YOUR RESISTANCE NEWSLETTER

WEEK OF MARCH 31, 2019

Attorney General Barr provided a 4-page summary of the nearly 400 page Mueller report.  Unsurprisingly,  many believe the summary is insufficient and oversteps AG powers as he draws too many of his own conclusions.  Representative Nadler has given the AG and the White House until 4/2 to release the report. If this does not happen, a Rapid Response may be called for 4/4 at 5pm.  Stay tuned......

Don't miss our next General Meeting on Thursday 4/4/19 from 7pm

House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee meeting Tuesday, 04/02/19 Email or call your Representative and urge that he or she vote YES on the following bills at the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee meeting this Tuesday, 04/02/19 1:00 PM. HB 49 - Incarcerated Women        Provides a more dignified and humane environment for incarcerated women, respectful treatment from male guards and free sanitary products. HB 219 - Victims of Human Trafficking   Requires mandatory minimum term of incarceration for solicitation of prostitution offenses involving victims of human trafficking. HB 6051 - Mandatory Direct File     Limit ‘direct file’ options charging children as adults for their redemption and restoration of judicial oversight. Include your name and address or Zip Code so your legislator knows you are a constituent. District Last Name Email  Phone  57 Beltran mike.beltran@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5057 11 Byrd cord.byrd@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5011 66 DiCeglie nick.diceglie@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5066 119 Fernandez-Barquin juan.fernandez-barquin@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5119 98 Gottlieb michael.gottlieb@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5098 19 Payne bobby.payne@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5019 29 Plakon scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5029 102 Pritchett sharon.pritchett@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5102 24 Renner paul.renner@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5024 91 Slosberg emily.slosberg@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5091 104 Stark richard.stark@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5104 12 Yarborough yarborough.clay@myfloridahouse.gov                  UPDATES AND FURTHER ACTIONS

Visit your local legislators.  Next visit is March 27 - come along and express your views

If you're a constituent of Cyndi Stevenson and interested in attending, please email   andrea.degeorge@gmail.com. 
If you're a constituent of Paul Renner and interested in attending, please email kay.eilbert@jhsph.edu

Tips on interviewing representatives from Indivisible Chicago

We ask a ton of questions so I recommend 2 things.  

#1 ask your group what issues matter most to them and ask questions related to those issues.  Borrowing questions from local issue groups working on that issue will help align with those that are most impacted and elevate both of you.

#2 Think of the questions like we're dating our candidates.  We have to be super clear about what we want from them.  "Hon, will you take out the garbage?" Isn't enough.  Instead, an in person question might be "Having a clean place is important to me.  In the next 2 hours will take the garbage and recycling down to the alley and replace the bag in the can?"  A written version might be,  In the next 2 hours will take the garbage and recycling down to the alley and replace the bag in the can?

My personal in person question is, "As an Iraqi War Veteran, it's important to me that every person have access to our democracy regardless of their income, education, or if we agree on an issue.  If elected, will you commit to holding 4 town halls every 12 months that are free to the public, open to the press, and have at least 30 minutes of uncensored questions."  Written it's:  If elected, will you commit to holding 4 town halls every 12 months that are free to the public, open to the press, and have at least 30 minutes of uncensored questions? (Which is also the Townhall project pledge)

When writing a personal question, consider SMART goal:  specific, measurable, attainable (consider what can be done at the city, county, state,  and federal level), relevant (use your story to tie into the conversation), and time-based.

Medicaid Expansion drive continues - Anyone who has ideas about venues and wants to help out can email andrea.degeorge@gmail.com. If you want to understand the benefits of expanding Medicaid, follow this link Medicaid expansion benefits.

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GENUNG'S FISH CAMP ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOTOURS EVENT

On Sunday, April 14th, 3:00pm-8:00pm, join us at Genung's Fish Camp, 291 Cubbedge Road, St. Augustine. There will be live music by Uncle Eddie and Robin and friends, food offerings from the African Love Kitchen Food Truck, and a variety of beverages available for purchase. Best of all - FREE guided ecotour river boat rides aboard Captain Adam Morley's Litter Gitter (sign up early, spaces are limited).The purpose of the event is to bring together members of local environmental and environment-friendly groups, along with  the general public, for fun and environmental awareness. Children 3 years and older are welcome to come aboard. Stick around for the view of the sunset over the Matanzas River at 7:52 - it is a sight to behold!

Contact johnpilecki@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. 

Date: 04/14/2019 (Sun.)

Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

We Are,  We Are…  PERSISTENT!!!

Indivisible St. Johns

Telephone / Post Card Advocacy  

Good   is   breaking   out   all   across   North   America! 

Now on First and Third Thursdays of the Month.           

Next meeting is April 4.

Get the weekly
Americans of conscience checklist
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WE ALWAYS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND NEW IDEAS! 

Email us at indivisible.st.johns@gmail.com

KNOW YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS

Senator Travis Hutson District 7 Republican

                                   

District Office                                                             Tallahassee Office

4875 Palm Coast Parkway, NW                                314 Senate Building
Suite 5                                                                          404 South Monroe Street
Palm Coast, FL 32137                                                 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(386) 446-7610                                                           (850) 487-5007
Senate VOIP: 40700                                                   Senate VOIP: 5007
FAX (888) 263-3475

Legislative Assistants                                                Legislative Assistant

Danielle Curbow and Matthew Kauffmann          John Kotyk

Member of the Florida House of Representatives   Cyndi Stevenson 17th District  Republican District Address Suite 902 309 Kingsley Lake Drive St Augustine, FL 32092-3048 Phone (904) 823-2300 District Secretary: Shorty Robbins

Capitol Address 402 South Monroe Street 303 House Office Building Tallahassee, FL   32399-1300 Phone: (850) 717-5017 Legislative Assistant Kaley Slattery : Kaley

Member of the Florida House of Representatives Paul Renner 24th District  Republican

                                     

District Office                                             Capitol Office

Suite 1                                                              418 The Capitol
4877 Palm Coast Parkway Northwest                 402 South Monroe Street 
Palm Coast, FL 32137-3677                                Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Phone (386) 446-7644                                       Phone (850) 717-5024

                                                                                      Legislative Assistant

                                                                                      Samantha Story

House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee meeting Tuesday, 04/02/19 Email or call your Representative and urge that he or she vote YES on the following bills at the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee meeting this Tuesday, 04/02/19 1:00 PM. HB 49 - Incarcerated Women        Provides a more dignified and humane environment for incarcerated women, respectful treatment from male guards and free sanitary products. HB 219 - Victims of Human Trafficking   Requires mandatory minimum term of incarceration for solicitation of prostitution offenses involving victims of human trafficking. HB 6051 - Mandatory Direct File     Limit ‘direct file’ options charging children as adults for their redemption and restoration of judicial oversight. Include your name and address or Zip Code so your legislator knows you are a constituent. District Last Name Email  Phone  57 Beltran mike.beltran@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5057 11 Byrd cord.byrd@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5011 66 DiCeglie nick.diceglie@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5066 119 Fernandez-Barquin juan.fernandez-barquin@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5119 98 Gottlieb michael.gottlieb@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5098 19 Payne bobby.payne@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5019 29 Plakon scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5029 102 Pritchett sharon.pritchett@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5102 24 Renner paul.renner@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5024 91 Slosberg emily.slosberg@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5091 104 Stark richard.stark@myfloridahouse.gov (850) 717-5104 12 Yarborough yarborough.clay@myfloridahouse.gov

Tell your Florida State Representatives: Protect Voting Rights in Florida

Last November, Floridians made history by passing Amendment 4, a constitutional amendment that restored the right to vote to 1.4 million Floridians, with 65% of widespread voter support. This was the largest re-enfranchisement at one time since the Nineteenth Amendment gave women the vote in 1920. And it's in danger. The Florida legislature is currently advancing two bills that would restrict its implementation by expanding the crimes that are exempt from Amendment 4 and altering the definition of "completion of sentence".

SPB 7086 changes the definition of “completion of sentence” to require full payment of judge ordered restitution and fully paid court associated fees with exceptions for payment plans and civil liens. It also expands the list of crimes that would exempt a person from voter eligibility. 

HB 7089 changes the definition of "completion of sentence" to require full payment of all court associated fines and fees, and even those not imposed by a judge. It also expands the list of crimes even more so than the Senate bill.

Call your state reps today and tell them to protect voting rights in the Florida!

contact your legislator

Email or call your Senator and urge that he or she vote YES on SB 366 - Infectious Disease Elimination Programs at the Senate Appropriations Committee meeting this Thursday, 03/28/19, 9:00 am.

SB 366       Infectious Disease Elimination Programs          The pilot program has proven effective in reducing opioid deaths and overdoses. Clean needle and syringe exchanges can also prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases among intravenous drug users.

Include your name and address or Zip Code so your legislator knows you are a constituent.

District	Last Name	Email	Phone	Committee ID
4	Bean	bean.aaron.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5004	AP
27	Benacquisto	benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5027	AP
32	Book	book.lauren.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5032	AP
5	Bradley	bradley.rob.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5005	AP
24	Brandes	brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5024	AP
39	Flores	flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5039	AP
2	Gainer	gainer.george.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5002	AP
6	Gibson	gibson.audrey.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5006	AP
7	Hutson	hutson.travis.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5007	AP
20	Lee	lee.tom.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5020	AP
17	Mayfield	mayfield.debbie.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5017	AP
3	Montford	montford.bill.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5003	AP
28	Passidomo	passidomo.kathleen.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5028	AP
30	Powell	powell.bobby.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5030	AP
19	Rouson	rouson.darryl.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5019	AP
9	Simmons	simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5009	AP
10	Simpson	simpson.wilton.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5010	AP
22	Stargel	stargel.kelli.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5022	AP
13	Stewart	stewart.linda.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5013	AP
33	Thurston	thurston.perry.web@flsenate.gov	(850) 487-5033	AP

If you are a constituent of Appropriations Committee Chair, Rob Bradley, ask him to place the following bills on the agenda for the next Appropriations Committee meeting. Otherwise, ask your Senator to urge the Chair to place these bills on his next committee agenda.

SB 332       Incarcerated Women             Requires correctional facilities to provide incarcerated women with key health care products for free and sets new requirements for male correctional employees to protect the dignity of female prisoners. Removes economic barriers to care which disproportionately affects low income people and people of color.

SB 338       Extension of Confinement     Allows an inmate to participate in supervised community release. Reduces recidivism and facilitates re-entry into society.

SB 346       Conditional Medical Release           Expands eligibility for conditional medical release to ease suffering and provide compassionate end of life care.

SB 406       Theft           The prison population has exploded and millions of dollars are spent to incarcerate people for nonviolent offenses. Since 2000, at least 37 states have raised their felony theft thresholds above which prosecutors may charge theft offenses as felonies, rather than misdemeanors. Lawmakers have made these changes to prioritize costly prison space for more serious offenders and ensure that value-based penalties take inflation into account. States that increased their thresholds reported roughly the same average decrease in crime as the 22 states that did not change their theft laws.

SB 540       Human Trafficking        Requires training for hotel employees to spot victims of trafficking. Establishes a direct support organization for trafficking survivors, a new curriculum for law enforcement to address human trafficking and a registry for those who have solicited prostitutes.

SB 782 Youthful Offenders    Allows a court to sentence as a youthful offender a person who is charged with committing a felony before the person turned 21 years of age. Provides facilities, programs and opportunities for rehabilitation.

From Indivisible

The Trump administration’s Department of Justice announced it won’t defend any part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is the Trump administration’s clearest attempt yet, not just to sabotage, but to completely annihilate the ACA -- and in doing so, unleash chaos on our health care system and on millions of Americans.

This would

→ Jeopardize Medicaid expansion in 37 states.
→ end protections for preexisting conditions.
→ end coverage for young people who’d otherwise be able to stay on their parents’ plans until they turn 26.
→ end required coverage of preventive care -- like cancer screenings, vaccines, birth control, blood pressure tests and more.

Right now, there are three meaningful things that you can do to protect health care for millions while this makes its way through the courts:

1. Pressure House Democrats to use their oversight and investigatory power to hold the Trump administration accountable for their sabotage. Call them and demand that they ask the tough questions -- ask them what they’re doing about Trump’s attack on our health care right now.
2. Keep calling to get your members of Congress to commit to building on the success of the ACA and lay the groundwork for a single-payer system.Yes, ask your representatives to cosponsor Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Medicare For All Act together ,Click here for script but go a step further. Demand your members of Congress lay the groundwork now for what comes next: that means holding hearings, hearing from experts, working through the policy debates, building consensus, and drafting legislation so that it’s ready when we take power. Your continued pressure can ensure that they do this.
3. Organize, organize, organize to reverse the radical, conservative transformation of our judicial system (read: win in 2020). Right now, that means asking your senators to fight like hell to block additional Trump appointees to district and circuit courts. It also means knocking doors to take back power in the Senate and the White House to ensure that our district and federal courts are occupied by qualified judges dedicated to safeguarding our rights and promoting justice -- not advancing partisan political goals.

The good news is that our team is working day in and day out to put resources and tools in the hands of Indivisibles across the country to build local power and do just that: hold members of Congress accountable for oversight, demand bold policy alternatives to Trump’s hateful agenda, and win in 2020.

Green New Deal voted down by Senate

A Green New Deal proposal backed by numerous Democrats failed to advance in the Senate on Tuesday as Democrats protested what they called a political show vote orchestrated by majority Republicans.

The nonbinding resolution, which calls on the United States to make an ambitious effort to slash its use of fossil fuels to fight climate change, fell short in a procedural vote. The Senate did not proceed to debating the measure, as 57 senators voted against it and 43 Democrats and independents who caucus with them — nearly all of the Democratic caucus — voted "present." Four senators who vote with Democrats — Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, Doug Jones and Alabama and independent Angus King of Maine — voted against the resolution.