A look back as we go forward: Policies and Actions to begin 2020 -- Your civic action to-do list for 12-30-19
3. In 2019 nearly 40,000 people lost their lives in the United States as the result of gun violence. Capping this horrific statistic is the fact that there have been more than 400 mass shootings – that is more than one mass shooting per day! How many more communities will have to mourn and how many more people will have to die before our elected officials act?
In a nutshell: We know gun violence prevention policies work – data clearly shows that in countries with stronger firearms laws there is less gun violence.
Take Action: The Second Amendment is not unlimited. The Senate can act and must act in 2020 to pass universal background checks. Call your Senators and demand they support S. 42, the Background Check Expansion Act. We cannot let the gun lobby win!
2. The rise of white supremacy and anti-Semitism is an undeniable threat to the safety of our communities. Whether we are at synagogue, shopping in a grocery store, or celebrating a holiday in the comfort of our homes, every person, regardless of race, religion or culture, deserves to live a life without fear.
In a nutshell: The NO HATE Act and the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act are federal bills that would help stem the tide of hate crimes. The bills would improve hate crime reporting, expand resources to victims of hate crimes, and require federal law enforcement to regularly assess threats and provide training to local law enforcement.
Take Action: Our federal lawmakers must take concrete action as soon as they get back to work in the New Year. Call your Senators and Representative and urge them to co-sponsor these two bills!
1. On average more than 12 million women and men are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States over the course of a single year. Intimate partner violence impacts people of every race, religion, gender, immigration status, socio-economic status, region, and political party.
In a nutshell: The Violence Against Women Act has now been unauthorized for a year. In April the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan VAWA that survivors need. It is now up to the Senate to do their job.
Take Action: In 2020 we need the Senate to pass a VAWA bill with important improvements. Any VAWA must allow tribes to prosecute rapists who harm women on tribal lands, include housing protections, and close the “boyfriend loophole” so convicted abusers can’t access guns. Email your Senators and tell them to support a #VAWA4ALL, S. 2843.