• Want to help Hawaii become the first state in the nation to implement a fee on carbon to reduce climate change, while also returning the money to the people of Hawaii as a dividend?  Support Carbon Cashback HB 134 and SB 311 and help us to write postcards to 8 legislators voicing your support for the bill.  We aim to find 100+ volunteers to get 800+ postcards out there.  We have just 18 volunteers as of January 27.  
  • Pick up postcard packets in the portico at church between 3 and 5 pm January 31 or Wednesday February 3, 7-8 pm or email Hilary at parkinson.h@gmail.com if you’d like to arrange pick up in Kaneohe or Kailua.   
  • Packets include: postcards, the script, and addresses of legislators.  Stamps are not included. 

 

• On March 30, the Social Justice Council is making lunches for 30-40 people in need.  We are also collecting donations of clothing and hygiene items (especially feminine hygiene products).  If you have anything to donate, please contact raebudden@aol.com.  

 

Other actions on the National Level from the Americans of Conscience Checklist:

• Advocate for clean, trustworthy elections. [Source: Brennan Center]  Call: Your two senators and one House rep (look up).  Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and I’m calling because now more than ever, Americans need to have faith in our elections. The For The People Act will expand Americans’ access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics, strengthen ethics rules for public servants, and ensure nonpartisan redistricting. A majority of Americans support these reforms regardless of their political affiliation, proving that strengthening democracy is not a partisan issue. Can I count on [NAME] to cosponsor and vote for H.R. 1/S. 1? Thank you. Note: Multiple sources report that the Senate will give this bill the S.1 designation, but it isn’t yet published online.

• Limit corporate contributions to candidates. [Source: Public Citizen] Call: Your one House rep (look up). Script: Hi. I’m from [ZIP] and part of the bipartisan majority of Americans who want big money out of politics. The Democracy For All Amendment, introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, would restore the ability of Congress to regulate campaign finance and overturn Citizens United. I ask that [NAME] sign on as a cosponsor to H.J.Res. 1. Thank you.

 

• Empower future voters for the 2022 midterms.  Spread the Vote’s effort to assist people in obtaining IDs is crucial not just in states with voter ID laws, but everywhere that ID is required to receive medical care, including covid vaccinations. IDs save lives. Donate: https://www.kindest.com/donate/spread-the-vote (Mention that you’re from AoCC!)

And time for some GREAT news (from the Americans of Conscience Checklist)

• President Biden invokes the Defense Production Act to speed up the manufacture of COVID tests, vaccines, and personal protective equipment.

• President Biden issues an executive order to enforce SCOTUS rulings that grant LGBTQ individuals anti-discrimination protection under the law in employment, housing, eduction, and health care.

• President Biden issues a 100-day mask challenge to slow the spread of COVID-19 and masks are mandated to be worn on federal grounds.

• President Biden ends the travel ban from Muslim-majority countries.

• Vice President Kamala Harris is sworn in as the U.S.’s first woman, first Black, and first Indian-American vice president.

• The U.S. rejoins the Paris Climate Agreement.

• The U.S. rejoins the World Health Organization.

• The Biden administration pauses deportations for 100 days.

• U.S. court rules against immigration fee increases.

• DHS ceases holding newly arriving aspiring Americans in Mexico under the so-called Migrant Protection Protocol.

• White House website is again translated into Spanish.

• A remastered White House contact form allows users to choose their pronouns.

• The Biden-Harris Inauguration takes steps to be inclusive of those with disabilities.

• Senators file an ethics complaint against two fellow senators following their unfounded objections to the electoral college vote certification.

• The previous president defers the deportations of tens of thousands of people from Venezuela for 18 months.

• The previous administration agrees not to release rushed census results or any census citizenship data prior to the Biden-Harris inauguration.  

• Federal court blocks the previous administration’s sweeping asylum rules. 

• Federal court blocks the previous administration’s attempt to illegally detain aspiring American families indefinitely.

• Biden increases food stamp support by 15% to help stabilize the economy and keep people fed.

• Lloyd Austin is confirmed as Secretary of Defense, becoming the first Black individual to hold the position.

• President Biden halts construction of a physical barrier on the U.S.-Mexico border.

• President Biden revokes the Keystone XL pipeline permit and halts land leasing in the Arctic refuge.

• Due to the pandemic, President Biden extends eviction and foreclosure moratoriums and further pauses student loan payments and interest.