Monday, October 30, 2017

CALL TO STOP THE ASSAULT ON WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Monday, October 30, 2017
————————————————————————————
STOP THE ASSAULT ON WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM
————————————————————————————
#NoAbortionBan
#WomensRights

The GOP has doubled down on its efforts to destroy women’s rights to reproductive freedom. Zealots in the House recently passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), which bans abortion after 20 weeks, based on disproven theories that a 20-week fetus can feel pain. The Senate bill (S. 1922) already has 46 sponsors (which means they only need 4 more votes to pass) and has been referred to committee.
The GOP is now pushing to criminalize abortions once the embryo has a heartbeat, usually at 6 weeks. This is before many women even know they are pregnant and well before they could learn if the pregnancy is progressing normally. The Heartbeat Protection Act (H.R. 490), yet another attempt to overturn Roe v. Wade, is heading for a committee hearing on Wednesday.
The Trump Administration has applauded these moves, which are in line with HHS’s new strategic plan that defines life as “beginning at conception.”
Reproductive rights are human rights. Women’s rights to exercise personal autonomy in matters concerning their healthcare are being gravely threatened. We must oppose the GOP’s relentless efforts to return our country to the era of back-alley abortions.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE
(or leave a message after hours)**

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS WYDEN AND MERKLEY
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the GOP’s relentless efforts to curtail a woman’s right to choose. The House recently passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), which bans abortion after 20 weeks. Senator Graham has just introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 1922). Now the House is considering the Heartbeat Protection Act (H.R. 490) that would criminalize abortion at 6 weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Please do everything you can, including a filibuster, to ensure that these bills never make it to the President’s desk. Women’s rights to reproductive freedom are in your hands. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES BLUMENAUER, BONAMICI, DEFAZIO, SCHRADER AND WALDEN
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the GOP’s relentless efforts to curtail a woman’s right to choose. The House recently passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), which bans abortion after 20 weeks, based on disproven theories that a 20-week fetus can feel pain. Now the House is considering the Heartbeat Protection Act (H.R. 490) that would criminalize abortion at 6 weeks, before many women even know that they are pregnant. Please do everything you can to kill this unconstitutional bill. Women’s rights to reproductive freedom are in your hands. Thank you.”

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family. Help them call their Members of Congress

————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
 
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
 
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
 
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,  
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
 
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100
 

** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

Friday, October 27, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO “DO NO HARM” TO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Friday, October 27, 2017
————————————————————————————
“Do No Harm” to Fundamental Rights
————————————————————————————
#WomensRights
#LGBTQRights

The Trump Administration continues to attack LGBTQ and women’s rights. Earlier, the Administration relaxed the ACA birth control coverage requirement, asserting a need to protect religious freedom, and scrubbed references to LGBTQ people from official websites. The GOP uses “religious freedom” to violate the rights of women and minorities:
• HHS’s strategic plan defines life as “beginning at conception” and deletes all mention of LGBTQ people
• HHS blocked “Jane Doe,” a refugee, from obtaining an abortion for weeks until ordered to stop its opposition
A leaked WH memo documents the Administration’s intent to:
• Cut funding for contraception and focus on the rhythm method
• Defund a Teen Pregnancy Prevention program that works
• Slash USAID’s family planning budget, leading to worsening maternal and fetal health outcomes

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) has been used to justify the intrusion of religion into policy-making. The “Do No Harm” bill, H.R. 3222, would clarify that the RFRA doesn’t exempt any business or individual from laws that:
• Prohibit discrimination
• Require equal pay
• Protect child welfare
• Guarantee access to health care

Congress should pass Do No Harm and curb the use of “religious freedom” to violate fundamental rights.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE**
(or leave a voice message after hours)

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS WYDEN AND MERKLEY
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the Trump Administration’s assault on women’s and LGBTQ rights under the guise of “religious freedom,” citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Administration is trying to limit access to contraception and abortion, with the support of religious conservatives. It has withdrawn its support for programs and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ people. The “Do No Harm” bill (H.R. 3222) would restore needed balance to the RFRA. Please introduce companion legislation in the Senate and press for its passage so that the rights of all can be respected. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES BLUMENAUER AND BONAMICI
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the Trump Administration’s assault on women’s and LGBTQ rights under the guise of “religious freedom,” citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Administration is trying to limit access to contraception and abortion, with the support of religious conservatives. It has withdrawn its support for programs and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ people. Thank you for co-sponsoring the “Do No Harm” bill (H.R. 3222), which restores needed balance to the RFRA. Please continue to press for its passage so that the rights of all can be respected. Thank you.”

SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR REPRESENTATIVES DEFAZIO, SCHRADER AND WALDEN
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the Trump Administration’s assault on women’s and LGBTQ rights under the guise of “religious freedom,” citing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Administration is trying to limit access to contraception and abortion, with the support of religious conservatives. It has withdrawn its support for programs and policies that address the unique needs of LGBTQ people. Please co-sponsor the “Do No Harm” bill (H.R. 3222), which restores needed balance to the RFRA, and press for its passage so that the rights of all can be respected. Thank you.

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: FILE A COMMENT OPPOSING THE HHS STRATEGIC PLAN: DEADLINE TODAY**
You can find the HHS strategic plan here. http://bit.ly/2xyrhTc. The deadline is today! Comments on the removal of all references to LGBTQ people and on the HHS’s new definition of life as “beginning at conception” can be made here: http://bit.ly/2gFWrxz

————————————————————————————
**ACTION 3: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family. Help them call their Members of Congress to press for the passage of the “Do No Harm” bill.

————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**

SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129

SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691

CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
 
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
 
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
 
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,  
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
 
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

Thursday, October 26, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO PROTECT OUR COURTS FROM EXTREMIST JUDGES

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Thursday, October 26, 2017
————————————————————————————
PROTECT OUR COURTS FROM EXTREMIST JUDGES
————————————————————————————
#AFJustice
McConnell, facing massive pressure from GOP donors, is speeding up judicial confirmations of the right-wing ideologues pushed by Federalist Society. 
Gregory Katsas, Trump’s top White House attorney, had his Judiciary Committee hearing on October 17—to the influential D.C. Circuit that handles most litigation involving power of federal agencies. An active Federalist Society member since 1989, Katsas’ background and legal positions demonstrate unfitness for this position:
• advocates unchecked executive power
• helped craft Muslim travel bans, DACA’s rescission, “election integrity” commission, executive order rolling back contraceptive coverage, White House response to Mueller’s investigation
• advised Trump on business conflicts of interest likely violating Emoluments Clause
• failed to demonstrate independence from Trump’s disregard of constitutional, legal, ethical obligations.
Nominees like Katsas pose a grave danger to the health of the judicial system. To ensure confirmation of only fair, impartial judges, our MoCs must promise to use all available weapons:
• non-return of blue slips
• fully investigate nominees’ positions by limiting numbers considered together
• demand cloture votes and adherence to Senate’s procedural rules
• bring Senate business to halt for all but mainstream nominees.
Senators Wyden and Merkley have refused to return blue slips for a Trump nominee already. Let’s call and support them to do more. 
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL YOUR SENATOR
(or call after hours and leave a message)**
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned about the extremist judicial nominees, like Gregory Katsas, that Trump is sending to the Senate for confirmation. I know the Senator is aware of the seriousness of this threat to our judicial system, and I thank him for refusing to return his blue slip on Ryan Bounds, another ultra conservative appellate court nominee. But this is not enough. So, I am asking our Senator to do everything in his power to make sure Senate colleagues are aware of the GOP’s insidious strategy and to convince them to use all weapons available—including bringing Senate business to a halt until Trump agrees to send nominees with bipartisan credentials. Thank you.”
————————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY**
Share this post with friends and family. Help them call their Senators to explain the seriousness of this assault on the federal judiciary and to ask for a promise to use all weapons available to block Gregory Katsas, and Trump’s other ultra conservative judicial nominees, until Trump agrees to send judges with bipartisan credentials.
————————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO SAVE THE ACA AND PASS THE MURRAY ALEXANDER BILL

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
——————————————————————————
SAVE THE ACA AND PASS THE MURRAY ALEXANDER BILL
——————————————————————————
#ProtectOurCare
#SaveACA
#FundCSR
Sabotage and destabilization of the ACA continues. President Trump refuses to make Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) payments, and Republicans refuse to vote on a bipartisan bill to fund CSR payments and stabilize the ACA.
CSR are not “bailouts;” they just help low income patients cover co-pays and deductibles. Without these payments, premiums will rise, people will lose their insurance, and the deficit will grow.
Senators Murray (D-Washington) and Alexander (R-Tennessee) have drafted a bill that:
--pays for CRS payments thru 2019
--funds ACA enrollment outreach
--provides flexibility with state waivers
--allows for catastrophic plans that satisfy ACA requirements.
The Murray-Alexander bill has 12 Senate Republican co-sponsors who, when added to 48 Democrats, comprise a filibuster-proof majority. Nevertheless, McConnell has no plans to bring it to a vote, and Ryan remains commitment to repealing the ACA.
Unless they change their minds, when government funding ends in December, Democrats have to attach CSR payments to the must-pass funding bill needed to avoid a government shutdown.
America needs affordable, accessible healthcare. The Murray-Alexander bill is a step in the right direction. Congress must vote to pass this bill.
———————————————————————————
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH OUR SENATORS and YOUR REPRESENATIVE**
SAMPLE SCRIPT – for our Senators
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. I am very worried about the ACA again. President Trump has cancelled Cost Sharing Reduction payments and Republicans refuse to vote on the Murray-Alexander bill which would fund these payments and stabilize the ACA. Please co-sponsor this legislation and push for its quick passage. And, if it has not yet passed when government funding runs out in December, promise you will vote against the continuing resolution unless it funds Cost Sharing Reduction payments. Thank you.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT – All Reps but Walden
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code] I am very worried about the ACA again. President Trump has cancelled Cost Sharing Reduction payments and Republicans refuse to vote on the Murray-Alexander bill which would fund these payments and stabilize the ACA. Please push for this legislation’s quick passage. And if it has not yet passed when government funding runs out in December, promise you will vote against the continuing resolution unless it funds Cost Sharing Reduction payments. Thank you.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT – for Walden
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code] I am very worried about the ACA again. President Trump has cancelled Cost Sharing Reduction payments, which has further destabilized the ACA. The American people have made it clear they want affordable and accessible healthcare. Please listen to us and push for passage of the Murry-Alexander bill. Thank you.”
———————————————————————————
**ACTION 2: CHECK YOUR INSURANCE ENROLLMENT STATUS**
Do you or your friends wonder if health insurance is too expensive? Most can find a plan for $50-100 a month. Check out www.healthcare.gov for more information.
———————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

INCO WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 10/24

Dear Indivisibles,
Some days it does seem a long haul. This past week I had a bout of despair about making change happen. Then I read about the good work happening all over this country and by our members on the Oregon Coast and others across the country. I read about the generations of struggle for civil rights (and continuing that work) - My antidote is to realize I am not alone (a good reason to get active with Indivisible) and to not expect instant results and to take a break and let others do the work for a week or so. I donate to organizations doing the work on the front lines. For me that means ACLUImmigrant JusticeEmily's ListEpiscopal Relief and Development Find your favorite, check their Charity Navigator rating to be sure you get the best value --  $5.00 can make a difference.

So back into the fray. Keep calling and writing. Take one action each day or week. Make it a habit. Get together and encourage each other. Keep up the good work. Well begun!

Ann Fontaine, Cannon Beach

PS -  Get active with Cannon Beach and Warrenton Community Groups as they continue their good work at meetings this week. See below for details. 
VOTE THE FUTURE ACTION THIS WEDNESDAY
When people don't know about the candidates and ballot measures in an election, fewer people vote. INCO's Vote the Future Team wants the Clatsop County Commissioners to resume publishing a voter's pamphlet in off-year elections, like the one in May, 2017. Attend this week's Commission meeting to speak or support others during the public comment time. We will ask for this issue to be on an upcoming meeting agenda.
Clatsop County Commissioners Meeting
Wednesday, October 25, at 5:45 PM
(meeting starts 6:00 PM - we are meeting early to organize)

Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial Street, Astoria
ACTION PRIORITIES
 www.indivisible.org
Contact your Members of Congress now.
How will they know what you want if you don't tell them? 
1. Stop the #TrumpTaxScam. GOP senators just voted for a budget that calls for cutting $1 trillion from Medicaid and $470 billion from Medicare. They want to use these cuts to pay for massive tax giveaways to their billionaire donors and giant corporations. Calling scripts and more info here

2. Work with Congressional Republicans questioning Trump's reckless attacks on foreign allies and global institutions.  This administration's bullying nationalism and isolationism endangers America. Read more here about Trump's threats to US security and safety.

 
3.  Stabilize ObamaCare, reauthorize CHIP, and improve the Alexander-Murray bipartisan healthcare dealThe last proposal isn't perfect, but it's far better than Trump's unchecked sabotage of the ACA and open enrollment. CHIP is a federal-state partnership that ensures nearly 9 million children have health insurance. Oregon's funds expire by December, Washington's by March.

4. Pass a clean #DreamActNow. This administration's racist nationalism is not acceptable or realistic. Read more here
INCO T-SHIRTS! 
NOW AVAILABLE for ordering: Indivisible North Coast Oregon t-shirts! Short-sleeved, long-sleeved, v-neck options in two colors. Orders must be submitted with payment (all can be done online). You can also order and pay off-line. Orders and payment due by November 7.
Order form and payment info is here and on our blog. Questions? incoregon@gmail.com
IN SOLIDARITY
Tell your Senators to stop these anti-science nominations to key science-related federal jobs. Thanks to the Berkeley Indivisible Science and Environment Team fotracking Trump's choices. See updates from March for Science here.
- - - - - - -
How are Oregonians dealing with harassment, threats, and discrimination? Activism at a local level makes a big difference. The Rural Organizing Project (ROP) posted this 
updateabout events in southern Oregon. ROP presented INCO's Immigration 101 program last month.
- - - - - - -
Sign up for updates from national Indivisible, usually 1-2/week. Solid information, action alerts, resources, and inspiration.
INCO's Faces of Democracy
Rainy Rally Reminiscence
HAPPENINGS
Check for details and new posts on our events page.

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, October 25 - Cannon Beach Indivisible, 6 PM, Tolovana Hall. Our special speaker will be Julie Bosworth from Moms Demand Action, a national group formed to work to prevent gun violence and monitor national and regional proposed gun legislation.  The meeting will also include planning for the "Get Out the Vote, 2018" and a Fall and Winter to-do list.  See you there & bring a friend!

Saturday, October 28 - Warrenton INCO Community Group meeting, 11 a.m., Dooger's Seafood and Grill, Hwy 101, Warrenton.
 More info about doing Adopt-A-Road for visibility for group.  Letters to Sen. Johnson and Rep. Boone re: rescission of prior call for a Constitutional Convention.  Follow-up letter(s) and postcards at this meeting.

UPCOMING
Tuesday, November 7 - INCO Oppose Bigotry Team meeting, 6 - 7:30 pm, Joan Herman's home in Astoria. All are invited to help us plan what proactive activities we want to organize and support. For directions, email Joan at catladyjoan@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 8 - INCO Reading Group, 6:30 pm, Carolyn Eady's home in Astoria.  This month's book is "This Flight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America’s Middle Class," by Senator Elizabeth Warren. For directions, email Carolyn at cebeady@outlook.com.

 
Thursday, November 9 - Resistance School: Public Narrative, 6-8 pm, Seaside Library Community Room. How do we talk about our resistance? inspiring video followed by in-person informal discussion.

Saturday, November 11 - Warrenton INCO Community Group meeting, 11 a.m., Dooger's Seafood and Grill, Hwy 101, Warrenton.

Tuesday, November 14 - Astoria INCO Community Group Meeting, 6 pm, Winekraft, foot of 11th on the Riverwalk, Astoria

Wednesday, November 15 - INCO Vote the Future Team, 6:30 pm, Seaside Library Board Room.
MEET OUR INDIVISIBLES
Joan hosts a great interview program on KMUN, keeps up INCO's Events listings, takes care of cats, and lots more!  Read more here.
 
Who are INCO's leaders-inspirers-motivators-organizers?  Find out here.
"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did
nothing because he could only do a little."
- - Edmund Burke  
RESISTANCE READING 
"One Nation After Trump" is a new book on this YouTube of the authors - EJ Dionne, Norman Ornstein, and Thomas E. Mann -  talking about threats to our democracy and what we can do. Important words: kakocracy, normless, and Indivisible.
 
Send your suggestions for books to feature here to incoregon@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Check out each monthly issue of hipfish - - INCO is featured prominently. Thank you, hipfish!

Here are the winners of the Trump Poetry Contest sponsored by Nicholas Kristof and the NYTimes.

Get involved with your INCO Community Group today in Manzanita-Cannon Beach, Seaside, Warrenton, Astoria, Washington Peninsula.

Scroll down on our blog to see a variety of resources. Many are helpful for other community groups you work with.
 
Questions, suggestions, & photos to INCO at incoregon@gmail.com
Share this newsletter and our website with other resisters. They can join INCO here and ask to join our closed Facebook group.

INCO is supported entirely by your donations! Donate here.
INCO Weekly Newsletter   October 23, 2017

OPEN ASTORIA SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY

URGENT! Open Astoria School Board Vacancy!

Hello Astoria INCO Members!
If you're an INCO member looking to make an immediate impact to your community and you live in Astoria, you may qualify for for the open vacancy on the Astoria School Board!  A Board member has vacated their position, leaving a seat open for appointment.  Several qualified candidates have already filed--but we want to make sure that ALL interested parties have a chance to throw their hat in the ring. 

The appointee will serve on the Astoria School Board as a regular member from the time of appointment through June 2018.  They will be eligible to run for election at the end of their term. Applicants must submit a formal application and attend an interview meeting during the week of October 30th, with the winner of the appointment serving at their first official meeting on Wednesday November 8th!

If this seems right up your alley, you have a super short window to apply!  Applications are due by noon on Thursday, October 26, 2017.  If you're interested, information and the application can be found at the School Board's website here! 
 
#RESIST!  #PERSIST!
The Astoria INCO Team

ACTION: CALL TO STOP TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH AND BUDGET CUTS FOR EVERYONE ELSE

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
————————————————————————————
STOP TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH AND BUDGET CUTS FOR EVERYONE ELSE
————————————————————————————
#NotOnePenny
#TrumpTaxScam
#ProtectOurCare
Last week the Senate passed a budget that hurts ordinary people and enriches the wealthy. The House’s budget was similar, and, after approving the Senate version, Republicans will move quickly to hand out tax breaks.
The Senate instructed committees to create a budget and tax plan that:
• cuts revenue by $1.5 trillion
• slashes programs, including Medicaid by $1 trillion and Medicare by $473 billion, to partially pay for a ballooning deficit
• gives Trump’s cabinet an estimated $3.5 billion in tax cuts, including $23 million to Trump himself.
This plan gives 37% of Oregon’s tax cuts to millionaires - an average of $130,000/millionaire – who make up 0.4% of the population. The 44.6% of Oregonians making less than $45,000 would get, on average, $240/person.
Senator Wyden calls this bill a “con job”. By giving reconciliation instructions to the committees, Republicans can pass a tax bill without Democratic votes.
Republicans are trying to bypass normal order to jam through tax reform, just like with the ACA. Oregon’s Democratic MoCs already voted against these budget bills. They need our support to keep up these votes. Let’s call and make it clear America deserves better. 
————————————————————————————
**ACTION: CALL BOTH OUR SENATORS AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE**
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR SENATORS:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned that the GOP is using the tax and budget process to give the wealthy tax breaks, while cutting public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Thank you for voting ‘no’ on this budget. Please use all Senate procedural tools to make sure these cuts don’t happen. You helped save the ACA. We are counting on you to save health care again. Thanks for all you do.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR ALL REPS BUT WALDEN:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned that the GOP is using the tax and budget process to give the wealthy tax breaks, while cutting public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. They are using the same tactics they used in their ACA repeals. Thank you for voting no on this budget. Please use all procedural tools to make sure these cuts don’t happen. We are counting on you to save our health care. Thank you.
FOR WALDEN: 
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am very concerned that the GOP tax and budget plan gives the wealthy tax breaks, while cutting public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. It should not be railroaded through with 51 votes. Please stand for ordinary working people in District 2. Don’t give the super-rich tax cuts they don’t need. And don’t cut public programs like Medicaid and Medicare.”
———————————————————————————
**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

Monday, October 23, 2017

ACTION: CALL TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR CHIP AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Monday, October 23, 2017
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CONGRESS MUST DO ITS JOB
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#FundCHIP
#FundCHC
Republicans have spent 2017 trying to repeal the ACA and pass tax cuts for the wealthy instead of providing basic funding for vulnerable populations. Rather than playing politics, they must do their job.
Weeks after Hurricane Maria, much of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands lack power and electricity and the death toll is rising. The current aid package is underfunded, and the territory’s bankruptcy makes it is problematic that most of the relief provided is as loans.
Community Health Centers (CHCs) and CHIP lost their funding September 30th. CHCs serve 27 million, while CHIP provides healthcare for 9 million children. Both programs have small amounts of leftover funding that will run out soon. 
There has been no action on CHCs, and CHIP funding is being held hostage: Greg Walden’s legislation proposes taking money from ACA to pay for CHIP.
How hypocritical that the GOP-passed budget cuts taxes for the wealthy and balloons the deficit, but Walden cannot find funds for hurricane victims and the sick. Society is judged by how it treats it’s most vulnerable. We must provide adequate hurricane relief and fully fund CHIP and CHCs. 
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**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH OUR SENATORS and YOUR REPRESENTATIVE**
SAMPLE SCRIPT – for Senators.
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. I am very worried about the lack of funding for CHIP and Community Health Centers as well as aid for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Society is judged by how we care for the vulnerable. Please pass clean legislation fully funding CHIP and Community Health Centers and provide a relief package for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands that has adequate funding made up of grants. Thank you.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT – All Reps but Walden
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. I am very worried about the lack of funding for CHIP and Community Health Centers. Society is judged by how we care for the vulnerable. Please pass clean legislation fully funding CHIP and Community Health Centers. Thank you.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT – for Walden.
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon, [zip code]. I am very worried about CHIP and Community Health Center funding. Your CHIP bill contains other healthcare cuts and puts final passage of CHIP funding at risk. Please stop playing games with healthcare and pass clean legislation fully funding CHIP and CHC. Thank you.”
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**ACTION 2: GO TO A TOWN HALL AND ASK FOR CHIP AND CHC TO BE FUNDED**
SAMPLE SCRIPT
“I am very concerned about CHIP and Community Health Centers funding. How can we abandon these vulnerable populations? What are your plans to get these programs funded without interruption in services?”
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**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**

ACTION: CALL TO PASS A CLEAN DREAM ACT

From Indivisible Oregon...

**CALL TO ACTION**
Sunday, October 22, 2017
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PASS CLEAN DREAM ACT NOW
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#DefendDreamers
#DreamActNow
It’s been almost two months since A-G Sessions ended DACA, which protected undocumented youths from deportation—giving them 30 days to renew their status and pay $495. 
23% of those eligible for renewal failed to do so, partly due to the hurricanes that ravaged areas where many of them lived—leaving 36,000 exposed to immediate deportation. And, without Congressional action, DACA recipients could begin losing benefits on March 6, 2018.
Since September 5, Dreamers have been living in limbo, unsure if or how long they will be able to remain in the only country they know. 
We cannot let Trump and GOP hard-liners escalate their extreme demands on immigration. It is up to us to ensure Congress does not recess before passing legislation that removes the fear of deportation and gives Dreamers and immigrant youth a path to citizenship. http://bit.ly/2xevecd
Let’s fill up our Congressional delegations’ voicemails this weekend
--urging speedy passage of the Dream Act
--asking them to pledge that if the Dream Act is not yet law when government funding expires on December 8, they will attach it to the legislation necessary to avert a government shutdown.
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**ACTION: LEAVE A VOICE MAIL WITH BOTH OUR SENATORS and YOUR REPRESENTATIVE**
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WYDEN AND MERKLEY:
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. Thank you for your commitment to the Dreamers and the actions you plan on their behalf. I understand that you are working hard to get three bills passed that will protect childhood arrivals—the Dream Act, granting them permanent legal status, the Dreamer Confidentiality Act, to protect their private information, and the Bridge Act, extending DACA for three more years. Please promise that you will, if necessary, attach these bills, without enforcement provisions, to the continuing resolution to keep the government open, and that you will vote against any continuing resolution that does not include them. Thank you."
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR BLUMENAUER, BONAMICI, DEFAZIO, AND SHRADER
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. Thank you for signing the discharge petition to bring the DREAM Act (HR.3440) to the House floor. Please push for its quick passage, without enforcement amendments, so that young immigrants can continue to contribute to our society without fear of deportation. I am also asking for your promise that, if the Dream Act is not yet law, you will vote against the December continuing resolution unless it contains a clean Dream Act. Thank you."
SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR WALDEN
“My name is [--] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling to express my support for the DREAM Act (HR.3440). I urge you to sign the discharge petition and vote to give those who arrived in the United States as children a path to permanent legal status and eventual citizenship. Thank you."
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**PHONE NUMBERS**
SENATOR MERKLEY 
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
SENATOR WYDEN 
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI [D1]
DC: (202) 225-0855, OR: (503) 469-6010
CONGRESSMAN GREG WALDEN [D2]
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER [D3]
DC: (202) 225-4811, OR: (503) 231-2300
CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO [D4]
DC 202-225-6416, Eugene: (541) 465-6732,
Roseburg: (541) 440-3523, Coos Bay (541) 269-2609
CONGRESSMAN KURT SCHRADER [D5]
DC: (202) 225-5711, Salem (503) 588-9100,
Oregon City (503) 557-1324
** After you call, please comment below and briefly share your experience!**