Saturday, June 29, 2013

Don't let the Koch brothers control public television

Below is an email from Joe Dinkin of the organization Working Families. Joe started a petition on the MoveOn website, where anyone can start their own online petition.


Dear MoveOn member,

Last month, The New Yorker reported that public television backed out of its deal to air the documentary Citizen Kochjust because they were afraid of upsetting billionaire donor David Koch. David Koch has donated $23 million as a board member of two flagship PBS stations, WNET in New York and WGBH in Boston.

Public television was founded to support the public interest, not to cater to the private interests of wealthy donors like the Koch brothers. 

Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers, Citizen Koch exposes the outsize role of money in American politics, from the Kochs and other major political spenders. This is exactly the kind of dialogue that public television was founded to foster, regardless of whether or not a powerful donor is happy about it.

That's why I started a petition to Corporation for Public Broadcasting President and CEO Patricia de Stacy Harrison, Public Broadcasting Service President and CEO Paula Kerger, and Independent Television Service President and CEO Sally Jo Fifer, which says:

Koch money shouldn't influence public television programming—we want to see the film Citizen Koch aired on PBS!

Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.

Thanks!

–Joe Dinkin

This petition was created on MoveOn's online petition site, where anyone can start their own online petitions. Working Families didn't pay us to send this email—we never rent or sell the MoveOn.org list.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 29, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Corruption won this time--but we're coming back stronger.

Corruption prevailed in Albany last week, but that isn't stopping MoveOn members from starting new campaigns about important issues affecting them. Will you start a petition today? We'll help kick off your campaign by sending your petition to other MoveOn members.

Start My Petition

Dear New York MoveOn member,

The New York state Senate left an important piece of business unfinished by not passing the Fair Elections Act before they adjourned last Friday. This corruption-ending campaign finance reform proposal was passed in the State Assembly, and publicly supported by Governor Cuomo and more than 70% of New Yorkers statewide, but a small group of so-called "Independent Democrats" joined with Republican politicians to protect the status quo.1

It's not every day that one state has the chance to pass model legislation for the entire nation. The Fair Elections Act had the potential to end New York's pay-to-play culture and significantly expand the number of people able to run for public office. Fair Elections wasn't for the corporations and the billionaires who currently have a death grip on power in the state—it was for the rest of us.

But while some state Senators showed us the worst side of politics, MoveOn members and the Fair Elections Coalition showed New York what a people-powered movement looks like. Over 10,000 MoveOn members engaged in the Fair Elections campaign, delivering thousands of petition signatures to the state Senators who were blocking progress, and joining with other activists from across the state to pack the capitol for lobbying days. Members even "swept money out of politics" at the capitol steps with mops and brooms, and donned $100 bill costumes to represent money flooding the capitol.

And those were just the high-profile events. Thousands of flyers were distributed in public spaces throughout New York, and Governor Cuomo and state Senators received hundreds of phone calls in support of Fair Elections for months.

We may have fallen just short on our ultimate goal, but this campaign was definitely worth the fight. New York progressives are fired up. That's why if you're passionate about an issue in your community or one that affects the entire state, now is definitely the time to take action.

Starting your MoveOn petition on an important state, local, or national issue takes just a few minutes. Even if you've never run a campaign before, we'll provide you the tools and tips to be effective. If you start a progressive petition on MoveOn's petitions site right now, we'll send it to other MoveOn members to help kickstart your campaign.

Will you start a MoveOn petition today?

This year's fight for Fair Elections was a coalition effort like we've never seen before, and it was an inspiration for people organizing against everything from money in politics to fracking. Where we go from here is up to you and more than a half a million other New York MoveOn members to decide.

There are millions of leaders just like you who care passionately about their communities and their country. That's why MoveOn is providing the tech tools and the people power to help our members run campaigns that make a difference.

Start your petition today.

Thanks for all you do.

–Mark, Matt P., Joan, Manny, and the rest of the team

P.S. We'd be remiss if we didn't give a shout out to Susan Weber, Joe Seeman, Lisa Oldendorp, Maria Schafer, and Jamie Kemmerer for their leadership in the fight for Fair Elections. They led a valiant effort by MoveOn members across the state!

P.P.S. Take a look at photos from one of our "The People Demand Fair Elections" rallies:

Members rally outside Senator Farley's office

Members rally outside Senator Farley's office

Members rally outside Senator Farley's office

Source:

1. "New Bipartisan Poll: New York Voters Overwhelmingly Agree Campaign Finance Reform is Key to Ending Corruption," Fair Elections for New York, May 6, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290666&id=70313-10220574-hErVvkx&t=4

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 28, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Wendy Davis

Texas state Senator Wendy Davis' filibuster, supported by hundreds of protestors, stopped Republican leadership from passing one of the most restrictive anti-choice bills in the country into law. Can you show Sen. Wendy Davis that we've got her back by pledging to support her in her next campaign? 

Make a Pledge!

Dear MoveOn member,

On Tuesday night, the nation's eyes were on Texas state Senator Wendy Davis, who bravely stood on the floor of the Texas Statehouse for 11 hours—without food or water—filibustering a bill that would have been a devastating setback for women's reproductive rights.1

Earlier in the day, when hundreds of protestors packed into the Statehouse, the Legislature shut down their testimonies. So Sen. Davis stood for them. With support from Democratic allies, she launched her filibuster, reading aloud the stories of those who didn't get to testify.2

That's what a true leader looks like. Let's make sure champions like Sen. Davis know that when they stand up for what's right, we've got their backs. 

Will you show Sen. Wendy Davis you've got her back by making a pledge to support her in whatever office she runs for next? You don't have to enter your credit card information. 

Republicans are attacking women's rights, economic rights, and voting rights in statehouses across the country. The bill Sen. Davis was fighting against would have criminalized abortion after 20 weeks with no exceptions, implementing new standards that would have forced nearly every clinic in the state to close.3

But as Sen. Davis' filibuster was stopped by a procedural point, protestors in the gallery rose up in a "people's filibuster," drowning out Republican leadership until the deadline had passed—effectively killing the bill.4

This was an unforgettable moment, but we know this fight isn't over. As we've seen in Virginia, Ohio, and, most recently, Wisconsin, Republicans are on the attack, and they are not backing down.

Sadly, it's likely that Sen. Davis would have lost her seat in 2012 to redistricting if it weren't for the same Voting Rights Act protections the Supreme Court dismantled Tuesday.5 And as if that weren't bad enough, moments after the court's decision, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said that the state's restrictive voter ID law would go into effect immediately.6

We must build on the groundswell of support we saw Tuesday, and stand together to fight back against these restrictive policies. And that's why building a war chest for Sen. Davis is more important than ever.

Let's show Republicans that—like Sen. Davis—we aren't afraid, and we won't back down.

Click here to make a pledge to Wendy Davis' next campaign. 

We need more heroes like Wendy Davis and all those who fought for freedom Tuesday night in Texas.

Thanks for all you do.

Ilya, Milan, Garlin, Susannah, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Who is Wendy Davis?" The Washington Post, June 26, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291114&id=70215-10220574-9dSgqlx&t=4

2. "Texas abortion bill fails to pass after epic filibuster," NBC NEWS, June 25, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291115&id=70215-10220574-9dSgqlx&t=5

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. "Wendy Davis' Texas Senate Seat Was Saved By Voting Rights Act," Huffington Post, June 26, 2013 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291116&id=70215-10220574-9dSgqlx&t=6

6. Ibid.

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 27, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Big immigration vote this week!

Can you call your senators and urge them to support the current immigration bill? Tell them: "Please support a clear roadmap to citizenship for 11 million aspiring Americans." 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: (202) 224-4451

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

Report Your Call

After you call your senators, will you watch this video made by MoveOn members leading the fight for immigration reform and then share it with your friends on Facebook? 

Share The Video

Dear MoveOn member,

This week the Senate will vote on an immigration bill that, if passed, would add $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy, help make Social Security more solvent, and provide a pathway to citizenship for nearly 11 million Americans.1 

This bill is far from perfect, but MoveOn members have played a pivotal role in advancing meaningful reform—by pushing for inclusion of LGBTQ families and holding public officials accountable for making bigoted remarks. 

However, if we want to ensure that the gains made by the current immigration bill are maintained, then we need to urge immigration supporters in Congress to stand up to any further efforts to erode the current bill. 

To achieve immigration reform that creates a clear roadmap to citizenship for nearly 11 million aspiring Americans, the bill needs to clear a Senate vote this week and get voted on in the House. 

Will you show your support for immigration reform by calling your senators to demand that they vote yes on the current Senate bill?

Here's where to call: 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Phone: (202) 224-4451

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

You can report your call by clicking here.

In just the past week, Senate Democrats gave in to Republican demands in a disappointing compromise that would waste billions of taxpayer dollars by adding 20,000 additional border security agents, hundreds of miles of walls, and the use of military grade equipment we've seen deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq to militarize our already secure border.2

MoveOn members are committed to making sure that no more compromises are made to the current bill. Check out what some of your fellow MoveOn members have accomplished, then say you're with them by calling your senators to make sure that they vote for immigration reform: 

  • MoveOn members organized I Am American house meetings in their communities to show local support for immigration reform. These meeting's launched MoveOn's national immigration campaign and helped build a strong team of MoveOn Immigration Ambassadors, a team of dedicated MoveOn members leading MoveOn's efforts for immigration reform. 
  • We've launched the Wall of Shame to call out bigoted language used to kill immigration reform—and to change the terms of the debate. MoveOn members and allies have been calling out public figures like Representative Steve King (R-IA) who've made bigoted comments in the fight for immigration reform.3
  • Individual MoveOn members all around the country have been targeting members of Congress to make sure that their voices are heard in support of immigration reform—members like Amos L. from San Francisco who has been working tirelessly to ensure that binational same-sex couples are included in the immigration bill.  
Together with our allies, MoveOn members are 8 million people strong in support of comprehensive immigration reform. Call your senators right now, and then please report your call by clicking here:

http://civ.moveon.org/call?tg=FSNY_2.FSNY_1&cp_id=1947&id=70179-10220574-q7h0CWx&t=6

Thanks for all you do.

–Mariana, Alejandro, Elena, Carinne, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Granting Undocumented Immigrants Citizenship Would Boost Economy, 75 Percent of Americans Say," The Huffington Post, June 24, 2013

2. "Immigration reform passes key Senate test," CNN Politics, June 25, 2013

3. "Steve King: 'Illegal Aliens Have Just Invaded My DC Office'," Talking Points Memo, June 13, 2013

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 27, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Tomorrow in Brooklyn: Stop Student Loan Rates from Doubling

 
☆YOU'RE INVITED!☆
Day of Action to Stop Student Loan Rates from Doubling in Brooklyn

Host: Desiree R.

Where: Chase Manhattan Bank (in Brooklyn)

When: Thursday, Jun. 27, at 10:00 AM

Can you come?
Click below for more details and to RSVP:

Yes I'll be there!
I can come.


I can't make it.
Sorry, I can't make it, but I'm interested in getting more updates.

WhatMoveOn members are holding emergency events at congressional offices, outside banks and on campuses in over 55 cities on Thursday to stop student loan rates from doubling on July 1. It's not too latethere is still time for Congress to turn the tide on student debt, but only if we make our voices heard. Can you join us at an event in Brooklyn to deliver the message: "Don't let student loan interest rates double"?
 
 

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 26, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Supreme Court finishes what GOP couldn't do last year

The Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act, making it a lot harder to block radical right-wing governors and state legislatures from discriminating against millions of voters. Can you chip in $5 to help fight new Supreme Court-sanctioned discriminatory laws? 

Chip in $5
 

Dear MoveOn member,

This is devastating: The Supreme Court, following the most circular logic you've ever read, has struck down an essential part of the Voting Rights Act.1 Some advocates are saying the Voting Rights Act has been gutted entirely.2

In short, the Voting Rights Act allows the federal government to stop discriminatory voting laws from being enacted by the states. And it's been working. Just last year, new laws were struck down in Texas, South Carolina and Florida—arguably three of the most important states for upcoming elections.3 Two of those defeated laws were deemed flat-out racist.4

Yesterday's ruling clears the way for states with conservative legislatures to implement whatever voting laws they want. And it gives power to Congress to determine what, if any, states should now be covered by the VRA.

This was right-wing judicial activism at its worst. But MoveOn members represent grassroots activism at its best.

The Supreme Court is opening the floodgates to a wave of conservative organizing to pass discriminatory laws state by state. This is the type of battle we've been prepping for. We've spent the last six months experimenting with new ways for MoveOn members to have a huge impact on state issues—and voter suppression is one of them.

If we can raise $150,000 in the next 24 hours, we'll go all-in to stop the Court's decision from stealing elections and stripping the right to vote from millions of Americans.

Can you chip in $5 to support new member-led campaigns to protect the right to vote?

Yes, I'll chip in $5.

MoveOn members won't sit idly by while the Supreme Court lends a hand to politicians assaulting our voting rights. We proved last year in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania—where MoveOn members led months-long campaigns to protect the vote—that thousands of fed up Americans can put a stop to this nonsense.

In Pennsylvania, Steven S. led a statewide crusade against a voter ID law that could have affected more than 700,000 voters. Other MoveOn members replicated Steven's campaign at the county level to pressure local voting officials, and Steven led an ambitious Twitter campaign against the state Supreme Court. In Ohio, members funded digital billboards with voting information in neighborhoods targeted by right-wing scare tactics, and lobbed thousands of calls into the Secretary of State's office.

Now that the Supreme Court has opened the floodgates, it's time for a comprehensive strategy. One that supports the commitment of our allies, and relies on the leadership of MoveOn members like you.

Chip in $5 to make sure the Supreme Court doesn't deny the right to vote to millions of Americans.

If we can raise $150,000 in the next 24 hours, here's a preview of what we'll do: 

  • Push Congress to pass a fix. The Voting Rights Act was renewed with overwhelming majorities as recently as 2006. And the Supreme Court explicitly left the door open to Congress taking action to put the heart back in the Act. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid just promised to take action.5
  • Push for a constitutional amendment: Our friends at ColorOfChange are leading the charge for a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to vote in the Constitution. If we have the resources, we'll make sure that MoveOn members around the country are plugged in as the amendment fight builds steam.
  • Proactive state-level legislation: We should be expanding the right to vote—not restricting it. States like Minnesota and Colorado are among those leading the nation on voting rights' expansion, with initiatives like online voter registration, same-day voter registration, and other initiatives.

MoveOn members have proven their commitment to protecting the right to vote time and time again, but this is the biggest obstacle yet. Can you chip $5 today?

Yes, I'll contribute to protect the right to vote.

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Linda, Eric, Lenore, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Part of Voting Rights Act," The New York Times,July 25, 2013 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291071&id=70113-10220574-cwnsO4x&t=5

2. "Supreme Court Guts Voting Rights Act," Colorlines, June 25, 2013 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291078&id=70113-10220574-cwnsO4x&t=6

3. "South Carolina voter ID law struck down," CBS News, December, 23, 2011 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291073&id=70113-10220574-cwnsO4x&t=7

4. "Justice Department bars Texas voter ID law," The Washington Post, March 12, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291072&id=70113-10220574-cwnsO4x&t=8

5. "Harry Reid: Senate 'will act' on Voting Rights Act," Politico, June 25, 2013 
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=291086&id=70113-10220574-cwnsO4x&t=9

 

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 26, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Bank on Students: Thursday in Brooklyn


Join me in Brooklyn to stop student loan rates from doubling!

Join An Action
Dear MoveOn member,

I'll get straight to the point: In 6 days, student loan interest rates are set to double, from 3.4% to 6.8%.

For the average American who owes $26,000 in college loans, that could translate to an additional $15,000 worth of interest payments—and another 6 years of debt.1

It isn't too late for Congress to take action and stop student rates from doubling ahead of the July 1 deadline—but if we're going to break through the partisan deadlock in Washington, we have to make our voices heard. 

That's why this Thursday, thousands of MoveOn members are taking action at congressional offices, outside banks, and on college campuses around the country and delivering a single message: Don't Double Student Loan Rates. 

Can you join us in Brooklyn? 

Yes, I'll be there!

No, I can't make it

Earlier this month, over 480,000 MoveOn members signed Senator Elizabeth Warren's MoveOn petition in support of her Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act, a bill to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1 by setting them at the same low rates as the big banks get.

Preventing student loan interest rates from doubling will not solve the $1 trillion student debt crisis, but it is an important first step. That's why with only 6 days to stop the rates from doubling, we need to ramp up our efforts one more time—and make sure our elected officials hear from us. 

Will you be a part of a MoveOn action in Brooklyn on Thursday to stop student loan interest rates from doubling? 

Yes, I'll be there!

No, I can't make it.

Thank you for all you do. 

–Anna, Carinne, Ilya, Susannah, and the rest of the team

Source:

1 "Student Loan Calculator," Democracy for America, accessed June 24, 2013  http://democracyforamerica.com/studentloandebt

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 24, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Tell the Senate to pass immigration reform

Below is an email from Matt Hildreth of the organization America's Voice. Matt started a petition on the MoveOn website, where anyone can start their own online petition.


Dear MoveOn member,

In America, we believe that everyone is equal—period.

But that's not how our current immigration system works. Under our immigration laws, immigrants currently living in the U.S. without papers have no way to fix their immigration status and pursue the rights obtained through citizenship. These immigrants—many of whom are American in every way but on paper—are doomed to a life in the shadows. They are prevented from doing things many U.S. citizens take for granted, like driving, working, applying for credit cards, and even visiting sick family members overseas.

The Senate will soon vote on an immigration bill that would fix this tragedy by creating a pathway to citizenship for these 11 million Americans without papers. Through this pathway, students, workers, family members, and even some immigrants with deportation orders under the previous broken system would finally be allowed to pursue their American dream and eventual citizenship. 

Tell the Senate to pass immigration reform and provide a pathway to citizenship.

Advocates have been fighting for these reforms for years, and we have never seen a better chance for making these dreams a reality.

But some anti-immigrant senators—led by Senator Jeff Sessions—are trying to kill the bill by destroying the path to citizenship and promoting inhumane policies that would keep these 11 million people in the shadows so they "self-deport."

Our movement has reached a tipping point, and we need your help to finish the job.

That's why I started a petition to the United States Senate, which says:

Please support the pathway to citizenship in the Senate's immigration bill. All Americans, regardless of their immigration status, must be given a chance at citizenship. The 11 million immigrants currently living in the U.S. without immigration status need a pathway to citizenship so that they can pursue their American DREAM.

Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.

Thanks!

–Matt Hildreth

This petition was created on MoveOn's online petition site, where anyone can start their own online petitions. America's Voice didn't pay us to send this email—we never rent or sell the MoveOn.org list.

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 21, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Public financing demonstrators arrested!

Dear New York MoveOn member,

Tomorrow, the New York state Senate will adjourn and, unless a miracle happens, they'll have missed an amazing opportunity to bring campaign finance reform that can get big money out of politics and clamp down on the state's rampant corruption.

Over 10,000 MoveOn members have been engaged in the campaign for Fair Elections. Here's an update and urgent call to action from petition creator Susan Weber:

Yesterday, as the end of the current legislative session approaches, and Governor Cuomo and the Independent Democratic Coalition give up on campaign finance reform, we held a massive rally at the Capitol. We directed our energies to those donkeys with trunks, the IDC and Jeff Klein, its chief rogue. Those who chose to do so staged a sit-in and were arrested. 

Here is a video, very moving, especially the toward the end:

Protester being arrested

These brave demonstrators sat down and were arrested to make the point that our government is completely unresponsive to its citizens. Thank you Steve, Charlotte, Alice, Pat, Jess, Karen, Mike, Daniel, and all the rest of our allies, arrested and not, who work so hard for change! We are proud of you!

Please use these last few hours before seesion ends to call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and demand that he make FAIR ELECTIONS his highest priority NOW!

Thanks for all you do!

Susan W.

P.S. Have you seen the Gallery of Graft and Corruption quiz? Test yourself to see how well you know New York's corrupt politicians.

Thanks for all you do.

–Mark, Eric, Mariana, Maria, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 20, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act

Below is an email from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. Senator Warren recently introduced the Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act in the Senate and started a petition on MoveOn's public petition website, formerly called SignOn.org.



Join me

Dear SignOn.org member,

The biggest banks in the country—the ones that wrecked our economy and cost millions of Americans their jobs—pay next to nothing on the debt they owe the government, while students pay nine times as much. That isn't right.

That's why I've introduced the Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act to let students take advantage of the same low rates offered to banks for one year while Congress finds a fair, long-term solution on student loan interest rates. 

Will you add your voice in support of giving students the same deal as big banks? Click here to sign the petition.

The interest rate on federal subsidized Stafford student loans is set to increase from 3.4% to 6.8% on July 1st. If Congress doesn't act soon, millions of college students will see their student loan payments jump.

Some argue that it's too expensive to keep government loans at low interest rates, but the federal government makes low interest loans all the time—just not to everyone. Big banks can borrow money through the Federal Reserve discount window at a rate of about 0.75%. 

That's why I started a petition on MoveOn's petition site which says: 

Wall Street banks—the ones that wrecked our economy—should not be getting a better interest rate on their government loans than young people trying to go to college.

Click here to add your name to this petition, and then pass it along to your friends.

Unlike the big banks, students don't have armies of lobbyists and lawyers. But they do have us. 

Let's do what's right and bank on students.

Thanks!

–Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator

This petition was created on MoveOn Petitions Political Action Edition (formerly called SignOn.org Election Edition), where anyone can start their own online petitions. Senator Elizabeth Warren didn't pay us to send this email—we never rent or sell the MoveOn.org list.



Subscription Management:
This is a message from SignOn.org. To change your email address or update your contact info, please visit:
http://signon.org/edit_account.html
To remove yourself (eddie alfaro) from this list, please visit our subscription management page at:
http://signon.org/bulk_unsub.html?i=69783-10220574-xSrjy6x

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Next Thursday in Inwood

Will you host a "Congress: Don't Double Our Rates" gathering in Inwood next Thursday, June 27? 

Host an Event!
Dear MoveOn member,

The numbers are staggering: The cost of college has increased 440% over the past 25 years,students are graduating with an average of $26,000 in college loans,2 and student loan debt is now at more than $1 trillion—more than the nation's combined credit card debt.3

But it could get even worse. Congress is on the verge of letting student loan interest rates double in just thirteen days. If we let that happen, we'll lose our best opportunity to provide relief for millions of students and graduates being crushed by student loan debt—and miss our chance to have a real national conversation about what investing in students might look like.

That's why MoveOn members coast to coast are rallying at the offices of members of Congress next Thursday, June 27, to send a clear message to Congress: Don't Double Our Rates! 

We still need a host for an event near Inwood. Can you step up and lead? Click here to post your gathering for Thursday, June 27:


First pick a time and a location for your action and post it in MoveOn's online system, then we'll invite other MoveOn members in your area to attend and make sure you have everything you need for a successful Bank on Students action. And you'll be equipped with the latest updates on Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act, which would let students pay the same rates the big banks pay. 

As Sen. Warren told 10,000 MoveOn members during an emergency briefing earlier this month, making sure student loan rates don't double on July 1 is the vital first step in taking on the student debt crisis that burdens so many American families today.


Thanks so much for all you do.

Anna, Manny, Rosy, Linda, and the rest of the team

1. "Student Loan Debt Is a Beast. Here Are Elizabeth Warren's, President Obama's, and the GOP's Plans to Fix It," Mother Jones, June 3, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290535&id=69701-10220574-heRkCyx&t=4

2. Project on Student Debt, accessed June 17, 2013 
http://projectonstudentdebt.org/

3. "Who makes money off your student loans? You might be surprised," Yahoo News, May 23, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290799&id=69701-10220574-heRkCyx&t=5

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 18, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Can you help out?

Dear MoveOn member,

MoveOn has recently added a bunch of cool new features to our website where anyone can start their own online petitions—and now we need help from folks like you to make sure everything is working exactly right.

You can help by launching your own petition on whatever issue you're most concerned about and sharing it with your friends. As you get started, we'll be keeping tabs on our end and fine-tuning anything that can be improved.

To be clear, we don't want fake petitions just for testing purposes—it only helps if you start a real petition on an issue where you really want to make a difference. But by starting a petition now, you can not only make your voice heard on an important issue but also help MoveOn road-test our newest online campaign tools for the next person.

Click here to start your petition right now.

Thanks for all you do.

Steven, Nick, Alejandro, Carinne, and the rest of the team 

P.S. If you get 20 signatures on your petition, we'll email it to at least 1,000 people in your area to help it grow (assuming, of course, that it's consistent with MoveOn's progressive values).

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 17, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Monday: Crossroads Rally to ban fracking in New York

Dear New York MoveOn member,

I wanted to make sure you saw this important call to action from our friends at Food & Water Watch—I don't think you'll want to miss this:

I'm writing to make sure that you know about an important event that's coming up. This coming Monday is the Crossroads Rally, a historic opportunity for all New Yorkers to tell Governor Cuomo to pursue renewable energy—not fracking—here in New York.

Will you join us at the rally? We have buses available from more than 20 cities across the state, converging at noon in Albany for this historic moment.

Click here to sign up for the rally.

Crossroads Rally, Albany,  June 17

Hope you can make it on Monday!

Sarah Alexander
Deputy Organizing Director, Food & Water Watch

Tens of thousands of New York MoveOn members have signed petitions, attended rallies, and organized locally to call on Governor Cuomo to keep fracking out of the Empire state. Momentum is building around the state—let's show the power of our movement this Monday.

Thanks for all you do.

–Victoria, Alex, Lenore, Eric, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 15, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Tell Congress: Don't double student loan interest rates!

On July 1, student loan rates could double. So just days before the deadline, on Thursday, June 27, we're organizing a national day of action to stand with students across the country and tell Congress: Don't double student loan interest rates! Can you host an event in Inwood?

Click Here to Host!
Dear MoveOn member,

In 16 days, student loan rates are set to double—if Congress fails to act.

That's why on Thursday, June 27, just before the deadline, we're organizing a national day of action to make sure that Congress hears our message loud and clear: Don't let student loan rates double!

Can you stand with students across the country by hosting a Bank on Students action on June 27 in Inwood?


Yes! I can host a Bank on Students Day of Action!

MoveOn members have been doing emergency organizing to make sure that the Republican proposal to double the rate of interest on student loan debt doesn't pass. After an emergency briefing with Senator Elizabeth Warren last week, hundreds of MoveOn members took immediate action by going directly to their members of Congress and telling their student debt stories. Students across the country are also organizing Bank on Us actions at their upcoming graduations.

The June 27 Bank on Students actions will ramp up the pressure on Congress to do the right thing and stop student loan rates from doubling.

Hosting an event is simple. All you have to do is pick a time and a location, either outside of your local congressional office, on campus, or outside of a local lender like Fannie Mae, and then register your event through the link below. After you register your event, we'll recruit other MoveOn members to it, and we'll make sure you have everything you need for a successful Bank on Students action.

We've got momentum on our side—but we need members like you to help amplify the voices of students across the country by organizing Bank on Students actions in your community. Can you stand with students across the country by hosting a Bank on Students action on June 27 in Inwood? 

Yes! I can host a Bank on Students Day of Action!

Thanks for all you do.

–Anna, Carinne, Ilya, Susannah, and the rest of the team

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 14, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Fwd: URGENT CALL ALERT! Fair Elections NOW!

Dear New York MoveOn member,

We've got one week left to pass campaign finance reform in New York that could be a model for the nation. Thousands of MoveOn members and allies have campaigned for months to pass the Fair Elections Act. Now it's time for an all-hands-on-deck, final push.

Here's an update and urgent call to action from petition creator Susan Weber:

Dear MoveOn member,

We're down to the wire on FAIR ELECTIONS for NY...only a bit more than a week till end of session. 

The Assembly passed the bill in May; now we must convince our Governor Cuomo, the NY Senate's Independent Democratic leader Jeff Klein, and Majority Leader Dean Skelos that we need public financing! Our message? "Do the right thing. Don't go home without it!"

Please call your Governor Andrew Cuomo (518-474-8390), Dean Skelos (518-455-3171) and Jeff Klein (518-455-3595). Remind them:

  • 91% of New Yorkers say political corruption is a serious problem in NY1
  • More than 70% of likely voters in New York favor public financing of elections to fix this problem2
  • Public financing will cost about $2 per citizen PER YEAR.3

We can't afford NOT TO DO IT!

You can report your calls here (or not...but please do call).

These calls count. The operator's job is to take your message for the boss. Please call EARLY and OFTEN!

Thanks for all you do... If you don't, who will?

Susan Weber
MoveOn Regional Organizer
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/fair-elections-for-new?id=69456-10220574-gAskklx&t=2

Thanks for all you do.

–Mark, Lenore, Joan, Wes, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "New York Voters Expect More Political Corruption Busts—And Say Their Reps Might Be Next: Siena," NY Daily News, April 22, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290665&id=69456-10220574-gAskklx&t=3

2. "New Bipartisan Poll: New York Voters Overwhelmingly Agree Campaign Finance Reform is Key to Ending Corruption," Fair Elections for New York, May 6, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290666&id=69456-10220574-gAskklx&t=4

3. "Study: Public campaigns will cost less than $2/person," Capitol Confidential, December 3, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290667&id=69456-10220574-gAskklx&t=5

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 13, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Monday in Rockville Center: The People Demand Fair Elections Petition Delivery

 
☆YOU'RE INVITED!☆
Take Action
Monday in Rockville Center 

 
 
Host: Joe L. 

Where: Senator Skelos' Office

When: Monday, June 10 at 2 p.m.

What: The people of New York are sick and tired of corruption in politics! The Fair Elections Bill provides a comprehensive and balanced approach to campaign reform. We are gathering at Sen. Skelos' office to present him with a petition with over 10,000 signatures. Senator Skelos, you must allow the bill to come to the Senate floor for a vote. That would be true democracy!
Can you join us in Rockville Center on Monday?

 
 

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 8, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Congress listened to me on Tuesday

I survived sexual assault when I served in the Navy. On Tuesday, I went to Washington, D.C., and told Congress that they must deliver justice for me and other survivors now.

Me with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Will you call your senator right now and tell him you support legislation to have military sexual assault prosecutions removed from the chain of command so that survivors have someone they can call to report assaults?

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

Report Your Call

Dear MoveOn member,

I had a long day Tuesday, but it was well worth it.

I traveled to Washington, D.C., for the first time in my life to carry my message of removing prosecutions of military sexual assaults from the military chain of command, with the support of more than 215,000 MoveOn members and supporters from the Courage Campaign. I started my MoveOn petition campaign more six weeks ago, and it was time to get answers from Congress.

I survived multiple sexual assaults while I served in the U.S. Navy in Alaska. Some of the people who attacked me were my commanding officers, making it nearly impossible for me to report the crimes without fear of them hurting me again, or worse.

The media were interested in my story, and they started interviewing me at 6:20 a.m.!1 But my first meeting was at the office of Senator Mitch McConnell, my senator. Sen. McConnell isn't on the record supporting my cause, and he didn't accept my request for a meeting last week while he was in Kentucky for the Senate's Memorial Day recess. But at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, I went to his D.C. office.

I was nervous—they made me wait for 20 minutes—but then they apologized and his staff person told me something that no one had ever heard before: Sen. McConnell had heard my story, seen my campaign, and supports removing military sexual assault prosecutions from the chain of command. That's a huge deal.

Me  at Senator McConnell's office

I then met with Representative Jackie Speier, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senator Lisa Murkowski's staff, all of whom agreed that we need to change how we prosecute these crimes in the military. I met with Sen. Gillibrand right after she finished grilling the leaders of the military at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on sexual assault about how they've "lost the trust of the men and women who rely on you, that you will actually bring justice in these cases."2

I left Sen. Gillibrand to do an interview with ABC News about my experience delivering my petitions and my opinions on the hearing that was happening right behind me. As I spoke, I turned and saw the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other military leaders—who had just got finished defending the status quo that enables thousands of military sexual assaults every year3—fill the hallways and stand close enough to hear my story and my call for change. They didn't speak to me, but they could no longer keep me quiet either.

Me interviewing with top military officials  behind me

I had to catch my breath after that, before dashing off to do a video interview with the Washington Post and grab lunch.4 I finished the day with a final Hill meeting with Representative Niki Tsongas, who's also fighting hard to change the system.

My last stop of the day was a CNN appearance with Jake Tapper, which I almost missed because of crazy D.C. traffic.5 But I made it, and Jake asked me to tell my story on live television to his viewers, and then he promised to personally help me and other survivors get justice.

I'm back home now and trying to get some rest after my 48-hour whirlwind trip. But I left Washington energized to keep fighting for justice. I need your help to get every U.S. senator to co-sponsor legislation to remove military sexual assault prosecutions from the chain of command. Please call Senator Charles Schumer right now and get him on board.

Senator Charles Schumer
Phone: (202) 224-6542

Then, please report your call by clicking here.

It took a long time for me to become able to tell my story and push hard for this change. I hope that everyone, including other survivors, will come forward and speak out so that our servicemen and servicewomen can serve without fear of being attacked by their brethren.

Thanks for all you do.

–Trina McDonald

Sources:

1. "Tuesday, June 4, 2013," WTOP, June 4, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290511&id=69068-10220574-cnxbtZx&t=5

2. "Gillibrand, McCaskill grill military leaders over handling of sexual assault," NBC Politics, June 4, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290512&id=69068-10220574-cnxbtZx&t=6

3. "Military Sexual Assaults Spike Despite Efforts To Combat Epidemic," The Huffington Post, May 7, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290513&id=69068-10220574-cnxbtZx&t=7

4. "Navy rape survivor asks Congress for help," The Washington Post, June 4, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290514&id=69068-10220574-cnxbtZx&t=8

5. "Military rape survivor: I was drugged and raped, and didn't tell anyone," CNN, June 4, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=290515&id=69068-10220574-cnxbtZx&t=9

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 8 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.


This email was sent to eddie alfaro on June 6, 2013. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.