Tag Archives: senate spot

April Childs via Change.org …


I’m calling on District Attorney Fred Bright not to press charges against a 14-year-old prostitution victim.

 contains graphic information that may be upsetting 

Crossing Party lines …


There are some things that we can all agree on… and I’m not just talking about the Seahawks.

We can all agree that if you work hard, you should be able to put food on the table, support your family, and make ends meet.

The cost of living is rising, and for too many it’s harder and harder to keep up. That’s why we need to raise the minimum wage.

Democrats in Olympia know raising the minimum wage will boost our economy and make it work for everybody. They’ve introduced legislation, House Bill 1355 and Senate Bill 5285, to raise the state minimum wage to $12 an hour — and they have bipartisan support!

Add your name as a citizen co-sponsor of Democratic legislation to raise the minimum wage to $12 in Washington State.

Raising the minimum wage to $12 an hour would mean an extra $347 per month if you’re currently making $10 an hour.1

That means an extra $347 per month to buy food, pay your rent, clothe your kids, or save up to make your family’s future more secure.

In the State of the Union, President Obama talked about middle-class economics. That’s the idea that our country works best when everybody does their fair share and gets a fair shot at the American dream.

In Washington State, Democrats are committed to the middle class. From working to make sure our schools are fully funded to changing our tax system — which is ranked as the most unfair in the country2 — Democrats in the legislature want to create an economy that works for everyone, and that includes you and me.

We need you to join us in the fight for a higher minimum wage. Please add your name today as a citizen co-sponsor today.

Best,

Misty

1 http://budgetandpolicy.org/schmudget/three-reasons-to-raise-the-minimum-wage

http://time.com/money/3667280/unfair-taxes-washington-state/

War as a last resort ? … common sense


VoteVets.org

When it comes to a diplomacy-first approach with Iran, President Obama is right.

“The American people expect us to only go to war as a last resort, and I intend to stay true to that wisdom.” – State of the Union address

The purpose of Iranian sanctions was always to open the door to negotiations; it would be irresponsible to tie negotiator’s hands as those efforts are beginning to bear fruit.

The U.S. Senate is set to take up the matter as early as next week, and last November’s election puts our diplomatic progress in jeopardy. As veterans, military family members, and VoteVets supporters, it’s important we make our voices heard.

Sign our petition telling the U.S. Senate to VOTE NO on the Menendez-Kirk bill designed to ensure diplomatic efforts fail.

Congress has the responsibility to do everything it can before putting American troops in harm’s way — which, as the President said, should only be a last resort.

That means letting diplomacy work without undermining our negotiators.

The debate isn’t over, but it’s clear that momentum is on the side of those who want to empower our negotiators and provide them the support they need. That’s good for America’s security, and military.

Add your voice to the debate. Tell the Senate to give diplomacy a chance:

http://action.votevets.org/iran

We’re going to deliver your signatures directly to Senators Menendez and Kirk’s offices. So your voice makes a difference.

Thanks for making it heard.

Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton
VoteVets.org

Putting Women’s Health First


Q: Is it true that women in the Philippines now have free access to contraception?

A: Yes, it is true! Millions of Filipinos will finally have universal, free access to contraception—as well as expanded reproductive health education. After a decade of political debate and year-long a Supreme Court battle, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, also known as the RH Law, will be going into effect. Read more > In the News Mississippi Governor Bryant Signs Dangerous and Unconstitutional Ban on Abortion…read more > Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Severely Restricting Access to Medication Abortion…read more > Health Care Providers Ask Full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to Reconsider Texas Law that Blocks Abortion Access…read more >   RW, April 2014

  In The NEWs

Mississippi Governor Bryant Signs Dangerous and Unconstitutional Ban on Abortion…read more >

Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Severely Restricting Access to Medication Abortion…read more >

Health Care Providers Ask Full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to Reconsider Texas Law that Blocks Abortion Access…read more >

RW, April 2014

Putting Women’s Health First

RW, April 2014

A Dallas hospital has chosen to discriminate against two good doctors rather than protect women’s health. Recently, the hospital revoked the doctors’ admitting privileges, specifically because—and they said as much—they provide abortion services. That’s illegal, and our partners are fighting against the hospital’s decision in court. Here’s what the hospital told them: “[Your] practice of performing [abortions] is disruptive…[and] creates significant exposure and damages to [our] reputation within the community.” It’s insane for a hospital to deny women care because it believes performing abortions “damages” its reputation. This lawsuit will remind the hospital—and the Texas government—that it must put women’s health first. Read More >

Victory in North Dakota and Arkansas

RW, April 2014

When Arkansas banned abortion at twelve weeks of pregnancy last year, we thought the state was redefining the word “extreme.” But just weeks later, North Dakota set a new low by banning abortion at six weeks—before most women even know they’re pregnant. We immediately challenged both of these laws and, with help from supporters like you, we’ve secured resounding victories from the courts. It’s essential that we’re prepared to challenge dangerous and unconstitutional restrictions like these, but the truth is women should not be forced to go to court, year after year in state after state, to protect their constitutional rights. We need Congress to pass a law that will stop these bans before they get passed. Please urge your senators and representatives to support the Women’s Health Protection Act. Take action today >

Ruth Schmidt


Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest

This year,(2014) Alaska lost a legend when Ruth Schmidt passed away at the age of 97.

In a time when many women weren’t encouraged to enter scientific fields, Ruth received her Masters (in 1939) and Ph.D. (in 1948) from Columbia University before going on to become a prominent geologist. She moved to Alaska in 1956, and later founded the Geology Department at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

An article in the Anchorage Daily News from April summed up just how impressive Ruth’s accomplishments were: “Recently the American Association of Petroleum Geologists announced it would honor the organization’s first 100 female members to commemorate its centennial in 2017. The first woman featured is Ruth A.M. Schmidt.”

Ruth was a treasure to the state of Alaska, not just because of her professional accomplishments, but also because of her storied philanthropic work.

As her obituary notes, “she supported conservation, opera and symphony, social services, public media, science, and science education for women and minorities.”

There’s something else to add to the list: Ruth supported women’s health and reproductive justice.

We were overwhelmed and amazed when we learned that part of Ruth’s will included a bequest to Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, the first-ever contribution of that type to our organization.

We want to thank and honor Ruth for her support of women’s health and reproductive freedom.

Because of Ruth’s generosity, we have been able to wage a stronger fight against the threats to women’s health posed by politicians who want to interfere in personal medical decisions. Coupled with the support of thousands of activists like you – as donors, volunteers, and community supporters – we’ve been able to advance a progressive agenda across Alaska, Idaho, and Washington fighting for women and families.

Ruth was a trailblazer for women, for science, for Alaska, and for reproductive health and rights. If you want to continue her legacy with us, add your name to the list as someone who will continue to fight for women’s health in 2015 and beyond.

Thank you for all that you do.

Elaine Rose
CEO
Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest