STAND UP FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
#RedForEd
#TrumpTaxScam
#Resist
K-12 education, one of our national treasures, is threatened by fallout from Trump’s tax bill. Democrats negotiated a $2.7 billion increase in FY 2018 spending, but it took five continuing resolutions and a brief shutdown first. And funding is STILL less than 2008 levels.
Trump, supported by Greg Walden, will seek deep cuts again in FY 2019. We must urge our MoCs to keep fighting for public schools.
Kansas’ failed experiment with radical tax cuts preceded those passed by Congress. They nearly wrecked the Kansas public school system.
Kansas has company:
— Funding is below 2008 levels in more than half of states, including Oregon.
— Teachers earn less than other workers with comparable experience and education — especially in states that have seen walkouts.
— Schools employ 135,000 fewer workers, even though students have increased by 1.4 million.
Meanwhile, the nation’s six big Wall Street banks were bestowed at least $3.59 billion in tax cuts in the first quarter of 2018.
It’s outrageous to enrich the already-rich while teachers and children must get by
with less!
Greg Walden supported Trump’s Tax Scam!
He Sold Us Out!
Retire the Trump Enabler!
**ACTION 1: CALL BOTH OUR SENATORS AND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE **
(Leave a message if you can’t get through.)
SAMPLE SCRIPT for Complicit Trump Enabler Greg Walden:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because I want Greg Walden to do his job, put children before party, and support increased funding for public school education in the FY 2019 budget process. Oregon still hasn’t caught up to funding levels before the Great Recession in 2008. Our districts need federal funding especially for schools serving low-income students. I will only support a candidate that believes in strong PUBLIC education. Thank you.”
SAMPLE SCRIPT for Senators Merkley and Wyden:
“My name is [–] and I’m a constituent and voter from [city], Oregon [zip code]. I am calling because I want the Senator to keep championing public school education in the FY 2019 budget process. Oregon still hasn’t caught up to funding levels before the Great Recession in 2008, and federal funding is important, especially for schools serving low-income students. I believe in our country’s commitment to educating all students, and I want the Senator to keep working for a robust public school system. Thank you.”
**ACTION 2: It’s Time To Get Out The Vote**
It has become clear that we need a different Congress to fix public education funding and take care of our children. This includes replacing Greg Walden with someone who will represent We The People.
VOTE in the Primary for the progressive candidates of your choice. Ballots are in the mail! Be sure all of your progressive friends return their ballots by May 15—people who vote in the primary are EIGHT TIMES more likely to vote in the general election!
Don’t forget to VOTE the ENTIRE BALLOT! In Jackson County, we have two progressive women running for County Commissioner—Lanita Witt and Amy Thuren. Let’s get progressive voices into ALL LEVELS of Government!
Help us Get Out the Vote—GOTV!
If you are not already working with the Neighborhood Leader Program to GOTV, sign up by visiting:
http://www.jcdemocrats.org/get-involved/neighborhood-leaders-program/
It really is that simple. And guess what? By doing that simple thing you will help increase voter turnout significantly. In the Oregon January 2018 Measure 101 Election progressive voter turnout was increased by 34 points! That’s how elections are won!
If you are already participating, recruit five of your friends to join the program!
The 2018 elections will be the most important of our lives!
Complicit Trump Enabler GREG WALDEN
DC (202) 225-6730, Medford: (541) 776-4646,
Bend (541) 389-4408, La Grande (541) 624-2400
https://walden.house.gov/contact-greg/email-me
SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY
Portland: (503) 326-3386, DC: (202) 224-3753
Salem: (503) 362-8102, Eugene: (541) 465-6750
Medford: (541) 608-9102, Bend: (541) 318-1298
Pendleton: (541) 278-1129
https://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/
SENATOR RON WYDEN
Portland: (503) 326-7525, DC: (202) 224-5244
Salem: (503) 589-4555, Eugene: (541) 431-0229
Medford: (541) 858-5122, Bend: (541) 330-9142
La Grande: (541) 960-7691
https://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/
Arizona Teachers and District Band Together for Red For Ed to Demand a Teacher Pay Hike
http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2018/04/n-red-for-ed
A Punishing Decade for School Funding
https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/a-punishing-decade-for-school-funding
Walkouts and Teacher Pay: How Did We Get Here?
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/04/11/600832090/walkouts-and-teacher-pay-how-did-we-get-here
Upcoming Events:
All candidates who have filed for the Oregon Senate District 3 seat have been invited to participate in this candidate forum.
Today @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/candidate-forum-oregon-senate-district-3-deboers-seat-ashland/
“Postcards to Voters” Writing Party
You are cordially invited to participate in this special event. Please bring your own 35 cent stamps, we’ll provide instructions, blank postcards and art supplies.
Sunday, April 29 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
https://ord2indivisible.org/event/postcards-to-voters/