Month: May 2018

Local

City of Lowell Election Lawsuit Community Meeting

Wednesday, May 30th, 6:30-8:00pm, CMAA – Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, 465 School Street, Lowell

Vice Mayor Vesna Nuon, and other Councilors will discuss with community members about the current voting rights lawsuit between community plaintiffs and the City of Lowell.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/558771021174319/

LDCC Freedom For All Presentation

Thursday, May 31st, 7:00-8:30pm, Pollard Memorial Library, 401 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Field Organizer Zachary Stinchfield will speak on the proposed ballot referendum which would have the effect of rolling back rights of our transgender fellow Bay Staters. This group is organizing and working hard to make sure that Massachusetts does not pass a ballot initiative this November that would specifically deny the civil rights of a specific group of people, in this case transgender people. Once one group of people are legally denied equal rights and protections under the law, it becomes easier to move on to another group.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/592376707799681/

3rd Annual Greater Lowell Pride Parade and Concert

Saturday, June 2nd, 12:00-5:00pm, JFK Plaza, 50 Arcand Street, Lowell

Join us to celebrate, support, and express our PRIDE for the LGBTQ Community in the Greater Lowell area. Come march in the parade as part of Solidarity Lowell. Line-up begins at 11:00am in front of Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Merrimack Street. Contact Amy Baranoski amy@solidaritylowell.com or Scott Richards scott@solidaritylowell.com if you would like to join in.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1763043333751919/
A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If the firing happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

Help with Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email hope@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information and to sign up for training: hope@solidaritylowell.com

State

Thank your Representatives for Voting in Favor of the ERPO/Red Flag Bill

The Massachusetts legislature has passed H.4517, a bill that allows for the temporary removal of firearms from people who are considered “high risk.” Call the following Representatives who voted in favor of this common sense bill that will help make our communities safer.

Please contact your state representative (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460
Rep. Marc Lombardo 617-722-2460
Note: Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380 voted AGAINST the bill – If you’re her constituent, please express your disapproval!
Support the Poor People’s Campaign at the State House

Every Monday for the next four weeks

The Poor People’s Campaign is launching 40 days of action that will include rallies, education and organizing, cultural arts events, nonviolent civil disobedience, and fusion coalition building in at least forty-one states. There will be five Monday actions at the State House in Boston each with a different theme. Monday actions will begin at 2 pm with a rally followed by optional non-violent direct action.

RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/may-14-boston

Progressive Mass Statewide HubDialer Days

Every Thursday, 6:30pm, from home

Make calls on behalf of Raise Up Massachusetts for our campaigns for Paid Family and Medical Leave and a $15 Minimum Wage! We are calling people who signed our petitions for these issues and likely voters, offering to patch them through to their legislators. That means that while you’re on the phone, you can offer to connect the person you’re speaking with directly to their legislator’s office so that they can ask them to support and prioritize these important pieces of legislation. HubDialer includes a script, a place to record the caller’s response, as well as a button to patch them through!

Sign up here: http://action.raiseupma.org/page/s/hubdialer

 

Federal

Restore Net Neutrality Protections

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from _______ and Solidarity Lowell. I urge you to use the Congressional Review Act to reverse the Federal Communication Commission’s decision to dismantle net neutrality. Four out of five Americans want net neutrality protections. Rolling back net neutrality favors major corporations’ interests over the will of the people – and our free speech rights. The Senate has already voted to protect net neutrality. Now, it’s up to the House to stand with the people, too. I call on you to represent your constituents and use the Congressional Review Act to save our free, fair, and open internet. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/save-net-neutrality

Stand with Families at the Mexican Border

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from ______ and Solidarity Lowell. I am outraged at the inhumane practice of separating children from parents at the border—including those legally seeking asylum protection. Please do everything in your power to stop this practice that hurts children. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/petition/separating-families

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 5/17/18

Local

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss: Raise Up!

Friday, May 18th, 6:30-8:30pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Join us for Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility event! Our theme this month is Raise Up Massachusetts’ ballot questions for $15/hour minimum wage and paid family/medical leave. We will have signs for you to hold, or bring your own. We will also have the petitions for people to sign to help get these questions on the November ballot. At 6:30pm, join us at the island in front of City Hall to rally in support of $15 minimum wage and paid family/medical leave. Then at 7:30pm, come to Sizzling Kitchen (478 Merrimack Street) to have some food and/or drinks and discuss the events of the week. All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/151094442400936/

Solidarity Lowell May Meeting

Sunday, May 20th, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. On the agenda this month: an update from Immigrant Rights subcommittee, Marisa Shea speaking about a coalition against the Lowell natural gas pipeline, a followup to the Incorruptibles training including how to build a coalition for progressive causes, Raise Up petitions, a postcard action, and more! All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/218192872100942/

 

Meet with Rady Mom about Raise Up!

Tuesday, May 22, 3:30pm, Rady Mom’s office, 2 Pine Street, Lowell

Merrimack Valley Project and partners have confirmed this meeting and are hoping to bring a handful of leaders from his home district. Currently, Representative Mom is not as supportive as we need him to be on the economic justice issues of paid family and medical leave and an increased minimum wage so we are hoping to use next Tuesday’s meeting to put public pressure on him to commit to those issues.

Please RSVP to marissa@solidaritylowell.com

 

Public Meeting: Election Lawsuit Listening Session

Wednesday, May 23, 6-8:30pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street, Lowell

The Lowell City Council Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee on Election Laws (City Councilors Vesna Nuon, Edward Kennedy, and John Leahy) is holding a public meeting to listen to the thoughts, ideas, concerns of residents with the current election laws and process in the City, in light of the public lawsuit which is currently pending.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/246363005920339/

 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If the firing happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

Help with Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

State

Support the Poor People’s Campaign at the State House

Every Monday for the next four weeks

The Poor People’s Campaign is launching 40 days of action that will include rallies, education and organizing, cultural arts events, nonviolent civil disobedience, and fusion coalition building in at least forty-one states. There will be five Monday actions at the State House in Boston each with a different theme. Monday actions will begin at 2 pm with a rally followed by optional non-violent direct action.

RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/may-14-boston

Progressive Mass Statewide HubDialer Days

Every Thursday, 6:30pm, from home

Make calls on behalf of Raise Up Massachusetts for our campaigns for Paid Family and Medical Leave and a $15 Minimum Wage! We are calling people who signed our petitions for these issues and likely voters, offering to patch them through to their legislators. That means that while you’re on the phone, you can offer to connect the person you’re speaking with directly to their legislator’s office so that they can ask them to support and prioritize these important pieces of legislation. HubDialer includes a script, a place to record the caller’s response, as well as a button to patch them through!

Sign up here: http://action.raiseupma.org/page/s/hubdialer

 

 

Stand Up for Our Immigrant Communities

Please contact your state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):

Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572
Sen. Barbara L’Italien 617-722-1612
Sen. Jamie Eldridge 617-722-1120

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from _______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please co-sponsor Senate Budget Amendment #1147 (Eldridge) to safeguard the rights of immigrant residents in Massachusetts and please oppose Amendment #1136 (Fattman). Amendment #1147 would ensure that police do not ask about immigration status in routine interactions, inform people about their basic rights regarding immigration enforcement – including the right to talk with a lawyer, prohibit “287(g)” agreements between sheriffs and ICE, and say no to any discriminatory registry based on religion or national origin. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/stand-our-immigrant-communities

Federal

Restore Net Neutrality Protections

Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from _______ and Solidarity Lowell. I urge you to use the Congressional Review Act to reverse the Federal Communication Commission’s decision to dismantle net neutrality. Four out of five Americans want net neutrality protections. Rolling back net neutrality favors major corporations’ interests over the will of the people – and our free speech rights. The Senate has already voted to protect net neutrality. Now, it’s up to the House to stand with the people, too. I call on you to represent your constituents and use the Congressional Review Act to save our free, fair, and open internet. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/save-net-neutrality

 

Stand with Families at the Mexican Border

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from ______ and Solidarity Lowell. I am outraged at the inhumane practice of separating children from parents at the border—including those legally seeking asylum protection. Please do everything in your power to stop this practice that hurts children. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/petition/separating-families

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 5/11/18

Local

Say No to New Pipelines! Welcome National Grid to the Environmental Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 15, 5:30-6:45pm, City Council Chambers, City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell

National Grid will be presenting their “justifications” for the pipeline expansion to Lowell´s Environmental Subcommittee, and we need to show up in large numbers to tell them NO. Let´s pack the room and tell National Grid they aren’t welcome here. The presentation begins at 5:30pm. Come at 5:15 to grab a sign, or bring your own!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/956278617882757/

Solidarity! We Welcome the Marcellus Shale Community

Wednesday, May 16, 7-9pm, LTC, 246 Market Street, Lowell

80% of the natural gas that National Grid sells us is fracked gas. You are invited to an evening with community leaders from the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania, at the other end of the fracked gas pipelines that connect to Massachusetts. Families, landowners, and whole communities there have been deeply impacted by intensive development of fracking wells and facilities, and their struggle connects directly with our use of fossil fuels in the Northeast.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/164972047670363/

 

Demonstrate, Drink, and Discuss: Raise Up!

Friday, May 18th, 6:30-8:30pm, The Ladd and Whitney Memorial, 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Join us for Solidarity Lowell’s monthly visibility event! Our theme this month is Raise Up Massachusetts’ ballot questions for $15/hour minimum wage and paid family/medical leave! We will have signs for you to hold, or bring your own! We will also have the petitions for people to sign to help get these questions on the November ballot. At 6:30pm, join us at the island in front of City Hall to rally in support of $15 minimum wage and paid family/medical leave. Then at 7:30pm, come to Sizzling Kitchen (478 Merrimack Street) to have some food and/or drinks and discuss the events of the week! All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/151094442400936/

 

Solidarity Lowell May Meeting

Sunday, May 20th, 5:30-7pm, Christ Church United (UCC), 1 Bartlett Street, Lowell

The monthly general meeting for members of Solidarity Lowell. On the agenda this month: an update from Immigrant Rights subcommittee, Marisa Shea speaking about a coalition against the Lowell natural gas pipeline, a followup to the Incorruptibles training, Raise Up petitions, a postcard action, and more! All are welcome!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/218192872100942/

 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If the firing happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

Help with Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

State

Support the Poor People’s Campaign at the State House

Every Monday for the next five weeks

The Poor People’s Campaign is launching 40 days of action that will include rallies, education and organizing, cultural arts events, nonviolent civil disobedience, and fusion coalition building in at least forty-one states. There will be five Monday actions at the State House in Boston each with a different theme. Monday actions will begin at 2 pm with a rally followed by optional non-violent direct action.

RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/may-14-boston

Progressive Mass Statewide HubDialer Days

Every Thursday, 6:30pm, from home

Make calls on behalf of Raise Up Massachusetts for our campaigns for Paid Family and Medical Leave and a $15 Minimum Wage! We are calling people who signed our petitions for these issues and likely voters, offering to patch them through to their legislators. That means that while you’re on the phone, you can offer to patch the person you’re speaking with through directly to their legislator’s office so that they can ask them to support and prioritize these important pieces of legislation. HubDialer includes a script, a place to record the caller’s response, as well as a button to patch them through!

Sign up here: http://action.raiseupma.org/page/s/hubdialer

 

Oppose the House Farm Bill

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460

Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from ______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. I am calling to urge you to vote No on H.R. 2, the House farm bill, which would make it harder for struggling Americans to put food on the table. This bill would take food assistance from millions of people, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities; please reject it. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.indivisible.org/resource/republicans-trying-sneak-cuts-food-assistance/#CallScript

 

Support the Environmental Justice Act

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460

Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from _______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. All people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment––but low-income communities and communities of color are most likely to be in the shadows of a dirty power plant or next to a busy polluting highway. Environmental Justice ​is the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws. Please support the Environmental Justice Act, H2913/S426. Thank you!”

More information: http://mapowerforward.com/files/powerforward/Legislation20172018/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20S2302%20-%20An%20Act%20to%20Promote%20a%20Clean%20Energy%20Future%20-%20%203-2-18.pdf

 

Pass the Social Media Privacy Act (H.158/S.2320)

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460

Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from _______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please urge House leadership to bring up the Social Media Privacy Act (H.158/S.2320) for a vote before the end of the session. The Social Media Privacy Act would establish basic privacy protections under state law in employment and educational settings, with reasonable and limited exceptions. Twenty-six other states have passed equivalent legislation. We should be next. Please urge Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Sanchez to advance the Social Media Privacy Act as soon as possible. Thank you!”

More information: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-pass-social-media-privacy?ms_aff=MA&initms_aff=MA&ms=180509_social+media+privacy_MA&initms=180509_social+media+privacy_MA&ms_chan=eml&initms_chan=eml

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team

SOLIDARITY LOWELL RAPID RESPONSE TEAM ACTION LIST FOR 5/2/18

Local

Freedom for All Massachusetts Summer Canvass Kickoff: Lowell

Saturday, May 5, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Lowell (RSVP for address)

This November, Massachusetts will become the first state in the country forced to defend dignity and respect for our transgender neighbors at the ballot box.  Freedom For All Massachusetts is ready to kick off our summer canvassing efforts in May, where hundreds of volunteers will talk to thousands of voters about the need to vote YES this November to uphold basic protections for transgender people! Join us in Lowell on May 5 from 10 to 4 to help launch this important part of our campaign!

More information and to RSVP for address: https://bit.ly/2vvX8DU

Chelmsford Vigil

Saturday, May 5th, 10-11am, Chelmsford Center, Chelmsford

Please join Chelmsford Vigil for a demonstration and rally of conscience and conviction. Stay for as little or as much time as you wish and bring a sign if possible. Chelmsford Vigil is dedicated to remembering the victims of gun violence and abolishing the sale of assault weapons, large capacity magazine clips, and armor-piercing bullets. We support background checks for gun purchases. Hopefully this will be the first rally of many. Let’s take back our country!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1762734647108617/

 

Light Up Lowell

Saturday, May 5th, 6-10pm, Kerouac Park, 75 Bridge St, Lowell

Join the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, in partnership with the Lowell Heritage Partnership and the City of Lowell, as we celebrate the lighting of the Cox Bridge. Thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors the Cox Bridge has been outfitted with LED lighting that will highlight the architecture of the bridge and create a colorful display on this Lowell landmark, announcing holidays and special events. Join us for fun, food trucks, and entertainment before we “flip the switch,” illuminating the bridge connecting the Centralville and Downtown neighborhoods as part of the Lowell Waterways Action Plan.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/146115722888239/

 

Learn How School Funding Works: A Community Forum

Wednesday, May 9th, 5:30-8pm, Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St, Lowell

Where does the money come from? Why are some communities able to spend more per student than others? What can we do to make the system more equitable? Join us for a presentation by Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, followed by discussion and community actions.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/197082640907784/

 

31st Annual Acre Cleanup

Saturday, May 12th, 9am-1pm, North Common Park, 413 Fletcher Street, Lowell

Save the date to take care of the Acre! To volunteer or sponsor, please contact volunteer@cbacre.org. From 9-11:30am, teams will clean sidewalks, parks, and common spaces around the Acre. Then at 11:30am, join us for a light lunch and party at North Common for all volunteers.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/106165966858413/

 

SAVE THE DATE: Welcome National Grid to the Environmental Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 15, 5:30-6:45pm, City Council Chambers, City Hall, 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell

National Grid will be presenting their “justifications” for the pipeline expansion to Lowell´s Environmental Subcommittee, and we need to show up in large numbers to tell them NO. Let´s pack the room and tell National Grid they aren’t welcome here. The presentation begins at 5:30pm. Come at 5:15 to grab a sign, or bring your own!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/956278617882757/

 

A Rapid Response Rally if Mueller is Fired

If the firing happens before 2pm, the event will be held at 5pm the same day. If it happens after 2pm, the event will be held at noon the following day. Ladd and Whitney Memorial (the island outside City Hall), 309 Merrimack Street, Lowell

Nobody is above the law! Donald Trump is publicly considering firing special counsel Robert Mueller. This would be a constitutional crisis for our country. Our response in the minutes and hours following a power grab will dictate what happens next, which is why an immediate response is imperative.

Sign up to be notified: https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/14830

 

Help With Sanctuary

Assisting our immigrant community is one of the most important things you can possibly do. If you are interested in helping out with local sanctuary efforts, please email marissa@solidaritylowell.com. Training is provided. You can also donate to the cause here: http://www.merrimackvalleyproject.org/donate-1/ (please write “sanctuary” in the “special notes” part of the donation form).

More information and to sign up for training: marissa@solidaritylowell.com

State

Raise Up Congress!

Tuesday, May 8th, 1-4:15pm, Massachusetts State House, grand staircase

Join us to rally and lobby for Paid Family and Medical Leave and a $15 Minimum Wage at the Massachusetts State House! This event will represent the culmination of a multi-year campaign, which was successful in collecting over 272,000 signatures, orchestrating seven legislative forums with over 2,000 attendees, and a statewide phone outreach that talked to over 100,000 people. There is a charter bus leaving from St. Patrick’s Church (282 Suffolk Street) at 11am Tuesday morning for anyone who doesn’t want to drive.

More information: http://action.raiseupma.org/page/s/2018congress

 

March for Science Lobby Day

Thursday, May 10th, noon-4pm, Massachusetts State House

Join 350MA to continue our push for the energy omnibus bill (S.2302) and the environmental justice legislation (H.2913). We’ll be continue our march for science, by bringing our voices directly to our legislators on Beacon Hill. With the help of our allies in Mass Power Forward, we will continue to push our leaders to respond to our demands concerning clean energy and environmental justice. RSVP now so that we can ensure that a meeting with your legislators and/or their staff is scheduled in advance.

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSej-Wi3PsSuNKM5cY8kRT_bMUwYRnChmhtJ_4V2dBY7y89cLA/viewform

 

Help Reduce Plastic Bag Pollution

Please contact your state representative and state senator (find yours here https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator):
Rep. Thomas Golden 617-722-2263
Rep. David Nangle 617-722-2520
Rep. Rady Mom 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry 617-722-2380
Rep. James Lyons 617-722-2460

Sen. Michael Barrett 617-722-1572

The Massachusetts legislature is currently considering a bill (H.4234) to prohibit stores from providing single-use carryout bags to customers at the point of sale on or after August 1, 2019. If the bill passes, reusable grocery bags or recycled paper bags could be provided or sold as an alternative. While 65 cities and towns in MA including Lowell have passed similar bans, this legislation would provide a consistent retail environment for businesses and reduce plastic bag pollution even more. The bill was reported favorably out of the Natural Resources Committee and is now in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m ______ from ______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. Please support H.4234, which would prohibit stores from providing single-use carryout bags to customers at the point of sale on or after August 1, 2019. Lowell is already leading the way on this front and it’s time for the rest of the state to follow suit. This is a very important step to improve our environment. Thank you!”

More information: https://massachusetts.surfrider.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-04-02-H4234-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Federal

Stand with Non-Violent Offenders

Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
Niki Tsongas: 978-459-0101

Sample Script: “Hello. I’m _______, from ______, Massachusetts and Solidarity Lowell. I’m calling in support of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (S. 1917). This bipartisan effort would reduce racial disparity in sentencing, decrease the expense of ineffective mandatory minimums, and increase judicial discretion in sentencing non-violent drug offenders. It also allocates funding for effective programs that reduce re-offending. Please co-sponsor S. 1917 and urge the Senate Majority Leader to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Thank you!”

More information: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s1917

 

 

 

Posted by Greg in Rapid Response Team