Democrats Pass Major Climate Bill
Victory on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022!
Thanks to the persistence of Sen. Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, and the NYS Indivisibles who kept the pressure on him, we have an historic bill that addresses climate, jobs, health care and the economy. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is expected to pass the House today and be signed into law by President Biden. The Democrats hung together --in the Senate, in the House, and in the White House--to get it done.
Not all the pieces of earlier versions of the Build Back Better survived, but much did. What's in it? Here's a brief summary of what the Senate passed. The bill helps New York implement the forward thinking climate work that groups like NY Renews and indivisible's Climate Crisis Working Group have pushed for, and that our electoral work in 2018 and 2020 (eliminating the IDC and creating a supermajority in the state Senate) made possible. Feeling happy about this huge success? Bring a thank you sign to the Stand for Climate/Peace/BLM taking place this afternoon (Friday, Aug. 12th) on the Clinton Village Green 4-5 pm.
IMV also will hold a "Thank You, Chuck Honk-n-Wave Rally" to celebrate the bill on Thursday, August 18th, from 4:00-5:30 pm at the regular site for our Thursday protests, in front of Rep. Tenney's office, 430 Court Street, Utica. All are welcome to join and spread the word about what happens when government works for us, the people, to improve the lives and work and health of Americans, and work toward global climate targets together.
Then, after the rally on August 18th, be sure to join Indivisible One NYS's statewide call from 8-9 pm. Register in advance here, so you can get caught up on what groups across the state are doing to win elections and get involved in the work.
Early Voting Starts Tomorrow
The Democratic Primary Early Voting starts tomorrow August 10 and runs through Sunday, August 21. Please remind your family and friends to vote, and share the Oneida County voting location and hours information widely. If you are in Madison County, here is your information. In Herkimer County, check here.
Thank you to all our members and friends who work the polls during Early Voting and on Election Day, August 23rd!
Take Action with IMV Members Supporting Sarah Klee Hood
We now have a bunch of IMV members actively supporting Sarah Klee Hood in the primary. If you have not met her yet, you can stop by CAFE Friday this morning (Zoom link HERE. PW: 607973). Also, it's easy to knock doors and phonebank for SKH. Just check out this flyer to learn more, and contact her campaign field director, Matt Brush: Matthew J. Brush, 716-307-0336 or matt@sarahkleehood.com
POST CARD HELP NEEDED TODAY: a number of Sarah's supporters have contributed to purchase postcards to send to primary voters in the next week, and will write on them and add labels and stamps starting today at the Kirkland Town Library (History Room) 4:30-6:00 pm. Please join in, and/or pick up some to take home to work on this weekend and get them into the mail.
Want to know more about Sarah (AKA SKH)? You can check out her website, or this article that Ron Klopfanstein wrote about her in the Utica Phoenix last week.
Late breaking:
Sarah Klee Hood's Guest Opinion Essay, just published at Syracuse.com, mentions Indivisible Mohawk Valley and our July 27 Candidate Forum as she addresses her top issue: campaign finance reform. it's a must read for all who care about democracy.
We all remember how important it was that Anthony Brindisi did not take any corporate PAC contributions to his campaign. Sarah has the same pledge. She is focused on staying independent of those donations intended to influence her votes in favor of fossil fuels, big tech, big health and pharma, and other forces that undermine the power of individual voters and our communities. Her concerns about crypto currency align with the calls of IMV's climate activists to stop crypto mining and crypto currency because of the devastating climate impact. Go, Sarah!
ONE Easy Action Item from the Climate Crisis Working Group
Continue to call Governor Hochul (518-474-8390) and tell her to sign the crypto mining moratorium bill. Delaying signing allows crypto mining companies to buy former fossil fuel-burning plants and apply to open them prior to the moratorium. "No delay; sign the bill now and put New Yorkers, not crypto billionaires, first."
And don't forget when you head to polls for early voting (starts tomorrow!) for the primaries, cast your vote for climate advocates. Learn who is talking about climate and ready to do the hard work of legislating for the future now. Then vote for them.
Check Out These New Ads
We're big fans of these new ads that connect voting for Democrats with preserving our freedoms. Remember, the more you share these ads for free with your own personal email networks and your social media accounts, the less money it costs Democrats to do paid advertising. Plus, it's more credible when a friend shares a cool message with you than when you know you are viewing a paid commercial. These 30 second messages are really smart and inspiring. Give them a look! (P.S. "Superhuman" is really adorable!)
Virtual LTE Workshops Just in Time to Influence Voters
Sarah Reeske is holding virtual Letter to the Editor trainings on Friday, August, 19th (11 am-12pm) and Thursday, Sept. 8th (6-7 pm). The training is for Indivisible activists who want to learn how to use strategic messaging in letters to the editor to impact the November election. Participants will learn how to merge Indivisible's MAGA Mayhem messaging with race class narrative to create a powerfully written LTE!
This will be a training with lots of collaboration and inspiration from each other using Zoom and Jamboard (no previous experience necessary). Bring a friend.
August Match for Fundraising
Just a reminder that Indivisible National is matching our fundraising on Act Blue in August--up to $500. We have a lot of plans for the funds including postcards and stamps, room rentals (such as for our Candidate Forum in July), and canvassing materials so we can win in 2022. Please contribute at the IMV website donation button: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisibleohc421610861
IMV August 24th Picnic
It's almost time for IMV's summer potluck picnic at the Birch Pavilion by the playground at Sherrill Brook, New Hartford's Town Park! Join us on Wednesday, August 24th, 5:30-8:00 pm. By this date the 2022 primary elections will be behind us! We'll welcome our 2022 candidates, talk about what's ahead and enjoy food and fresh air with activist friends!
-Bring food item(s) to share
-Bring your own place setting if you can (but we’ll have some extra disposables if needed)
-We will have water so you can fill your cup, or BYO drink
This is IMV's August meeting, so we'll also use the time to discuss some of our overall strategies to win in November. We can't wait to see everyone!
Democracy is not a spectator sport. Write postcards. Write an LTE. Knock doors. Show up. Make a thank you call to Senator Schumer. And remember to vote, early as you can, starting tomorrow. Thanks for all you do as an IMV activist!
Follow us on Twitter using @indivisiblemv and of course our Facebook page and IMV Activism Group.
