google stop collection and retention of individual location data.
Good News!
A federal judge ruled New York’s lawsuit against the NRA can proceed.
Pres. Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to boost renewable energy.
Rep. Don Beyer has introduced a bill in the House that would impose a 1000% excise tax on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines that would require only a majority vote in the Senate.
SCOTUS dismissed an appeal by a group of red states seeking to challenge Biden overturning the 45-era public charge rule against immigrants.
A South Florida synagogue is suing over Florida’s abortion ban billbecause it violates their religious freedom.
Rhode Island just raised the age to buy ammo and guns to 21, and is prohibiting open carry and high-capacity magazines.
Educate Yourself
After banning most abortions, Poland created a government database to track pregnancies. And in Central California, 2 women have been charged after having stillbirths.
Read about the plan proposed by scientists to reduce emissions in the USA by 50% by 2030. It was published in the journal, Science.
Learn how white parents chased a black educator out of a Georgia town, then followed her to the next one.
Did you know that despite Google’s claim that it doesn’t allow ads for guns, it has actually allowed >100 million of them?
Learn how feeding cows seaweed reduces their methane emissions.
A Missouri based gun manufacturer is producing a new, easier to hide pistol version of the AR-15. They have the nerve to name it “Dissent”.
Actions for Week of June 12, 2022
Provide Feedback to TVA – TVA is shutting down the Cumberland Fossil Plant. They are considering replacing it with a fracked gas plant and laying 32 miles of pipeline that would cross more than 130 wetlands and streams in TN. Consider signing this petition requesting it be replaced with renewable energy instead. You can also email the following suggested comments before the end of day, tomorrow, June 13th, to nepa@tva.gov :
TVA must urgently reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2022.
TVA plans should completely decarbonize electricity generation no later than 2035.
TVA has stated that it intends to build 10,000 MW of solar powered energy. Now is the time for TVA to start doing so.
A decision to build new combine cycle gas turbine(s) poses a significant risk to TVA’s mission and rate payers.
Protect Bristol Bay Watershed – In late May the EPA proposed a ruling to prohibit and restrict use of water in the Bristol Bay watershed of Alaska. This area has been threatened by the Pebble Mine, and this ruling will further strengthen protections for the area. A solid majority of Alaskans oppose the Pebble Mine, including the United Tribes of Bristol Bay, who know the mine would have "unacceptable adverse effects on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas," according to the EPA's own assessment. It would also jeopardize the value of sustainable bear viewing tourism, worth almost $35 million annually. The EPA is accepting public comments until July 5th. Please take a few minutes to support the people and bears who live around Bristol Bay and the salmon that rely upon its waters. Visit the EPA websiteto submit comments.
Good News!
Reversing a 45-era rule, the administration is making it easier for states and tribes to stop pipelines and other energy projects that could pollute local water.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled to accept a redistricting map that is electorally competitive.
Women now hold 45% of the government’s leadership roles after the recent election in Australia. In addition the new government is pro-climate action.
SCOTUS has rejected red states’ bid to stop the Biden administrations inclusion of climate metrics in rule makings.
Habitat protections for Florida’s manatees will be strengthenedthanks to a successful lawsuit.
New York passed legislation this past week that raises age to 21 for buying semiautomatic weapons and bans body armor sales to civilians.
Educate Yourself
Learn about the army of poll workers the GOP is hiring to contest and potentially overturn votes in Democratic precincts during the mid-term elections.
March for Our Lives has announced a new initiative, entitled I Will Avoid, that encourages a nationwide strike in the fall if Congress does not act to keep students safe from gun violence.
If you want to be horrified visit the Xinjiang Police Files website.
Lawmakers in Congress have reached an agreement that provides Puerto Rico with the options to vote for statehood, independence or sovereignty in free association.
Learn about the TRANScend TN Program initiated by the ACLU to support the transgender community.
Knox county schools is ending its free lunch for all students program when students return this fall.
Actions for Week of June 5, 2022
March for Our Lives – Youth across the USA have organized marches against gun violence for Saturday, June 11th. The Knoxville rally begins at noon in Krutch Park at Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Please RSVP to this Facebook event or via the QR code in this flyer.
Support Gun Safety Bill – The House may vote this week on the bill created in the Judiciary Committee that raises the age to purchase semiautomatic rifles and prohibits sale of high-capacity magazines. Please ask Rep. Burchett to support it. See contact information below. You can also send a message to our Senators through this link.
Good News!
The administration is lifting 45-era restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba.
The USA Women’s Soccer team will now share equally in World Cup earnings with the men, a first amongst national teams.
The Administration is cutting cost for clean energy projects on public lands by 50%.
Professional sports teams are publicly calling for action against gun violence. Gov. DeSantis took retribution by blocking funds for the Rays practice facility after the team took a stance.
Educate Yourself
Read what US women can learn from Poland’s recent abortion restrictions. Here is more information on what happened when abortion was banned in other areas of the world. Also learn about Women on Web, an organization based in Europe that supports women seeking abortions everywhere and is ready to ship medications to women in the USA.
Read how anti-abortion activists are collecting data on women visiting healthcare clinics in preparation for prosecuting people when Roe v Wade is overturned. Here are how prosecutions could take place. TN doctors are worried that abortion bans threaten treatment of miscarriages because termination of any pregnancy, even for medical reasons, will be a class C felony.
Learn how the Red Flag law passed in Florida after the Parkland shooting is removing guns from thousands of people.
Not so fast, Gov. Lee. The TN school voucher program faces several more hurdles before it can go into effect.
Read about some potential measures the President can take regarding gun violence by himself.
Actions for Week of May 29, 2022
Support Anti-Gun Violence Measures – Sen. Chris Murphy (CT) is negotiating with Republicans to create a gun safety bill that can muster enough votes to break the filibuster. Please ask our Senators to support that effort and consider signing this petition to them. If this effort fails, then Sen. Schumer may bring HR1446 that requires universal background checks to the floor for a vote.
Sen. Bill Hagerty: phone: 202-224-4944 (DC), 865-545-4253(Knoxville), 423-752-5337 (Chattanooga) or 615-736-5129(Nashville), email: https://www.hagerty.senate.gov/ , Twitter = @BillHagertyTN
Sen. Marsha Blackburn: 357 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 or 800 Market St. Suite 121 Knoxville TN 37902; phone: 202-224-3344 (DC), 865-540-3781 (Knoxville), 423-541-2939 (Chattanooga), 629-800-6600 (Nashville); email = https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/email-me , Twitter = @MarshaBlackburn
Educate Yourself – Many Americans want stricter gun laws to be passed.
59% of people polled think it is important to pass stricter gun safety laws. Most people are dissatisfied with the status of gun legislationin this country.
83-90% support universal background checks. Support includes making background checks mandatory for private sales.
72% of Americans support requiring a license to purchase a gun.
Red flag laws have strong support from people of all political backgrounds, including gun owners.
A majority of people support banning assault weapons. See these historical polls analyzed by Gallop and the 2021 report from Vox. Support is particularly high amongst people <30 years of age.
21% of Americans support amending or repealing the 2ndAmendment, including former SCOTUS justice, John Paul Stevens.
The NRA represents only 5 million out of 105 million Americans who own guns.
With only a few exceptions, American gun manufacturers are the only industry in American that cannot be sued. See the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) signed into law in 2005.
Guns are the only consumer products in the USA not subject to federal health and safety regulations.
The United States has the highest gun ownership on earth and the most gun violence of any “stable” country not at war.
In the first 145 days of 2022, 213 mass shootings have occurred.
There are more guns than people in the USA, with 120 firearms per 100 citizens.
One in 3 people own guns, which means that most gun owners own multiple guns. Most are white males >55 years of age.
Because of legislation passed under Gov. Lee, TN is now considered the 5th most dangerous state to live in.
Actions for Week of May 22, 2022
Important Congressional Bills – This past week the House passed several important bills, including the 1) Domestic Terrorism Prevention Actin response to the mass shooting in a Black neighborhood grocery store in Buffalo NY last week; 2) Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, a $28 million aid package for the FDA to address the shortage of baby formula; and 3) the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Act 217-207 that gives the President power to issue an emergency declaration making it unlawful to increase gas and home heating fuels excessively. Rep. Tim Burchett voted against ALL OF THEM! Only 12 Republicans voted for the Infant Formula bill. Please provide feedback to Mr. Burchett: 800 Market St. Suite 110 Knoxville TN 37902, phone: 202-225-5435 (DC), 865-523-3772 (Knoxville), 865-984-5464 (Maryville), email = https://burchett.house.gov/zip-code-lookup?form=/contact/email-me on his behavior towards these bills.
Fox News is a Menace – Fox New has long been a source of disinformation on cable TV. Most recently, Tucker Carlson’s promotion of replacement theory may have contributed to the mass shooting in Buffalo NY. Consider joining the nationwide effort to “turn off” Fox News.
When you visit a restaurant, doctor’s office, business, or relative’s home where Fox News is playing, ask for the TV remote because you want to change the channel. For most remotes, if you click on “Menu”, then on “Settings”, it will take you to “Parental Controls”. Under Parental Controls there is an option to block channels, usually by scrolling to that channel or entering the number of the channel. Please block it.
Ask the US Department of Defense to turn off Fox News at all its military bases by calling 703-571-3343 or Def. Secretary Lloyd Austin at 703-545-6700. You can also mail Sec. Austin at 1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-100.
Here’s a petition asking Comcast to delete the station from its basic cable line up; another asking it to be removed from all cable providers; one asking the FCC to revoke is news license; a petition asking advertisers to stop supporting its white supremacy rhetoric; and one calling out T. Carlson specifically.
Good News!
Texas Supreme Court ruled the governor doesn’t have the authority to order parents of trans kids be investigated for child abuse; however, investigations can continue as the law suit moves forward.
Biden administration is going to role back 45-era rules on sexual misconduct in schools.
A federal judge struck down TN’s unisex bathroom signage bill and another federal judge blocked part of Alabama’s anti-trans treatment bill.
The Obamas and Brian Chesky (CEO of Airbnb) are creating a $100 million scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in public service.
Starbucks will pay travel expenses for employees who live >100 miles from healthcare facilities that provide reproductive services they need.
Educate Yourself
The ACLU has a full recap of the 2022 TN Legislative session on their website.
Here is a two-part syllabus that includes articles that address the impact of various global challenges to reproductive rights. The first section includes research studies from social science journals addressing contraception access; impact of abortion bans on pregnancy-related mortality; and repercussions of state-level restrictions. The second section features work from fields such as cultural studies, postcolonial studies, feminist theory, and African American studies. Topics include reproductive justice, people-of-color-led reproductive rights movement, abortion narratives, surveillance and social control, and reproductive coercion. These articles are either open access or freely available through October 31.
In a review of 2020 Census data, TN (-4.7%) is one of 6 states that significantly undercounted it residents.
Read about the administration’s action plan to boost affordable housing.
Unfortunately, the TN Supreme Court has ruled Gov. Lee’s school voucher program can proceed. However, new legal battles are planned.
Actions for Week of May 15, 2022
Get Involved – People are sometimes reticent to get involved in abortion issues. They don’t want to be seen as pro-abortion. There is a huge difference between being pro-abortion and pro-choice. The Pro-Choice movement respects the rights of all women to get pregnant and bear children. It supports measures that support pregnant women, new moms and their babies, e.g. universal healthcare, accessible prenatal care, expansion of Medicaid, expansion of children’s health and insurance services, paid family leave, etc. Pro-Choice supports the right of women to make their own bodily decisions, and that includes not just abortion but free and easy access to contraception. It also means that women’s reproductive health decisions should remain private (between woman and her doctor) like men’s are. Check out the following and save the dates:
Operation Save Abortion – Abortion Access Front and other organizations are planning a Save Abortion Day on July 17th. You can learn more and sign up for notifications here.
Mountain Access Brigade supports women in Appalachia the need reproductive health access and may not be able to afford it. Click this link to learn more.
2022 Women’s Convention will be held August 12-14th in Houston TX. It is sponsored by the Women’s March Coalition, Black Feminist Future, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, National Organization for Women, National Women’s Law Center, and UltraViolet. It promises to be culmination of actions through out the summer. Visit this website for more information.
Future Scenarios – The ramifications of overturning Roe v Wade are far reaching. Here are some examples:
Read about the economic impacts of overturning abortion rights.
Read Margaret Atwood’s op-ed on a future Gilead in the USA.
Learn about warnings from fertility doctors and experts.
Learn about the study published in Scientific American on the impact of forced pregnancy.
Follow the Senate Judiciary Committee on Twitter as it schedules hearings on the subject.
Good News!
Louisiana has changed their personhood bill so it no longer charges women with murder if they have an abortion.
A Florida judge blocked DeSantis’ redistricting map because of its adverse effects on primarily black districts.
Researchers have developed a method for extracting lithium from water.
World leaders just committed another $3billion to combatting COVID-19 globally.
The administration is working with internet providers to lower the cost of monthly service to low-income households.
Educate Yourself
Although Illinois law bans schools from fining students for truancy, vaping, fights, etc. local law enforcement is now doing it.
The EPA has opened a civil rights investigation into Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley”.
Read about how corporate profits are driving inflation. Last year, fossil fuel corporations earned >$75 billion in profits. These same corporations are profiting off the war in Ukraine.
Corporations have also received a massive pandemic windfall.
Learn about the movement that asserts rivers, trees, mountains, and ecosystems have legal rights.
Did you know Knoxville’s Grace Christian Academy students participated in a video of a student wearing a white hood and yelling racial slurs while other students encouraged it?
Action for Week of May 8, 2022
The Washington Post has published two articles that explain in depth the Alito ruling and its ramifications. Here is the Alito draft annotated. Here is the text of a live chat held on May 4th about the draft and the implications of the 3 newest justices lying under oath during their confirmation hearings. Below are some points that Alito uses to support the decision Roe v Wade should be overturned.
…. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely — the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. That provision has been held to guarantee some rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution, but any such right must be “deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition” and “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty.”
The premise that abortion decisions are protected under the right to privacy is considered false….. Roe’s defenders characterize the abortion right as similar to the rights recognized in past decisions involving matters such as intimate sexual relations, contraception, and marriage, but abortion is fundamentally different, as both Roe and Casey acknowledged, because it destroys what those decisions called “fetal life” and what the law now before us describes as an “unborn human being”.
The 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause does not apply to abortion because “a State’s regulation of abortion is not a sex based classification”…. “the “goal of preventing abortion” does not constitute “invidiously discriminatory animus against women.”
The premise that the “9th Amendment’s reservation of rights unnamed in the Constitution to people should be applied to a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy is fals”e (page 10).
“In this case, five factors weigh strongly in favor of overruling Roe and Casey: the nature of their error, the quality of their reasoning, the “workability” of the rules they imposed on the country, their disruptive effect on other areas of the law, and the absence of concrete reliance.”
Alito spends some time explaining why “stare decisis”, the principal of standing by legal precedent or rule of law should be ignore in this case.
The ruling also states that it is the “Court’s opinion in Roe itself convincingly refutes the notion that the abortion liberty is deeply rooted in the history or tradition of our people”. Alito justifies banning abortion by referencing laws in existence in the 1500s-1700s (see below). His use of the term, “deeply rooted in history” sets the precent for judging other rights protected by rule of law that are not mentioned in the constitution.
For Alito, the fact that abortion continues to be a hot button issue in the USA (despite a plurality of support for it) indicates Roe v Wade is not settled law… “Neither (prior) decision has ended debate over the issue of a constitutional right to obtain an abortion. Indeed, in this case, 26 States expressly ask us to overrule Roe and Casey and to return the issue of abortion to the people and their elected representatives.”
He concludes that…”Abortion presents a profound moral question. The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion. Roe and Casey arrogated that authority. We now overrule those decisions and return that authority to the people and their elected representatives.”
Notable in Alito’s draft is the willingness to confer “personhood” to embryos/fetuses; his statement that use of gestational age and stage of viability for deciding legality of abortion is too subjective; citing low numbers of children available for adoption as a rationale for creating more children; and quoting 17th century law as justification for deciding abortion is criminal.
Assigning personhood at the time an egg is fertilized allows bills to be written that criminalize the destruction of any embryo as murder (See information on personhood legislation below).
Biologically, an embryo/fetus is a parasite until it is viable outside the womb. The concept of personhood overrules this biological definition. It leads to the question of what measures doctors will be required to take to keep embryos/fetuses alive that are not viable to in order to minimize their legal jeopardy.
On page 34 of the draft, Alito justifies banning abortion by citing 2008 CDC data that show the “domestic supply of infants available for adoption is low”. He ignores the fact that 400,000 children are in foster care in the USA. States are very concerned they do not have the means to care for more given up/abandoned children. In TN alone, 7000 children are in foster care, and foster care officials publicly announced May 5th they are overwhelmed and ill-equipped to manage any more abandoned children.
References to Sir Matthew Hale’s rulings (page 16) are particularly abhorrent because Hale believed that women were an extension of the male body (Adam’s rib), so men could do whatever they wanted with women. Hale was a proponent of marital rape as a method of teaching and disciplining women in their proper role as wives. The fact that Alito must look back as far as the 1500s-1700s to find justification for banning abortion (citing Sir Edward Coke’s 17th Century treatise, Eleanor Beare’s conviction in 1732, etc. on page 17) is telling.
Amongst other confounding statements, Alito’s draft falsely claims that “abortion is the racist tool of eugenics” and that "the costs of medical care associated with pregnancy and childbirth are covered by insurance".
Although Alito takes care to state that the ruling “only pertains to abortion and not other privacy rulings, such as intimate sexual relations, contraception, and marriage,” the ruling sets the stage for all of these to be questioned by the states. Texas is already drawing up legislation that would ban county clerks from issuing same-sex marriage licenses. In addition, states are now emboldened to call into question other rights, even those mandated in the Constitution, such as free public education that was affirmed by a 1982 court ruling, and other privacy protections (see below).
What are States expected to do after Roe v Wade is overturned?
It is important to recognize that many anti-abortion bills (and bills pertaining to other subjects) filed in State legislatures do not originate from within the state. Many of these bills (i.e. model bills) are created by private think tanks and outside interests, such as corporations. Examples of such think tanks are the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Goldwater Institute, and Heritage Foundation. Most model bills support corporate and conservative issues, including anti-abortion measures. A number of bills have already been written by these groups and are ready for filing once Roe v Wade is overturned. The Brennan Center and others follow the money behind these efforts.
Abortion legislation is tracked by a number of entities, including the Washington Post, American Progress Organization, and Guttmacher Institute. As soon as Roe v Wade is overturned, 13 states with trigger laws will ban abortion immediately (including TN), with 13 additional states are banning abortion in some form. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, abortion will remain legal in 22 states. Guttmacher Institute lists abortion policies for each state.
In addition to existing laws, here are some further actions states are taking:
Personhood Laws – These laws make it criminal for pregnancies to be terminated any time after fertilization, with the woman and/or doctor being charged with murder in some states (Louisiana HLS 22RS-1201). In addition, many make pregnant women liable for criminal charges of child abuse if a fetus is harmed by their actions, even if they don’t know they are pregnant (e.g. drug abuse, risky physical activity). Two such laws were introduced in TN this past session but did not move forward. Missouri’s trigger bill is also a personhood law.
Besides fining women, and charging them with murder and abuse, these laws ban the day after pill, abortion medication pills, use of IUDs, and prevent the destruction of fertilized embryos kept by invitro fertilization facilities. IVF embryos must be kept frozen in perpetuity. Additionally, only 1 embryo can be implanted via IVF at a time because implantation of multiple embryos may result in the death or selective reduction of some of them. In some circumstances, women can be arrested after miscarriage.
Some personhood bills contain exceptions for when the woman’s life is endangered but legislators in Missouri tried to roll back this exception, even for ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies are ~100% lethal if they are not terminated, and it is estimated 110,000 occur in the USA each year.
Restricting Access to Abortion Pills – This spring a bill (HB2416/SB2281) was passed in TN that requires women to obtain medical abortifacients in person from a doctor, who must administer the pills in the office, often on sequential days. Administration of the medications must be reported to the state. Women cannot legally obtain the pills via the Internet and pills cannot be mailed, delivered, or transported into the state. Failure to comply is a Class E felony. Other states are passing similar bills.
Penalizing Women Who Travel to Obtain Abortions – Some states are creating legislation that criminalize women traveling out of state for abortions. In Georgia, if a resident plans to travel elsewhere she andanyone helping her can be charged with conspiracy to commit murder, which carries a 10-year prison sentence.
Loss of Privacy, Selling Databases – With loss of privacy protection from Roe v Wade, state enforcement agencies can require reporting and tracking of surgical and medical procedures related to pregnancy (e.g. D&C). They can also require insurance companies share their medical databases with respect to reproductive health coverage. Such databases also become eligible for sale.
Besides abortion and pregnancy termination, states are filing legislation that would remove privacy protections from contraception. One such bill was filed in TN’s last legislative session, but it did not move forward. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has come out in favor of these bills, stating that Griswold v Connecticut (that protected contraception under privacy rules) was wrongfully decided. Loss of this privacy protection opens pharmacy and insurance databases to state regulators. Apps that women use to track their menstrual periods would be considered fair game for data trolling. State agencies and prosecutors would also be able to use search histories, location data, and text messages to enforce anti-abortion laws and as evidence of intent to terminate a pregnancy. Prosecutors already use this type of data during trials on other matters.
What is expected on the Federal level after Roe v Wade is overturned?
Although the Senate plans to vote this week on the Women’s Health Protection Act that codifies the right to an abortion, it will fail because of the filibuster. And if Republicans take control after the midterms, a floor vote on any similar bill will not be allowed by Sen. McConnell. In addition, should another SCOTUS position become available in the second half of President Biden’s term, hearings on a nominee probably are doubtful.
Plans are already underway to pass a nationwide ban on abortions as soon as Republicans take control of both Houses of Congress and the White House. They are trying to decide strategically whether to suspend the filibuster to pass such a ban. If nationwide ban is passed, the only place to obtain abortions within the geographic USA would be in the tribal sovereign nations, and they are not equipped to handle a large demand. Although Canada has offered for American women to obtain abortions there, it is possible a nationwide ban would include criminal penalties for women who travel to do so.
What Can We Do?
If you think the above developments are dystopian and right out of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, you are correct. With reversal of Roe v Wade, the USA will join fewer than 20 countries that highly restrict abortion. See this article on Global Comparisons of Abortion Law. It emphasizes that almost 95% of abortions in countries with liberal abortion laws are safe, compared with 25% in countries where abortions are banned. Banning abortions doesn’t decrease their number, it only makes them more dangerous.
To keep women safe; to retain autonomy over our own bodies; and to ensure we do not return to second-class stature in this country, WE MUST FIGHT BACK! Below are some actions to consider.
Contact Sens. Sinema (202-224-4521, https://www.sinema.senate.gov/contact-kyrsten) and Manchin (202-224-3954, https://www.manchin.senate.gov/contact-joe/email-joe ) to request they agree to suspend the filibuster for next week’s vote on the Women’s Health Protection Act.
Be prepared to march and demonstrate, loudly and repeatedly. Enlist the men in your life to participate. See the events list below for marches planned in Knoxville, other TN cities and across the country on Saturday, May 14th.
Consider participating in planned civil disobedience actions when they are organized. Note that this is difficult in TN because the anti-protestor bill passed in 2021 makes a person subject to arrest, fine, jail time, and a felony conviction if they block a roadway, intersection, path, door, hallway, etc. In addition, the bill passed a month ago to criminalize homelessness was originally designed to be an anti-protestor bill. It allows anyone falling asleep on public property to be charged with a misdemeanor and fine, as well as be charged with a felony if they have any camping gear with them.
Be prepared for work walk-outs/strikes. We realize this is difficult in a right-to-work state like TN but it may be effective in other states.
Consider joining a sex strike. Sex strikes can be effective but they are most effective when they are widely organized and have finite goals defined. Read about their history, particularly in Liberia and Togo.
Support Pro-Choice Senators in the mid-terms. See this list of races in the Cook Political Report. In particular, toss up and leaning race (e.g. FL, OH, GA, PA, etc.) candidates need your help.
Boycott states that ban abortion, e.g. travel, meetings, products, etc. Discourage friends and relatives from visiting TN. Boycott movies, etc. made in those states. Give your business to Pro-Choice states.
Press employers and corporations on whether they support Pro-Choice. Urge them to provide travel benefits and time away from work for women who need it. Give your business to companies that support women’s reproductive health.
Donate to abortion providers and women’s health advocates like Keep Our Clinics, Planned Parenthood TNM, National Network of Abortion Funds, etc.
Plan to vote in the mid-term elections and encourage others to vote. If nonvoters from the 2020 election showed up, things could be quite different.
Write your members of Congress, especially if they are at all receptive to protecting abortion rights.
Sign petitions that come your way in support of choice like these from MoveOn, Women’s March/Planned Parenthood, Change.org, Progressive Caucus, and to the United Nations,
Send other ideas and suggestions to Maryvilletnhuddle@gmail.com. If you learn of plans for demonstrations and actions organized by other groups, please let us know.
Good News!
A Nevada judge invalidated efforts in the state to put initiatives on the ballot that would roll back a universal vote by mail bill that passed in 2021.
Five women of color are currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee for judgeships.
The city of Mason TN has settled their lawsuit with the TN Comptroller.
Floridian taxpayers have filed a lawsuit against Gov. DeSantis over dissolving Reedy Creek district to hurt Disney. DeSantis was also sued for the gerrymandered redistricting map he signed into law.
The Department of Justice is creating an environmental justice office.
The MAGA candidate for state house in Michigan who recently promoted an abortion ban by saying victims should acquiesce and enjoy it was upset in the election this past week.
Actions for Week of May 1, 2022
GSMNP Fees Proposal – GSMNP is proposing a parking fee be established for the park to raise funds for park maintenance and to help control parking issues. Proposed daily fee = $5, 7 days = $15, and annual = $40. Camping fees at campgrounds would also be increased to $30, with group camps set between $50-$94. See this website for more details. Public comments can be submitted until May 7, 2022 at this site.
Contact Gov. Lee – HB2666/SB2247 requires all books/materials in school libraries be on a list approved by the State Textbook Quality Commission (composed of political appointees). It passed the General Assembly and is waiting for the Governor’s signature. Fortunately, the amendment that requires all schools to submit a list of their holdings was removed. However, parents can go over the heads of school librarians and school boards to complain about books they dislike. When asked what he thought should be done with books removed, Rep. Sexton said “burn them”. Please consider contacting Gov. Lee to ask him to veto this bill. You can email his office here or call 615-741-2001.
Good News!
Connecticut Legislature passed a bill that combats abortion laws in other states House by allowing persons who face legal liability for violating other states' abortion laws to sue for damages in Connecticut courts.
A federal judge temporarily blocked the new abortion law in Kentucky and activists blocked a trigger bill in Nebraska.
Temporary Protective Status has been extended to refugees from Cameroon.
Slovenia’s Green Party won their national election, defeating 3-term Prime Minister Janez Jansa’s right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party.
A law that requires Federal judges and Supreme Court justices to make more timely and accessible disclosures of their financial holdings and potential conflicts of interest passed Congress and is awaiting the President’s signature.
Educate Yourself
As COVID relief funds run out, the uninsured face surprise medical bills for COVID testing, hospital treatment, etc.
Read about the horrible conditions at Mississippi’s Parchman state prison.
Have you heard that Florida has rejected 41% math textbooksbecause they reference critical race theory and other prohibited topics.
Florida has passed a gerrymandered bill that eliminates districts held by 2 Black Democrats and gives Republicans an advantage in 20 of 28 districts. This means 2 of 4 districts represented by African Americans are eliminated, and the Republicans will probably pick up 4 seats in the US House. See you in Court!
Read about the 5 inmates with Tennessee connections that were granted clemency by Pres. Biden.
Actions for Week of April 24, 2022
Celebrate – Hopefully, the TN General Assembly will adjourn this week.
Petitions to Sign
Here’s a petition that requests Justice Thomas recuse himself from all 2020 Election cases. Some people are even calling for his impeachment.
April is Earth Month. Here’s a petition supporting protecting our planet.
This petition urges Congress to use the 14th Amendment to ban 45 from holding office.
This petition urges Pres. Biden to reform the ATF. See petition for specific measures requested.
This petition urges Congress to ban child marriage. We just dodged a bullet here in TN with a last-minute amendment that changed a bill that would have allowed children of any change to be married.
This petition urges TN leaders to address pollution in the State.
Good News!
Charges were dropped against a woman (Pamela Moses) in TN who was given a 6-year prison sentence for registering to vote. Meanwhile Mark Meadows was registered to vote in 3 different states.
A new federal plan will help 3.6 million students move closer to debt forgiveness.
A 45-era rule that allowed medical workers to refuse to provide services that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs has been scrapped. In addition, the administration has restored rules that require federal agencies scrutinize the impact on climate by proposed infrastructure projects, especially with respect to approving construction of oil and gas pipelines.
To celebrate Earth Day this past week, Pres. Biden signed an Executive Order that seeks to protect the nation’s old growth forestsand support reforestation efforts.
Rep. Liz Cheney and Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky will receive this year’s JFK Profile in Courage award.
Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the trans sport ban bill passed by Kansas legislature and a federal judge blocked Montana’s law that would have required a trans person to undergo surgery before changing the sex on their birth certificate.
Educate Yourself
Read how the US labor shortage is an immigrant shortage.
Auditors have found millions of dollars for children’s’ meals programs were misappropriated in TN.
Did you know the TN Bureau of Ethics & Campaign Finance has been held in contempt?
Learn about America’s top income-earners and the taxes they pay or don’t pay, and the proposed minimum tax for the ultrarich.
The White House has published a Rural Playbook on how rural areas can apply for infrastructure funds.
Do you know the State has prepared county profiles on Child Well-Being in Tennessee? Visit this website to see them.Actions for Week of April 17, 2022
Oppose TISA Bill – Last week the governor’s TISA bill (HB2143/SB2396, See Action 1 in last week’s list) passed out of the House Government Operations Committee without debate and with almost no questions allowed. h. At the hearing, supporters of the bill could not answer any of the detailed questions that were allowed. This wee the bill is before the House Finance, Ways & Mean Subcommittee on Tues, April 19th and the Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee on Tues, April 19th. See the TN Education Report on the bill here and a comparison of BEP vs TISA funding here. The bill is widely opposed by many groups, including SPEAK, TREE, Pastors for TN Children, TEA, League of Women Voters, TPEC and NOAH. If you have a gmail account, you can sign this google doc petition here, and here are committee members to contact:
House Finance, Ways & Means Committee (For phone numbers visit this website.)
rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov
rep.charlie.baum@capitol.tn.gov
rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov
rep.bob.freeman@capitol.tn.gov
rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov
rep.david.hawke@capitol.tn.gov
rep.patsy.hazlewood@capitol.tn.gov
rep.susan.lynn@capitol.tn.gov
rep.brandon.ogles@capitol.tn.gov
rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov
rep.sam.whitson@capitol.tn.gov
rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov
rep.john.windle@capitol.tn.gov
Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee (For phone numbers visit this website.)
sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov
sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov
sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
sen.Brenda.Gilmore@capitol.tn.gov
sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov
sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
sen.Dawn.White@capitol.tn.gov
sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov
sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Here are some talking points when contacting the above legislators:
TISA is a huge risk. Be sure the formula is right before passing it. Either vote No on the bill or send it to Summer Study
Don’t pass it now with the idea of fixing it later. Don’t experiment on our communities and children.
The governor hasn’t told the whole truth about TISA. Don’t trust his claims.
TISA does not include more school funding. New funds, if any, will be appropriated separately, and not until 2023. In addition, funds will disproportionately be sent to charter schools.
Student-centered formulas adopted in TX and FL pushed more school costs onto local communities. TISA is set to increase the tax burden on some local communities soon after the governor leaves office.
Provide More Feedback to State Legislators – The following 4 bills came to a floor vote this past week. If you want to provide feedback on how these folks voted, here are their email addresses: rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov , rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov , rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov , sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov , sen.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov
a. HB2416/SB2281 that requires drugs that can induce abortions be given in person and prohibits pharmacies/doctors from providing the drug via courier, delivery, or mail service passed the House. Reps. Ramsey & Moon voted for it; Rep. Johnson against.
b. HB0978/SB1610 that criminalizes homelessness passed the House & Senate. Reps. Ramsey & Moon, and Sen. Briggs voted for it; Rep. Johnson and Sen. Swann against.
c. HB1895/SB1861 that requires schools to determine a student’s birth sex before they can participate in school sports passed the Senate. Sen. Swann voted for it; Sen. Briggs did not vote.
d. HB1871/SB1982 that promotes natural immunity against COVID-19 as being as protective as vaccination passed the House. Reps. Moon & Ramsey voted for it; Rep. Johnson against.
Good News!
Biden Administration is extending the pause on federal student loan payments through August.
Pres. Biden has nominated the first woman to lead a branch of the US military, the Coast Guard.
The Arizona Supreme Court dismissed a GOP lawsuit aimed at eliminating early voting.
Two statues will be erected in the Capitol honoring Justices O’Connor and RBG.
The federal budget deficit is decreasing substantially, with projections for largest 1-year decline ($1.3 trillion) in US history.
LA officials have banned travel to FL and TX because of their anti-LGBTQ policies.The Air Force is offering help to families affected by anti-LGBTQ laws, and will move them to another state
Educate Yourself
A judge denied the town of Mason’s request for an injunction against the TN Comptroller.
The Muscogee Nation has named a Surgeon General, the first for any tribal nation.
Learn how US oil companies are profiteering from recent crises, including the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and climate emergency.
Did you know there are giant indoor farms in Appalachian Kentucky?
The Federal Election Commission has sanctioned Sen. Blackburn over misuse of campaign funds paid to her daughter and son-in-law. Sen. Blackburn has a reputation for being one of the more corrupt Senators, with prior FEC citations or complaints as far back as 2006.
Learn about the Scientist Rebellion by visiting their website. 1000s of them were arrested recently.
Actions for Week of April 10, 2022
Oppose TISA Bill - The governor’s TISA bill (HB2143/SB2396) passed out of the House Educational Committee April 5th. This is the bill that was discussed at length during the last Huddle Meeting. See the TN Education Report on the bill here. It is on the calendar of House Government Operations Committee Mon, April 11th and the Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee on Tues, April 12th. Here are committee members and talking points if you want to speak up.
House Government Operations
Rep. John Ragan: 615-741-4400, rep.john.ragan@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jay Reedy: 615-741-7098, rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. David Byrd: 615-741-2190, rep.david.byrd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Kent Calfee: 615-741-6758, rep.kent.calfee@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Karen Camper: 615-741-1898, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mark Cochran, 615-741-1725, rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Vincent Dixie, 615-741-1997, rep.vincent.dixie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jeremy Faison, 615-741-6871, rep.jeremy.faison@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Gloria Johnson, 615-741-2031, rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Justin Lafferty, 615-741-4110, rep.justin.lafferty@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. William Lamberth, 615-741-1980, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mary Littleton, 615-741-7477, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Pat Marsh, 615-741-6824, rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mike Stewart, 615-741-2184, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Todd Warner, 615-741-4170, rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov
Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee
Sen. Bo Watson: 615-741-3227, sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. John Stevens: 615-741-4576, sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Joey Hensley: 615-741-3100, sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Todd Gardenhire: 615-741-6682, sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Brenda Gilmore: 615-741-2453, Sen.Brenda.Gilmore@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Ferrell Haile: 615-741-1999, sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Jack Johnson: 615-741-2495, sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Jon Lundberg:615-741-5761, sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Dawn White: 615-741-6853, Sen.Dawn.White@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Ken Yager:615-741-1449, sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Jeff Yarbro: 615-741-3291, sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Here are some talking points when contacting the above legislators:
TISA is a huge risk. Be sure the formula is right before passing it. Either vote No on the bill or send it to Summer Study
Don’t pass it now with the idea of fixing it later. Don’t experiment on our communities and children.
The governor hasn’t told the whole truth about TISA. Don’t trust his claims.
TISA does not include more school funding. New funds, if any, will be appropriated separately, and not until 2023. In addition, funds will disproportionately be sent to charter schools.
Student-centered formulas adopted in TX and FL pushed more school costs onto local communities. TISA is set to increase property tax burden on some local communities soon after the governor leaves office.
Take Action on Discriminatory Bills – TEP provides an easy way for you to contact TN state legislators about the anti-LGBTQ bills on the GA calendar this week. Visit the website for information on phone banks scheduled this week and further information.
April 11th: Petition requesting No vote on SB2153 and SB1861 that discriminate against transgender athletes.
April 13th & 14th: Petition requesting No vote on anti-marriage equality bill, HB0233/SB0562.
April 13th: Petition requesting No vote on ant-trans college athlete bill HB2316. Note this bill directly contradicts NCAA policy and could jeopardize status of collegiate sports in the TN.
Good News!
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the US Supreme Court. KBJ follows RBG!
A three-judge panel has issued an injunction against TN’s new state Senate redistricting map. It has allowed the House map to stand. The State has filed an appeal but it appears the map is clearly unconstitutional.
An appeals court has reinstated the COVID vaccine mandate for Federal employees.
The TN town of Mason (see last week’s Action List) has filed a lawsuit against the TN comptroller.
The Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia has been given back 465 acres of their sacred land at Fones Cliff in Richmond County VA.
Educate Yourself
See how underpaid teachers are in TN compared to other college-educated workers. Scroll down the article to see the map.
Learn about the children who fled Afghanistan without their families and are now stuck in US custody.
Despite net-zero vows, big banks are still dumping trillions of dollars into fossil fuels.
Learn how the Ukraine crisis is putting 28 million East Africans at risk for hunger.
Consider watching the MediasTouch podcast from last week on the differences between the GOP and Democratic party.
Oklahoma passed a ban on almost all abortions in response to women traveling from TX to OK to get one. In the meantime, The Idaho Supreme Court blocked that state’s 6-week abortion ban bill.
Actions for Week of April 3, 2022
Support Mason TN – The small town of Mason TN outside Memphis has had financial problem for over 20 years. Recently the TN Comptroller’s Office made the decision to take over the town. In addition, the Comptroller is demanding the town give up its charter in favor of being rolled into the surrounding county. The town has had a charter for 153 years, and has a majority (60%) black population. Only since 2016 has the town been run by African American elected officials because nearly all white officials resigned over fraud and mismanagement allegations. Mason is very close to where Ford plans to build its manufacturing campus and the town is anticipating infusion of significant income from Ford and its related endeavors. Questions have been raised as to why the Comptroller is acting now and why he wants the charter revoked. Other towns in TN (e.g. Jellico) have been temporarily taken over by the Comptroller in order to help them solve their financial problems but none have been asked to give up their charter. The NAACP has filed suit to stop the takeover. Please phone the governor’s office (615-741-2001) and/or email his chief of staff Joseph.Williams@tn.gov in support of Mason being able to make even the most basic of expenditures. Here is a script you can use:
Hi, my name is__________________.I am emailing in support of Mason, Tennessee.We request that the State not require Mason to seek approval for expenditures over $100.If there is an emergency, Mason is left powerless to address that emergency without a delayed state approval.Therefore, since the corrective action has taken place with monthly payments, we request that the State not take any further punitive actions against Mason and allow Mason to govern itself.
Contact Rep. Tim Burchett – This past week, Rep. Burchett voted AGAINST a House bill that would cap insulin prices at $35 per month.For other TN House members who voted against the bill, see this list. Please contact Rep. Burchett with feedback on his vote. See contact information below.
Good News!
A federal judge has ruled some of Florida’s new voting laws are unconstitutional.
The Dept. of Justice is warning states that passing legislation to block gender-affirming care could violate US law.
The US Senate is proposing the free school lunches program put in place during the pandemic be extended.
This past week, the President signed the Proclamation to honor Transgender Day of Visibility and the Dept. of Education is moving to codify Title IX protections for transgender students.
Workers in NYC have voted to form the first union at Amazon.
Educate Yourself
Learn how charter schools in TN gamed the system by filing for PPP COVID-relief loans that don’t have to be repaid, even though they didn’t lose any money during the pandemic.
Read what Gov. Lee has included in the 2022 budget. He’s offering a pittance in relief to taxpayers and tiny raises to teachers while offering $500million in bonds to build a domed stadium for the Titans.
Learn about the proposed tax on billionaires and consider attending this online discussion on April 12th at 4-5 PM. For a copy of Biden’s budget, click here. For background information on US tax and spending, and inherent inequality in the system, see this article.
Read how a federal judge has dismissed lawsuits brought by victims of the 2016 Gatlinburg fire over a procedural issue.
Have you heard of regenerative grazing? Read how farmers are increasing the practice in Maryland, PA, and other states to mitigate climate change and save small farms. Rotational grazingis the norm in countries such as New Zealand.
Actions for Week of March 27, 2022
Oppose SB2077/HB2246 - This bill prevents local communities from having meaningful input on the construction of fossil fuel storage, transmission, distribution, or other related projects (e.g. pipelines, gas stations) passed the Senate last week. Sen. Art Swann voted for it, so you may want to provide him with feed back on his vote (615-741-0981, sen.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov ). The bill is up for a vote in the House onTues, March 29th and you can easily email your representative through this link.
Support HB0466/SB0162 – This bill is sponsored by Sen. Briggs. It establishes a pilot program for three years to provide childcare payments to eligible relative caregivers. It is before the House Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee on Wed, March 30th. Here are the committee members:
Rep. Mary Littleton: 615-741-7477, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rush Bricken: 615-741-7448, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rick Eldridge: 615-741-6877, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Andrew Farmer: 615-741-4419, rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Gillespie: 615-741-8201, rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Torrey Harris: 615-741-2239, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mike Stewart: 615-741-2184, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Good News!
The Crown Act passed in the House. Will Sen. Schumer get it through the Senate?
The SEC is proposing a rule that requires all publicly traded companies to tell investor of risks posed by climate change, and report greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Governors in both Utah and Indiana vetoed transgender sports ban bills (Unfortunately the Utah legislature overrode the veto). Idaho Republicans killed a bill that would have made medical care for trans youth a felony.
Educate Yourself
Learn how 100,000 former students are eligible for cancellation of their student debt based on changes made by the Dept. of Education.
Learn how Russia’s attack on Ukraine could force 500 million people into acute hunger because it is a leading exporter of wheat, especially to Africa.
Read how millions of children may lose their Medicaid and CHIPs coverage once COVID relief rules expire, possibly was early as April.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus has prepared a list of Executive Orders recommendations for the President. See the full list here.
Did you know that the federal minimum wage is not enough to live on anywhere in the USA? Visit this Family Budget Map for more information.
Actions for Week of March 20, 2022
Support HB1974/SB1900 – This bill requires Dept. of Children’s Services to maintain staffing levels of cases managers so that each region has enough managers to limit number of children each are responsible for. It increases state expenditures to cover the costs. Bill is sponsored by Rep. Gloria Johnson and Sen. Heidi Campbell. Bill is before Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee on Wed, March 23rd. Here are committee members:
Rep. Mary Littleton: 615-741-7477, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rush Bricken: 615-741-7448, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rick Eldridge: 615-741-6877, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Andrew Farmer: 615-741-4419, rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Gillespie: 615-741-8201, rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Torrey Harris: 615-741-2239, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mike Stewart: 615-741-2184, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Support HJR0008 – This resolution calls for a Constitutional Amendment that limits the number of terms a person can be elected to the Congress of the United States. It is before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tues, March 22nd. Here are committee members:
Sen. Mike Bell, 615-741-1946, sen.mike.bell@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Dawn White, 615-741-6853, sen.Dawn.White@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Paul Rose, 615-741-1967, sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Todd Gardenhire, 615-741-6682, sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Send. Sara Kyle, 615-741-4167, sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. London Lamar, 615-741-2509, Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Jon Lundberg, 615-741-5761, sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Kerry Roberts, 615-741-4499, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. John Stevens, 615-741-4576, sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Boycott Companies Doing Business in Russia – Although >400 companies have withdrawn, many remain doing business in Russia. You can download a current list of what businesses are doing from this website. The list of companies that are defying demands to exit Russia begins on page 49, and list of companies suspending business begins on page 19.
Good News!
Read how TX officials started an investigation of a family for child abuse just because they have a transgender daughter and how a TX court blocked it. Some TX District Attorneys are also refusing to uphold Gov. Abbot’s order to investigate other parents. Another Texas judge has issued an injunction against investigating parents for transgender children for child abuse.
The Violence Against Women Act was renewed by Congressbecause it was attached to the spending bill that passed on March 10th.
A bill has e signed into law in New Mexico making college tuition-free.
Read how progressives won the school culture war in New Hampshire.
Educate Yourself
Learn more details on the bribery scandal surrounding Rep. Cassada & Gov. Lee’s efforts to get his education voucher bill passed. And read how lobbyists are influencing the General Assembly to get legislation passed for Airbnb over Nashville’s objections. This is a good time to read about the American Anti-Corruption Act, which makes it illegal to purchase political influence.
The TN Public Education Coalition doesn’t think much of Gov. Lee’s proposed changes on educational funding in the State. Consider following them on twitter @TNPublicEd.
Read about the Missouri bill that would penalize women who obtain abortions out of state; the Missouri bill that would ban terminating ectopic pregnancies thereby killing the mother; and the Texas bill that allows the death penalty be applied to women who have abortions.
Hours after Pres. Zelensky addressed the US Congress, Sen. Roger Marshall (KS) blocked confirmation of the officials tasked with efforts to support Ukraine.
The US Senate passed a$107 billion overhaul of the US Postal Service.
Actions for Week of March 13, 2022
BAD BILLS MOVED FORWARD
1. SB2290 that prohibits higher education from teaching divisive concepts will be voted on by the full Senate tomorrow, Monday, March 14th. It (HB2670) passed the House last week. Rep. Moon voted for it and Rep. Ramsey was absent.
2. HB2246/SB2077 that was amended to allow the construction of the crude oil Byhalia Connection Pipelinethrough the historic Black Southwest Memphis community was deferred in the House until Tues, March 22nd and in the Senate until Tues, March 15th. The bill also preempts/voids ANY actions by local planning commissions, county commissions, city councils or any other boards that would interfere in any way with the siting and development of fossil fuel infrastructure in TN. See last week’s Action List for the committee members to contact.
3. HB2314/SB2300 that redefines "child" to include an embryo (from fertilization to birth) for the purposes of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment was rolled to Tues, March 15th in both the House and Senate. See last week’s Action List for committee members to contact.
4. HB0800/SB1216 prohibits state textbook and instructional materials commission from recommending use of materials that normalize, support, or addresses LGBTQ issues or lifestyles passed out of committee and will go to the full House for a vote. You might want to thank Rep. Mannis of Knoxville for voting against this bill. This is one of the “Don’t Say Gay” bills like the one just passed in FL.
5. HB2833/SB2168 is up for consideration in the TN House Education Instruction Subcommittee on Tues, March 15th. It would allow charter school corporations to by-pass local school boards and apply directly to the Commission for approval; allow charter operators that have one charter school to apply for “replication” schools and be automatically approved without local school board input or approval, etc. The companion bill passed out of committee in the Senate. See Action List from February 27th for committee member list.
6. SB2440/HB2569 that does away with affirmative action in public employment, education, and contracting is before the House State Government Committee on Tues, March 15th.
7. HB1871/SB1982 that promotes natural immunity against COVID-19 as being as protective as vaccination is before the House Education Administration Committee on Wed, March 16th.
8. HB2633/SB2777 that bans schools from requiring teachers to use a student’s preferred pronoun is before the House Education Administration Committee on Wed, March 16th
9. HB1944/SB1944 that allows libraries to be sued for containing books/material that could be deemed as obscene and harmful to minors is before the Senate Education Committee and House Education Administration Committee on Wed, March 16th. This bill is part of the book banning movement in TN and is a direct attack on librarians.
10. HB1895/SB1861 that requires schools to determine a student’s birth sex before they can participate in school sports is before the Senate Education Committee on Wed, March 16th.
11. HB0535/SB0455 that allows charter schools to be run by for-profit companies is before the House Education Instruction Committee on Tues, March 15th. It has passed through Senate Committees and will go to the Senate floor for a full vote.
GOOD BILLS or OUTCOMES
1. Rep. Hakeem’s bill that would ban corporal punishment in schools was blocked.
2. HB2328/SB1953 that exempts companies involved in surface mining and quarrying from local and reginal zoning regulations was taken off notice in the House.
3. HB2861/SB2778 was a variant of a school voucher bill and it failed in committee.
4. HB0561/SB0018 that changes revocation of voting rights following a conviction to a temporary suspension was deferred to summer study.
5. HB2331/SB2558 that requires a paper trail for voting machines starting in January 2024 is before the House Finance, Ways & Means Committee on Wed, March 16th.
6. HB1324/SB0947 is a second bill attempting to allow school ID cards to be used for voting. It is before the Elections & Campaign Committee on Wed. March 16th.
7. BH0028/SB2503 that allows local utility companies to provide internet broadband services is before the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee on Tues, March 15th and the House Business & Utilities Subcommittee on Wed, March 16th.
Oppose Auxiliary Law Enforcement Bill – HB2554/SB2523 in the TN General Assembly allows any person with an enhanced gun carry permit to be considered a “law enforcement officer”. This bill opens the door for armed vigilantes to take on more law enforcement powers and to engage in paramilitary actions. The bill is before the Civil Justice Subcommittee on Wed, March 16th. Please provide feedback on the bill to these committee members.
Rep. Lowell Russell, 615-741-3736, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bob Ramsey, 615-741-3560, rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Ray Clemmons, 615-741-4410, rep.john.ray.clemmons@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Michael Curcio, 615-741-3513, rep.michael.curcio@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Andrew Farmer, 615-741-4419, rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Johnny Garrett, 615-741-3893, rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bruce Griffey, 615-741-6804, rep.bruce.griffey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Brandon Ogles, 615-741-6808, rep.brandon.ogles@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Antonio Parkinson, 615-741-4575, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov
Oppose Anti-Abortion Bills before TN House Health Subcommittee on Tues, March 15th:
a. HB2416/SB2281 requires drugs that can induce abortions be given in person and prohibits pharmacies/doctors from providing the drug via courier, delivery, or mail service.
b. HB2779/SB2582 is a copycat bill Texas SB8 that allows anyone to sue those who provide or help someone get an abortion in Tennessee. The TN bill goes one step further and effectively out laws abortion completely.
Here are the House committee members:
Rep. Bob Ramsey, 615-741-3560, rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Darren Jernigan, 615-741-6959, rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Robin Smith, 615-741-2548, rep.robin.smith@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Clark Boyd, 615-741-7086, rep.clark.boyd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. David Byrd, 615-741-2190, rep.david.byrd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bob Freeman, 615-741-0709, rep.bob.freeman@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mark Hall, 615-741-1350, rep.mark.hall@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Sabi Kumar, 615-741-2860, rep.sabi.kumar@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Pat Marsh, 615-741-6824, rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Paul Sherrell, 615-741-163, rep.paul.sherrell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bryan Terry, 615-741-2180, rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov
SB2582 is also before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tues, March 15th:
Sen. Mike Bell, 615-741-1946, sen.mike.bell@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Dawn White, 615-741-6853, sen.Dawn.White@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Paul Rose, 615-741-1967, sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Todd Gardenhire, 615-741-6682, sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Send. Sara Kyle, 615-741-4167, sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. London Lamar, 615-741-2509, Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Jon Lundberg, 615-741-5761, sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Kerry Roberts, 615-741-4499, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. John Stevens, 615-741-4576, sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Good News!
a. Moderna has begun Phase 1 clinical trials of an HIV vaccine.
c. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has adopted a redistricting map proposed by Gov. Tony Evers.
d. The Dept. of Interior will rename >600 public sites to replace the derogatory term “Squaw”.
e. The federal House passed a bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
f. The Senate finally passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Bill, which makes lynching a federal hate crime. The fact this bill is needed is stupefying.
Educate Yourself
a. Here is a list of the 31 Senators who voted again emergency aid to Ukraine this past week.
b. Are you surprised that the 2020 Census undercounted Hispanic, Black, and Native Americans? Here is the full Census report on the issue.
c. Last week Jordan Mollenhour was approved by the TN Senate to the State Board of Education. He is the owner of the online ammunition business that sold ammunition to the under-aged shooter in the mass killing at a Santa Fe TX High School in 2018 and also to the man who killed 12 people at the movie theater in Aurora CO in 2012. He was approved despite his history and active lawsuits against him. His nomination is up for a vote in the House tomorrowunder resolution HJR0679.
d. Read how the federal budget deficit declined by $475billion dollars in early fiscal year 2022.
e. A proposed charter school with ties to Hillsdale College has withdrawn its application in Williamson County TN
Actions for Week of March 6, 2022
Oppose HB2246/SB2077 – This seemingly innocuous bill has been amended to allow the construction of the crude oil Byhalia Connection Pipeline through the historic Black Southwest Memphis community. It also preempts/voids ANY actions by local planning commissions, county commissions, city councils or any other boards that would interfere in any way with the siting and development of fossil fuel infrastructure in TN. The bill is before the Senate Commerce &
Labor Committee on March 8th. Please contact these committee members with your feedback. You can also send group emails via this link. Note that several local legislators are on these committees but feel free to contact ALL committee members.
Chair Paul Bailey R 615 741-3978 sen.paul.bailey@capitol.tn.gov
1st Vice-Chair Art Swann R 615-741-0981 sen.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov
2nd Vice-Chair Frank Nicely R 615-741-2061 sen.frank.niceley@capitol.tn.gov
Raumesh Akbari D 615-741-1767 Sen.Raumesh.Akbari@capitol.tn.gov
Jack Johnson R 615-741-2495 sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Shane Reeves R 615-741-1066 sen.shane.reeves@capitol.tn.gov
Steve Southerland R 615-741-3851 sen.steve.southerland@capitol.tn.gov
Bo Watson R 615-741-3227 sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov
Ken Yager 615-741-1149 sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov
The bill is also before the House Commerce Committee on March 8th.
Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R (615) 741-1866, rep.kevin.vaughan@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rush Bricken, R, (615) 741-7448, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R, (615) 741-2251, rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Clark Boyd, R (615) 741-7086 rep.clark.boyd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Kent Calfee, R (615) 741-7658, rep.kent.calfee@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Karen Camper, D (615) 741-1898, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jeremy Faison, R (615) 741-6871, rep.jeremy.faison@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Kirk Haston, R (615) 741-0750, rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R (615) 741-2746, rep.patsy.hazlewood@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jason Hodges, D (615) 741-2043, rep.jason.hodges@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Holsclaw, Jr., R (615) 741-7450, rep.john.holsclaw@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Curtis Johnson, R (615) 741-4341, rep.curtis.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Susan Lynn, R (615) 741-7462, rep.susan.lynn@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Eddie Mannis, R, (615) 741-2287, rep.eddie.mannis@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jerome Moon, R (615) 741-5481, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jason Powell, D (615) 741-6861, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Dennis Powers, R- (615) 741-3335, rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, District 49, (615) 741-6829, rep.mike.sparks@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Dwayne Thompson, D (615) 741-1920, rep.dwayne.thompson@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Joe Towns, Jr., D (615) 741-2189, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Greg Vital, R (615) 741-3025, rep.greg.vital@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jason Zachary, R (615) 741-2264, Rep.Jason.Zachary@capitol.tn.gov
Oppose HB2314/SB2300 – This bill is before the TN House Health Subcommittee on Tues, March 8th. It redefines "child" to include an embryo (from fertilization to birth) for the purposes of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. In other words, if you don’t know you’re pregnant and you drink alcohol or go zip lining, you could be criminally charged with embryo abuse. Please contact these committee members with your feedback.
Rep. Bob Ramsey, 615-741-3560, rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Darren Jernigan, 615-741-6959, rep.darren.jernigan@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Robin Smith, 615-741-2548, rep.robin.smith@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Clark Boyd, 615-741-7086, rep.clark.boyd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. David Byrd, 615-741-2190, rep.david.byrd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bob Freeman, 615-741-0709, rep.bob.freeman@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mark Hall, 615-741-1350, rep.mark.hall@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Sabi Kumar, 615-741-2860, rep.sabi.kumar@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Pat Marsh, 615-741-6824, rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Paul Sherrell, 615-741-163, rep.paul.sherrell@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bryan Terry, 615-741-2180, rep.bryan.terry@capitol.tn.gov
Good News!
The Administration is cracking down on power plant pollution, encouraging clean manufacturing, and trying to stop the purchase of gas-powered postal vehicles by the USPS. Since USPS is plans to move ahead, watch for a lawsuit to be filed.
Additional oil leases supported by the Administration have been halted in court.
Houses of worship are building affordable housing on their properties in Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, New York and elsewhere.
The president signed a bill that overhauls the laws pertaining to the sexual misconduct in workplace.
Educate Yourself
Gov. Lee wants to open 100 new charter schools in the State. Learn about the terrible track record of charter schools in TN and how they negatively impact local schools. Consider following @AmyFrogge on Twitter. You can read about charter school profiteering here.
Hillsdale College is the private entity that Gov. Lee wants to start 100 charter schools in the State.
It’s president was recently criticized for his racist comments and the school has lauded Putin as a great statesman.
Hillsdale also promotes an inaccurate portrayal of the Civil Rights movement.
And its founding president, George Roche III, had a 19-year affair with his daughter-in-law, who eventually committed suicide.
The ACLU is requesting Gov. Lee release its records regarding the Hillsdale partnership because of serious constitutional concerns.
BEWARE of the “informed patriotism” and “American exceptionalism” that Gov. Lee wants taught in TN schools, which would be facilitated by charter schools.
Details on Gov. Lee’s $9 billion proposal to change how the State funds K-12 Education are provided in these articles. Teacher raises are included in the proposal. Funding varies based on student needs.
Actions for Week of February 27, 2022
Oppose SB2290/HB2670 – This bill prohibits the teaching of “divisive concepts” in higher education and allows students and employees to file complaints against any teacher that teaches concepts that may be construed as being divisive. This bill is directed at preventing the teaching of critical race theory in the law colleges in the State. However, the bill can be used as a weapon against any teacher for teaching many different subjects. This bill will be voted on in the TN Senate on Monday, February 28th. Please contact our local senators immediately to voice your opposition. All contact information is available here. Here is an ACLU petition to sign.
Oppose Loss of Local Control of Charter Schools – Current law requires charter schools to apply to local school boards with appeals directed to the State Charter School Commission. HB2833/SB2168 up for consideration in the TN House Education Instruction Subcommittee on Tues, March 1st would allow charter school corporations to by-pass local school boards and apply directly to the Commission for approval; allow charter operators that have one charter school to apply for “replication” schools and be automatically approved without local school board input or approval; and allow charter school corporations to lease without cost, or buy for $1 dollar, local school facilities that are deemed “underutilized”. Any outstanding debt on the facility would be the responsibility of the local school district. Please contact the following committee members with your feedback. Note: This bill was stopped in its tracks 2 weeks ago because so many people called and wrote in objecting to it. Please join the effort to stop it again!
Rep. Scott Cepicky, 615-741-3005, rep.scott.cepicky@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Vincent Dixie, 615-741-1997, rep.vincent.dixie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bruce Griffey, 615-741-6804, rep.bruce.griffey@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Torry Harris, 615-741-2239, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Kirk Haston, 615-741-0750, rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Tim Hicks, 615-741-1717, rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Sam McKenzie, 615-741-0768, rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Debra Moody, 615-741-3774, rep.debra.moody@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Ragan, 615-741-4400, rep.john.ragan@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Todd Warner, 615-741-4170, rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver, 615-741-2192, rep.terri.lynn.weaver@capitol.tn.gov
Support ERPO/Red Flag Bill – HB1588 is on the schedule of the Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee in the TN House on Wed, March 2nd in the TN House General Assembly. It allows a court to issue an extreme risk protection order upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that a person poses a significant risk of harm to the person or others if allowed to possess or purchase a firearm; authorizes a law enforcement officer or family or household member to petition for such an order. Please call or email the following committee members to express your support.
Rep. Mary Littleton, 615-741-7477, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rush Bricken, 615-741-7448, rep.rush.bricken@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John Gillespie, 615-741-8201, rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Andrew Farmer, 615-741-4419, rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Rick Eldridge, 615-741-6877, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Torry Harris, 615-741-2239, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Mike Stewart, 615-253-0181, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
TEP Petitions – Note these are date/time sensitive.
March 1: HB2835 by Rep. Ragan in House Health Subcommittee at Noon Central Time. Send a message to the members of the subcommittee using this easy form. HB2633 by Rep. Cochran back in the House K-12 Subcommittee at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Send a message to the members of the subcommittee using this easy form.
March 2: HB800 by Rep. Griffey in House Finance Subcommittee at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. Send a message to the members of the subcommittee using this easy form. SB2696 by Sen. Bowling in Senate Health and Welfare Committee at 1:00 p.m. Central Time. Send a message to the members of the committee using this easy form. HB1895 by Rep. Ragan in House Education Administration Committee at 3:30 p.m. Central Time. Send a message to the members of the committee using this easy form.
Good News!
Pamela Moses was convicted of improperly trying to register to vote in TN and was sentenced to 6 years in prison! This week a judge granted her a new trial.
The Republican Speaker of the Arizona House killed a bill that would allow the AZ legislature to reject election results.
ACLU has sued a Missouri school district for removing 8 books from libraries.
Educate Yourself
Redistricting battles continue: The NC Supreme Court struck down gerrymandered redistricting maps in the state and the PA Supreme Court chose a new House district map chosen by voters. Here in TN, 3 voters have sued over the recently passed maps. The suit was filed by TN Democrats. In Ohio, the Redistricting Commission missed the deadline mandated by the OH Supreme Court to redraw their maps.
Learn about the crypto mining operation that is happening in Tazewell TN without a permit.
Read about the millions of dollars that special interest groups spend each year to influence TN State officials.
The Texas Governor is calling on citizens and educators to report parents of transgender kids for abuse.
Actions for Week of February 20, 2022
Support Raise the Wage Act – HR603 raises the Federal minimum wage to $15/hour. Details about the bill are provided here. 32 million workers would get a $3,300 pay increase by raising the minimum wage to $15/hour. Raising the minimum wage would also decrease Federal expenditures on public assistance programs by $13.4-$31 billion per year. The bill has 201 sponsors. Please ask Rep. Burchett to support and cosponsor this bill. It already has 196 cosponsors. See contact information below.
Support US Air Travel Public Safety Act – Sen. Diane Feinstein has introduced a bill (S.2888) requiring all passengers on domestic airline flights to be fully vaccinated, have a negative COVID test, or be fully recovered from the disease. So far this bill has not been taken up by the Senate. Please consider asking Sen. Schumer to move the bill forward (email here) and ask our Senators to support this bill. See contact information below.
Good News!
The Biden administration on Thursday proposedreversing a rule that denies green cards to applicants who receive certain government benefits.
The Education Department canceled another $415 million in federal student loan debtowed by nearly 16,000 borrowers who were misled by for-profit colleges.
Educate Yourself
Learn about food insecurity and what you can do to help.
Have you ever heard of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy? Read about it here.
California Bill Would Allow Citizens to Enforce Assault Weapon Ban
Actions for Week of February 13, 2022
Oppose TN Gun Bill – HB1735 lowers the age requirement to obtain an enhanced or concealed handgun carry permit or lawfully carry a handgun in public from 21 to 18 years of age. Yes, that’s right. TN legislators claim they need to ban books from schools to protect kids but it is OK for an 18-year-old to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or training. This bill has been assigned to the Civil Justice Committee. You can email the members of the committee through this link. Click on the committee member’s photo to reach their email page.
Support HR 5723 – The Social Security 2100 Act expands the payroll tax cap on high-income workers in order to keep Social Security solvent. It would increase the minimum benefit for low-income retirees; increase benefits for all beneficiaries by 2%; factor health care costs into the cost-of-living adjustment; offer credits to leave the work force for those who become care givers for family members; and eliminate the 5-month waiting period to draw disability benefits. Hearings on the bill began just before the holiday break. Please ask Rep. Burchett to support and cosponsor this bill. It already has 196 cosponsors. See contact information below.
Good News!
A federal judge revoked oil and gas leases for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico stating that the Interior Department must consider their effects on climate change.
San Jose CA passed an ordinance requiring gun owners to pay a fee and carry liability insurance. They were sued the next day by gun rights groups, and this suit will be a good test case to follow.
Alaska is moving to end party primaries and to use rank voting for their general elections.
Read how Native American women are bringing solar power to Navajo Nation.
A federal court restored endangered species protections for the gray wolf that were rolled back during the Trump administration.
Educate Yourself
Learn about the cost of racial and ethnic discrimination in the labor market.
Read how gerrymandering in TX reduced the number of competitive Congressional House districts from 12 to 1.
Now that federal stimulus funding is running out, rural hospitals are in financial trouble again.
Learn more about how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act helps persistent poverty counties.
Actions for Week of February 6, 2022
Another TN Voucher Bill – SB1674/HB1671 would provide parents vouchers that can be applied to private schools if their public school does not over 180 days of in-person learning each year for a 3-year period ending September 1, 2025. This penalizes any school that closes due to COVID, even if the reason is inability to staff the school due to COVID-related illness. SB1674 has passed in the Senate and the House bill has been assigned to the House Education Instruction Committee. You can email the committee members through this link. Click on their photo to reach their email page. Also consider contacting our State Legislators with your feedback.
Rep. Jerome Moon: 615-741-5481, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bob Ramsey: 615-741-3560, rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Support Statues for Female Justices – Rep. Lois Frankel has introduced a bill (HR 4814) that would pave the wave for statues honoring SCOTUS Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruthe Bade Ginsburg in the US Capitol or on Capitol Grounds. Please ask Rep. Burchett to support and cosponsor this bill. So far it has only 6 cosponsors. See contact information below.
Good News!
Hawaii legislators are requesting $600 million to help Native Hawaiians with housing.
After bipartisan opposition from the TN General Assembly, TWRA is postponing their plan to clearcut forested land in the Bridgestone Firestone Wilderness Area.
Pred. Biden signed an executive order strengthening the military justice system’s response to gender-based violence.
An appeals court in Wisconsin reinstated ballot drop boxes for primary election on Feb. 15th.
Educate Yourself
To learn how many Biden nominees have been approved by the Senate, see this tracking website.
More voter suppression bills continue to be filed around the country, including one that would do away with all absentee and early voting in Arizona.
Read about the rate of unionization in the USA over the last several years and how many American workers would like to unionize at their workplace.
Read about the corporations that made donations to Republicans in TX after they passed the restrictive abortion ban. They include PepsiCo, CVS, ATT, Walmart, Zillow, Allstate, UPS, and others.
Gov. Lee has approved $28.5million in block grants to 62 community projects in TN. Details are provided here. Unfortunately, Blount County is not a recipient.
Actions for Week of January 30, 2022
Censorship of Public School/Library Materials –
HB0800 is on the schedule of the TN House Finance, Ways & Means Committee on Wed, February 2nd. This bill prohibits the textbook and instructional materials quality commission from approving textbook or instructional materials that promote, normalize, support, or address lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or transgender (LGBT) issues or lifestyles. The bill effectively bans LGBTQ materials in history, literature, and other classes in our public schools. The TN Library Assoc is strongly opposed to this bill. You can send an email to legislators through this link. You can email individual committee members through this link. Click on their photo to reach their email page.
HB1944/SB1944 has been assigned to the House Criminal Justice Committee. It excludes public schools, employees and private contractors from the exception to certain obscenity regulations. This bill sets the stage for members of the public to claim that certain books, films, etc. are obscene and that libraries/instructors/teachers who possess the materials can be prosecuted under existing obscenity laws. The TN Library Association and TN Association of School Librarians strongly condemn this bill. You can email individual committee members through this link. Click on their photo to reach their email page.
Also consider reaching out to our local legislators:
Rep. Jerome Moon: 615-741-5481, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bob Ramsey: 615-741-3560, sen.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov
Sen. Art Swann: 615-741-0981, sen.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov
Blount County Election Calendar 2022 – For those of you looking ahead, election dates and deadlines can be found here. The first day to request an Absentee, Mail-in Ballot for the May 3rd primary is February 2nd. Following a 2020 Court Order, 1st time voters can now vote by absentee ballot. To learn more about who can vote absentee and how to request a ballot, visit the BC Election Board website.
Good News!
The Atlanta prosecutor investigating 45’s role in pressuring Georgia officials to intervene in the election was granted a special purpose grand jury to aid the investigation.
DirectTV is dropping One American News, the pro-45, Big Lie supporting station from its lineup.
A federal court blocked Alabama’s gerrymandered Congressional redistricting map, ruling that it likely violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it only includes one district where Black voters have the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.
A Jewish couple is suing a Christian adoption agency in TN that received public funds because they were denied adoption training because they are not Christians. The adoption agency based their decision on a law passed in TN 2 years ago that allows agencies to deny service based on their written preferences or moral convictions.
On a lighter note, read about the newest resident of the White House, a cat named Willow, and the cats that preceded her.
Educate Yourself
Read how Georgia Power Company has been dumping toxic coal ash waste for years in unlined ponds and how the EPA plans to stop this practice.
Studies published by EveryTown indicate that states with weak gun laws have the highest firearm-related homicides and suicides.
TN has received a D- score by the Century Foundation on its policies pertaining to childcare and early learning; home/community-based services; paid family and medial leave; paid sick and safe days; and fair working conditions for care workers.
Consider reading the book, Three Minutes in Poland by Glenn Kurtz, which was named one of the best books by NPR and will soon be made into a movie. Details on the book can be found here.
Learn how chain restaurants rank on animal welfare.
OverviewRedistricting-2022.pdfActions for Week of January 23, 2022
TN Gerrymandering – The GOP has created a redistricting map for TN US Congressional House seats that carves Nashville/Davidson up into 3 sections and imbeds them in surrounding rural counties that are heavily Republican. The goal is to wipe out one (Rep. Cooper) of the two remaining districts held by Democrats. It also eliminates several seats held by Democrats in the State House. Although Blount County remains in Senate District 2 that district now includes Monroe and parts of Polk County, which are currently represented by Sen. Mike Bell. Art Swann could be out of a seat if he runs against Mike Bell and Blount Countians will be represented by someone they don't know. See this pdf for details. Here are maps for the Congressional districts, State House districts, and State Senate Districts.
To speak up on this matter, consider signing the petition created by KeepTNWhole.org. You can also email legislators through this website. You can also sign a second petition here. The Senate version of the bill (SB0780) passed on Thursday. The House version of the bill (HB1037) is up for a floor vote on Monday. Consider contacting our Reps. to ask them to vote No.
Rep. Jerome Moon: 615-741-5481, rep.jerome.moon@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bob Ramsey: 615-741-3560, rep.bob.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov
Killing of Gray Wolves – Of the 94 gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park, 20 have been killed. The hunting season is only half over, and trapping season is about to begin. The Phantom Lake Pack was wiped out over just 2 months (Oct-Dec). Consider requesting the wolves be protected by contacting the following folks. Also read about the Canadian rancher who has developed a no-kill method to protect his cattle from wolves.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte: governor@mt.gov
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland: https://www.doi.gov/contact-us
White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Good News!
SCOTUS ruled that the House Committee investigating the Jan 6th insurrection can have access to 45’s documents pertaining to the event.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court blocked an effort to have voting machines used in the 2020 election inspected by partisan auditors.
The Administration will now recognize trans and nonbinary veterans’ genders officially.
Two days after TN legislators filed a resolution requiring Judge Davenport to be investigated or resign, she publicly announced she will resign in August. This is the judge in Rutherford County who illegally jailed school children for fabricated infractions.
The Administration is moving to undo education rules put in place by Betsy DeVos that favored for profit schools and their ability to receive federal funds.
Educate Yourself
In case you missed it, you can watch the ProPublica webinar on The Insurrection: One Year Later here, a forum examining the impact of Jan 6th on our democracy and the 2022 election.
Learn about how Senate Republicans are refusing to allow hundreds of Biden nominees from being confirmed.
Check out Measuring Community Resilience Equitably on the US Census Bureau website. You can dial down to specific counties via this interactive map.
Did you know that 22 species were declared extinct in the USA in 2021?
Read this expose on how Baker College in Michigan spends more on marketing than financial aid, few students ever graduate, and when they do they are deeply in debt.
Actions for Week of January 16, 2022
Support Voting Rights – The Senate will take up debate on the combined Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act on Tuesday. Click on this link to see what the bill does. The bill is doomed to fail unless the two senators below agree to a carve out of the filibuster, so that only 50 votes are required for passage. These two senators claim that to do so would “ruin the Senate” yet less than a month ago they agreed to a carve out for raising the debt ceiling, and have agreed in the past on carve outs to cut taxes, pass judicial nominees, etc. For the sake of future elections, please consider urging them to change their minds.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (AZ): 202-224-4531, https://www.sinema.senate.gov/contact-kyrsten
Sen. Joe Manchin (WV): 202-224-3954, https://www.manchin.senate.gov/contact-joe/email-joe
Petitions to Sign –
Consider signing this petition from MomsRising.org requesting Sen. Manchin go back to the negotiating table to advance the Build Back Better Bill. Here’s a second petition supporting the bill and encouraging Sen. Schumer to bring it to the floor for a vote.
Here’s a petition asking EPA to limit methane emissions.
Good News!
A 45-era rule depriving the Mashpee MA Wampanoag Tribe of their land has been reversed by the Secretary of the Interior.
Italy has voted to shut down all fur farms in the country.
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Statehouse redistricting maps are unconstitutionally gerrymandered and must be redrawn.
Mj Rodriguez became the first transgender person to win a Golden Globe.
EPA is taking action to protect groundwater from coal ash contamination in several locations.
Educate Yourself
The TN Senate has released its Congressional redistricting mapand as feared, they are carving up Nashville to eliminate John Cooper’s Congressional Seat. This would decrease Democratic representation in the House to just one Rep from Memphis. The proposed map for State Senate seats also solidifies their supermajority.
Moms for Liberty, with chapters in middle TN, has published a list of books they want banned from Williamson County immediately. Many are on this list of challenged and banned books maintained by the American Library Association.
The lawsuit against the TN school voucher bill will be heard again in the TN Supreme Court on February 24th because of the untimely death of Justice Cornelia Clark.
Learn how Senate Republicans are refusing to allow hundreds of Biden nominees from being confirmed.
Read how organizations in Montana are fighting to block 2 billsthat hurt Native American voters.
Actions for Week of January 9, 2022
Arson Destroys PP Building – As you may have heard the Planned Parenthood Clinic on Cherry St. Knoxville was destroyed by fire on December 31st. On January 6th, the cause was confirmed to be arson. A reward has been offered for information related to the fire. The building was closed for renovations, so the staff are all safe but terribly saddened by this event. As a result, PPTNM.org will find it even more difficult to provide health services to folks seeking care. If you want to send a message of support to the staff, email address is info@pptnm.org If so inclined, you can make a donation here.
Police Intimidation – Last Friday, the City of Knoxville held a public meeting to discuss policing policies and to obtain input on filling upcoming vacancies in their police leadership. As he was leaving the meeting, local activist David Hayes was arrested by Knox Countypolice officers. KPD purposefully stayed away from the meeting to encourage frank comments by the public. It is believed KCSO obtained a warrant for David’s arrest based on his organizing a peaceful protest held last summer (over the police killing of Anthony Thompson Jr) on the grounds of obstructing a highway or passageway, as allowed under the anti-protestor bill passed last year. While detained, David, was struck by a police officer and further charged with spitting on that officer, which under the new bill is construed as assaulting the officer.
I came to know David when we worked together as part of the Knoxville Protect the Election Results team in the fall of 2020. He is a seasoned activist and is extremely calm under pressure. I do not believe he would ever spit voluntarily on anyone under any circumstances, and he is aware of the consequences of doing so under the new protestor bill. Interestingly, no body camera or CCTV footage is available of David’s treatment while in detention, although the roughness under which he was arrested was filmedby several people and wounds were visible on his face when he was released. Criticism is mounting over his arrest. Here are some ways to speak out on David’s treatment:
Knoxville News Sentinel Letter to Editor: https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/
Email Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs via this link.
Email Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler at tom.spangler@knoxsheriff.org
Email Knoxville City Mayer Indya Kincannon via this link.
Daily Times Collusion – A vocal Alt-Right activist manages the Blount County Conservative Sentinel Facebook group. He recently posted a response he received from the City Editor of the Maryville Daily Times, Mike Sisco, describing the paper’s future plans for their opinion page/news coverage: “Our goal for 2022 going forward is to try and get our Opinion Page (and our news pages, for that matter) to better reflect our readership. I've been able to -- starting this week - start including more writing from Michael Reagan and more from Patrick Buchanan. I'm also on the hunt for Libertarian voices and am negotiating with Creators Syndication to that end. I know it's a bit of "inside baseball," but I thought you'd want to know that we're trying (though admittedly we sometimes are way off target).” To learn the local newspaper is attempting to align itself with the far-right fringes of our community is concerning. Consider offering some feedback to:
Bryan Sandmeier, Publisher: bryan.sandmeier@thedailytimes.com, 981-1137
Mike Sisco, City Editor: mike.sisco@thedailytimes.com, 981-1143
Letter to Editor: https://www.thedailytimes.com/site/forms/online_services/letter/letter_editor/
Good News!
Sign-ups for Obamacare/ACA healthcare have set all-time records, with 4.6 million new enrollees. A total of 13.6 million people have signed up so far. Note that enrollment through HealthCare.gov ends on Saturday, Jan 15, 2022.
Read how a Seattle community is supporting the Duwamish tribewho is trying to acquire land in order to survive.
Pres. Biden signed the Capitol Police Emergency Assistance Act (S.3377) that authorized the Chief of Capitol Police to request assistance of Federal agencies in emergencies, including the National Guard.
Pres. Biden also signed a law banning imports from Xinjiang province because of China’s policy of forced labor imposed upon the Uyghur Muslim minority.
France has banned conversion therapy and the UK is pardoning all past convictions for consensual homosexual activity.
Educate Yourself
Redistricting efforts are heating up in the TN General Assembly. See the Senate map proposed by Democrats here. The Senate Select Committee meets Jan 12th at 10 AM CT and the Republican plan (HB1037/SB0780) will be discussed during that hearing. The Republican House plan (HB1034/SSB0781) would eliminate 5 Democratic seats. Other bills filed on redistricting include HB1035, HB1036, HB1583, HB0970, HB1584, and HB1087.
For a summary of where Congressional redistricting stands in all 50 States, see the Democracy Docket website. Only 13 states have completed their maps and the outcome is quite fascinating. In NC, a judge’s decision could significantly impact control of Congress.
Read details of how TN plans to deploy American Rescue Plan Funds for improving water infrastructure.
Facebook allowed >10,000 posts per day before the January 6thinsurrection that supported false information that fomented violence.
Civil rights pioneer, Claudette Colvin’s arrest record has been expunged.
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