Key dates in push for DC voting rights

Key dates in push for DC voting rights: "Key dates in push for DC voting rights" WASHINGTON – Key dates in the District of Columbia voting rights movement: 1790: The site for the new U.S. capital is selected. Residents continue to vote and run for Congress from their former states. 1801: Congress passes the Organic Act of 1801, which takes away voting rights from those living in the District of Columbia. 1961: The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution is ratified, giving D.C. residents the right to vote in presidential elections. 1970: D.C. residents are given the right to elect a nonvoting delegate to represent them in the House. 1973: The Home Rule Act allows for the direct election of the mayor and other city officials. Congress retains the right to review and overturn all D.C. laws. 1978: Congress passes a constitutional amendment that would give D.C. residents full voting representation in the House and Senate. 1985: The amendment fails to be ratified by the necessary three-fourths of state legislatures. 1993: D.C.'s congressional delegate is allowed to vote in the full House, except on final passage of legislation. The delegate also is prevented from casting any deciding votes. Previously, the delegate was allowed to vote only in House committees. 1995: Full House voting privileges for D.C.'s delegate are ended on the first day of the new session of Congress. 2000: The city adopts a new license plate motto: "Taxation Without Representation." 2007: The House passes a bill that would expand the 435-member House by two seats, giving one to historically Democratic D.C. and another to the traditionally Republican state of Utah, which is next in line to get an extra seat based on the 2000 census. The bill dies in the Senate. 2009: Similar legislation wins enough votes in the Senate to survive a filibuster, setting up a final vote that requires only a simple majority for passage. Senate approval would send the bill to the House, which could take it up in early March. ___ Source: DC Vote

Congratulations to President Barack Obama election win!

Today at 2:40pm eastern

 

Dear Phillip,

Earlier today, President Obama signed into law the economic recovery plan, the biggest and boldest investment in America's economy we've seen in 40 years.

Seriously, this is a big deal. Our economy is in freefall - we lost 3.6 million jobs in the past year¹ - and a major fix is needed, now.

President Obama's plan will inject billions of dollars into the economy - almost all of it this year and next - which leading economists say is desperately needed to create jobs and get people spending again. Governors - Democrats and Republicans alike² - have made clear the plan will help stop worst case job losses and budget cuts in their states.

What does this plan mean for you? Whether you're in the workforce, in school, or both, you, your friends, and your family probably will be impacted by it. Here's some of what the plan will do³:

• Create or save 3.5 million jobs, from teachers and electricians to construction workers and police officers.
  
• Help 7 million students afford college by upping the maximum Pell Grant by $500, to $5350, and providing a $2,500 tax credit for college tuition.
  
• Direct $53.6 billion to the states to prevent cutbacks and layoffs in local school districts, and to modernize or repair public schools and higher education institutions.
  
• Build or fix highways and bridges, improve mass transit and high-speed rail, invest in clean energy and green jobs, and bring Internet to underserved communities.
  
• Help recently unemployed workers pay for health care (a.k.a. COBRA) and make ends meet until they can get new jobs.
  
• Tax cuts for 95% of American workers, $400 if you're single, $800 if you're a couple.

That's just some of it. Check out more details at Recovery.gov, the White House's new site about the plan and what's happening with it. And if you want a cool visual on how it will work, view this video from our friends at the Center for American Progress.

Of course, the plan isn't perfect - compromises were made, and it's only one of several steps needed on our road to recovery.

But it's a bold, important first step, and you helped make it happen: nearly 10,000 of you contacted Congress asking them to pass the strongest bill possible, and helped restore funding to save teachers' jobs, create green jobs, invest in higher education, and provide health care help. Nice work.

Thanks for your action on this - we'll keep you in the loop on how the plan rolls out throughout the year.

Kat Barr
Campaign Director

P.S. Know anyone who would be interested in this info? Forward them this email so they have the update.

Sources:

1. "598,000 jobs lost last month, 3.6 million since recession began," Think Progress, February 6, 2009. http://thinkprogress.org/2009/02/06/jan-labor-report/

2. "GOP Governors Press Congress To Pass Stimulus Bill," The Associated Press, Jan. 31, 2009 and "As Aid Vote Nears, Governors Dial for Dollars," New York Times, February 9, 2009.

3. "Highlights of compromise economic stimulus plan," Associated Press, February 11, 2009. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j81g2abYnnR730DbzIZpkDsGPAJwD969O6RG0

 

 

The Cost of Doing Nothing

 

Dear Reformers, The rumor in Washington is that health care reform might get put on the backburner until 2010. Don't let that happen! Tell President Obama that we simply can't afford to wait to fix health care!    The buzz around in Washington is growing louder -- and the news is not good. It's becoming clear that some Members of Congress may want to put health reform on the back burner until at least 2010. And the Obama administration has not yet committed to making health reform a top priority this year. Meanwhile, you know that the soaring costs of health care -- and rising unemployment -- are forcing more and more people to go without coverage. Americans simply cannot afford to wait any longer. Send a message to President Obama today -- and demand that health care reform be a top priority in 2009!  During last year's campaign, then Senator Obama and nearly two-thirds of Congress pledged to work across party lines to accomplish meaningful health reform. But, with a worsening economic crisis dominating the news, the tone in Washington has changed. What is not being said is that skyrocketing health care costs are fanning the flames of this crisis. If we don't fix health care now, more and more American families and businesses will be squeezed. People are skipping pills. Parents are choosing between buying groceries and taking a child to see a doctor. We need to fix health care now! Phillip, you are one of the 1.6 million Divided We Fail members who have signed up to hold our leaders accountable to their campaign promises. Contact President Obama today - and tell him that the cost of doing nothing is far too great. Then, please forward this email along to your friends and family. Together, we can make sure health reform remains in its rightful spot at the top of the agenda. Sincerely, The Divided We Fail Team
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A big first step -- thank you

 

Friends -- Today, I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. This is a historic step -- the first of many as we work together to climb out of this crisis -- and I want to thank you for your resolve and your support. You organized thousands of house meetings. You shared your ideas and personal stories. And you informed your friends and neighbors about the need for immediate action. You continue to be a powerful voice for change throughout the country. The recovery plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs, provide tax cuts for working and middle-class families, and invest in health care and clean energy. It's a bold plan to address a huge problem, and it will require my vigilance and yours to make sure it's done right. I've assigned a team of managers to oversee the implementation of the recovery act. We are committed to making sure no dollar is wasted. But accountability begins with you. That's why my administration has created Recovery.gov, a new website where citizens can track every dollar spent and every job created. We'll invite you and your neighbors to weigh in with comments and questions. Our progress will also be measured by the tens of thousands of personal stories submitted by people who are struggling to make ends meet. If you haven't already, you can read stories from families all across the country: http://my.barackobama.com/yourstories Your stories are the heart of this recovery plan, and that's what I'll focus on every day as President. With your continued support, we'll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation. Thank you, President Barack Obama   Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

VIDEO: Stimulus to Repower America

 

Dear Supporters, You spoke and Washington listened. With President Obama's signature on economic recovery legislation yesterday, America made the largest investment in clean energy and green jobs in our history. Now we need to build on this momentum. I've recorded a special message to say thank you, and share our strategy going forward. Will you watch and donate $50 toward our next victory? The first hundred days of the new administration offer an unprecedented opportunity for bold change on climate and energy issues. And already, the next round of key measures are being considered by the President and in Congress. With your support, we can continue to keep up the pressure, push for clean energy policies and make crucial strides right now to Repower America with 100% clean electricity within ten years. Opposition to the progress we are seeking is mounting. Donate today to support the clean energy and climate agenda: http://www.RepowerAmerica.org/recoveryvictory Our efforts have already made a difference. Over the last few weeks, We Campaign members made thousands of calls (many to key Senators who cast critical votes), helped build grassroots support at house parties across the nation, and sent 186,181 letters to members of Congress. It worked. And we passed our first test of 2009. With your support today, we'll be able to continue these efforts and make way for the vital reforms needed for a clean energy future. Please make a donation now: http://www.RepowerAmerica.org/recoveryvictory Many thanks, Cathy Zoi CEO www.RepowerAmerica.org   RepowerAmerica.org |  Privacy Policy |  Donate

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