LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-3-17

Protect Medicaid for our most vulnerable citizens

Medicaid currently covers 49% of all births, 64% of all nursing home residents, and 76% of all children in poverty. It is imperative that this funding remains for these integral services. While the Senate continues working on its healthcare bill, call your Senator or attend a town hall meeting this week to demand that Medicaid is kept whole, Planned Parenthood is funded, and benefits like maternity care are included in all plans. 

Insist on paid sick days for millions of employees

With 69% of lower-paid service employees working without access to paid sick days, millions of people are forced to choose between staying home for a sick child or personal illness and being able to affordable groceries or rent. The Healthy Families Act in Congress enables employees to earn up to seven paid sick days per year, and use those days to recover from or seek help related to domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Read the Economic Policy Institute's new report on this issue and call on your members of Congress to sponsor this legislation! 

Thank the leaders who are fighting human trafficking

Bipartisan bills are moving in both the Senate and House to re-authorize human trafficking programs. Take a moment to thank Representatives Smith and Bass for putting forth a bill that provides funding and training for airline personnel to spot trafficking, and Senators Cornyn and Klobuchar for sponsoringlegislation that designates prosecutors across the county to specifically work on trafficking cases. In our current climate we must work together to solve the most challenging problems we face!

And for you... 

Celebrate a steamy Independence Day with something cool and sweet - like the Spicy Pineapple Ice Pops or Yogurt Ice Pops with Berries (use red and blue berries for an extra-patriotic treat!) featured in last summer's issues of JW magazine. Happy holiday!