Petitioning Jeff Sessions

Don’t escalate the failed war on drugs.

Petition by Weldon Angelos

Midvale, Utah

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has just ordered federal prosecutors to seek the harshest punishments possible, including mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders.

In 2004, I was given a 55-year mandatory minimum sentence as a first-time marijuana offender — virtually a sentence to die in prison. I had sold marijuana three times to an informant who stated that I had a firearm in my possession.

I never used or even showed the firearm, but this allowed prosecutors to charge me with three counts of using a firearm in the course of a drug trafficking offense, that carried a mandatory minimum of five years for the first offense and 25 years for each of the other two offenses.

At my sentencing, even the judge disagreed with the sentence. He called it “unjust, cruel, and even irrational,” and pointed out that shorter federal sentences have been given to violent criminals such as murderers, child rapists, and even terrorists.

I was only 24 years old when I was sentenced. While imprisoned for 13 years, I missed my children growing up and the fruits of a promising music career. Yet, no problem was solved. This waste of human life must end.

I’m only free because bipartisan lawmakers and advocates, and even the man who prosecuted me, came together to say that my sentence was wrong. My release was part of a changing attitude toward nonviolent drug offenders, with both Republicans and Democrats working together to make sentences fairer. But now, Attorney General Jeff Sessions is working to undo this progress.

Sessions decision to order prosecutors to seek the longest sentences possible reverses a directive from former Attorney General Eric Holder that instructed prosecutors to use their discretion and avoid long sentences for low-level drug offenders.

Please sign my petition asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reconsider his push for mandatory minimum sentences.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

If the federal budget were a pie…#MomsEqualPay Twitter storm on Tuesday, May 23, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time ~ Sabrina Joy Stevens

05/23/2017 Nativegrl77

… Trump would try to give us the burnt crust.

After seeing the Trump administration’s leaked education budget, we can’t help but imagine how Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos plans to answer for these attacks on America’s most vulnerable students.

Budget Breakdown
The Trump administration is about to formally release its full budget proposal. Based on what we’ve seen in his “Skinny Budget,” especially when considered side by side with his tax principles, we’re pretty sure it’s going to be yet another opportunity for him to promote deep cuts to essential programs for working families to make room for giant tax cuts for corporations and the uber-wealthy.

Fortunately, presidential budget frameworks are just a suggestion, not the final word on our nation’s spending. But if we’re going to keep Trump’s allies in Congress from enacting the worst of his budget, we’ve got to spread the word and make his proposals as politically toxic as possible.

Want to tell President Trump & House Speaker Paul Ryan how these budget cuts would affect you? Share your story at HandsOff.org.
We’ve already seen a glimpse of his education budget, and it’s a direct attack on vulnerable students, teachers, and schools.
On the flip side, the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ People’s Budget is much more in line with our principles for a budget that works for women and families.

Moms’ Equal Pay Day
Moms’ Equal Pay Day, the date that represents how much further into the current year working moms must work in order to be paid the same amount working dads were paid by the end of last year. Like the other Equal Pay Days we observe throughout the year, it’s an important opportunity to raise awareness about the combination of factors that make economic justice elusive for too many women and families—and to promote policy solutions that advance equality.

Learn more about motherhood and the wage gap.
Join us, MomsRising, and a host of other advocates for a #MomsEqualPay Twitter storm on Tuesday, May 23, at 2:00 p.m.Eastern Time.
If you find yourself debating the existence of the wage gap, we’ve got you covered for all the rebuttals you need. (Pro-tip: pay special attention to the “Mommy Tracker” for tomorrow.)

Resistance Must-Do’s

Keep telling Congress: support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
While you’re at it, tell them to support the Paycheck Fairness Act, too.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Remember to keep self-care on your to-do list, too.

Resistance Must-Reads

Walmart isn’t doing right by pregnant employees, so we’re suing them.
Take note, Betsy DeVos: when it comes to helping student survivors of sexual assault, voters overwhelmingly support ensuring that schools follow their obligations under Title IX.
Check out how some low-income moms are breaking into the tech industry.
When it comes to politics and work, what rights do employees have?

We the Resistance is our fight to protect our rights and freedoms and to defend the most vulnerable among us through powerful collective action. Every conversation you have with a loved one about the issues important to you, every call you make to Congress, every rally you attend is a part of that resistance. Join us — sign on to the We The Resistance manifesto.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Standing Up to Walmart, and Other News From A Better Balance

05/22/2017 Nativegrl77

Headlines from the Frontlines — May 2017

A Better Balance

“WALMART: SUPERCENTER” by alpha geek is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

ABB Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Walmart

On May 15th, we filed a national class action lawsuit, along with our partners, on behalf of thousands of pregnant workers discriminated against by Walmart. The complaint alleges that Walmart’s policies discriminate against pregnant workers like our client Talisa Borders, who asked to stay off tall ladders and avoid heavy lifting while pregnant and working at Walmart, but instead was pushed onto unpaid leave. Despite amendments to its policy in 2014, Walmart continues to explicitly exclude pregnancy while providing accommodations for workers with disabilities and on-the-job injuries. We won’t stop until no pregnant Walmart worker has to choose between her health and her job.

Rallying and Testifying for Workers in New York

In April, ABB testified at three separate hearings to argue for stronger legal protections, and stronger enforcement of the laws, on behalf of workers in New York who struggle to support their families while also providing care. First, we testified before the New York City Council Committee on Women’s Issues in support of legislation to promote gender and racial equality in New York City and make the municipal government a model employer for the private sector. The next day, ABB offered expert testimony at a joint hearing sponsored by the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, to address the state of workers’ rights in New York City. Workers and advocates from across the five boroughs participated in the fully bilingual hearing, and ABB testified on the pressing need for strong enforcement of existing laws, such as the Earned Sick Time Act, as well as passage of new protections such as those proposed in the Fair Work Week package to address unpredictable and unfair scheduling practices. Finally, ABB testified at a hearing before the New York City Council Small Business Committee on potential changes to the penalties required by a variety of city laws. We also rallied with fellow advocates on May Day in support of immigrant and workers rights.

Victory for Working Famlies in Georgia

Georgia Governor Deal signed the Georgia Family Care Act into law by on May 8, 2017, after the bill passed the Georgia Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The law permits workers in Georgia who receive paid sick days to use that time to care for their family members in addition to themselves. This victory is a powerful example of the strength of strategic, persistent advocacy, and shows that success in support of working families is possible, even in a Southern state like Georgia where worker protections are often difficult to come by. A Better Balance provided support to advocates in the campaign’s early years and was instrumental in working with the coalition to expand the bill’s family definition to include tax dependents, in addition to children, spouses, grandchildren, grandparents, or parents.

More State Wins for Pregnant Workers

We have seen significant progress for pregnant workers at the state level in the past month. Vermont became the 19th state to provide stronger protections for pregnant workers when Governor Scott signed their Pregnant Workers Fairness Act into law on May 4th. ABB provided technical support and testimony to advance the bill. Next door in Massachusetts, the House voted unanimously to pass a similar bill that ABB has been advising advocates on closely since 2014. Across the country, Washington State’s legislature also passed a PWFA bill that now awaits the governor’s signature. This continued momentum puts further pressure on Congress to take up the federal PWFA, which was re-introduced last week with bi-partisan support in both chambers.

Bans on Salary History Advance in New York

Low wages in the past can lock workers into low wages in the future and perpetuate gender and race-based wage gaps. That is why ABB has been working on legislation in New York City and at the State level to prevent employers from relying on or inquiring into an applicant’s past salary. We were in Albany earlier this month to speak at a press conference in support of a statewide salary history bill we helped to draft and are leading the charge to pass this session. And on May 4th, we attended the ceremony at City Hall where Mayor de Blasio signed into law a similar bill that ABB supported with close input on language and revisions, as well as testimony, on its path to passage.

Voices from the Clinic

“Once I felt so sick that I did not have the strength to go to work as I was very sick. As any employee would do, I called in sick and my employer suspended me for a week. My employer even questioned the veracity of my situation. Thanks to a friend who helped me to find help, I found you [ABB]. You [ABB] guided me and I was able to return to work right away. Please do not be silent, look for help, we are people and as such we need respect, not injustice.”

–Yorkshiris Paulino

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Public Health

05/22/2017 Nativegrl77

Public Health Emergency. Resilient People. Healthy Communities. A Nation Prepared.

National Peace Officers’ Memorial: ASPR Provides Public Health and Medical Support

Every day, men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to serve and protect our communities. The National Peace Officers’ Memorial honors those men and women who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. ASPR was proud to provide public health and medical support during the event at the request of the Office of the Attending Physician to Congress and the U.S. Capitol Police. News in Pictures >>

NDMS set up medical tents at the National Peace Officer’s Memorial Service near the U.S. Capitol.

#IAmHHS: Putting Policy to Work on the Ground

Before, during and after disasters, dedicated professionals from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services work together to help protect health and save lives. Meet one of these remarkable people: Rachel Kaul. When disaster strikes, Rachel helps identify where the needs are and quickly mobilizes resources to meet them. After 9-11, she was there. After Hurricane Katrina, she was there. And she continues to serve during disasters and every day. Learn More >>

How Students Can Empower Their Communities to Protect Against Zika

If you work with students, then you probably know that they offer unique connections with their communities, are better able to communicate with their fellow students, and motivate action among their peers. Find out how you can help inspire the students in your community to learn about Zika and teach others. Learn more >>

A child spraying insect repellant on their legs

Preparing to Meet the Needs of Pediatric Patients in Disasters: Progress and the Path Forward

The Flint water crisis and the Zika outbreak have highlighted ways that children can be especially vulnerable when disaster strikes. Find out what actions HHS and its partners are taking to protect children’s health during and after disasters and emergencies. Learn More >>

A rescue worker wrapping a child in a warming blanket

Preparing to Keep Everyone Healthy in a Disaster: Delivering Gender-Informed Services

During National Women’s Health Week, many people and organizations are taking a look at concrete steps they can take to improve women’s health. If you are a public health or emergency planner, take a few minutes to think about steps you can take now to decrease gender-based violence, ensure equal access to services, and address the special concerns of at-risk groups when disaster strikes. Learn More >>

male and female gender icons on chalk board

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Sign the petition to protect net neutrality!

05/21/2017 Nativegrl77

Despite millions of people calling for the FCC to protect the open internet the FCC commission voted to move forward on repealing net neutrality protections. This process will last several months so we still have time to stop them!

Let’s show them the power of the internet. Sign the petition to tell the FCC: stay strong on net neutrality!

The future of the free and open internet is doomed if we don’t stand together and fight back.

Add your name today!

“The internet is the repository of all human knowledge—and goats singing Taylor Swift songs,” said John Oliver on his “Last Week Tonight” show this weekend. Oliver pleaded with his viewers to flood the FCC with comments to protect consumers’ rights to a free and open internet, and I am with him.Why? Because it’s true. The internet is a great place for many things—from animal videos to news and education to small business startups and our economy as we know it — we can’t afford to let FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s roll back Obama-era net neutrality protections.

Net neutrality protects our ability to access the content we want on the internet – and we must stand up for it.

Net neutrality keeps internet service providers from picking and choosing the speed and content you can access based on big corporations’ spending. It’s about protecting consumers’ ability to access affordable high-speed internet – which is especially critical for low-income families.

Last time we won net neutrality protections because millions of Americans made their voices heard. We have to do it again. The internet needs us.

Trump is once again putting the powerful ahead of ordinary Americans. His administration is allowing the FCC to give big corporations what they ask for — even if it hurts consumers.

The open internet is our platform for free speech, education, and innovation. John Oliver and I agree – everyone needs to stand together and protect it.

Raise your voice with us!

Ron