Month: May 2017

RRT ACTION LIST 5/18/17 

Local

Mill City Skill Share

Saturday, May 20, 10am-4pm, Lowell Makes, 47 Lee Street, Lowell

Join us for our annual day of free workshops in Downtown Lowell!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/296836920739248/

 

Refugee Immigration Ministry Walk

Saturday, May 20, 10am-12pm, Lake Quannapowitt, Wakefield, MA

Join us for our annual walk around Lake Quannapowitt to support refugees and asylum seekers in our Massachusetts communities. RAIN or SHINE! Ample parking available by the Lake. Water and light snacks provided for walkers. Registration fee of $10 recommended but not required to participate. 

More information: Facebook Event Page

 

Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, May 21, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 5th Floor meeting room, Lowell, MA

Please note the meeting will take place in the 5th floor meeting room, not on the 4th floor as previously stated. This meeting will feature a presentation by We The People Massachusetts, a group working to end Citizens United and add a democracy amendment to the Constitution. Learn more at www.wethepeoplemass.org. Our second presenter will be Adam Friedman from Voter Choice MA, to discuss Ranked Choice Voting. Learn more at www.voterchoicema.org/. Also on the agenda: volunteering opportunities, tabling events, committee updates, and more!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944756629144537/

 

Town Hall with Maura Healey

Monday, May 22, 7pm, Wang Middle School 365 W Meadow Rd, Lowell, MA 01854

Since Donald Trump took office, we have seen an unprecedented increase in the level of activism in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Right here in Lowell, people have come together to plan, speak out and protest what’s happening in Washington. And Attorney General Maura Healey has shown already that she won’t hesitate to take on President Trump as he acts on his unconstitutional promises to roll back the progress we’ve made. AG Healey will help answer the questions of what we can do and how we can take action together.

Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdghjqxh9o3jQSpfMTMR0I4aqbsv2-pN4Z9CT5pPyM_xCRZow/viewform?c=0&w=1

For more information, please contact Deborah Shah at Deborah@maurahealey.com

 

Fixing Our Broken Democracy

Tuesday, May 23, 6:30-8:15pm, J. V. Fletcher Library, Mary Atwood Room, 3rd Floor, 50 Main Street, Westford, MA 01886

A series of Supreme Court decisions culminating in Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC have opened the floodgates to money in politics, allowing economic elites to pressure our politicians to serve their interests rather than those of the general public. How can “We the People” assert our constitutional sovereignty over powerful special interests, and live up to Lincoln’s vision of government that serves all the people? Join us for this informative event, including Q&A, presented by We The People Massachusetts.

More information https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-our-broken-democracy-a-free-event-tickets-34218185514?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text

 

Help Refugees in Lowell

The Nashua, NH Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is partnering with the International Institute of New England (IINE) to help refugees resettle in our area and become integrated in our communities. Volunteers are needed to help set up homes, give tours of local resources like public transportation and libraries, help prepare resumes, participate in mock interviews, assist in transportation, practice and tutor English skills, facilitate social events, explain cultural situations, assist in special request coordination (seasonal clothing drives, etc), but most of all, to help refugees feel welcome, safe, wanted, and integrated in our communities. Volunteers need not be members of the LDS Church; everyone is welcome to help and the mailing list is only for refugee service opportunities.

Sign up here: http://iine.us13.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=4eff695dbc10c28d0d5fdc0e1&id=b7db13ffee

 

Chip in for Bikes for Refugees

Please donate to help gather and repair adult and children’s bicycles to be distributed to refugee families.

More information: https://www.gofundme.com/2d3scdgc

 

State

Rally for Public Education

Saturday, May 20, 2-5pm, Boston Common at Beacon and Charles St, Boston, MA

Last year, we won a landslide victory in Massachusetts against the forces of privatization, defeating a dangerous ballot initiative that would have drained hundreds of millions of dollars from our public schools. Now, the struggle continues. We must stand together to resist the plans and policies of Trump, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and Governor Charlie Baker. It is time to demand the public schools and colleges our communities deserve.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/101453610401476/

 

Environment Panel with the Environmental Voter Project, Sen Eldridge, Rep Benson and more

Wednesday, May 24, 7-9pm, RJ Grey Junior High, 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA

Are you concerned about the environment nationally, regionally, and locally, and want to do something about it? The Activist Alliance is hosting a meeting with Nathanial Stinnett from the Environmental Voter Project, State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representative Jennifer Benson and Local Activist Eric Broadbent. The focus will be: What is the risk to us with the change in National Environmental Policy? What state policies can we recommend and advocate for and how? What can we do locally to protect our environment?

More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/environmental-action-discussion-tickets-33689926477

 

Stand against the racist dress code in Malden

Paul Sagan, Chair, MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: 781-338-3102

The ACLU of Massachusetts filed a complaint challenging Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s hair and makeup policy, which discriminates based on race, gender national origin, religion, and disability. The complaint was filed on behalf of students Deanna and Mya Cook, who were disciplined for wearing braids with hair extensions, a hairstyle that is common for Black women. White students have not been equally disciplined for wearing hair extensions or dyed and colored hair, which also violates the school’s policy.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. I’m calling for Paul Sagan to stand against the discriminatory policy of Mystic Valley Regional Charter School. The fact that Deanna and Mya Cook were disciplined for braids when white students have not been called out for similar styles is very upsetting. Please ask Mr. Sagan to encourage the school to change their policy. Thank you!”

More information: https://aclum.org/uncategorized/aclu-massachusetts-challenges-malden-charter-schools-discriminatory-hair-policy/

 

Fund our Schools Properly


Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):

Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

James Lyons: 617-722-2460

“Even though we are tops in the nation on education achievement in Massachusetts, we are also 48th in the nation on inequality.” — Sonia Chang-Díaz. S.223, Sen. Chang-Diaz’s bill to modernize the Foundation Budget, is on our 2017-2018 legislative agenda. Call your legislators to let them know that it’s time for MA to fund our schools properly!

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. Please support S.223 to modernize the Foundation Budget. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S223/Cosponsor

 

End Child Marriage in Massachusetts!


Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):

Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

James Lyons: 617-722-2460

Background from the Boston Globe (8/10/2016): Between 2010 and 2014, almost 200 children were married in Massachusetts, according to the latest available records from the state’s Department of Public Health. Judges approved 92 percent of marriage petitions from minors over that span, probate court records show. More than 85 percent of the children were girls, who often married significantly older men. Two 17-year-old girls, for instance, married 39-year-old men, records show. Two 15-year-old girls also received approval to marry men in their mid-twenties.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from ____, Massachusetts. I am asking you to support legislation to end child marriages in Massachusetts. In the majority of these marriages, the child is a girl marrying an adult man. We are now aware that there is no law protecting young women from being forced to marry before they are legally adults. Please encourage the Joint Judiciary to move S.785 and H.2310 to the floor for a vote, and please vote to make this bill law. Thank you!”

More information: https://capecodwomenforchange.com/2017/04/24/call-to-action-tell-ma-legislators-to-prevent-young-women-from-becoming-child-brides/

 

Repeal Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenses


Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):

Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

James Lyons: 617-722-2460

This bill would restore judges’ discretion in sentencing for nonviolent drug charges, reducing the economic and social costs of extended prison terms.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. Please co-sponsor and vote YES on S.819/H.741 to repeal mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. This holdover from the failed war on drugs takes sentencing power away from judges and is a threat to due process, since they cause 90% of prosecutions in MA to end in plea agreements (according to the ACLU of MA). We must repeal mandatory minimums for all nonviolent drug offenses and allow prisoners who are serving them to become eligible for parole. Thank you!”

More information:More information: https://aclum.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Mandatory-Minimums-fact-sheet-1.pdf

 

Support H.2091/S.373 for Automatic Voter Registration


Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):

Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

James Lyons: 617-722-2460

This bill would modernize voter registration by automatically registering citizens who interact with government agencies (“opt-out” instead of “opt-in”) and ensure that such information is handled in a secure fashion, enhancing safeguards against fraud.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. I am your constituent and I urge you to co-sponsor and support S.373/H. 2091 to modernize voter registration and protect the security of voter data. One of the greatest threats to a democracy is lack of participation. This bill would improve voter registration and potentially enhance voter participation. It would also help assure voters that their sensitive information is safe. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2091

 

Federal

Call for Trump’s Impeachment


Elizabeth Warren: 202-224-4543 or 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Donald Trump revealed highly classified information to Russian officials. He also asked then- FBI Director James Comey to stop investigating Michael Flynn, which is obstruction of justice.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. I am calling for the impeachment of President Trump. The revelation that he has released highly classified information to the Russian government is terrifying, and it’s unacceptable. He needs to be removed from office as he is a danger to the entire country. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/us/politics/james-comey-trump-flynn-russia-investigation.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=span-ab-top-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

 

Save the free Internet

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai: 202-418-2000

A free and open internet is vital for our democracy and for our daily lives. But the Federal Communications Commission is considering a proposal that threatens net neutrality– and therefore threatens the internet as we know it. Former Verizon lawyer and FCC Chairman Pai wants to reverse hard-won rules that protect millions of internet users’ access to a free and open web. Instead of treating the internet as a public utility like the telephone system or radio waves, Pai is making moves to let the wealthiest corporations run the Web. His plan opens the way to pay-to-play “fast lanes” for those who can afford it– and slower connections for everyone else’s websites. This could give mega-corporations control over the information we consume every day.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from ____, Massachusetts. Please do not reverse the 2015 rules that keep the internet open, free, and democratic for all. Any proposal that undermines net neutrality violates our freedoms of speech, expression, and inquiry and risks unfair discrimination against low-income communities and communities of color. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/secure/keep-internet-free?ms=web_170515_privacyandtechnology_netneutrality

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Marissa Dupont on Facebook or at marissa.dupont@gmail.com using subject line “RRT”, or use hashtag #RRT in the Solidarity Lowell Facebook group.


Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

RRT ACTION LIST 5/11/17 

Local

Crisis in Cameroon Panel Discussion

Thursday, May 11, 7pm, LTC, 246 Market Street, Lowell

In November, 2016, a bloody political crisis erupted in Cameroon, resulting in the death, rape, and mass persecution of non-violent citizens in the English-speaking region of Cameroon. Today, the persecution continues. There is a panel discussion to inform the public and discuss how to speak out to prevent another Rwanda-type genocide. 

For more information, please email fru1964@gmail.com

 

Postcards for Progress

Saturday, May 13, 2-4pm, Gallery Z, 167 Market Street, Lowell, MA

We’ll be writing postcards to and leaving messages for our elected officials. Come join us! We’re also collecting items for Massachusetts refugees! Please bring any of the following: toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (for man and woman), stuffed animal(s), craft (coloring books, crayons, etc.), laundry detergent, books, baby wipes, soap.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/219458405214700/
Atlas Soul: World Music for World Peace

Saturday, May 13, 4:30pm, Christ Church United, 180 East Merrimack St, Lowell

An evening of brief talks by area organizations working for justice and equality, followed by a great meal and an inspiring, vibrant concert. Atlas Soul, an award-winning band, will perform a multi-lingual, cross-cultural fusion of music rooted in Afro-Mediterranean traditions blended with deep funk, jazz, and hip-hop. 

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/660455350807382/

 

Merrimack Valley Activist Forum

Saturday, May 13, 9am-12:30pm, Reliefs In, 1 Market St, Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843

Get involved in local activism and add your voice in shaping a progressive future for the Merrimack Valley and beyond! Join a forum with other local activists and statewide advocacy groups to get involved with the work being done on priority issues.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/423298224695536/

 

THRIVE Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) Training

Saturday, May 13, 8am-4:30pm, Entrepreneurship for All, 175 Cabot Street, Suite 100, Lowell

THRIVE is a community-based response to the challenges faced by adults returning from prison. THRIVE’s COSA training is an experiential exploration of the meaning, guidelines and impact of Reentry Circles. By the end of the day, participants will have gained an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a THRIVE volunteer.

More information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/circles-of-support-accountability-cosa-tickets-33794746998

 

Save the date! Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, May 21, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 4th Floor Hi-Hat area, Lowell, MA (location may change)

This meeting will feature a presentation by We The People Massachusetts, a group working to end Citizens United and add a democracy amendment to the Constitution. Learn more at www.wethepeoplemass.org. Also on the agenda: volunteering opportunities, tabling events, committee updates, and more!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944756629144537/

 

State

Tell Governor Baker to stand up for the Paris Agreement

Charlie Baker: 617.725.4005

On May 3, twelve U.S. governors sent President Trump a letter urging him to keep the United States in the Paris Agreement. Governor Charlie Baker’s name was not on that letter.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is ____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. Trump is currently considering whether to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. Governor Baker should have signed the letter urging Trump not to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Governor Baker should show leadership and: 1) Sign the letter calling on Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement and 2) get our state back on track to meet 25% carbon reduction by 2020 as required by Massachusetts law. Thank you!”

More information: http://www.betterfutureproject.org/speakupcharlie3?utm_campaign=cmwu_may_8_17&utm_medium=email&utm_source=betterfutureproject

 

Rally for Public Education

Saturday, May 20, 2-5pm, Boston Common at Beacon and Charles St, Boston, MA

Last year, we won a landslide victory in Massachusetts against the forces of privatization, defeating a dangerous ballot initiative that would have drained hundreds of millions of dollars from our public schools. Now, the struggle continues. We must stand together to resist the plans and policies of Trump, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and Governor Charlie Baker. It is time to demand the public schools and colleges our communities deserve.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/101453610401476/

 

Prohibit “Conversion Therapy” for LGBTQ Youth


Please contact your representative (find yours here https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/):

Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

James Lyons: 617-722-2460

“Conversion therapy” is a harmful practice to attempt to change LGBTQ individuals’ sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The Supreme Court recently ruled that outlawing it is constitutional (hooray!), but most states do not yet have laws on the books that outlaw it. Massachusetts now has the opportunity to prohibit state-licensed mental health professionals from subjecting minors to “conversion therapy” practices. As Elizabeth Warren recently wrote in regard to a similar federal bill, “LGBTQ Americans deserve to live lives free of discrimination and prejudice, with the same rights as other citizens.”

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from _____, Massachusetts. Please co-sponsor and vote YES on H.1190, which would save LGBTQ minors from harmful “conversion therapy” practices. Our LGBTQ youth are fine the way they are, and they need to be supported, not subjected to this danger. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1190

 

Federal

Appoint Preet Bharara as Special Prosecutor

Rod Rosenstein: (202) 353-1555

Preet Bharara is one of the most accomplished jurists in America, with a history of honest, non-partisan investigations and an ability to take on even the largest of cases. He’s led the charge against corruption in the New York State government, financial fraud on Wall Street, and international gang activity. He is respected by Democrats and Republicans alike and has extensive experience with international investigations, including in Russia. Now that he is no longer the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Mr. Bharara is the perfect candidate to take on the task of investigating the role Russia played in the 2016 elections.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. With the firing of James Comey, it’s clear that we need an investigation run from outside the administration and DC. I strongly encourage you to allow New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Preet Bharara to take the lead as special prosecutor regarding the current administration’s ties to Russia. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.change.org/p/appoint-preet-bharara-as-special-prosecutor-to-investigate-election-influence-by-russia

 

Support H.2091/S.373 for Automatic Voter Registration


Elizabeth Warren: 202-224-4543 or 617-565-3170

Edward Markey: 202-224-2742

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

This bill would modernize voter registration by automatically registering citizens who interact with government agencies (“opt-out” instead of “opt-in”) and ensure that such information is handled in a secure fashion, enhancing safeguards against fraud.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m from _____, Massachusetts. I am your constituent and I urge you to co-sponsor and support S.373/H. 2091 to modernize voter registration and protect the security of voter data. One of the greatest threats to a democracy is lack of participation. This bill would improve voter registration and potentially enhance voter participation. It would also help assure voters that their sensitive information is safe. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2091

 

Positive Action of the Week

 

Thank Rep. Tsongas for demanding the truth about Trump

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

In measure after measure, Rep. Tsongas has called for investigating Trump’s tax returns and his connection to Russia. The call for investigations is growing louder and louder– and one key measure, which would require making Trump’s tax returns public– is gaining real steam. 

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from ______, Massachusetts. I am a constituent of Rep. Tsongas. I want to thank her for signing the discharge petition on H.R.305, demanding a floor vote to get Trump’s tax returns. Congress cannot begin to consider Trump’s awful tax reforms until Trump releases his own taxes, at a very minimum. I also support creating a nonpartisan, independent investigation on Trump, Russia, and Trump’s conflicts of interest. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/10/us/politics/congress-statements-comey.html

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

RRT ACTION LIST 5/3/17

Local

Join LEJA in protecting, defending, and improving our public schools

Thursday, May 4, 6pm, United Teachers of Lowell, 4th floor, 169 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Lowell Education Justice Alliance (LEJA) is a grassroots group of students, educators, parents, school staff, and concerned community members who are deeply tied to neighborhoods and communities across Lowell and all of Massachusetts. We are committed to building a stronger and better public school system that is driven by community voices. This organizing meeting is to plan the agenda for an upcoming community meeting. Some concerns we will discuss: What concerns does your community have about your public school? What is Lowell’s school budget and how does it compare to surrounding communities? How do the current attacks on our immigrant communities affect our schools, our students and their families? And more.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/756979417797360/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A4%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&source=4&action_history=null

 

Together Tuesdays

Tuesday, May 9, 6:15-7:15pm, City Hall steps, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA

Together Tuesday is an opportunity to meet and hear from like-minded folks from across the community, to laugh, smile, and bond with one another, and to work together toward building a Lowell that is run for and by its people. The steps will be open to speeches from any who attend. You are encouraged to share a thought or idea – or even a poem or song of solidarity or struggle. This event is organized by CAJE, a multiracial network of community members and organizations. They empower, raise awareness, provide resources and advocate for the marginalized.

For more information, please email info@cajelowell.org

 

Save the date! Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday, May 21, 5pm, Mill No. 5, 4th Floor Hi-Hat area, Lowell, MA (location may change)

This meeting will feature a presentation by We The People Massachusetts, a group working to end Citizens United and add a democracy amendment to the Constitution. Learn more at www.wethepeoplemass.org. Also on the agenda: volunteering opportunities, tabling events, committee updates, and more!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944756629144537/

 

State

Healthcare discussion with Sen Jamie Eldridge and Rep Jen Benson

Thursday, May 4, 7-9pm, Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church Fellowship Building, 7 Elm St, Harvard, Massachusetts 01451

The League of Women Voters of Harvard is proud to present “Bringing High Quality, Affordable Health Care to Every Person in Massachusetts” with Senator Jamie Eldridge and Rep Jen Benson.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/513657859022563/

 

Call in support of the Safe Communities Act


Thomas Golden: 617-722-2263

David Nangle: 617-722-2575

Rady Mom: 617-722-2460

Colleen Garry: 617-722-2380

James Lyons: 617-722-2460

Protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents. Call your representative and encourage them to make Massachusetts a Sanctuary State.

Sample script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from _____, Massachusetts. Please support Bill S.1305, the Safe Communities Act. Massachusetts should be a sanctuary state. Thank you!”

More information: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/SD1596

 

Federal

Stop the repeal of the Affordable Care Act

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Call your Representative and tell them to reject, repeal, and #ProtectOurCare: Stop trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act! The House of Representatives wants to vote on this new plan this week. We can’t let this happen! If it passes, 24 million Americans will lose coverage by 2020, costs will increase for seniors and those with pre-existing conditions, women will go back to paying more than men for basic care, women will lose access to safe abortion care and see increases in costs for birth control, Medicaid patients – including millions of children, seniors and people with disabilities – will no longer be able to get the care they need.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from _______, Massachusetts. Please vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. For many Americans, costs will either increase or they will lose coverage. This is unacceptable. Please stand up for health care. Thank you!”

More information: http://hq-salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5950/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=204257

 

Oppose the Wall Street Deregulating Financial Choice Act (H.R.10)

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would dismantle the 2010 Wall Street reform legislation, known as the Dodd-Frank Act. This law created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an agency committed to protecting consumers and making sure that banks, lenders, and other financial institutions treat you fairly. Dodd-Frank imposes important rules to rein in the kind of Wall Street speculation that crashed the economy and caused millions of people to lose their jobs, homes, and savings.

Sample Script: “Hello, my name is _____ and I’m calling from _____, Massachusetts. Please oppose H.R.10. The bill would destroy the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has cracked down on predatory lenders and big banks that break the law and obtained $11.8 billion in relief for over 29 million Americans. This bill would give those predatory lenders and big banks a free hand to exploit American consumers. This lack of oversight led to the 2008 mortgage crisis and 2009 financial crisis. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.indivisibleguide.com/resource/oppose-choice-act/

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team