Summer is a season of action and a season of joy. So as the summer approaches, we need to double down on the work of passing our bold policy agenda, as well as celebrate the successes we’ve had.
Raise Up Signature Collection: Ramping Up & Wrapping Up
As a key part of the Raise Up Massachusetts coalition, we’ve been collecting signatures around the state to get a $15 minimum wage and paid family and medical leave on the ballot this November.
Over the past month, we’ve collected more than 5,000. Give yourself a hand!
The last day for signature collection is Saturday, June 16th. Find an event near you here, and if you haven’t already turned your signatures in, email Joe at jdimauro@progressivemass.com to find out how best to do so!
The Summer Warmth Is Nice. A Warmed Planet Isn’t.
This week, the MA Senate is moving to take up S.2545, An Act to Promote a Clean Energy Future. Although this is a bold piece of climate policy, several critical policies are missing: solar access for all, reforms to push back against pipeline expansion, community empowerment, and a comprehensive plan to combat climate change.
Action: Please call your Senator and Chairwoman Karen Spilka, Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov, 617-722-1640 in support of the following amendments:
- Amendments 41 (Eldridge), 42 (Eldridge),and 43 (Chang-Diaz), which would ensure all communities can access solar energy
- Amendment 22 (Cyr), which would empower communities and give new tools to promote renewable energy
- Amendment 44 (Pacheco), which would set binding climate targets for 2030 and 2040
- Amendments 6 (Jehlen) and 60 (Hinds), which would push back on pipeline expansion
Safe Communities: The Clock Is Ticking
Right now, the Massachusetts legislature is negotiating the state budget for the next year, and key protections for immigrants hang in the balance. Approved by the Senate, these protections (detailed below) now have to make it through the budget Conference Committee.
If you are worried about the Trump administration’s draconian immigration policies, 3 phone calls this week are almost certainly the most impactful thing you can do this week to blunt the effects of these policies in our state:
- For your own your own Representative (find them here)
- Ask: “Please urge Speaker DeLeo and the budget Conference Committee to include protections for immigrant families in the final FY2019 state budget.”
- Committee Chairman Jeffrey Sanchez, 15th Suffolk (617-722-2990)
- Ask: “Please use your leadership to fight for protections of immigrant families in the FY19 state budget.”
- Governor Baker (617-725-4005)
- Ask: ” Please stop playing politics with immigrant families, and support basic protections for immigrant families in the final FY2019 budget.”
Proposed protections would:
- Bar police from asking about people’s immigration status unless required by law
- End 287(g) contracts that deputize state and local law enforcement as ICE agents
- Require that immigrants be notified of their due-process rights
- Ensure that Massachusetts does not contribute to any registry based on religion, ethnicity, citizenship or other protected categories
Wednesday, 6/20: Summer is a Time for Celebration
Join Progressive Mass members and allies in Newton on Wednesday night, June 20th, for drinks and light appetizers, and to toast our three award winners.
- Representative Mary Keefe of Worcester: Lead House sponsor of the comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform bill, signed into law this year
- Jonathan Cohn of Boston: Our resident policy and political expert, leading the Issues Committee and the Elections and Endorsements Committee
- Rev. Jim Mitulski of Needham: A Progressive Needham leader and tireless advocate for human rights and dignity
Thanks to a group of generous donors, all Summer Soiree contributions up to $7,000 to Progressive Mass will be matched. Your generosity helps us provide staff, office space, organizing software and services, and drive progressive initiatives in multiple coalitions.
