It’s been quite the 24 hours. And if you’re like us, you’re thinking, “How can I take action, including right here in Massachusetts?”
Here are some ways.
Past Time to Pass the ROE Act
While we mourn the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we must redouble our efforts to strengthen reproductive rights here in Massachusetts.
Contrary to our liberal reputation, we still have retrograde language and laws on the books.
Tell your state legislators to stop delaying and pass the ROE Act.
Housing Is a Human Right
At the end of the July, the MA House and Senate passed economic development bills (H4887). Each bill contains some important steps to address our affordable housing crisis.
Can you call your state legislators in support of the following three housing reforms? You can find their number here if you don’t have it.
- Tenant Opportunity to Purchase, which guarantees the right of refusal for tenants when a large building is up for sale or foreclosed (from the HOUSE bill)
- Inclusionary Zoning Reforms, which would lower the threshold for passing such ordinances to a simple majority (from the SENATE bill)
- Eviction sealing protections to gives tenants with no-fault evictions the legal right to petition the court to seal their record any time after the conclusion of the case and provide tenants with non-payment evictions the ability to petition the court to seal within 14 days of paying off their judgment (from the SENATE bill)
Police Accountability Week of Action w/ the ACLU
In July, the MA Senate and House both passed police reform legislation (not far-reaching enough, but with a number of important steps forward). However, since then, police unions have been bombarding them with ads and misinformation to make sure that a final bill gets watered down or not passed at all.
If we want to have any accountability at all, we can’t let such tactics work. Join the ACLU this week for a series of events to draw attention to police brutality here in Massachusetts and underscore the need for action.
Monday, September 21, 6:00 PM: Virtual rally kick off (RSVP here)
Tuesday, September 22, 5:30 PM: Police accountability phone bank (RSVP here)
Friday, September 25, 11:00 AM: Police accountability phone bank (RSVP here)
Haven’t spoken to your state legislators about this bill recently? Take a moment today to do so.
Phone Banking for the Safe Communities Act
The Safe Communities Act would end the entanglement of police, courts, and county sheriffs in immigration enforcement, and protect basic rights. This entanglement makes immigrants fear sharing personal information with anyone, including medical providers and public health workers.
We need to take a stand and make clear that immigrants are welcome here, and that means passing the Safe Communities Act.
Fortunately, the bill was reported out of committee in July. But we need to make sure that there is enough support for it to be brought to the floor by the end of the year.
Join the Safe Communities Coalition for one of these upcoming phone banks:
Monday, 9/21, 5:00-8:00PM – Register here
Thursday, 9/24, 5:00-8:00PM – Register here
Tuesday, 9/29, 5:00-8:00PM – Register here
Thursday, 10/1, 5:00-8:00PM – Register here
Let Our Families Drive! March & Rally
Thousands of Black and Brown immigrant families continue to live in fear of ICE detention for being stopped for a traffic violation and many are being deported – even during a pandemic. All families deserve the right to move freely in our state and live in dignity.
Saturday, September 26th, the Driving Families Forward Coalition will be holding a rally in support of the Work and Family Mobility Act, which would support expanding access to driver’s licenses across the Commonwealth
The March & Rally will be broadcast via Facebook Live. The coalition will meet up outside the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) located at 136 Blackstone St, Boston (by the Haymarket T Station) and march to the JFK Federal Building to uplift the need to abolish ICE and the deportation machine. The march will end at the State House for a short speaking program and rally.
Phone Bank for the Census
The 2020 census will determine representation and resource allocation for the next decade. If people are uncounted, their voices will be unheard, and their communities won’t get the resources they need to thrive.
That’s why we’re joining our allies at the Massachusetts Voter Table to call residents and voters in communities of color, working-class neighborhoods, and more to participate in the 2020 Census and to make a plan to vote safely this fall.
