Dear OSTPDX Members,
Ahead of Oregon’s upcoming short legislative session, One Small Thing PDX along with Indivisible groups across the state have submitted letters to their respective committees on Climate, Safe Storage, and Campaign Finance Reform; key legislative issues for 2020 that will be discussed at our general meeting next week. Also, be sure to check out the Legislative Calendar on our website which has information on scheduled lobby days.
Announcements
One Small Thing-PDX Jan 28 General Meeting
OREGON’S 2020 SHORT LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Issues, Strategies & Actions To Make an Impact in Our State When: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 @ 7:00 PM (Doors open 6:40) Where: Subud Center, 3185 NE Regents Drive, Portland OR RSVP Here
What key issues will Oregon legislators consider in the 2020 short session, which starts on February 3? Might Republican legislators simply walk out again, as they did last summer over the Clean Energy Jobs Bill? How can we help to support progressive legislation in our state?
We’ll discuss these questions and more at our January meeting, led by a legislator who’s in the thick of the action—Oregon’s House Majority Leader, Representative Barbara Smith Warner.
We’ll also hear from members of the OSTPDX 2019 Legislative Task Force who have been tracking the development of proposed legislation on four key issues for the 2020 short session: Climate Change, Gun Safety, Revenue, and Campaign Finance Reform. As well as sharing actions to take at the meeting, they are developing information that is being shared with Indivisible groups in the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network, who can use it to spur legislative action on progressive issues.
Don’t miss this chance to find out what’s happening in Salem and how you can help to promote important legislation. Plan to stay after the meeting for conversation and snacks.
Actions & Events
Urgent Action Needed on “Cap & Invest” Climate Bill
The climate crisis is a burning issue, as demonstrated by catastrophic wildfires in Oregon, California and, most horrifically, Australia. The Oregon legislature can take important steps to address the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions driving the crisis. LC 19 is the draft of a “cap and invest” climate bill for the Oregon legislature’s short session, February 3 – March 6. Will be submitted by the Senate Interim Committee on Environment and Natural Resources chaired by Senator Michael Dembrow. It establishes a declining cap on all GHGs, makes polluters pay, and invests in a transition to a clean energy economy.
OST is one of twenty-two Oregon Indivisible groups supporting a letter to the committee and copied to the governor and all legislators. The letter supports the Clean Energy Jobs Coalition Policy Outcomes for climate legislation. OST’s Climate, Energy, Environment (CEE) team is joining with other coalition partners, such as Renew Oregon, to advocate for passage of a strong bill.
Of course, there is intense pressure both for and against the bill. Its predecessor in the 2019 session was killed when GOP Senators walked out, denying a quorum.
The CEE Team will present a brief summary of the status of LC 19 in the OST January 28 meeting. Then there will be an action-oriented breakout session.
There are several actions you can engage with today, on January 28th and throughout the legislative session.
Renew Oregon asks for your immediate help to counteract a barrage of email “testimony” from opponents of climate legislation. Numbers do count. We are asking for quick, simple postings. We need quick, 1-3 sentence emails to the public record soonest. Follow these steps:
1. State your position: "I support a strong cap and invest policy" or "I support LC 19 with improvements for climate" or "I support strong climate legislation for Oregon's future"
2. Say who you are and why you care: "I am a (parent, grandparent, high school student, rural Oregonian, small business owner...) and I am terrified of the climate crisis, etc."
3. Sign with your name and location (recommend city and zip rather than full address as all testimony is public)
4. Send to senr.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov
5. Engage your networks - send to friends, family, coworkers. Ask them to voice their concern and take action.
Join the CEE team and Renew Oregon in Salem on February 11 for the Oregon Climate Emergency Day of Action.
Renew Oregon says, “Show our strength by standing together. Send a message to state legislators and Governor Brown to stand up to the powerful oil industry and pass real climate action. If you show up for one action on climate legislation in 2020, make it this one.”
For more thoughtful, substantive comments, Email your legislator to encourage support of climate action through a strong cap-and-invest bill.
OSTPDX Activist Reading Group
Topic: Options for climate activism in the Pacific Northwest When: Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 7:00pm-8:30pm Where: 3082 NE Regents Dr., Portland
Swing Left Letter Writing Events
Swing-Left Letter-Writing Organized by Melanie Plaut
Our new location is Augustana Lutheran Church on the corner of NE 15th and Knott. Come for the early shift 3-4:30, or the later shift 4:30 - 6:00. Every Friday until November!
Bring a small donation for materials, or stamps for letters. If you feel moved, feel free to bring food or drink to share - but NOT necessary.
Spend an hour or so. Bring a friend. RSVP for people who haven't attended the prior sessions at Guilder or my house so I can get a rough idea of numbers: melanie.plaut@gmail.com
Letter-writing for a BLUE-er America!
IndivisibleNWPortland meets at Daily Cafe in the Pearl on Tuesdays, 1:45-3 to write letters for Swing Left/Vote Forward. RSVP required.
House Party-North Carolina Voter Registration Letter Writing (SE Portland)
Sunday, February 2nd from 3-5. RSVP for address.
Write Letters to Voters with Swing Left and Indivisible Oregon! Sisters Gourmet Deli-Saturday, February 8th from 12-2. RSVP here.
Actions by Indivisible Oregon
Our Tuesday ask: This is the third time a President has been on trial for impeachment and yet the American public may not get a full picture. Not only are there no guarantee for witnesses and documents but the press is being muzzled from reporting the full details of the trial. The public and our Members of Congress must insist on transparency - we must have a fair trial with witnesses/documents, Senators must report out on the trail on a daily basis, and all must insist the press have full access to report on the trial.The action will be posted on Tuesday at 6:00 AM here: indivisibleor.org/actions
Other Events:
Find a Town Hall near you with The Town Hall Project.
Stand On Every Corner Pioneer Square: Mon-Fri 9:30-11:30 & Weekends 11:30-1:30
Indivisible Tuesday at Senator Merkley's office PDX Tuesday, January 21st at 11:30-Special guest Representative Blumenauer will join us!
Portland Mayoral Candidate Forum 2020 Tuesday, January 21st at 6:30 pm
In the Blast Zone: A Panel Discussion on Tar Sands by Rail Tuesday, January 21st from 7-9 pm
Think & Drink: Democracy and the Courts Wednesday, January 22nd from 7-8:30 pm at Alberta Rose Theatre.
Diesel Petition - opportunity for EQC Public Comment Friday, January 24th from 11:00-12:30 pm
Town Hall on Housing Justice Town Hall hosted by Rep Earl Blumenauer and special guest Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. They will discuss their to discuss their legislation to solve America's housing crisis. Saturday, January 25th at 2pm at Jefferson High School. Seating is limited, so RSVPs are recommended: http://bit.ly/housingjusticetownhall
Moms Demand Salem - Advocacy Day 2020 Wednesday, February 5th at 8:30 am
Articles
Check out DemCast! It’s grassroots media by the people, for the people. Read why DemCast is so desperately needed. If you’re on Facebook, Demcast Oregon is now up and running.
Medicare for All or Profits for a Few
U.S. health system costs four times more to run than Canada’s single-payer system
Campaign donation limits? Not this year, Oregon governor says
Judge Finds Oregon Secretary Of State Improperly Rejected Ballot Measures
Oregon House Speaker Says Tolls May Be Needed On All Of Portland's Freeways
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OSTPDX will not be endorsing any candidates before primaries. All content included in our newsletters is informational in nature and should not be considered an endorsement.
Regards,
Sara McKinney