We had good news on the resistance front this week: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction to stop the Trump Immigration Ban. It’s not over yet but at least it stopped this discriminatory and hurtful policy from affecting our immigrant and refugee communities.
And coming up next week: Resistance Recess! Hundreds of actions are being planned around the country to welcome our members of congress back home during the congressional recess of Feb 18-27. Keep tuned for Philly actions in our next bulletin.
Below are Neighborhood Networks’ picks for the most important actions to take this week. There is so much going on as the resistance blossoms and spreads. For more events, you can also check out PhillyWeRise and Building Channels for Change.
STOP THE DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE
It’s official: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving ahead with the Dakota Access Pipeline at Donald Trump’s request. The president said that he hasn’t had “one call” in opposition to the pipeline. No wonder why: The White House public comment phone line is still shut down.
The drilling under the Missouri River has begun. We must stand with Standing Rock to protect the sacred burial grounds and access to clean water.
Click here to send a message to Trump. Let’s make sure Trump hears from us. Tell him to halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct an environmental review.
Emergency Rally for Standing Rock. February 14, 8 AM at Thomas Paine Plaza. Join others around the world to show your love and support for the Standing Rock Sioux and clean water by coming out on Valentines Day.
STOP PA SENATE BILL 10 TO DEFUND SANCTUARY CITIES
This past Tuesday 2/7/17, the PA Senate voted to approve SB 10 that would withhold up to $1.3 billion of state money from sanctuary cities in Pennsylvania. This action is especially important because it would compound Trump’s Executive Order stripping federal funds from such cities.
SB10 is the PA GOP effort to put further pressure on the 30 Pennsylvania cities and counties that currently offer some form of protection to undocumented immigrants. Now we need to stop it in the House.
Action: Call your state House Rep and tell them to oppose any bill that blocks funding to sanctuary cities. Find your state rep here.
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS (Note Rally is called off. Feb 16 is Call-In Day)
This week, the State Senate chose not to confirm a new member to the School Reform Commission, Estelle Richman. This leaves an empty spot on the school board, halting any progress that can be made to get Philly’s schools back to local control. I Action: Call-In Day Feb 16. Make calls to demand that the PA State Senate confirm the fifth commissioner, Estelle Richman, and not leave our School District without a fully filled Commission. Here’s the call in-script and the contact information.
CALL SENATORS TO VOTE NO ON NOMINATIONS COMING UP THIS WEEK
Steven Mnuchin for Treasury Secretary – Vote scheduled for Feb 13. Made millions foreclosing on desperate homeowners during the housing crisis, racist history of violating the Fair Housing Act, Wall Street’s favorite nominee.
Scott Pruitt for Environmental Protection Agency – Vote scheduled for Feb 14. Opponent of EPA who has sued EPA 14 times, supporter of fossil fuel industry which was one of his biggest contributors when he was an Oklahoma State Senator, denies scientific evidence on climate change.
Action: Call our Senators to oppose these nominations.
Sen. Casey: (202) 224-6324, DC office; (215) 405-9660, Philadelphia office If you can’t get through use a free online fax service to Fax Casey (202-228-0604) Sen. Toomey: (202) 224-4254 DC office; (215) 241-1090 Philadelphia office Try Toomey at these numbers as well: Allentown (610) 434-1444; Erie (814) 453-3010; Harrisburg (717) 782-3951; Johnstown (814) 266-5970; Scranton (570) 941-3540; Pittsburgh (412) 803-3501 Direct constituent only line (must be calling from PA area code) (855) 552-1831 If you can’t get through use a free online fax service to FAX Toomey (215-241-1095)
MARCH FOR THE CLIMATE AGREEMENT Sunday, Feb 19, 2 pm. March begins at the Oval in front of Art Museum and marches to Thomas Paine Plaza.
President Donald Trump is expected to announce any day now that he will be issuing an executive order to exit the Paris Climate Agreement. The United States’ continued participation in this agreement is absolutely vital to the survival of the planet. We must stand together to tell our government to honor and continue our commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement; not just for us, but for our future generations. Click here for more information.
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