RFS feel-good update (6/12): Life-saving legislation
Literally: Laws that save lives!
Hi all -
For those of you with me on the east coast dealing with the wildfire smoke last week, hope we’re all breathing a little easier this week! For everyone, hope your Trump-is-being-indicted week was at least a little delightful!
Let’s get right into the good vibes from the RFS community:
In CO, Rep. Brianna Titone is working hard to find common ground with her colleagues while pushing them to understand the consequences of their transphobic language.
LA Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez are working with the mayor to lead a huge & meaningful effort on homelessness. We love to see it.
VA Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, a former public school teacher, explains what leading for students looks like (as opposed to what the GOP’s been “doing” for parents…)
After a long year of fighting, Allegheny County Councilmember Bethany Hallam has successfully raised the minimum wage for county employees.
The cost of epipens in Colorado is now capped at $60 thanks to Rep. Iman Jodeh, who sponsored life-saving legislation.
Thanks to Councilmembers Sandy Nurse and Shahana Hanif, NYC’s composting system is getting bigger and better.
Watch candidate for VA House of Delegates Kellen Squire’s newest TV ad, only possible because of grassroots support.
Also in NY: State Sen. Jessica Ramos is introducing legislation to improve working conditions for nail salon employees.
MI Rep. Carrie Rheingans is pushing forward legislation to have Michigan join the National Popular Vote compact, which would make the electoral college irrelevant.
Also in MI: Rep. Noah Arbit is spearheading legislation to expand the definition of hate crimes to include acting against people based on their gender expression or sexual orientation.
This is a must-listen: NE Sen. Megan Hunt makes the case for fighting hard for our values on the NYT’s podcast, The Run-Up.
MO Rep. Keri Ingle is pushing back on the GOP’s effort to legislate trans kids’ athletics.
In related reading about young people:
Millennials & Gen Z are voting, and they’re voting for Democrats.
Perhaps this has something to do with it: The school shooting generation is not particularly thrilled about assault weapons.
A quick Party for Something update: CO Rep. Brianna Titone will be joining us as a featured speaker! Tickets are going fast — don’t miss yours.
And if you’re not in DC, three virtual events you might be into:
We’re partnering with Sister District for a bunch of virtual phonebanks in Virginia — sign up to make calls.
In Texas, we’re partnering with Annie’s List to host a virtual candidate training on June 14th - send it to anyone who might want to learn more about running.
On June 27th, we’re joining Victory Fund for a conversation on running as an LGBTQIA+ candidate — 100% free, RSVP now.
Thanks for sticking with us as we head into the summer. It can get silly, but we’re staying focused with our eyes on the prize.
- Amanda