Keystone Progress

Campaigns

• Support the Equality Act to allow LGBT Americans to live free from fear

  From our friends at ThinkProgress: The Equality Act Introduced Today in Congress, Would Allow LGBT Americans To Live Free From Fear Jami and Krista Contreras of Michigan found out the hard way about the lack of comprehensive legal protections for LGBT Americans. Jami and Krista were married in Vermont in 2012, and two years later their daughter Bay was born. When it came time for their baby girl’s first checkup, her doctor refused to provide her care simply because her parents are gay. The unfortunate reality is that the Contreras’ story could have happened in the majority of states across America. Despite the progress that has been made in ensuring marriage equality, there are still over 30 states that lack clear and comprehensive legal protections for LGBT people. In these states, LGBT Americans are at risk of being fired from their jobs, refused service from a business, or evicted from their apartment simply because of who they are. As the Contreras family learned, even the children of LGBT couples are not safe from discrimination without explicit federal law prohibiting it. Thankfully, many members of congress recognize this reality and are working to change it. The Equality Act, introduced today, is a historic bill that would ensure comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBT people regardless of where they live. Under The Equality Act “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” would be added to protections for employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and juries. The bill would also expand and enhance existing protections for people of color, women, and Americans of all faiths. The Equality Act was introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-OR) and Corey Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. David Ciclline (D-RI), along with a long list of co-sponsors including Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. John Lewis. Its support among congressional democrats and LGBT advocates is huge. Not surprisingly, support for the bill is not as high among conservatives in Congress, many of whom oppose any non-discrimination legislation and are actively working against it. In fact, just last week, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID) introduced the so-called First Amendment Defense Act, which the ACLU has described as Indiana’s religious freedom bill on steroids. BOTTOM LINE: The last decade has seen huge progress in the recognition and attainment of LGBT rights. But in 31 states, LGBT Americans are at risk of being fired from their jobs, refused service from a business, and much more, just because of who they are. LGBT Americans deserve to live free from fear. The Equality Act will ensure that they can.

  2,440 of 3,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• Legalize Marijuana in Pennsylvania

  State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) has legislation that will allow marijuana to be grown and sold legally in PA. “The modern prohibition of marijuana does a disservice to Pennsylvania by tying up our resources in the prosecution of its users; by depriving us of the revenue that this marijuana could generate; and by denying the Pennsylvanians suffering from terminal illnesses access to a natural medicine that could take away their pain,” Leach said. “It’s time we legalize marijuana and reap the benefits it has to offer.” What benefits could we reap? • Money to balance the state budget. Based on national figures, there is at least $3.4 billion in illegal sales of marijuana in PA each year. If we legalized it and taxed it at 6% it would generate $200 million. If we sold it in the State Wine and Spirit Shoppes, we could generate another $680 million with a 20% markup. • Fewer people in prison, lower costs for taxpayers. Approximately 25,000 citizens are arrested annually in Pennsylvania for marijuana-related offenses, at a cost of some $325 million dollars. • Legal access to a widely used medicine. Marijuana has legitimate medicinal uses and should be available to those who need it without risking arrest or dealing with underworld criminals. • A lucrative cash crop for PA farmers. Those who choose to grow marijuana will have a crop that can reap great profits. • An end to organized dealing in marijuana. Marijuana is the number money-maker for organized crime. Legalizing ends their participation in its trafficking and the associated violence. And that’s just the beginning. It’s time to end the hypocrisy, help to balance our state budget and end the 21st century version of Prohibition.

  16,993 of 20,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• Support Marijuana Reclassification

  Debra J. Saunders' column tells the whole story: "Last year, Congress passed an amendment that barred the Department of Justice from using federal dollars to prosecute medical-marijuana dispensaries in states that have legalized them. Last week, three senators proposed a measure to clean up the federal-state medical-marijuana mess once and for all. "Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; and Rand Paul, R-Ky., introduced their CARERS(Compassionate Access, ResearchExpansion and Respect States) Act, which should draw support from the right and left. "Why? "First, it would reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II drug, granting recognition that marijuana has legitimate medical uses, a sop to the left. Second, it would direct the federal government to stop prosecuting dispensers in states that have legalized marijuana for medical use - a states' rights emphasis that should draw GOP votes. "The measure also would allow cannabidiol imports to help patients with epilepsy and seizure disorders - the folks who need medical marijuana the most - and allow Veterans Affairs doctors to prescribe medical marijuana. "Booker sees his legislation as a matter of "common sense, fiscal prudence and compassion." "For decades, Congress wouldn't move on medical marijuana because D.C. pols thought of advocates as goof-offs who just want to get high. They didn't see the legitimate medical benefits. Then, two years ago, CNN physician-reporter Sanjay Gupta looked at the issue anew and found that cannabis could help children with life-threatening seizures. "Medical marijuana has been used to treat people with epilepsy, Parkinson's, brain tumors and post-traumatic stress disorder without the serious side effects often associated with prescription drugs. "From San Francisco, CARERS looks like a political slam dunk. It has bipartisan support. Already 23 states have legalized medical marijuana, which puts momentum on the "yes" side. "It stands a good chance of moving because it's so bipartisan in nature," said Bill Piper, the Drug Policy Alliance's man in Washington, D.C. But: "The hard part is going to be getting it through committee." Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, opposes the bill. "Will Grassley allow the bill to come to a vote? "The committee is unlikely to take up a bill in the near future that remakes these laws so broadly," spokeswoman Jill Gerber answered. She added that Grassley "is looking at ways to lift any unnecessary barriers" to scientific research into marijuana-based medicines to treat epilepsy and other conditions affecting children. "There are 11 GOP and nine Democratic senators on the committee. I see three Rs who could vote yes - Mike Lee of Utah and Ted Cruz of Texas support states' rights, and Jeff Flake of Arizona voted for similar legislation in the House. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there are more. "That would put Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the middle. Other committee Dems are very likely to vote yes. On the one hand, Feinstein and Grassley often work closely on drug-war issues. On the other hand, Feinstein does represent California. Her office told me DiFi is still reviewing the legislation. "Which leads to my final question: Would President Obama sign CARERS? Advocates believe the White House could have and should have made marijuana a Schedule II drug years ago, but didn't. "The administration has been behind the curve. "Everyone pretty much believes that" Obama is not really for current federal marijuana laws, said Marijuana Majority Chairman Tom Angell, just as many believed Obama supported same-sex marriage back when he said he was against it. ""I wouldn't be shocked to see him evolve on this issue the same way he did for marriage equality," Angell mused. "Maybe all we need is for Joe Biden to say that marijuana should be legal."" http://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/Saunders-Medical-marijuana-bill-lost-in-smoke-6143197.php

  2,063 of 3,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• I support Loretta Lynch, President Obama's nominee for Attorney General

  United States Attorney Loretta Lynch has a powerful record as a proven leader within the Department of Justice. Throughout her 30-year career, she has distinguished herself as a tough, fair, and independent lawyer who has twice headed one of the most active and effective U.S. Attorney’s offices in the country. Here's what the New York Times says about Lynch: WASHINGTON — President Obama announced on Saturday that he would nominate Loretta E. Lynch, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, to be the next attorney general, paving the way for the first African-American woman to hold the job. At a ceremony at the White House, Mr. Obama called Ms. Lynch a highly qualified, tough, fair and independent lawyer who deserved confirmation “without delay.” “She has spent years in the trenches as a prosecutor, aggressively fighting terrorism, financial fraud, cybercrime — all while vigorously defending civil rights,” the president said in the Roosevelt Room, where he appeared with Ms. Lynch and Eric H. Holder Jr., the current attorney general who has announced his intention to step down. “Loretta might be the only lawyer in America who battles mobsters and drug lords and terrorists, and still has a reputation for being a charming people person,” Mr. Obama said. Ms. Lynch, 55, a low-profile prosecutor, said that if confirmed she would “wake up every morning with the protection of the American people my first thought, and I will work every day to safeguard our citizens, our liberties, our rights, and this great nation.”

  6,718 of 7,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• Tax Marcellus Drilling in Pennsylvania

  Pennsylvania is the only state that does not tax drilling. Not only do the Marcellus Shale "frackers" pay no drilling tax, no other drilling is taxed either. Whether you oppose all drilling in the Marcellus Shale, support drilling with restrictions or hold another view, Pennsylvanians agree that drillers must pay their fair share in taxes.

  3,628 of 4,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• It's time for Transportation Chair Shuster to Resign

  The headline in Politico says it all: "Shuster lounges poolside with airline lobbyists as he pursues FAA bill "It's the latest example of the Transportation Committee chairman's coziness with the airline industry." (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/02/bill-shuster-faa-bill-airline-lobbyists-219666#ixzz41BxPY6Ls) On Feb. 10, Nick Calio, head of the nation’s top airline trade group, Airlines for America, testified before Rep. Bill Shuster’s House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The topic was a top priority for both men: A bill to overhaul the Federal Aviation Administration, most controversially by putting air traffic control in the hands of an entity favorable to the airlines. Two days later, Shuster’s committee approved the measure. And the week after that, he and Calio escaped to Miami Beach, Florida, with Shelley Rubino, an Airlines for America vice president who is Shuster’s girlfriend. The three lounged by the pool and dined together during festivities tied to Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s (R-Fla.) annual weekend fundraising trip. Attendees said it they looked as if they were traveling in a pack. It’s the most recent example of Shuster’s cozy relationship with the powerful airline association. His panel has jurisdiction over the $160 billion U.S. airline industry. The FAA bill is critical to the Pennsylvania Republican’s legacy, and to Airlines for America’s members, which include every major airline and cargo carrier in the country except Delta Air Lines. Calio testified that modernizing the air-traffic control system would provide an “immense benefit” to the airlines and their customers. The bill would spin off the nation’s air-traffic control apparatus into a nonprofit company. The airline industry would have more representation than any other industry on the entity’s board. Pilots would also get a seat, handing the airlines effective control of the air-traffic control system. Regional airlines, which operate roughly half of the nation’s flights, would have no representation on the board.

  6,801 of 7,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• Tell the DNC: Abolish Super Delegates for Future Presidential Elections

  Echoing critiques made by Bernie Sanders and supporters of his presidential campaign, 14 progressive organizations are urging the Democratic Party to scrap the superdelegate system, which they say "undermines representative democracy." The groups, including Democracy for America, National Nurses United, The Other 98%, and Progressive Democrats of America, outline their concerns in a letter, which was obtained by Politico, to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the DNC Rules Committee, and the delegates to the Democratic National Convention. They're calling on the party to take action to get rid of the system that allows state party elites and elected officials to back the candidate of their choosing when the committee convenes in Philadelphia July 25-28. Read the whole article at Common Dreams: http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/14/name-democracy-progressives-urge-dnc-ditch-superdelegates

  5,385 of 6,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• I believe Leigh Corfman

  Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said it best: "Innocent until proven guilty is for criminal convictions, not elections. I believe Leigh Corfman. Her account is too serious to ignore. Moore is unfit for office and should step aside."

  35 of 100 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• We'll remember your vote to allow terrorists to buy guns

  This petition will go to all of the Senators who voted against blocking suspected terrorists from being able to buy a gun. "When Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) stood on the Senate floor for 15 hours last week, joined by nearly 40 of his colleagues who recounted stories of six-year-olds gunned down by assault weapons and trauma doctors who attempted to resurrect dozens of bullet-pierced bodies in Orlando, he knew he was waging a battle against a powerful force. "On Monday, Republicans in the Senate proved, yet again, how strong the National Rifle Association’s grip is on the nation’s highest lawmaking body. Democrats’ efforts to pass legislation to prevent suspected terrorists from buying firearms and to expand background checks to all gun sales both failed in the Senate. Just 47 senators voted in favor of the first measure and 44 for the second. "Roughly 90 percent of Americans — including 80 percent of gun owners — support these measures. But the gun lobby’s outsized political spending and influence in Congress prevailed. In total, the NRA has given more than $36 million to the 56 Republican senators who blocked the gun control measures on Monday. "Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)’s measure would have given the attorney general the power to block gun sales to people potential terrorists on the federal government’s watch list. Given that Orlando shooter Omar Mateen was under FBI watch for periods of time in the past three years, it’s possible that Feinstein’s measure would have prevented him from purchasing the weapons he used to carry out the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history." -From Think Progress

  3,596 of 4,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill
• Avoid a humanitarian crisis. Allow Puerto Rico to restructure its debt

  Puerto Rico's $72 billion public debt crisis has forced congressional leaders to pay attention to a U.S. territory that's usually on the sidelines of American politics. The island has been mired in economic stagnation for nearly a decade. The governor now says Puerto Rico's debt is unpayable and needs restructuring. The White House and Democrats in Congress say the United States needs to change the law to allow the territory to declare bankruptcy. Republicans say they want to fix the symptoms of the problem first. Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla says that if Congress doesn't act soon, Puerto Rico is headed toward a "humanitarian crisis under the United States flag. Like all U.S. states and territories, Puerto Rico cannot declare bankruptcy under federal law. Mainland municipalities and their utilities can; municipalities and utilities in Puerto Rico cannot. The island's public utilities are heavily indebted, and Garcia's administration is pushing Congress to allow them to declare bankruptcy. If the island isn't able to restructure its debt, officials have said they will have to start laying off police officers, firefighters, medical professionals and other public employees. Garcia has said that could lead to a humanitarian crisis. [From the Associated Press]

  7,441 of 8,000 Signatures

  Created by Michael Morrill