Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday June 26 at 5:30pm
Topic: To Be Determined

Notes and recording from May Meeting Now Available

Full notes here: https://tinyurl.com/ycyndtvd
Highlights: We voted in some minor revisions to the by-laws. See the by-laws here:  https://tinyurl.com/2s36md96
Recording: https://youtu.be/76Z21IW3D2U

The ACLU presented its “Know Your Sheriff” and we learned that most incumbents run unopposed, although the notorious Bristol County Sheriff is facing opponents this year. Sheriffs run every 6 years and this year is unusual in that both sheriff and DA elections are falling in the same year. Unlike other states, MA sheriffs do not make arrests. But they do control a huge budget as they oversee the houses of correction and jails.

Assistance urgently needed for asylum-seeker Marius recovering from surgery

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius had surgery recently to address ongoing issues related to the violence he fled from in Togo and Guinea-Bissau. MVISN needs to extend ongoing assistance. Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Please donate to his GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

You can also donate via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Checks are also accepted, please email Marissa (marissa@solidaritylowell.com) for the address. Please put “Marius” in the notes.

Lowell Events

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 7, 6:30pm, at City Hall and online
Meetings are held in Council Chamber Tuesdays at 6:30pm with public welcome. Attend in person or by using remote participation as follows:  Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC.Org (Online; Live Streaming; Or Local Cable Channel 99).  Those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item must register to speak in advance of the meeting by 4pm the day of the meeting. See agenda for details.

Agenda: https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06072022-2353?html=true

This week’s meeting is devoted to the next budget, including rate increases and new positions.

Lowell Litter Krewe

The LLK is in full swing helping to beautify our city.
To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe

Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Next events

Saturday, June 11| 8-11am Tree Removal on First Street/VFW
With the Greater Lowell Road Runners
Meet at First Street at Duck Island End
https://www.facebook.com/events/1677165139327754

Saturday, June 11| 9am-12pm Rep. Howard’s Diaper Drive
Benefitting the Wish Project
Drive-up donations at Cawley Stadium

Thursday, June 16| 4-6pm Muldoon Park Cleanup
Ahead of the Juneteenth Celebration
With Black Lowell Coalition
Meet at 5 Billerica Street
https://www.facebook.com/events/427212188871941

Saturday, June 18 | 9am-12pm, Canalwaters Cleaners and LNHP
Meet at TBD

AcreFest Resource Fair

Saturday, June 11 11am-2pm
North Common Park (413 Fletcher St)
https://www.facebook.com/events/1016359732583247/

Bring your family and friends for resources, music, raffles, and a cookout hosted by ACTION, CBA, and Lowell Housing Authority. Stop by the Solidarity Lowell table and say hello!

ARPA Public Listening Sessions

Take the Survey and let your thoughts be known
www.lowellma.gov/ARPA
Deadline to submit: June 30, 2022

Information gathered from the past public listening sessions and the survey will help guide City administration on how to use ARPA funding, providing long-lasting benefits to the residents of Lowell.

Petition seeks justice for Cambodian-American student killed by WA police

https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-the-murder-jesse-sarey

Other Events

January 6 Hearings Watch Events

Beginning Thursday, June 9
Find and sign up at: https://www.mobilize.us/jan6hearings/

Disarm Hate

Mondays and Fridays, 3-5pm, next happening June 10
Phone and textbank to get gun reform legislation passed
Sign up: https://www.mobilize.us/brady/event/462576/

Bold Climate Leadership

Saturday, June 11, 10am-12pm
Sanctuary, 82 Main Street, Maynard, MA 01754
RSVP: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/climate0611
Climate-focused fundraiser for Candidate for Lt. Governor Dr. Tami Gouveia
There are zoom and in-person tickets available. RSVP for ticket.

March for our Lives

This is the organization started by the survivors from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas School in Parkland, FL. There are 300 marches and counting scheduled across the country, including Andover, Haverhill, and Nashua. Be counted among those demanding action to stop gun violence.
https://marchforourlives.com/

Saturday, June 11, 3-5pm
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, 110 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
https://secure.everyaction.com/3W00ZStrMES8Tpspc3fgpQ2

Saturday, June 11, 10-11:30am
Shawsheen Square, 14 York St, Andover, MA 01810
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblegreaterandover/event/467190/

Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls

Saturday, June 18, Washington DC

The June 18, 2022 Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls will be a generationally transformative and disruptive gathering of poor and low-wealth people, state leaders, faith communities, moral allies, unions and partnering organizations.

It is NOT just a day of action. It is a declaration of an ongoing, committed moral movement to 1) Shift the moral narrative; 2) Build power; and 3) Make real policies to fully address poverty and low wealth from the bottom up.

If enough people sign up in this area there could be a bus (cost: $150 round trip). If not enough people sign up from this area, there WILL be a bus from Boston, with a possibility of carpooling there.

Click here: https://tinyurl.com/33bx5pu7

h/t member Stephen Malagodi for this submission

Juneteenth & Father’s Day Community Block Party

Sunday, June 19, 5-10pm
Green Space @UTEC, 35 Warren St., Lowell
Organized by the Afro-American Community Collaborative
https://aacommunitycollab.com/#block

Democracy Corner

Our members running for office

Zoe Dzineku, Lowell 16th Middlesex
https://www.govotezoe.com/

Tara Hong, Lowell 18th Middlesex
https://www.tarahong.com/

Teresa English, Billerica
https://www.voteteresaenglish.org/

Help Get Progressive Candidates Elected

Progressive Massachusetts proudly endorses Sonia Chang-Diaz, Governor (78% of Progressive Mass member vote); Dr. Tami Gouveia, Lieutenant Governor (78% of PM member vote); Tanisha Sullivan for Secretary of the Commonwealth (93% of PM member vote), Quentin Palfrey for Attorney General (62% of PM member vote), and Chris Dempsey for State Auditor (78% of PM member vote).

Progressive candidates have qualified and the state Convention has selected them to appear in the Primary. Now we start the joyous work of helping them win the Primary. All campaigns are currently looking for people to help.

Learn more about Sonia Chang-Diaz at https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/meet-sonia
Volunteer to help Sonia’s campaign at  https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/volunteer

Learn more about Dr. Tami Gouveia at https://www.tamigouveia.com/meet-tami/
Volunteer to help Tami’s campaign at  https://www.tamigouveia.com/volunteer/

Learn more about Tanisha Sullivan at https://www.tanishasullivan.com/
Volunteer to help Tanisha’s campaign at  http://tanisha4ma.us/join
Organizer: nate@tanishasullivan.com

Learn more about Quentin Palfrey at https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/
Volunteer with the campaign at: https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/get-involved
Organizer: signatures@quentinpalfrey.com

Learn more about Chris Dempsey at https://dempseyforauditor.com/.
Volunteer to help the campaign at: https://dempseyforauditor.com/volunteer/
Signatures Contact: matthew@dempseyforauditor.com

National contests affect everyone

There are groups across the country working to elect more progressive candidates. Find one that lets you do something you can do to make a difference. There are more of us than them. If we all do our one little thing, change CAN come.

Turn Purple 2 Blue
www.TurnPurple2Blue.org
Stop the rollback of rights. Help fight for a wider margin in both houses of Congress so that legislation will pass. Find out how you can help more progressive candidates succeed in other states.

Swing Blue Alliance (formerly Swing Left)
Swingbluealliance.org
Largest organization in MA working on both state and national elections. Help elect more Democrats to Congress.  Pick how you want to work and which race(s) you want to work on.

Field Team 6
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
This California-based group works to register more Democrats all across the country.

 

State-Level Actions

Take action for Housing Equity

https://www.homesforallmass.org/

Contact your legislators in support of bills that would add tenant and homeowner protections like eviction sealing and the right to representation in housing court. The bills can be added to the state budget now under consideration, as amendments. At the site, hit the Take Action button.. You will find pre-written emails you can edit to make your own and scripts for phone calls.

Action request for Tweeters from MLRI (Massachusetts Law Reform Institute) in support of HOMES Act

WinnCompanies, the largest affordable housing operator in Massachusetts, has announced its support for the HOMES Act and fair eviction sealing protections for MA residents and is urging the House to pass the HOMES Act so that people are not marked with an eviction record for life.

2-Second Action Needed: Please retweet WinnCompanies’ tweet – hot off the press – so we can increase visibility under the dome and urge the House to pass HOMES and move it to the Senate.

https://twitter.com/WinnCompanies/status/1528753794259030021

Thank you for continuing to urge your Reps and Senators to support the HOMES Act.

Take action to support the Safe Communities Act (SCA)

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/engage-your-legislators-on-the-safe-communities-act/

The deadline on the SCA has been extended to June 1. The link will take you to an editable email to send to the members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, urging them to vote the bill favorably out of committee so that it can be brought to a vote in the full legislature.

Support Right to Counsel Bills (new deadline)

The Right to Counsel bills (H. 1436 and S. 874) have been extended until June 15, 2022, by which time the Housing Committee must issue a final report. This is good news! The Committee is closely reviewing the bills. The Massachusetts Right to Counsel Coalition is grateful to lead sponsors Senator DiDomenico, Rep Dave Rogers, and Rep Day for their work to advance the bills.

Please keep up your advocacy efforts with your Representatives and Senators and members of the Housing Committee*, especially Chair Arciero and Chair Keenan. It is making a difference!

*Membership: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J28  We especially encourage our members from Chelmsford to reach out to Senator Michael Barrett, who is on the committee. No other Lowell area legislators are on the committee, but it wouldn’t hurt to write the other members, who, by dint of their being on the committee represent all Massachusetts residents, not just their constituents.

Sample script

Dear Legislator:

I’m writing you because [I am your constituent, from [town] and]  you are serving on a committee considering a bill that I believe is important to the future of Massachusetts, The Right to Counsel bill H.1436/S.874] seeks to ensure that those facing eviction have counsel when they go to court. Research shows that 90% of landlords have counsel when they head to court; very few tenants do. And tenants who have legal representation have a much better chance of avoiding eviction and all the consequences that come with it.  You can read more about the consequences at https://www.aclu.org/report/no-eviction-without-representation?redirect=evictionbrief.

The brief also references a report on the financial benefits to the state of providing legal representation.

For more background on the issue:
https://www.massrtc.org/fact-sheets-and-resources.html .

With affordable housing so scarce in our state, eviction is literally life-threatening.

I urge you to vote the bills favorably out of committee before the June 15 deadline.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your name, address, phone number]

Support the Fair Share Amendment

The Fair Share Amendment is a proposal to amend the Massachusetts Constitution, creating an additional tax of four percentage points on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million. The new revenue, approximately $2 billion a year, would be spent on “quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.” To ensure that the amendment continues to apply only to the highest income taxpayers, who have the ability to pay more, the $1 million threshold would be adjusted each year to reflect cost-of-living increases.

More info: https://tinyurl.com/3s25dw24

Pledge to vote for the Amendment in November: https://raiseupma.us/solidaritylowell

Take action to get the Work and Family Mobility Act Passed

The bill was passed by both houses. But the governor vetoed it. The good news is that it passed with veto-proof margins in both houses. Our legislators just need to stand firm. The House will vote again on June 8, and the Senate shortly after.

Write your legislator asking them to override the veto. All current Lowell legislators supported the bill. Thank them for their support and ask them to keep it up.

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)
Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website at solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

May meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ycyndtvd

May meeting recording: https://youtu.be/76Z21IW3D2U

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings in our YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Join at: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Wear Orange 2022 – Rally to End Gun Violence

Sunday, June 5, 2-4pm
Ladd & Whitney Monument in front of City Hall
https://www.facebook.com/events/2855977348039948
There ARE things we could be doing about gun violence. Come share ideas with other concerned folks. Don’t forget to wear orange!

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday June 26 at 5:30pm
Topic: To Be Determined

Notes and recording from May Meeting Now Available

Full notes here: https://tinyurl.com/ycyndtvd
Highlights: We voted in some minor revisions to the by-laws. See the by-laws here:  https://tinyurl.com/2s36md96
Recording: https://youtu.be/76Z21IW3D2U

The ACLU presented its “Know Your Sheriff” and we learned that most incumbents run unopposed, although the notorious Bristol County Sheriff is facing opponents this year. Sheriffs run every 6 years and this year is unusual in that both sheriff and DA elections are falling in the same year. Unlike other states, MA sheriffs do not make arrests. But they do control a huge budget as they oversee the houses of correction and jails.

Assistance urgently needed for asylum-seeker Marius recovering from surgery

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius had surgery recently to address ongoing issues related to the violence he fled from in Togo and Guinea-Bissau. MVISN needs to extend ongoing assistance. Any amount will be gratefully accepted. Please donate to his GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

You can also donate via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Checks are also accepted, please email Marissa (marissa@solidaritylowell.com) for the address. Please put “Marius” in the notes.

Lowell Events

Pride Flag Raising

Saturday June 4 12-1pm
Lowell City Hall
https://www.facebook.com/events/673888333675364/

Greater Lowell PRIDE

Saturday June 4 1-6pm
Kerouac Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/737142254108182/

We’re back! Join us for the Greater Lowell Pride Festival on June 4th from 1-6PM. Enjoy live entertainment, great food, fabulous vendors and more!

8th National Gun Violence Awareness Day

First Friday in June (Friday, June 3)
As we go to press there is a motion in City Council to recognize this date in Lowell. It kicks off Wear Orange weekend, during which activities are held all over the country to increase awareness about gun violence.

Lowell Litter Krewe

The LLK is in full swing helping to beautify our city.
To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Upcoming events:
Saturday, June 4 | 9AM – 12PM | STEM Academy Cleanup
Meet at 45 Highland Street
https://www.facebook.com/events/691014472201572/

Saturday, June 11 | 8-11am Tree Removal on First Street/VFW
With the Greater Lowell Road Runners
Meet at First Street at Duck Island End
https://www.facebook.com/events/1677165139327754

Saturday, June 11| 9am-12pm Rep. Howard’s Diaper Drive
Benefitting the Wish Project
Drive-up donations at Cawley Stadium

ARPA Public Listening Sessions

Take the Survey and let your thoughts be known.
www.lowellma.gov/ARPA
Deadline to submit: June 30, 2022

Information gathered from the public listening sessions and the survey will help guide City administration on how to use ARPA funding, providing long lasting benefits to the residents of Lowell.

Petition seeks justice for Cambodian-American student killed by WA police

https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-the-murder-jesse-sarey

Other Events

Billerica 4th Annual Pride Flag Raising & Celebration

Wednesday, June 1, 6:00-7:30pm
Billerica Public Library (outside stairs in front)

There will be speakers, music, fun, info and most of all, community. We gather on the steps and plaza in front of the library in the center of town.

March For Driver’s Licenses

Thursday, June 2, 3pm
Park Street, Boston Common

The Work & Family Mobility Act, which would enable all Massachusetts residents to obtain drivers licenses regardless of immigration status, has now been passed by the Massachusetts house and senate! Governor Baker vetoed the law and so it will return to the legislature to be voted on again. Join Cosecha Massachusetts in marching to support the bill through the final legislative steps.
Learn more here. https://www.facebook.com/events/1359510697895731

Disarm Hate

Mondays and Fridays, 3-5pm, next happening June 3
Phone and textbank to get gun reform legislation passed
Sign up: https://www.mobilize.us/brady/event/462576/

RepUs Massachusetts Chapter Meeting

Monday, June 6, 6:00-7:00 pm
Google Meet video call link https://meet.google.com/bdm-xqhg-ufq?pli=1

Join the monthly meeting of the non-partisan group Represent.US, working for campaign finance reform and fighting government corruption to make our democracy stronger. Represent Western Mass has merged with our eastern partners to form a statewide chapter and are building momentum to tackle the important work of fixing our democracy.

Work to get big money influence out of government by moving local, state, and national initiatives forward. Find out how your town can have a voice for clean government. All are welcome.

Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls

Saturday, June 18, Washington DC

The June 18, 2022 Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls will be a generationally transformative and disruptive gathering of poor and low-wealth people, state leaders, faith communities, moral allies, unions and partnering organizations.

It is NOT just a day of action. It is a declaration of an ongoing, committed moral movement to 1) Shift the moral narrative; 2) Build power; and 3) Make real policies to fully address poverty and low wealth from the bottom up.

If enough people sign up this area there could be a bus (cost: $150 round trip). If not enough people sign up from this area, there WILL be a bus from Boston, with a possibility of carpooling there.

Click here: https://tinyurl.com/33bx5pu7

h/t member Stephen Malagodi for this submission

Democracy Corner

Our members running for office

Zoe Dzineku, Lowell 16th Middlesex
https://www.govotezoe.com/

Tara Hong, Lowell 18th Middlesex
https://www.tarahong.com/

Teresa English, Billerica
https://www.voteteresaenglish.org/

Help Get Progressive Candidates Elected

Progressive Massachusetts proudly endorses Sonia Chang-Diaz, Governor (78% of Progressive Mass member vote); Dr. Tami Gouveia, Lieutenant Governor (78% of PM member vote); Tanisha Sullivan for Secretary of the Commonwealth (93% of PM member vote), Quentin Palfrey for Attorney General (62% of PM member vote), and Chris Dempsey for State Auditor (78% of PM member vote).

Getting them elected starts with getting them on the ballot. All campaigns are currently looking for people to help collect signatures to get candidates on the ballot. The required number of signatures must be submitted by May 10. Supermarkets and other areas with high foot traffic are the best places for collecting signatures.

Learn more about Sonia Chang-Diaz at https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/meet-sonia
Volunteer to help Sonia’s campaign at  https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/volunteer

Learn more about Dr. Tami Gouveia at https://www.tamigouveia.com/meet-tami/
Volunteer to help Tami’s campaign at  https://www.tamigouveia.com/volunteer/

Learn more about Tanisha Sullivan at https://www.tanishasullivan.com/
Volunteer to help Tanisha’s campaign at  http://tanisha4ma.us/join
Organizer: nate@tanishasullivan.com

Learn more about Quentin Palfrey at https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/
Volunteer with the campaign at: https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/get-involved
Organizer: signatures@quentinpalfrey.com

Learn more about Chris Dempsey at https://dempseyforauditor.com/.
Volunteer to help the campaign at: https://dempseyforauditor.com/volunteer/
Signatures Contact: matthew@dempseyforauditor.com

National contests affect everyone

Changing Congress: Field Team 6
June 2, 8-9:15pm EDT
Volunteer Fair: https://tinyurl.com/52ejhy5p
The same names appear over and over on the list of those in Congress who block whatever legislation we progressives want to see passed at the national level, including gun control measures. This California organization offers various ways of helping to register more Democrats across the country: phonebanking, textbanking, letterwriting, postcarding, social media. This event will inform you of opportunities to make a difference.

www.TurnPurple2Blue.org
Stop the rollback of rights. Help fight for a wider margin in both houses of Congress so that legislation will pass. Find out how you can help more progressive candidates succeed in other states.

Swingbluealliance.org
Largest organization in MA working on both state and national elections. Help elect more Democrats to Congress.

State-level Actions

Take action for Housing Equity

https://www.homesforallmass.org/

Contact your legislators in support of bills that would add tenant and homeowner protections like eviction sealing and the right to representation in housing court. The bills can be added to the state budget now under consideration, as amendments. At the site, hit the Take Action button.. You will find pre-written emails you can edit to make your own and scripts for phone calls.

Action request for Tweeters from MLRI (Massachusetts Law Reform Institute) in support of HOMES Act

WinnCompanies, the largest affordable housing operator in Massachusetts, has announced its support for the HOMES Act and fair eviction sealing protections for MA residents and is urging the House to pass the HOMES Act so that people are not marked with an eviction record for life.

2-Second Action Needed: Please retweet WinnCompanies’ tweet – hot off the press – so we can increase visibility under the dome and urge the House to pass HOMES and move it to the Senate.

https://twitter.com/WinnCompanies/status/1528753794259030021

Thank you for continuing to urge your Reps and Senators to support the HOMES Act.

 

Take action to support the Safe Communities Act (SCA)

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/engage-your-legislators-on-the-safe-communities-act/

The deadline on the SCA has been extended to June 1. The link will take you to an editable email to send to the members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, urging them to vote the bill favorably out of committee so that it can be brought to a vote in the full legislature.

Support Right to Counsel Bills (new deadline)

The Right to Counsel bills (H. 1436 and S. 874) have been extended until June 15, 2022, by which time the Housing Committee must issue a final report. This is good news! The Committee is closely reviewing the bills. The Massachusetts Right to Counsel Coalition is grateful to lead sponsors Senator DiDomenico, Rep Dave Rogers, and Rep Day for their work to advance the bills.

Please keep up your advocacy efforts with your Representatives and Senators and members of the Housing Committee*, especially Chair Arciero and Chair Keenan. It is making a difference!

*Membership: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J28  We especially encourage our members from Chelmsford to reach out to Senator Michael Barrett, who is on the committee. No other Lowell area legislators are on the committee, but it wouldn’t hurt to write the other members, who, by dint of their being on the committee represent all Massachusetts residents, not just their constituents.

Sample script

Dear Legislator:

I’m writing you because [I am your constituent, from [town] and]  you are serving on a committee considering a bill that I believe is important to the future of Massachusetts, The Right to Counsel bill H.1436/S.874] seeks to ensure that those facing eviction have counsel when they go to court. Research shows that 90% of landlords have counsel when they head to court; very few tenants do. And tenants who have legal representation have a much better chance of avoiding eviction and all the consequences that come with it.  You can read more about the consequences at https://www.aclu.org/report/no-eviction-without-representation?redirect=evictionbrief.

The brief also references a report on the financial benefits to the state of providing legal representation.

For more background on the issue:
https://www.massrtc.org/fact-sheets-and-resources.html .

With affordable housing so scarce in our state, eviction is literally life-threatening.

I urge you to vote the bills favorably out of committee before the June 15 deadline.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your name, address, phone number]

Support the Fair Share Amendment

The Fair Share Amendment is a proposal to amend the Massachusetts Constitution, creating an additional tax of four percentage points on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million. The new revenue, approximately $2 billion a year, would be spent on “quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.” To ensure that the amendment continues to apply only to the highest income taxpayers, who have the ability to pay more, the $1 million threshold would be adjusted each year to reflect cost-of-living increases.

More info: https://tinyurl.com/3s25dw24

Pledge to vote for the Amendment in November:
https://raiseupma.us/solidaritylowell

Take action to get the Work and Family Mobility Act Passed

The bill was passed by both houses. But the governor vetoed it. The good news is that it passed with veto-proof margins in both houses. Our legislators just need to stand firm. The House will vote again on June 8, and the Senate shortly after.

Write your legislator asking them to override the veto. All current Lowell legislators supported the bill. Thank them for their support and ask them to keep it up.

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Make tax-deductible donation to red-state abortion funds

https://tinyurl.com/yc2vwtpe

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website at solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

May meeting notes:
https://tinyurl.com/ycyndtvd

May meeting recording:
https://youtu.be/76Z21IW3D2U

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings in our YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Join at: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell Meeting

Sunday June 26 at 5:30pm
Topic: TBD

Notes and Recording from May Meeting Now Available

May meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ycyndtvd

May meeting recording: https://youtu.be/76Z21IW3D2U

Assistance Urgently Needed for Asylum-Seeker Marius Recovering from Surgery

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)
Asylum-Seeker Marius had surgery recently to address ongoing issues related to the violence he fled from in Togo and Guinea-Bissau. MVISN needs to extend ongoing assistance. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.
Please donate to his GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/47gvz-marius

You can also donate via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Checks are also accepted, please email Marissa (marissa@solidaritylowell.com) for the address. Please put “Marius” in the notes.

Lowell Events

City Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 24, 6:30pm, at City Hall and online
Meetings will be held in Council Chamber with public welcome and by using remote participation as follows:  Members of the public may view the meeting via LTC.Org (Online; Live Streaming; Or Local Cable Channel 99).  Those wishing to speak regarding a specific agenda item shall register to speak in advance of the meeting.

See agenda for details.
Agenda: https://www.lowellma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05172022-2335?html=true

Lowell Litter Krewe

With winter behind us, the LLK is in full swing helping to beautify our city.
To connect with them: https://linktr.ee/lowelllitterkrewe
Sign up to volunteer, check out their schedule and more.

Upcoming events:
May 28| 9AM – 12PM | Meet at Central Plaza, 55 Church Street
Back Central Sweep and Lot Cleanout
https://www.facebook.com/events/545015373937767
An age 14+ event

ARPA Public Listening Sessions

Wednesday, May 25, 6pm
Lowell Senior Center
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arpa-public-input-at-the-lowell-senior-center-registration-315401974797

Take the Survey and let your thoughts be known.
www.lowellma.gov/ARPA
Deadline to submit: June 30, 2022

Information gathered from the public listening sessions and the survey will help guide City administration on how to use ARPA funding, providing long lasting benefits to the residents of Lowell.

Other Events

AG Climate Debate

Friday, May 25, 6 pm
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yckm58rs

350MA.org is hosting the Massachusetts Attorney General Climate Debate, with candidates Andrea Campbell, Quentin Palfrey, and Shannon Liss-Riordan, moderated by Boston Globe climate reporter Sabrina Shankman.

Billerica 4th Annual Pride Flag Raising & Celebration

Wednesday, June 1, 6:00-7:30pm
Billerica Public Library (outside stairs in front)

There will be speakers, music, fun, info and most of all, community. We gather on the steps and plaza in front of the library in the center of town.

Democracy Corner

Our members running for office

Zoe Dzineku, Lowell 16th Middlesex
https://www.govotezoe.com/

Tara Hong, Lowell 18th Middlesex
https://www.tarahong.com/

Teresa English, Billerica
https://www.voteteresaenglish.org/

Help Get Progressive Candidates Elected

Progressive Massachusetts proudly endorses Sonia Chang-Diaz, Governor (78% of Progressive Mass member vote); Dr. Tami Gouveia, Lieutenant Governor (78% of PM member vote); Tanisha Sullivan for Secretary of the Commonwealth (93% of PM member vote), Quentin Palfrey for Attorney General (62% of PM member vote), and Chris Dempsey for State Auditor (78% of PM member vote).

Getting them elected starts with getting them on the ballot. All campaigns are currently looking for people to help collect signatures to get candidates on the ballot. The required number of signatures must be submitted by May 10. Supermarkets and other areas with high foot traffic are the best places for collecting signatures.

Learn more about Sonia Chang-Diaz at https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/meet-sonia
Volunteer to help Sonia’s campaign at  https://www.soniachangdiaz.com/volunteer

Learn more about Dr. Tami Gouveia at https://www.tamigouveia.com/meet-tami/
Volunteer to help Tami’s campaign at  https://www.tamigouveia.com/volunteer/

Learn more about Tanisha Sullivan at https://www.tanishasullivan.com/
Volunteer to help Tanisha’s campaign at  http://tanisha4ma.us/join
Organizer: nate@tanishasullivan.com

Learn more about Quentin Palfrey at https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/
Volunteer with the campaign at: https://www.quentinpalfrey.com/get-involved
Organizer: signatures@quentinpalfrey.com

Learn more about Chris Dempsey at https://dempseyforauditor.com/.
Volunteer to help the campaign at: https://dempseyforauditor.com/volunteer/
Signatures Contact: matthew@dempseyforauditor.com

National contests affect everyone

www.TurnPurple2Blue.org
Stop the rollback of rights. Help fight for a wider margin in both houses of Congress so that legislation will pass. Find out how you can help more progressive candidates succeed in other states.

State-Level Actions

Take action for Housing Equity

https://www.homesforallmass.org/

Contact your legislators in support of bills that would add tenant and homeowner protections like eviction sealing and the right to representation in housing court. The bills can be added to the state budget now under consideration, as amendments. At the site, hit the Take Action button.. You will find pre-written emails you can edit to make your own and scripts for phone calls.

Action request for Tweeters from MLRI (Massachusetts Law Reform Institute) in support of HOMES Act

WinnCompanies, the largest affordable housing operator in Massachusetts, has announced its support for the HOMES Act and fair eviction sealing protections for MA residents and is urging the House to pass the HOMES Act so that people are not marked with an eviction record for life.

2-Second Action Needed: Please retweet WinnCompanies’ tweet – hot off the press – so we can increase visibility under the dome and urge the House to pass HOMES and move it to the Senate.

https://twitter.com/WinnCompanies/status/1528753794259030021

Thank you for continuing to urge your Reps and Senators to support the HOMES Act.

Take action to support the Safe Communities Act (SCA)

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/engage-your-legislators-on-the-safe-communities-act/

The deadline on the SCA has been extended to June 1. The link will take you to an editable email to send to the members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, urging them to vote the bill favorably out of committee so that it can be brought to a vote in the full legislature.

Should free school lunch program continue?

The legislature funded free breakfast and lunch in the schools during the pandemic. The program was set to expire, but with inflation the way it is, cash-strapped families are still food-insecure. Last month, House lawmakers approved a budget proposal that includes $110 million to extend free school breakfast and lunch. While the provision would not be permanent, it would extend the program for the next school year. The Senate has yet to approve a budget proposal of its own.

If you agree this is important, please contact your senator ASAP and let them know. There are a few names at the end of this section. Or find yours here:  https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator.

Support Right to Counsel Bills (new deadline)

The Right to Counsel bills (H. 1436 and S. 874) have been extended until June 15, 2022, by which time the Housing Committee must issue a final report. This is good news! The Committee is closely reviewing the bills. The Massachusetts Right to Counsel Coalition is grateful to lead sponsors Senator DiDomenico, Rep Dave Rogers, and Rep Day for their work to advance the bills.

Please keep up your advocacy efforts with your Representatives and Senators and members of the Housing Committee*, especially Chair Arciero and Chair Keenan. It is making a difference!

*Membership: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J28  We especially encourage our members from Chelmsford to reach out to Senator Michael Barrett, who is on the committee. No other Lowell area legislators are on the committee, but it wouldn’t hurt to write the other members, who, by dint of their being on the committee represent all Massachusetts residents, not just their constituents.

Sample script

Dear Legislator:

I’m writing you because [I am your constituent, from [town] and]  you are serving on a committee considering a bill that I believe is important to the future of Massachusetts, The Right to Counsel bill H.1436/S.874] seeks to ensure that those facing eviction have counsel when they go to court. Research shows that 90% of landlords have counsel when they head to court; very few tenants do. And tenants who have legal representation have a much better chance of avoiding eviction and all the consequences that come with it.  You can read more about the consequences at https://www.aclu.org/report/no-eviction-without-representation?redirect=evictionbrief.

The brief also references a report on the financial benefits to the state of providing legal representation.

For more background on the issue:
https://www.massrtc.org/fact-sheets-and-resources.html .

With affordable housing so scarce in our state, eviction is literally life-threatening.

I urge you to vote the bills favorably out of committee before the June 15 deadline.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your name, address, phone number]

Support the Fair Share Amendment

The Fair Share Amendment is a proposal to amend the Massachusetts Constitution, creating an additional tax of four percentage points on the portion of a person’s annual income above $1 million. The new revenue, approximately $2 billion a year, would be spent on “quality public education and affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.” To ensure that the amendment continues to apply only to the highest income taxpayers, who have the ability to pay more, the $1 million threshold would be adjusted each year to reflect cost-of-living increases.

More info: https://tinyurl.com/3s25dw24

Pledge to vote for the Amendment in November: https://raiseupma.us/solidaritylowell

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Make tax-deductible donation to red-state abortion funds

https://tinyurl.com/yc2vwtpe

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

---

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website at solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

May meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ycyndtvd

May meeting recording: https://youtu.be/76Z21IW3D2U

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings in our YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Join at: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

Solidarity Lowell Rally for Reproductive Rights

Saturday, May 7, 2-4pm
Ladd & Whitney Memorial, Lowell, MA. (in front of City Hall)

Frustrated at the proposed Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade? Come make a visible statement standing up for your right, and the right of others, to bodily autonomy.

If the Supreme Court decides that rights must be determined at the state level, rather than the national, it will affect more than the right to make decisions about pregnancy.

See you Saturday! Bring friends and family and signs!

Mother’s Day Strike

The following day begins the national Mother’s Day Strike, a week of action running from May 8 to May 14. We need to make those who would deny us bodily autonomy understand that we have a significant impact in the world by our deliberate absence. Money talks. Visit the site for suggestions on how to support it, even if you can’t afford to not work for a week.
http://www.mothersdaystrike.com

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date – Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday April 24 at 5:30pm on Zoom
Speaker: TBD
Topics: Coordinating Committee Candidate nominations

SLCC Elections Coming Up

In April, we’ll be voting on Coordinating Committee members. Three of the seats are up for re-election each year. But we are not at capacity; there are openings for up to three more people.  Anyone interested who has questions is welcome to contact any of the Coordinating Committee members (Amy Baranoski, Caroline Snow, Chris Offerman, Dee Halzack, Joseph Boyle, Lisa Arnold) or email the Committee at contact@solidaritylowell.com.

Time commitment is moderate: the general meeting plus 2 committee meetings a month (prepping and debriefing the general meeting) and occasionally some tasks helping with events or actions.

Not required, but we would welcome someone interested in reviving our former monthly Demonstrate, Dine, and Discuss events, where we demonstrate at City Hall on an issue of interest to local progressives and then meet at a local restaurant to support local business while continuing discussion on the issue.

To help you decide whether you’d like to run, here is what the by-laws say about the Coordinating Committee:

• 3. Coordinating Committee members are invited to a two-year term or until they resign (either in person at a meeting or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger conversation), or until they are voted out. At least ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee can agree to vote a Coordinating Committee member out. Terms will be staggered with 50% of the committee up for reelection in any given year. There are no term limits.
• 4. Coordinating Committee Meetings:
  • 4.1 The Coordinating Committee will meet twice monthly. Decisions of the Coordinating Committee will be made by a vote of 50%+1 for motion to pass. A quorum of ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
  • 4.2 Action by Consent. Any action by the Coordinating Committee may be taken without a meeting if consent is given by ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee online (by email or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger chat or Slack). Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting
• 5. The responsibilities of the Coordinating Committee include:
  • 5.1. Record the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the Coordinating Committee members.
  • 5.2. Communicate on a regular basis with the SL membership through use of, and maintenance of, an email list and at monthly general meetings.
  • 5.3. Maintain an up-to-date list of chapter members including name, address, phone number and email address as well as date of membership and meetings attended.
  • 5.4. Prepare the agendas for the General Meetings, record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute the minutes to all members.
  • 5.5. Conduct any voting at General Meetings.
  • 5.6. Develop and maintain the appropriate social media avenues as needed.
  • 5.7. Recommend, implement, and evaluate program activities, including but not limited to public forums, debates, and legislative and electoral campaigns.
  • 5.8. Encourage SL members to join PM or SL committees needed to carry out the responsibilities and/or the program activities of the organization.
  • 5.9 Organize tabling and the promotion of the group at local events.
• 6. The nominating and voting process for election of the Coordinating Committee is as follows:
  • 6.1. Members may make nominations from the floor at the April meeting. Individuals who are nominated must accept or decline the nomination, or, if not in attendance, otherwise have signified their response to such a nomination.
  • 6.2. The members will vote by secret ballot or online. The top vote-getters equaling the number of open seats will be elected.
  • 6.3 Persons nominated for the SLCC must not currently be in or running for Lowell city office.

 

Lowell Events

LEJA Presents: A Virtual Forum for Students, Parents, Staff and Teachers

Tuesday April 5, 6:30-8:00pm
Sign up at: tinyurl.com/LEJA2022

This is a chance for the school community to talk about the impacts of the pandemic and the return to school.

LEJA also invites people to answer some questions ahead of time, to be found in the padlets at:
https://linktr.ee/LowellEducationJusticeAlliance

Responses will be shared at the forum.

 

Other Events

Stop the New Women’s Prison

Saturday, April 9, Framingham

Rallies to help get the bill to stop the new women’s prison out of committee before 4/15!

Other ways to help:
Phone bank Thursdays 5-7pm
…or join a weekend canvass to ask constituents to call their legislators.

Sign up here: https://secure.everyaction.com/p/NJ9kQ4FfG0eDCHcxWm3b-A2

Common Start Rally: Spring Into Action

Saturday, April 9, 11am – 1pm
Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand
RSVP: https://bit.ly/csrallyrsvp

This event will be family-friendly, free to attend, and will include bus transportation with snacks/beverages provided from key points across MA. Please see the RSVP form for more information: https://bit.ly/csrallyrsvp

Commission on Clean Heat Public Meetings

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) invites you to attend public meetings focused on the work of the Commission on Clean Heat and related policies for building decarbonization.  The meetings will be virtual and include a short presentation, followed by a period for public comment.  There will be two sessions on each date with the same presentation, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Public Meeting #3: Thursday, April 14, 2022
Option 1: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Link to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vprO7JFbQOGC-gHuOEjt4g
Option 2: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Link to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F-GdaeFtTiSppEntXPdJBg

Accommodations: Accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge to those who request them and subject to availability. Requests must be either submitted during registration or via email a minimum of two business days prior to the meeting. Services include documents in alternative formats, translated documents, assistive listening devices, and interpreters (including American Sign Language). For more information or to request reasonable accommodations and/or language services, please email GWSA@mass.gov.

Help Save an Innocent Woman from Execution

Stop the state of Texas from murdering Melissa Lucio for her child’s accidental death: Write physical letters to support her. Deadline for receipt: April 18.
Details here https://tinyurl.com/2p8985dm ; more on Youtube at https://youtu.be/9joo8vuW1TI

Make the Legislature a Safe Place for People to Work

An important step for our democracy is to make sure that the Legislature is a safe working environment.

In 2018, amid the #MeToo reckoning, the Massachusetts House of Representatives created a new position, an “independent” Equal Employment Opportunity officer to examine allegations of harassment or discrimination while protecting the confidentiality of accusers and witnesses. They filled the job in June 2019, but the officeholder left for a new job in November 2020. It has been vacant ever since.

That’s right: for 15 months, this office, which remains essential in ensuring that the MA State House is a safe and welcoming workplace for all, has remained empty. The position was created because of numerous complaints of harassment and discrimination.

The House cannot run out the rest of the legislative session without filling this position. Let your state rep know that this isn’t acceptable–and that such an office needs more than just nominal independence.

Use the link to write to your state representative:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/everyone-deserves-a-safe-workplace

State-Level Actions

Sign the petition in support of a gender-neutral option on state documents!

An Act Providing for a Gender Neutral Designation on State Documents and Identifications (H3126) has already passed the Senate, and needs to clear the House in order to become law. Sign here to help get this bill across the finish line:
https://tinyurl.com/yc33aefp

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act

Both Senator Kennedy (Lowell) and Senator Friedman (Billerica) are co-sponsors of the bill, which would make for safer roads by extending eligibility for Massachusetts standard driver’s licenses to all qualified state residents, regardless of immigration status. The bill ensures that all drivers are trained, licensed, and insured. By removing unlicensed driving as a key entry point to the deportation pipeline, it makes it safe for undocumented residents to get the training they need to be safe and insured drivers.

Thank the Senators and ask them to urge Senate Leadership to bring the bill to the floor as soon as possible. You’ll find contact information at the end of this section.

Pass the Safe Communities Act!

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the impact of decades of state and local involvement in deportations—undermining testing, treatment and contract tracing efforts in immigrant communities and impeding access to court and police protection for immigrant victims of exploitation and crime.

The Safe Communities Act would restore trust in local institutions by ending the use of our public safety resources for federal immigration enforcement. Given the Biden Administration’s failure to end local entanglement with ICE, this bill is as important as ever. The Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security has until May 4th to recommend the bill for passage.

Email your senators via the link below and ask them to weigh in with the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security before May 4th! Senators Kennedy (Lowell), Friedman (Billerica), and Barrett (Chelmsford) are all co-sponsors, so be sure to thank them for their support while urging them to push the Committee.
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/engage-your-legislators-on-the-safe-communities-act

Push a Housing Justice Legislative Agenda

Three important bills – which if passed could be major wins for housing justice – are still on the table at the state house. Call and email your legislators today to voice your support for 1) The COVID Housing Equity Bill 2) lifting the ban on rent control and 3) the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA) Act.
https://www.homesforallmass.org/act/

 

Support the MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda

The Massachusetts Indigenous Peoples Day Bill has been extended in committee until April 14th.

That means the bill is still alive and there is hope for it this legislative session. We need everyone’s help!

Please contact the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee and tell them you want the Indigenous Peoples Day bill voted out favorably.

Email
Click this link to send an automated email to Committee members: https://tinyurl.com/bdf2dxrx (Feel free to add your own language.)

Call
Phone calls to committee members make a huge difference! You do not need to be an expert on the bill to let them know you support it. You will most likely get voicemail. Contact info and short script are below.
Script:
“My name is [insert name], and I’m from [insert town]. I urge you to help ensure that the Indigenous Peoples Day bill (S.2027/H.3191) is called to a vote and reported out favorably before the April 14th deadline extension. I support this bill and want to see it passed during this legislative session.”

JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATE ADMIN AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
CALL LIST IN ORDER OF PRIORITY
Senate Chair, Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, (617) 722-1551
House Chair, Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral, (617) 722-2017
Senate Vice-Chair, Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch, (617) 722-1555
House Vice-Chair, Rep. Christine P. Barber, (617) 722-2060
Sen. John J. Cronin, (617) 722-1230
Sen. Walter F. Timilty, (617) 722-1643
Sen. John C. Velis, (617) 722-1415
Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, (617) 722-1600
Rep. Carmine Lawrence Gentile, (617) 722-2810
Rep. Maria Duaime Robinson, (617) 722-2140
Rep. Christopher M. Markey, (617) 722-2676
Rep. Michelle L. Ciccolo, (617) 722-2210
Rep. Mary S. Keefe, (617) 722-2017
Rep. Paul J. Donato, (617) 722-2180
Rep. Paul A. Schmid III, (617) 722-2017
Rep. Steven G. Xiarhos (617) 722-2100
Rep. F. Jay Barrows, (617) 722-2488

Go to MaIndigenousAgenda.org to find out how to support the following bills also pending:

• Ban Native Mascots
• Teach Native Culture and History in Public Schools
• Protect Native Heritage
• Change the Flag and Seal

To make sure your town or city is on record on record in support of changing the racist state flag and seal, and to receive regular updates on the work of the Special Commission Relative to the Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth, go to: changethemassflag.com

Eight months away to Election Day! A good opportunity to plug EDR

Link: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/edr/

Late last month, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of the VOTES Act, pledging their support to making permanent critical electoral reforms like mail-in and early in-person voting. However, the House chose to leave out the heart of the VOTES Act: Election Day Registration (EDR). Now, because the House and Senate versions of the VOTES Act differ, a small group of legislators are finalizing the bill in conference committee.

While this is a disappointing development, the fight for EDR is far from over. EDR has been proven to make elections more equitable and efficient in 20 states. By reducing voter registration barriers, EDR boosts voter turnout for all, especially BIPOC, low income, immigrant, and young voters. It also decreases administrative burdens of running elections by allowing election workers to update registration information on the spot.

As we continue to make our voice heard on EDR, we ask for your support by doing so too. Contact your state representative NOW and urge them to include EDR in the final version of the VOTES Act. By doing so, you’ll help make our democracy a more equitable and efficient one.

From Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts, via News-MAGIC

 

National Actions

Protect the Indian Child Welfare Act

Native children are under legal attack in Brackeen v. Haaland. If the attempt to have a conservative-majority Supreme Court overturn the Indian Child Welfare Act is successful, the door will be open to the total elimination of tribal sovereignty. Take action now to stop this horrific

 

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

—–

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website at solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

March meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/25zmyaw3

March meeting recording: https://youtu.be/ONVNwsZXqOo

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings in our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Join at: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

 

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell General Meeting SUNDAY!

Sunday March 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Speaker: Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts
Topics: Candidate Endorsement Process, PM Legislative Agenda

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82068819438?pwd=WXRQb0tDdlBYZy8wQ3cxc1lSa1NPQT09
Meeting ID: 859 9209 4175
Passcode: 566523
Dial in: 646 558 8656 or 301 715 8592

SLCC Elections Coming Up

In April, we’ll be voting on Coordinating Committee members. Half of the seats are up for re-election/election each year.  Anyone interested who has questions is welcome to contact any of the Coordinating Committee members (Amy Baranoski, Caroline Snow, Chris Offerman, Dee Halzack, Joseph Boyle, Lisa Arnold, Win Flint) or email the Committee at contact@solidaritylowell.com.

To help you decide whether you’d like to run, here is what the by-laws say about the Coordinating Committee:

• 3. Coordinating Committee members are invited to a two-year term or until they resign (either in person at a meeting or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger conversation), or until they are voted out. At least ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee can agree to vote a Coordinating Committee member out. Terms will be staggered with 50% of the committee up for reelection in any given year. There are no term limits.
• 4. Coordinating Committee Meetings:
  • 4.1 The Coordinating Committee will meet twice monthly. Decisions of the Coordinating Committee will be made by a vote of 50%+1 for motion to pass. A quorum of ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
  • 4.2 Action by Consent. Any action by the Coordinating Committee may be taken without a meeting if consent is given by ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee online (by email or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger chat or Slack). Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting
• 5. The responsibilities of the Coordinating Committee include:
  • 5.1. Record the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the Coordinating Committee members.
  • 5.2. Communicate on a regular basis with the SL membership through use of, and maintenance of, an email list and at monthly general meetings.
  • 5.3. Maintain an up-to-date list of chapter members including name, address, phone number and email address as well as date of membership and meetings attended.
  • 5.4. Prepare the agendas for the General Meetings, record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute the minutes to all members.
  • 5.5. Conduct any voting at General Meetings.
  • 5.6. Develop and maintain the appropriate social media avenues as needed.
  • 5.7. Recommend, implement, and evaluate program activities, including but not limited to public forums, debates, and legislative and electoral campaigns.
  • 5.8. Encourage SL members to join PM or SL committees needed to carry out the responsibilities and/or the program activities of the organization.
  • 5.9 Organize tabling and the promotion of the group at local events.
• 6. The nominating and voting process for election of the Coordinating Committee is as follows:
  • 6.1. Members may make nominations from the floor at the April meeting. Individuals who are nominated must accept or decline the nomination, or, if not in attendance, otherwise have signified their response to such a nomination.
  • 6.2. The members will vote by secret ballot or online. The top vote-getters equaling the number of open seats will be elected.
  • 6.3 Persons nominated for the SLCC must not currently be in or running for Lowell city office.

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but has had issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance through March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Commission on Clean Heat public meetings

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) invites you to attend public meetings focused on the work of the Commission on Clean Heat and related policies for building decarbonization.  The meetings will be virtual and include a short presentation, followed by a period for public comment.  There will be two sessions on each date with the same presentation, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Public Meeting #2: Thursday, March 24, 2022

OPTION 1: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/99690459766
Join by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 996 9045 9766     Passcode: 030122

OPTION 2: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/93847362753
Join by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 938 4736 2753   Passcode: 030122

Additional meeting to be held April 14.

Accommodations: Accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge to those who request them and subject to availability. Requests must be either submitted during registration or via email a minimum of two business days prior to the meeting. Services include documents in alternative formats, translated documents, assistive listening devices, and interpreters (including American Sign Language). For more information or to request reasonable accommodations and/or language services, please email GWSA@mass.gov.

Immigrants’ Day (virtually) at the State House

Tuesday, March 29, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual event
Register HERE. https://tinyurl.com/424cdtws

Please join Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) at the State House on March 29 to support immigrants’ rights and advocate for related budget items and legislation. For 26 years MIRA has brought together hundreds of immigrants and refugees to hear from public officials and advocate for their communities’ legislative and budget priorities.

The virtual event includes a speaking program with built-in digital advocacy opportunities, followed by regional “roundtables” with legislators co-hosted by MIRA member organizations. It will focus on the Safe Communities Act, the Work and Family Mobility Act, the Language Access and Inclusion Act, the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Act, and several budget line-items.

45-minute speaking program with built-in digital advocacy opportunities, followed by 45-minute regional “roundtables” with legislators co-hosted by MIRA member organizations.

This year, we are privileged to announce that former Boston Mayor Kim Janey – the first Black woman to serve in that office – will be one of our keynote speakers. Our legislative hosts are Senator William N. Brownsberger, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Representative Ruth Balser, Second Division Chair. Featured speakers will include Gabriel Camacho, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1445, and Dalida Rocha, Political Director, Service Employees International Union Local 615, among others. Our priorities include ensuring the equitable distribution and availability of the vital COVID-19 vaccines, which are desperately needed in the immigrant and BIPOC communities hardest-hit by the pandemic. We will also continue to also push forward on longstanding priorities like the Safe Communities Act.

State-Level Actions

Support the MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda

The Massachusetts Indigenous Peoples Day Bill has been extended in committee until April 14th.

That means the bill is still alive and there is hope for it this legislative session. We need everyone’s help!

Please contact the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee and tell them you want the Indigenous Peoples Day bill voted out favorably.

Email
Click this link to send an automated email to Committee members: https://tinyurl.com/bdf2dxrx (Feel free to add your own language.)

Call
Phone calls to committee members make a huge difference! You do not need to be an expert on the bill to let them know you support it. You will most likely get voicemail. Contact info and short script are below.
Script:
“My name is [insert name], and I’m from [insert town]. I urge you to help ensure that the Indigenous Peoples Day bill (S.2027/H.3191) is called to a vote and reported out favorably before the April 14th deadline extension. I support this bill and want to see it passed during this legislative session.”

JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATE ADMIN AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
CALL LIST IN ORDER OF PRIORITY
Senate Chair, Sen. Marc R. Pacheco, (617) 722-1551
House Chair, Rep. Antonio F.D. Cabral, (617) 722-2017
Senate Vice-Chair, Sen. Rebecca L. Rausch, (617) 722-1555
House Vice-Chair, Rep. Christine P. Barber, (617) 722-2060
Sen. John J. Cronin, (617) 722-1230
Sen. Walter F. Timilty, (617) 722-1643
Sen. John C. Velis, (617) 722-1415
Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, (617) 722-1600
Rep. Carmine Lawrence Gentile, (617) 722-2810
Rep. Maria Duaime Robinson, (617) 722-2140
Rep. Christopher M. Markey, (617) 722-2676
Rep. Michelle L. Ciccolo, (617) 722-2210
Rep. Mary S. Keefe, (617) 722-2017
Rep. Paul J. Donato, (617) 722-2180
Rep. Paul A. Schmid III, (617) 722-2017
Rep. Steven G. Xiarhos (617) 722-2100
Rep. F. Jay Barrows, (617) 722-2488

Go to MaIndigenousAgenda.org to find out how to support the following bills also pending:

• Ban Native Mascots
• Teach Native Culture and History in Public Schools
• Protect Native Heritage
• Change the Flag and Seal

To make sure your town or city is on record on record in support of changing the racist state flag and seal, and to receive regular updates on the work of the Special Commission Relative to the Seal and Motto of the Commonwealth, go to: changethemassflag.com

Eight months away to Election Day! A good opportunity to plug EDR

Link: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/edr/

Late last month, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of the VOTES Act, pledging their support to making permanent critical electoral reforms like mail-in and early in-person voting. However, the House chose to leave out the heart of the VOTES Act: Election Day Registration (EDR). Now, because the House and Senate versions of the VOTES Act differ, a small group of legislators are finalizing the bill in conference committee.

While this is a disappointing development, the fight for EDR is far from over. EDR has been proven to make elections more equitable and efficient in 20 states. By reducing voter registration barriers, EDR boosts voter turnout for all, especially BIPOC, low income, immigrant, and young voters. It also decreases administrative burdens of running elections by allowing election workers to update registration information on the spot.

As we continue to make our voice heard on EDR, we ask for your support by doing so too. Contact your state representative NOW and urge them to include EDR in the final version of the VOTES Act. By doing so, you’ll help make our democracy a more equitable and efficient one.

From Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts, via News-MAGIC

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

February meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ywzh67s3

February meeting recording: https://youtu.be/1GvTa_J6LTg

See recordings of all past Solidarity Lowell meetings on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

 

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Sunday March 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom.Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Topic: TBD

SLCC Elections Coming Up

In April, we’ll be voting on Coordinating Committee members. Half of the seats are up for re-election/election each year.  Anyone interested who has questions is welcome to contact any of the Coordinating Committee members (Amy Baranoski, Caroline Snow, Chris Offerman, Dee Halzack, Joseph Boyle, Lisa Arnold, Win Flint) or email the Committee at contact@solidaritylowell.com.

To help you decide whether you’d like to run, here is what the by-laws say about the Coordinating Committee:

• 3. Coordinating Committee members are invited to a two-year term or until they resign (either in person at a meeting or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger conversation), or until they are voted out. At least ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee can agree to vote a Coordinating Committee member out. Terms will be staggered with 50% of the committee up for reelection in any given year. There are no term limits.
• 4. Coordinating Committee Meetings:
  • 4.1 The Coordinating Committee will meet twice monthly. Decisions of the Coordinating Committee will be made by a vote of 50%+1 for motion to pass. A quorum of ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
  • 4.2 Action by Consent. Any action by the Coordinating Committee may be taken without a meeting if consent is given by ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee online (by email or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger chat or Slack). Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting
• 5. The responsibilities of the Coordinating Committee include:
  • 5.1. Record the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the Coordinating Committee members.
  • 5.2. Communicate on a regular basis with the SL membership through use of, and maintenance of, an email list and at monthly general meetings.
  • 5.3. Maintain an up-to-date list of chapter members including name, address, phone number and email address as well as date of membership and meetings attended.
  • 5.4. Prepare the agendas for the General Meetings, record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute the minutes to all members.
  • 5.5. Conduct any voting at General Meetings.
  • 5.6. Develop and maintain the appropriate social media avenues as needed.
  • 5.7. Recommend, implement, and evaluate program activities, including but not limited to public forums, debates, and legislative and electoral campaigns.
  • 5.8. Encourage SL members to join PM or SL committees needed to carry out the responsibilities and/or the program activities of the organization.
  • 5.9 Organize tabling and the promotion of the group at local events.
• 6. The nominating and voting process for election of the Coordinating Committee is as follows:
  • 6.1. Members may make nominations from the floor at the April meeting. Individuals who are nominated must accept or decline the nomination, or, if not in attendance, otherwise have signified their response to such a nomination.
  • 6.2. The members will vote by secret ballot or online. The top vote-getters equaling the number of open seats will be elected.
  • 6.3 Persons nominated for the SLCC must not currently be in or running for Lowell city office.

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but has had issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance through March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Climate Action Now meeting: Fixing our Broken Democracy in MA

March 21, 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
Please register here. https://tinyurl.com/325dfz4n

You are invited to a special meeting of Climate Action Now, where Erin Leahy (from Act On Mass) will discuss ways to fix the broken democracy in the MA Legislature. She will discuss  organizing for change with a statewide coalition to change the culture of the legislature and elect candidates to fight for reform and truly represent our interests.

For details, see the “The MA Legislature: Democracy in Decline” study (https://tinyurl.com/yc7mhvvp) which exposes the extreme centralization of power and lack of transparency in the House, with slides here. https://tinyurl.com/5n8vdwfh

(h/t Climate Action Now, and Act on Mass; shared by Larry Pareles, CD2, Indivisible Mass, News-MAGIC team)

State House News Forum

Featuring Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano

Wednesday, March. 23, 11 am
RSVP for link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3116463438107/WN_V721eH_NQc6oq4mQ8-c4CA

Beacon Hill has a full plate: Offshore wind, solar, and other climate change policies. Leftover ARPA funding and spending options. The FY 2023 budget. Tax cuts. Mental health care access. Prescription drug costs. Education priorities. The MBTA. Sports betting. Not only do legislative leaders hope to address these and several other major issues before the end of the session in late July, but important political activity will continue into the fall and the November elections.

For insight on the road ahead, please join our State House News Forum featuring Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano on March 23 at 11 a.m. In a special virtual side-by-side discussion with the News Service’s Katie Lannan, they will offer their perspectives on important policy debates that will shape Beacon Hill activity for the next several months and yield legislative decisions that will impact the Commonwealth for years to come.

Commission on Clean Heat public meetings

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) invites you to attend public meetings focused on the work of the Commission on Clean Heat and related policies for building decarbonization.  The meetings will be virtual and include a short presentation, followed by a period for public comment.  There will be two sessions on each date with the same presentation, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Public Meeting #2: Tuesday, March 24, 2022

OPTION 1: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/99690459766
Join by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 996 9045 9766     Passcode: 030122

OPTION 2: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join by computer: https://zoom.us/j/93847362753
Join by phone: 929-436-2866
Meeting ID: 938 4736 2753   Passcode: 030122

Additional meeting to be held April 14.

Accommodations: Accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge to those who request them and subject to availability. Requests must be either submitted during registration or via email a minimum of two business days prior to the meeting. Services include documents in alternative formats, translated documents, assistive listening devices, and interpreters (including American Sign Language). For more information or to request reasonable accommodations and/or language services, please email GWSA@mass.gov.

Immigrants’ Day (virtually) at the State House

Tuesday, March 29, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Virtual event
Register HERE. https://tinyurl.com/424cdtws

Please join Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) at the State House on March 29 to support immigrants’ rights and advocate for related budget items and legislation. For 26 years MIRA has brought together hundreds of immigrants and refugees to hear from public officials and advocate for their communities’ legislative and budget priorities.

The virtual event includes a speaking program with built-in digital advocacy opportunities, followed by regional “roundtables” with legislators co-hosted by MIRA member organizations. It will focus on the Safe Communities Act, the Work and Family Mobility Act, the Language Access and Inclusion Act, the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Act, and several budget line-items.

45-minute speaking program with built-in digital advocacy opportunities, followed by 45-minute regional “roundtables” with legislators co-hosted by MIRA member organizations.

This year, we are privileged to announce that former Boston Mayor Kim Janey – the first Black woman to serve in that office – will be one of our keynote speakers. Our legislative hosts are Senator William N. Brownsberger, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Representative Ruth Balser, Second Division Chair. Featured speakers will include Gabriel Camacho, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1445, and Dalida Rocha, Political Director, Service Employees International Union Local 615, among others. Our priorities include ensuring the equitable distribution and availability of the vital COVID-19 vaccines, which are desperately needed in the immigrant and BIPOC communities hardest-hit by the pandemic. We will also continue to also push forward on longstanding priorities like the Safe Communities Act.

State-Level Actions

Eight months away to Election Day! A good opportunity to plug EDR

Link: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/edr/

Late last month, the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted in favor of the VOTES Act, pledging their support to making permanent critical electoral reforms like mail-in and early in-person voting. However, the House chose to leave out the heart of the VOTES Act: Election Day Registration (EDR). Now, because the House and Senate versions of the VOTES Act differ, a small group of legislators are finalizing the bill in conference committee.

While this is a disappointing development, the fight for EDR is far from over. EDR has been proven to make elections more equitable and efficient in 20 states. By reducing voter registration barriers, EDR boosts voter turnout for all, especially BIPOC, low income, immigrant, and young voters. It also decreases administrative burdens of running elections by allowing election workers to update registration information on the spot.

As we continue to make our voice heard on EDR, we ask for your support by doing so too. Contact your state representative NOW and urge them to include EDR in the final version of the VOTES Act. By doing so, you’ll help make our democracy a more equitable and efficient one.

From Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts, via News-MAGIC

 

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

February meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ywzh67s3

February meeting recording: https://youtu.be/1GvTa_J6LTg

See recordings of all past Solidarity Lowell meetings on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/donate/

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Next Solidarity Lowell General Meeting

Sunday March 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Topic: TBD

SLCC Elections Coming Up

In April, we’ll be voting on Coordinating Committee members. Half of the seats are up for re-election/election each year. To help you decide whether you’d like to run, here is what the by-laws say about the Coordinating Committee:
3. Coordinating Committee members are invited to a two-year term or until they resign (either in person at a meeting or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger conversation), or until they are voted out. At least ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee can agree to vote a Coordinating Committee member out. Terms will be staggered with 50% of the committee up for reelection in any given year. There are no term limits.

• 4. Coordinating Committee Meetings:
  • 4.1 The Coordinating Committee will meet twice monthly. Decisions of the Coordinating Committee will be made by a vote of 50%+1 for motion to pass. A quorum of ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee must be present to hold a meeting.
  • 4.2 Action by Consent. Any action by the Coordinating Committee may be taken without a meeting if consent is given by ⅔ of the Coordinating Committee online (by email or in the official Coordinating Committee Facebook Messenger chat or Slack). Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting
• 5. The responsibilities of the Coordinating Committee include:
  • 5.1. Record the minutes of the Coordinating Committee meetings and distribute them in a timely fashion to the Coordinating Committee members.
  • 5.2. Communicate on a regular basis with the SL membership through use of, and maintenance of, an email list and at monthly general meetings.
  • 5.3. Maintain an up-to-date list of chapter members including name, address, phone number and email address as well as date of membership and meetings attended.
  • 5.4. Prepare the agendas for the General Meetings, record the minutes of the meetings, and distribute the minutes to all members.
  • 5.5. Conduct any voting at General Meetings.
  • 5.6. Develop and maintain the appropriate social media avenues as needed.
  • 5.7. Recommend, implement, and evaluate program activities, including but not limited to public forums, debates, and legislative and electoral campaigns.
  • 5.8. Encourage SL members to join PM or SL committees needed to carry out the responsibilities and/or the program activities of the organization.
  • 5.9 Organize tabling and the promotion of the group at local events.
• 6. The nominating and voting process for election of the Coordinating Committee is as follows:
  • 6.1. Members may make nominations from the floor at the April meeting. Individuals who are nominated must accept or decline the nomination, or, if not in attendance, otherwise have signified their response to such a nomination.
  • 6.2. The members will vote by secret ballot or online. The top vote-getters equaling the number of open seats will be elected.
  • 6.3 Persons nominated for the SLCC must not currently be in or running for Lowell city office.

Anyone interested who has questions is welcome to contact any of the Coordinating Committee members (Amy Baranoski, Caroline Snow, Chris Offerman, Dee Halzack, Joseph Boyle, Lisa Arnold, Win Flint) or email the Committee at contact@solidaritylowell.com

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but has had issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Cambodian American Community Meeting

Thursday, March 3,5:30-7:00pm
Olympic Restaurant, 454 Chelmsford St, Lowell
Presenter: Senator Ed Kennedy

Learn about the campaign for Bill S.2406, Sponsored by Senator Ed Kennedy and Co-Sponsored by Representative Vanna Howard. The legislation condemns political oppression and encourages free and fair elections in Cambodia

More information on the bill at http://malegislature.gov/bills/192/S2406

Free event. Appetizers will be served.

Take Action Forum: Marching to the Ukrainian Beat – Let’s all stand up for Democracy

Wednesday, March 9, 6:45- 8 PM  on Zoom
Group:  Indivisible Acton Area
RSVP for Link:  https://actionnetwork.org/events/indivisible-acton-area-take-action-forum?source=direct_link&

Special Fundraiser for Kids In Need of Defense KIND’s Ukraine Aid
The Steering Committee will donate $5 per attendee to KIND and Christine will give a bonus $5 for every pet in the zoom call!

We have two exciting ballot measures coming up in Massachusetts

• Act On Mass – Transparency
• Mass Care – Medicare for All

Plus it’s time to collect signatures for the candidate of your choice.

So excited to get outside and actually talk to people…in person!
Join us for some interactive fun while we learn tips to gather signatures.

Via Christine Brown Indivisible Acton Area – News-Magic Team

State-Level Actions

Progressive Massachusetts endorses Chang-Diaz and Gouveia

Progressive Massachusetts reached out in late December to gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates with a comprehensive policy questionnaire. In mid-February, they polled statewide membership about whom and whether to endorse, and the results were clear: Sonia Chang-Díaz for Governor and Tami Gouveia for Lt. Governor.

Each received a commanding 78% of the vote in the member poll, far clearing the 60% threshold required for endorsement.

Each has consistently and persistently demonstrated a commitment to PM’s fundamental mantra that “We all do better when we all do better.” They each bring a deep commitment to equity and justice and a proven track record.

Ban Trump and Insurrectionists from the Ballot

Demand enforcement of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
Write to Secretary Galvin using sample letter

Dear Friends:  You can help keep Donald Trump and other insurrectionists off ballots in every state by demanding enforcement of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who has sworn to defend the Constitution and then engages in insurrection from ever holding office.   Any citizen can petition election officials and the candidate need not have been convicted of anything.   As long as there is “reasonable suspicion” and evidence, election officials must investigate and it is then up to the candidates to prove they have not disqualified themselves.

Free Speech for People has written 5-page letters to every state, which you can find on their website under “14POINT3 Campaign” heading. It includes the entire relevant section 14.3 of the Constitution and numerous other citations.
https://freespeechforpeople.org/the-14point3-campaign/

Robin of Indivisible Worcester has written a one-page version of the letter.  Please customize this sample letter to write or email (email address) Bill Galvin, Massachusetts Secretary of State.  Just copy or download.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S3EHygUgx6JrGIKP9_ZavfO24D2VTnwD/edit

Here is a brief summary of Trump’s offenses.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h7dyVOuTcu8BZZXG1WydkCnn2FlhumOy/view?usp=sharing

And for all other state election officials (Secretary of State in some states, an election commission in other states), use the names and addresses you find on the Free Speech for People website.  Focus on the states you consider most important.

Once we finish with Trump, we can move on to Phase II:  work to bar over 200 insurrectionist candidates found on InsurrectionIndex.org with their offenses, listed by state.  Stay tuned for more information on Phase II.

Contact RobinJVL@gmail.com with any questions.
Thank you, Indivisible Worcester.
h/t Shaw Yang Indivisible Acton Area – News Magic Team

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

February meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/ywzh67s3

February meeting recording: https://youtu.be/1GvTa_J6LTg

See recordings of all past Solidarity Lowell meetings on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

———-

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Sunday February 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Speaker: Alexander Chandler, Policy Advocate for Elections and Voting Rights at Protect Democracy (former Naval Intelligence Officer and primary candidate for the Third Congressional District)
Topic: The election crisis of 2022

Alexandra Chandler will outline the core threats to U.S. elections and the potential for election subversion, how these threats and changes in voting access increase the risk level and change the playing field, but also why there is cause for hope and what members of Solidarity Lowell can do to take action to reduce the risk of election crisis and other dangers to our democracy in 2022, 2024, and beyond.

Email contact@solidaritylowell.com for the Zoom link.

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but has had issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance through March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

 

Other Events

Concerned about climate change?

350Mass Climate Café
Wednesday, February 23, 7pm
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2n7fmwhf

Whatever our feelings, we don’t have to be alone with them!

You can talk with others in a supportive environment.  You’re invited to the Climate Café!  The Café is for both climate activists and concerned people who are not activists, and everybody in between. The Café is a gathering where you don’t have to put on a positive face but can share openly with people who have similar emotions and struggles, and are learning from each other.

For now, the Cafés are on Zoom and led by two experienced activists from 350 Mass Lowell.

Vigils For Racial Justice

Sunday, February 27
March 27
April 24
2 to 3 PM
Littleton Common & First Baptist Church

Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council

If the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

State-Level Actions

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute

The RRT (Rapid Response Team) Action List compiles action items from the week and upcoming events into one place. If you would like to add anything to the weekly update, please send it to Dee Halzack at dee@solidaritylowell.com.

Solidarity Lowell Events and Actions

Save the Date: Solidarity Lowell February General Meeting

Sunday February 27 at 5:30pm, on Zoom
Speaker: Alexander Chandler, Policy Advocate for Elections and Voting Rights at Protect Democracy (former Naval Intelligence Officer and primary candidate for the Third Congressional District)

Assistance urgently needed for our asylum-seeker

From: Merrimack Valley Interfaith Sanctuary Network (MVISN)

Asylum-Seeker Marius now has employment, but is having issues with his employer and is struggling to pay the rent. MVISN needs to extend assistance through March. Any amount will be gratefully accepted.

Donations via:
CashApp – $gollygee17
Venmo – @owlnerd
Please put “Marius” in the notes

For more information, email marissa@solidaritylowell.com

Other Events

Vigils For Racial Justice

Sunday, February 27
March 27
April 24
2 to 3 PM

Littleton Common & First Baptist Church
Sponsored by The Greater Littleton Interfaith Council
If the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees, this event will be canceled.

State-Level Actions

Progressive Mass and the Governor and Lt. Governor races

The Governor and Lt. Governor’s races offer Massachusetts an opportunity to shift course from the complacency and conservatism of the Baker-Polito administration. We must make sure that our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic puts our commonwealth on a more equitable foundation, one that does right by workers, local businesses, and historically disenfranchised communities; one that provides our teachers and students the resources they need to thrive; and one that is rooted in an understanding of the importance of investing in our future, from child care to public education to public transit and beyond. Massachusetts also must address long-standing crises of medical debt, student loan debt, housing instability, runaway climate change, and systemic racism. We have a lot to do, and we need proactive leaders, backed by an engaged public, to do it.

Progressive Massachusetts reached out to all announced and likely-to-announce candidates in December 2021, inviting them to fill out our comprehensive questionnaire about their policies, priorities, and leadership style. We view these questionnaires as a vital opportunity to educate candidates about issues that matter to progressive voters, get candidates on record, and create a more informed and engaged electorate.

Our Endorsement Process
As a membership organization, we put major decisions like endorsements before our members. All candidates who submitted a questionnaire are eligible for consideration for endorsement, although candidates must pass a 60% threshold in our member ballot to be endorsed by Progressive Mass.

Anyone who donated at least $5 to Progressive Mass over the past year counts as a dues-paying member and should have received a ballot in their email.

Not sure if you are a member? You can check your membership status, renew your membership, or join for the first time here! https://tinyurl.com/ybxc3kfp

Gubernatorial Questionnaires Submitted
Danielle Allen
Sonia Chang-Díaz

Lt. Governor Questionnaires Submitted
Bret Bero
Kim Driscoll
Tami Gouveia
Adam Hinds

View all of them here. https://tinyurl.com/37upckxn

Submitted by Jonathan Cohn, Progressive Massachusetts

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act

We have good news!! The Work Family Mobility Act has been voted favorably out of committee and is scheduled for a floor vote in the House this week.
The Work Family Mobility Act (H3456 and S2289) provides the means for MA residents to hold legal driving licenses without regard for their citizenship status. This bill is supported by legal, business and immigration rights groups. More here: https://www.aclum.org/en/legislation/work-and-family-mobility-act

Now is the time to contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to vote ‘YES’ on this important bill. This easy-to-use tool will help: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/dff-letter?clear_id=trueort

h/t Jeannine Wood, MAGIC

Our State Legislators’ Info

House Speaker Ronald Mariano: Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov 617-722-2500
Senate President: Karen E. Spilka: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov 617-722-1500
Rep. Thomas Golden Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov  617-722-2263
Rep. Vanna Howard Vanna.Howard@mahouse.gov  617-722-2800 x7302 / Google Voice: 978-272-9078
Rep. Rady Mom Rady.Mom@mahouse.gov 617-722-2460
Rep. Colleen Garry Colleen.Garry@mahouse.gov 617-722-2380
Rep. Tram Nguyen tram.nguyen@mahouse.gov 617-722-2425
Sen. Edward Kennedy edward.kennedy@masenate.gov 617-722-1630
Sen. Michael Barrett Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov 617-722-1572
Sen. Jamie Eldridge James.Eldridge@masenate.gov 617-722-1120
Sen. Barry Finegold Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov 617-722-1612
(… or find yours here: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator)

Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

National Actions

Call your members of Congress today and advocate for an Afghan Adjustment Act

We have a real opportunity to make an impact in the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated to the United States. Call your members of Congress and ask them to create for these Afghans a clear pathway to permanent legal status.

So many of us have donated resources, clothes, furniture, and food, or helped find housing and given our time to support our new Afghan neighbors. An Afghan Adjustment Act will be critical in their being able to make the United States their home for years to come.

Click here for instructions to make your call. https://tinyurl.com/43vy4tt9
The website has an automatic call-in tool, a script, and instructions.

Submitted by HIAS

Our Federal Legislators’ Info

Senator Elizabeth Warren: 617-565-3170
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.warren.senate.gov/contact/shareyouropinion

Senator Edward Markey: 617-565-8519
255 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact/share-your-opinion

Representative Lori Trahan: 978-459-0101 / 202-225-3411
https://trahan.house.gov/contact/write-your-rep.htm

Representative Seth Moulton: 978-531-1669 / 202-225-8020
https://moulton.house.gov/contact

Solidarity Lowell is a volunteer group of community members of Greater Lowell working toward social justice by defending the human rights, dignity, and equality of all persons against all forms of hate and discrimination.
 

Visit the Solidarity Lowell website: http://solidaritylowell.com

For more events not listed here, visit the full Events calendar: https://solidaritylowell.com/events/

January meeting notes: https://tinyurl.com/39mkh38f

January meeting recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXXvIypE9Zc

See recordings of past Solidarity Lowell meetings on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohwMIkVdabQdDHsVTLIGsQ

For positive news visit Solidarity Lowell Upbeat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/326202548419687

—–

Solidarity Lowell is a chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Click here to join: https://www.progressivemass.com/contribute