YOUR RESISTANCE NEWSLETTER
WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2019
Democratic political activist groups MoveOn.org and Indivisible hosted rallies in several U.S. cities to call on U.S. Attorney General William Barr to 'immediately release Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Hundreds of people hold banners and shout slogans against Donald Trump and Mike Pence as they gather at Times Square during 'Release The Report' rally demanding for the release of the full Robert Mueller's report, on April 4, in New York.
Stay tuned......
WHAT YOU MISSED AT OUR GENERAL MEETING LAST NIGHT!
Indivisible St Johns hosts two great speakers April 4, 2019
Steering committee member Deb Willis made the following announcements:
1. We have letters to both Congressman Rutherford and Congressman Waltz for members to sign as our Response Action to the nationwide Release the Mueller Report scheduled for 5 PM today. We had both our postcard party and our speakers scheduled and did not want to cancel for a protest so we did our action by snail mail!
2. There is an ongoing vigil/witness action at the children’s detention center in our own state! It’s in Homestead and members were encouraged to access the link to a form that will assist anyone who wants to go down and participate. Sadly, this is the largest and FOR PROFIT detention center and shamefully, it’s in our state. Go to: Witness: Tornillo Target: Homestead
3. April is MATCH MONTH by Indivisible for donations made through our ActBlue button! Anything you donate will be doubled for us. Consider a recurring donation: $5 a month, set it and forget it. All Swear Jar donations welcome!
4. 4/14 Environmental Event at Genungs. Indivisible St Johns has had a booth at this event since its inception. We need volunteers to help man the booth from 3-8PM. Email andrea.degeorge@gmail.com to sign up.
5. We are setting up a Sign Up Genius to staff Medicaid Expansion petition gathering. We’ve determined the busiest days and the hours are short, training is provided. Email andrea.degeorge@gmail.com to volunteer.
6. We continue regular visits to Rep Stevenson’s office. The next one is Wednesday 4/10 at 10 AM at her office off SR210. Email andrea.degeorge@gmail.com to go with. Other groups visit Rutherford and Rubio regularly. Check our newsletter to get involved with those. Representative Renner’s aide has informed those of us in his district that visits will be
scheduled after the session. If this is not acceptable to you, let them know! Write a letter to the editor, do a post, call.
7. Indivisible St Johns Social: New location! Casa Maria in the Publix shopping center on the island. They are holding a section for us from 6-8PM on 4/12. A great way to relax and unwind with like minded people. Bring a friend and meet us.
8. Green New Deal Townhall coming to St Augustine! We will need help filling different roles to pull this off; all the materials and directions are supplied! Email Kay keilbert@binternet.com or Andrea andrea.degeorge@gmail.com and help us plan this!
9. If you’ve noticed Andrea’s email attached to practically everything, this is your opportunity to step up and help us plan actions for our group. We need your ideas and a little of your time and talent. Email indivisible.st.johns@gmail.com and help us!
APRIL TOPIC: NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE
Pam Edwards-Roine, League of Women Voters
Pam updated us on the National Popular Vote movement which the League of Women Voters overwhelmingly voted to take on as a project at their convention. This project fits their twofold mission of educating the public and advocating for a better democracy. Key takeaways:
1. Article 2 of our Constitution says that state legislators pick electors to the electoral college. It comprises both senators and the congresspersons. It does not say HOW these electors must vote.
2. 48 states currently use “winner take all” where the presidential vote winner in the state gets all the electoral votes. Maine and Nebraska have modified their system.
3. Winner Take All overrides the will of the voters. Trump won FL by 1% of the vote. 5 out of 45 presidents did not have the majority of the popular vote.
4. Therefore, contested states attract candidates while most of the other states are neglected. Often the vote is then suppressed as people feel their vote won’t “count” and down ballot races suffer.
5. There is undue media influence in their long, relentless horse race coverage.
6. Florida is trending younger, with more people moving here and more registering NPA.
7. Nationwide, one poll showed 68% of voters favoring National Popular Vote. A poll commissioned by LWV from FAU showed the exact same percentage for Florida.
8. National Popular Vote is targeted for 2024 implementation. State legislatures must change their laws. So far 12 states and DC have done so, bringing the committed electoral vote total to 189.
9. We need to advocate for this with our state legislators. Bills are in both houses right now so we need to be contacting our representatives, a lot. We know what we need to do.
10. It’s anticipated that politicians will have to appeal to more of the electorate instead of just their base, the will of the people will be reflected, every vote will be relevant, it fits within the Constitutional framework with no need to amend the Constitution.
GARY FARRIS AND AMENDMENT 4
Gary related how he got involved with this issue early on by trying to register voters in West Augustine and discovering so many people who couldn’t vote because of past felonies. He got involved early on in the petition drive to get Amendment 4 on the ballot, which passed in 2018 by 64%. The Florida court approved the language of this amendment as self-executing on January 9, 2019. Currently, the state legislature is trying to complicate the issue with bills in both houses: HB7089 and SB7086. They are attempting to broaden the meaning of the word “sentence” to include court costs, restitution, and also trying to broaden definition of “murder” and “sexual offenses”. With the current legislative make-up in Tallahassee, these discriminatory and unnecessary barrier bills are likely to pass. We need to advocate against these bills. Gary expects multiple lawsuits (ACLU and LWV and probably others) if this bill becomes law. There may be a Go Fund Me to assist with legal expenses. Regardless, we know what we need to do.
Gary stated he’s in frequent contact with our Supervisor of Elections, Vicky Oakes, and that other supervisors are issuing voter registration cards as usual. We were reminded that Governor Scott’s cruel and slow walk method of restoring rights was declared unconstitutional. Amendment 4 will enable 1.4 million previously ineligible people to vote. Gary noted his registrations locally are a mix of R, D and NPA. There’s no data on how many returning citizens have registered nor their affiliation due to privacy. He estimates a couple hundred thousand to date. If there are legal challenges,
Gary does regular training and has regular voter registration opportunities. Contact Gary if you are interested.
Voter Registration Outreach Location Saturday Farmer's Market Effective April 20 8:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Voter Registration
Outreach Location
Saturday Farmer's Market
Effective April 20
8:15 AM - 12:30 PM
The Parental Consent bill has been put on the Senate Health Policy Committee for next Monday, April 8th from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. This is the FIRST committee stop for the Parental Consent bill in the Senate. We will need all hands on deck, this is our one opportunity to really influence Senate members to stop it from being heard in the next committee. In addition, Mary Mayhew’s confirmation hearing to be the next AHCA secretary will be taking place in the same committee meeting. Again, we cannot stress enough how important your presence and support will be needed to stop this bill in the Senate.
House Judiciary Committee meeting Tuesday, 04/09/19 9:00 am
Email or call your Representative and urge that he or she vote YES on HB 6051 and Vote NO on HB 7089 at the House Judiciary Committee meeting this Tuesday, 04/09/19 2:00 pm.
Include your name and address or Zip Code so your legislator knows you are a constituent.
Vote YES HB 6051 - Mandatory Direct File Limit ‘direct file’ options charging children as adults for their redemption and restoration of judicial oversight.
Vote NO HB 7089 - Voting Rights Restoration This bill is an unconstitutional overreach that restricts the rights of returning citizens to vote after 64% of the electorate voted for passage of Amendment 4. It expands the definition of “completion of sentence,” and allows non-judicial private and government entities to create additional barriers to voting and de facto imposition of poll taxes.
| District | Last Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Alexander | ramon.alexander@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5008 |
| 57 | Beltran | mike.beltran@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5057 |
| 10 | Brannan | chuck.brannan@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5010 |
| 68 | Diamond | ben.diamond@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5068 |
| 63 | Driskell | fentrice.driskell@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5063 |
| 119 | Fernandez-Barquin | juan.fernandez-barquin@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5119 |
| 78 | Fitzenhagen | heather.fitzenhagen@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5078 |
| 100 | Geller | joseph.geller@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5100 |
| 98 | Gottlieb | michael.gottlieb@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5098 |
| 64 | Grant | james.grant@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5064 |
| 73 | Gregory | tommy.gregory@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5073 |
| 1 | Hill | mike.hill@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5001 |
| 41 | Killebrew | sam.killebrew@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5041 |
| 93 | LaMarca | chip.lamarca@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5093 |
| 48 | Mercado | amy.mercado@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5048 |
| 24 | Renner | paul.renner@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5024 |
| 106 | Rommel | bob.rommel@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5106 |
| 51 | Sirois | tyler.sirois@myfloridahouse.gov | (850) 717-5051 |
If you are a constituent of House Judiciary Committee Chair, Paul Renner, ask him to place the following bills on the agenda for the next Committee meeting. Otherwise, ask your Representative to urge the Chair to place these bills on the next committee agenda.
HB 49 - Incarcerated Women Provides a more dignified and humane environment for incarcerated women, respectful treatment from male guards and free sanitary products.
HB 79 HIV Prevention Provides exception to allow donation of human tissue by person with HIV. Laws that criminalize people living with HIV discourage testing and, therefore, contribute to the spread of HIV.
HB 219 - Victims of Human Trafficking Requires mandatory minimum term of incarceration for solicitation of prostitution offenses involving victims of human trafficking.
Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee meeting Wednesday, 04/10/19
Email or call your Senator
and urge that he or she vote NO on SB 824 – Private Property Rights of Homeowners at the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee meeting this Wednesday, 04/10/19, 1:30 pm.
Include your name and address or Zip Code so your legislator knows you are a constituent.
SB824 – Private Property Rights of Homeowners Preempts the regulation of vacation rentals to the state. Preemption prevents residents from addressing important issues of concern in their communities.
If you are a constituent of Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee Chair, Wilton Simpson, ask him to place the following bills on the agenda for the next Committee meeting. Otherwise, ask your Senator to urge the Chair to place these bills on the next committee agenda.
SB314 Advanced Well Stimulation Treatment Prohibits fracking and matrix acidizing. Fracking damages the environment and threatens water supplies with adverse consequences for public health, quality of life and the tourism industry.
SB222 Private Property Rights Exempting from the definition of “public utility” property owners who own and operate a renewable energy source device, produce renewable energy from that device, and provide or sell the renewable energy to users on that property. Encourages conversion to solar power.
SB1156 Community Solar Program Community solar allows individuals, businesses, schools, colleges, local governments, churches and other non-profits to share the benefits of a single solar array and receive proportional credits on electric utility bills for power produced. Renewable sources of energy will reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
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Senate Rules Committee meeting Wednesday, 04/10/19
Email or call your Senator and urge that he or she vote Yes on SB 362 - Repeal of Constitution Revision Commission at the Senate Rules Committee meeting this Wednesday, 04/10/19, 10:00 am.
SJR 362 Repeal of Constitution Revision Commission Repeals the Constitution Revision Commission. The 2018 CRC was partisan and lacked diversity.
Include your name and address or Zip Code so your legislator knows you are a constituent.
| District | Last Name | Phone | Committee ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Benacquisto | benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5027 | RC |
| 32 | Book | book.lauren.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5032 | RC |
| 5 | Bradley | bradley.rob.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5005 | RC |
| 24 | Brandes | brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5024 | RC |
| 35 | Braynon | braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5035 | RC |
| 34 | Farmer | farmer.gary.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5034 | RC |
| 39 | Flores | flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5039 | RC |
| 6 | Gibson | gibson.audrey.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5006 | RC |
| 7 | Hutson | hutson.travis.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5007 | RC |
| 20 | Lee | lee.tom.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5020 | RC |
| 3 | Montford | montford.bill.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5003 | RC |
| 28 | Passidomo | passidomo.kathleen.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5028 | RC |
| 37 | RodrÃguez | rodriguez.jose.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5037 | RC |
| 9 | Simmons | simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5009 | RC |
| 10 | Simpson | simpson.wilton.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5010 | RC |
| 33 | Thurston | thurston.perry.web@flsenate.gov | (850) 487-5033 | RC |
If you are a constituent of Rules Committee Chair, Lizbeth Benacquisto, ask her to place the following bills on the agenda for the next Criminal Justice Committee meeting. Otherwise, ask your Senator to urge the Chair to place these bills on his next committee agenda.
SB76 Texting While Driving Prohibits use of a wireless communications device while driving. Distracted driving is a recognized cause of traffic accidents especially with inexperienced teen drivers.
SB 204 Detention Facilities Requires that a custodial interrogation at a place of detention be electronically recorded in its entirety in connection with certain offenses to insure its integrity and compliance with procedures.
SB 268 Voting Methods Requires a voter-verified paper trail and meets the voter accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities. Insures integrity of voting process.
SB 1346 Public Records/Homelessness Counts and Databases Public knowledge of such information could lead to discrimination against or ridicule of an individual, which could make such individual reluctant to seek assistance. Public knowledge of such information may also create a greater risk of injury to affected individuals who are survivors of domestic or suffer from mental illness or substance abuse. Additionally, public knowledge of such may create a heightened risk for fraud and identity information theft to affected individuals.
Visit by Indivisible members to Homestead, Fl children's prison on April 21-23 to protest the inhumane conditions at this children’s prison.
Latest on an attempted congressional visit reported here
A link (the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel cover the situation in great depth):
A link (the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel cover the situation in great depth):
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/commentary/fl-op-com-migrant-detention-20190316-story.html
Visit your local legislators.
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 hold on as we have been told that appointments will be available only after the legislative session is complete.
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 https://www.ncpssm.org/documents/medicaid-legislation/medicaid-expansion-benefits-states-and-beneficiaries/
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 hold on as we have been told that appointments will be available only after the legislative session is complete.
If you're a constituent of Paul Renner and interested in attending, please hold on as we have been told that appointments will be available only after the legislative session is complete.
___________________________________________________
For your swear jars
A study by Keele University in the UK researchers found that uttering expletives when you hurt yourself can help reduce pain. They believe swearing helps us downplay being hurt in favour of a more pain-tolerant machismo.
The study cautioned: "If they want to use this pain-lessening effect to their advantage they need to do less casual swearing.
"Swearing is emotional language but if you overuse it, it loses its emotional attachment."
So keep paying into your swear jars for 'casual' swearing!!
POST CARD ADVOCACY Now on First and Third Thursdays of the Month.
Next meeting is April 18.
WE ALWAYS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND NEW IDEAS!
Email us at indivisible.st.johns@gmail.com
Indivisible St Johns April Social FRIDAY APRIL 12
1001 A1a Beach Boulevard, Saint Augustine, Florida 32080
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
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
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 |
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
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
Lots to do this week Indivisibles. Great that all our action calls are in one place. Thanks to Kay, our fabulous blogger!
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