Greetings Staunton Democrats and Happy Halloween ! My scary Halloween costume this year is Ben Cline ! Enclosed are more news, opportunities, future and past event details, and pleadings for volunteers and funds and whatever else we think of. We hope you will look forward to this post every Monday and use it to keep fighting for our democratic values and dedication to all members of our communities. If you wish to submit information to be published by the SDC then please email the information to publicity@staunton-democrats.care . We can publish to the blog weekly, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) more frequently. Please send all comments and feedback to publicity@staunton-democrats.care . And now for the show ! This week: Opportunities and calls for action ! The SDC Candidate Forum for the Win ! VOTE ! Our Democracy at Stake ! Events SDC Coffee The SDC blog - NEW Posts ! What is a living wage for Staunton ? News from our friends Ben Cline (Sigh!) Jennifer Lewi
Greetings Staunton Democrats !
Starting today we are starting a weekly email that will contain news, opportunities, future and past event details, and pleadings for volunteers and funds. We hope you will look forward to this email every Monday and use it to keep fighting for our democratic values and dedication to all members of our communities.
If you wish to submit information to be published by the SDC then please email the information to publicity@sawdemocrats.care . We can publish to email (weekly), and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) more frequently.
Don’t forget to look at our new blog at blog.sawdemocrats.care . We are gradually posting more informational commentary about local, regional and national issues. We are looking for writers ! Please submit a blog post to publicity@sawdemocrats.care .
This week:
Opportunities !
Events
Democratic achievements and news
Meanwhile, the Republicans …
Ben Cline (Sigh!)
Jennifer Lewis (YAY !)
Staunton City Council and School Board races
Opportunities ! ANYTHING That You Can Do Is Helpful !
Donate to the Staunton Democratic Committee
Where will your money go ? Donations may be used in election related activities (mailings, radio issue ads, events for voter registration and candidate support, door to door canvassing for local regional candidates, etc). Donations can also be used to support the SDC office and printing capabilities that are needed during the non-stop elections seasons. We are also looking towards the future since there is a Virginia Legislature election in a year then the 2024 elections. The fight is a continuing effort !
Join the Staunton Democratic Committee
Join a SDC Committee (SDC membership is required)
Volunteer - door to door canvassing for candidates
Spend a few hours staffing the SDC Headquarters – answer phones, talk to visitors, data tasks, etc.
Events !
SDC Canvassing Training
On July 14, 2022 the SDC Chair George Gruner and Randall Wolf held a canvassing training at the SDC office in downtown Staunton. Three Staunton City Council Candidates also made an appearance – Alice Woods, Michele Edwards and Erik Curren.
Randall Wolf (L) and George Gruner at the 7/14/22 Canvassing training at the SDC office
Augusta County Fair
The SDC staffed a booth at the Augusta County Fair. Numerous people stopped by to learn and give support and to grab some swag ! Many people were interested in the pocket Constitutions, the Jennifer Lewis information and buttons and the American Flag stickers. Jennifer Lewis stopped by during the evening of the 28th to talk with her future constituents.
Jennifer Lewis (L) stands with an Augusta County Democrat (yes there is such a thing ! and unfortunately I cannot remember his name) and Diane Kowal in the right background. We owe Diane and Randall Wolf and many others gratitude for setting up and staffing this booth year after year.
Democratic Achievements and News
Democratic Senators in Congress and the Biden Administration (with VP Kamala Harris casting the deciding vote) passed the Inflation Reduction Act which is a HUGE win for the climate and the American people. The bill moves to the House and is expected to pass easily then will be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Some of the key provisions include:
For the auto industry - The new bill would eliminate the current tax credit cap on purchasing an electric vehicle and extend the tax credit until 2032; used cars would also qualify for a credit of up to $4,000. This overall promotes the shift from fossil fuel based engines to battery/electric vehicles.
For the energy industry - the bill would provide billions of dollars in rebates for Americans who buy energy efficient and electric appliances as well as tax credits for companies that build new sources of emissions-free electricity, such as wind turbines and solar panels. The package also sets aside $60 billion to encourage clean energy manufacturing in the United States. The bill also requires businesses to pay a financial penalty per metric ton for methane emissions that exceed federal limits starting in 2024.
For low-income communities - the bill would invest over $60 billion to support low-income communities and communities of color that are disproportionately burdened by effects of climate change.
For the fossil fuels industry - the bill would require the federal government to auction off more public lands and waters for oil drilling and expand tax credits for coal and gas-burning plants. This is a short term measure to assist during the transition from a fossil fuel economy to one based on clean energy.
The bill also allows Medicare to negotiate medication prices so medications cost less. President George Bush and Republicans are responsible for denying Medicare to negotiate lower dug prices and we have all been paying for it since then.
The bill caps insulin prices for Medicare recipients at $35 per month. See the section below entitled “Meanwhile, the Republicans …”
It puts a minimum 15 percent tax on corporations that have paid little or nothing, meaning the bill pays for itself
It extends health care subsidies from the ACA (Obamacare) to lower health care insurance premiums.
Cap seniors’ out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year.
Does NOT increase taxes on income under $400K despite the Republican lies and spin.
Other spectacular news !
The July jobs report was so good even Fox News was appreciative and flabbergasted !
Falling Gas Prices
Falling inflation
A leader of Al Qaeda is silenced
Approval of a treaty admitting Finland and Sweden to NATO (despite Josh Hawley)
Passage of the CHIPS Act – a major legislation investing in the domestic semiconductor industry
The PACT ACT passed expanding medical care to military veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and other toxicities.
President Joe Biden has had 75 judges confirmed (76% women, 65% non-white) which is more than any other president at this point in his term since JFK ! Progressive indeed !
Sources:
- https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-just-had-best-week-presidency-1731231
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/09/biden-courts-judges-appointments-his-biggest-unnoticed-success/
- https://www.vox.com/2022/8/8/23296951/inflation-reduction-act-biden-democrats-climate-change
- https://www.vox.com/2022/8/7/23295645/inflation-reduction-act-impact
A nice video from the Lincoln Project regarding Democratic success and values:
Meanwhile, the Republicans …
Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin is proposing that The Social Security program should be up for Congressional re-authorization EVERY YEAR ! More and more Republicans are starting to talk about this. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/05/social-security-privatization-midterms/
Previously, Senator Rick Scott from Florida (he is the top Republican Senator in charge of retaking the Senate in 2022) has proposed that All federal laws (including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and all other laws) expire after 5 years and they would need to be voted on again. So every 5 years they have to reauthorize that murder is a federal offense ! https://rescueamerica.com/steps/6-government-reform-debt/ .
Republicans and conservatives remove Roe and pass severe restrictions on abortion, healthcare and rights of women.
Republican Senators block capping insulin cost to $35 per month for uninsured patients and patients with private insurance.
Republican Senators killed the PACT Act (care for military Veterans exposed to toxicities related to burn pits and other exposures) before severe backlash made them vote for it.
And now “This week in the Republican Party – August 9 2022” video from the Lincoln Project.
More to come !
Ben Cline (sigh!)
Ben Cline Voted NO against the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022
Rep. Ben Cline voted NO to protecting marriage for same-sex and interracial couples.
Ben Cline voted NO against supporting women and their health care
Ben Cline voted NO to lowering the cost of insulin and all medications
Ben Cline voted NO against helping babies with birth defects and sides with insurance companies
Ben Cline voted to support domestic terrorists
Ben Cline Voted NO to supporting Health Department Infrastructure
Ben Cline voted NO against the Right to Contraception Act
Ben Cline voted NO against admitting Finland and Sweden to NATO
Jennifer Lewis
Jennifer Lewis is a mental health worker, community advocate, and was a leader in the fight against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. She's been a civically active member of her community in Augusta County and Waynesboro, volunteering for various local groups, serving on boards and commissions, and fighting on the front lines for the values of the valley.
Jennifer Lewis was recently campaigning at the Hope Center Festival in Roanoke. When she asked voters about their primary concerns, ALL said gun violence in America.
When elected to Congress, Jennifer Lewis will fight to protect our rights to life and liberty and will work toward sensible gun reform.
Jennifer Lewis is a mental health worker who cares about victims of violence.
Her opponent, Congressman Ben Cline, who has an A+ rating from the NRA does not.
Ben Cline voted NO against the Violence against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021.
Ben Cline voted No against the Family Violence and Prevention Act and against funding emergency shelters and related assistance for victims of domestic violence.
Ben Cline voted No against the Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022.
Ben Cline voted NO against the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021. This could have made a difference in Uvalde.
Do you see a pattern in Ben Cline’s voting history ? Ben Cline’s voting record appears to show an indifference towards violence in the workplace, at home or against women. It is not just about guns but about violence towards many members of society.
What has Ben Cline done for you and your family to keep you safe ?
More about Jennifer at:
Staunton City Council and School Board Races
The Staunton Newsleader has summary profiles of some of the Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro School Board candidates.
Thanks for reading !
If you have any suggestions or corrections then please email to publicity@sawdemocrats.care and put Feedback for Weekly Email 8/15/22 in the subject line.
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