Fw: The cavalry, in white coats and scrubs

----- Original Message -----

From: Mitch Stewart, BarackObama.com

To: susan sheary

Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:03 AM

Subject: The cavalry, in white coats and scrubs

susan -- The cavalry is here -- and they're in white coats and scrubs: More than a half a million doctors and millions of nurses are joining forces to help pass real health reform. Americans listen to their nurses and doctors when it comes to health reform -- and for good reason. If we can help them amplify their voices, it'll be a huge boost to our campaign for change. So we're working on a new television ad featuring their voices explaining why doctors and nurses so strongly support President Obama's plan -- and asking Congress to pass it. We'll run the ad in key states and districts all around the country to show folks where health professionals stand, cut through the spin, and build even greater support for reform. But to produce and air the new ad before the Senate starts debating a final bill, we'll need to raise $300,000 by Thursday. Please donate $5 right away. The American Medical Association, Doctors for America, and a dozen other physicians groups representing 500,000 doctors are endorsing reform. So are the American Nurses Association and other organizations representing millions of nurses. They're speaking out because they see the shortcomings of our health care system firsthand, every day: patients denied the care they prescribe, families losing access to their doctors, and a system that forces them to spend more time with paperwork and less time with patients. These voices need to be heard -- with so much deception out there clouding the debate, it's critical that medical professionals are able to focus the country on the simple fact that health reform is good medicine. But the final congressional committee could vote on their reform bill as early as Wednesday -- and debate on final legislation could start by the end of the week. So if we're going to help make these doctors and nurses' voices heard, we'll need to do it right now. Can you chip in $5 or more to help get our ad on the air? https://donate.barackobama.com/HealthAd Thanks, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America

Health Care Reform

We have just begun to fight, fight, fight!  Write to Senator Murray
today as she leads the team in the Senate that will put the Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee bill together with the
Finance committee bill.

Please use the links at our KCDCC website to write to our Washington
State delegation today!

http://wa-demchairs.org/kcdems/2009/healthcarereform.php

We cannot give up now.  We have to fight harder!  The people want a
public option, and our Congressional leaders are not giving us what we
want.  If they do not include a public option, they should go back to
the drawing board.  They can just expand Medicaid and put in insurance
reform - and that shouldn't cost us anywhere near $1 trillion.  Then
when the system collapses in five years, we'll go back to the drawing
board.

Congressman Jim McDermott, in a health care forum at the 34th District
Democrats meeting said,   "This is War!"  "If this goes down, we're
back to organizing for single payer."

Combined message from Dr. Lisa Plymate and Susan Sheary, KCDCC Chair

Fwd: Cantwell fights for public option

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dwight Pelz <dwight@wa-democrats.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Subject: Cantwell fights for public option
To: wsdcc <wsdcc@wa-democratslists.org>, execboard@wa-democratslists.org, cvc@wa-democratslists.org

 

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/09/29/cantwell-public-option-amendment-defeated

 

Cantwell Public Option Amendment Defeated

Posted by Eli Sanders on Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 12:58 PM

Like the Rockefeller amendment earlier, the Schumer-Cantwell amendment, which sought to add a public option to the Senate Finance Committee's health insurance reform bill, has just been defeated.

The vote in the Finance Committee, which came after impassioned arguments by both Schumer and Cantwell, was closer than for the Rockefeller amendment. That one had only 8 votes in favor, with 15 votes against. Schumer-Cantwell got 10 votes in favor and 13 votes against—with Cantwell, of course, voting yes and committee chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) voting no.

(An explanation of the differences between the two amendments is here.)

As happened during debate on the Rockefeller amendment, there was again high praise for Cantwell from Schumer during this debate. He pointed toward a different—but related—Cantwell amendment to reform Medicare's dysfunctional "fee for service" system and said it was perhaps as important as the public option to the overall reform process. That amendment should be debated later this week

 

Fwd: The leader we need in the 8th

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dwight Pelz, Washington State Democrats <chair@wa-democrats.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 29, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Subject: The leader we need in the 8th
To: Chad Lupkes <chadlupkes@gmail.com>

Dear Chad, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Suzan DelBene, who is running for Congress in the 8th Congressional District. Watch this video to meet Suzan: During these tough economic times, Suzan's exactly the kind of leader we need in the 8th Congressional District. And it is time that we send Reichert into retirement. Suzan's background as a leader in the technology industry and her record as a community activist prove that she has the experience in creating jobs and new opportunities that we need in Congress.     Suzan also has a deep understanding of the challenges facing our families. At a young age, Suzan's father lost his job, and her family struggled for years to pay the bills. That's why, after a successful career, Suzan's made the commitment to build a stronger community through a more progressive Congress. For too long the 8th Congressional District has been represented by someone who votes AGAINST equal pay for women, AGAINST a woman's right to choose and AGAINST legislation that would prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.   I'm confident that when Suzan is elected to Congress, she'll deliver the kind of solutions that the 8th District needs.     Suzan will support health care reform, instead of standing in the way of reform, like incumbent Congressman Reichert. Will you watch this video and join her campaign today?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcf3DcCtp2k Suzan has a fresh voice, and she has answers to the many problems we face.  I'm thrilled to endorse Suzan DelBene's candidacy, and I know she will build a stronger, more robust 8th Congressional District.  Finally, the earlier we can support Suzan with our financial support, the stronger her campaign will be going into 2010. We all need to do our part in fighting for new leadership in the 8th Congressional District. I urge you to join me in donating to the Suzan DelBene for Congress campaign today:  https://www.delbeneforcongress.com/contribute Sincerely, Dwight Pelz Washington State Democrats Chair P.S. -- The Rothenberg Political Report, a Washington DC political report, just came out with their outlook for Congressional seats in 2010 and said this about the 8th CD: "Suzan DelBene has already announced her candidacy, and Republicans express concern.  Expect another battle."  Please join the fight today! Share on:

Please forward this email to friends and family

Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Paid for by Washington State Democratic Central Committee PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 - (206) 583-0664 - www.wa-democrats.org This communication is not authorized by any federal candidate or candidate's committee.

Fwd: My Partner for Washington

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Maria Cantwell <campmail@pattymurray.com>
Date: Sun, Sep 27, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Subject: My Partner for Washington
To: chadlupkes@earthlink.net

Dear Chad, Ever since my election to the U.S. Senate in 2000, Patty Murray has been a steady leader and dependable partner -- for me and for all Washingtonians. I have watched her fight tough legislative battles like saving Washington aerospace jobs and protecting our environment. And when complex energy solutions were needed to help provide a more stable future, Patty was right there with me, every step of the way. I can't imagine a better friend and colleague, someone who dedicates herself every day to making her state and her country a better place. That's why it's so important that we re-elect Patty Murray to the U.S. Senate in 2010 --and why I hope you'll join me in supporting her campaign, right now. Please contribute to Patty's campaign today -- and help her reach her $50,000 grassroots fundraising goal before the September 30 deadline! On issue after issue, Patty Murray has been a key leader for Washington state and for our country. Patty knows how hard our state has been hit by the recent economic downturn. She has worked aggressively to help Washington recover, create jobs, and remain competitive for economic growth and new industries. As a former educator herself, Patty has been an outspoken advocate for education, fighting for the funding and support that our schools and teachers need to excel. Patty has worked tirelessly for our nation's veterans, fighting to keep three VA hospitals open here in Washington while speaking out for better health care benefits for veterans across America. It's clear: We need Patty Murray in the U.S. Senate. Now it's up to you and me to keep her there. Please contribute to Patty's campaign today -- and help her reach her $50,000 grassroots fundraising goal before the September 30 deadline! It is an honor to serve alongside Patty and represent this state we both love so much, standing up and looking out for all Washington families in the U.S. Senate. Patty Murray may be the "mom in tennis shoes" -- but she's also a tireless fighter for the best interests of our state and our country. The people of Washington are much better off with Patty Murray in the Senate. So let's make sure we send her back in 2010. Please contribute to Patty's campaign now! Thank you for supporting my friend and colleague, Patty Murray. Sincerely, Maria Cantwell U.S. Senator P.S. The September 30 fundraising deadline is just 4 days away! Let's help Patty show the press, pundits, and her potential opponents the depth and breadth of her grassroots support. Contribute now.

Action Alert on Health Care Reform!

ACTION-ALERT! - Call your legislators NOW!

Mantra:  NO PUBLIC OPTION àNO MANDATE!!!

The Senate Finance committee is scheduled to vote on two public option amendments to their bill this coming Tuesday, September 29, 2009, if all goes as planned. These are:

1. the Schumer amendment, the weaker of the two, is similar to the HELP committee public option proposal, for an 'even playing field' and
2. the Rockefeller amendment, which is a Medicare-like plan.

Senator Cantwell has said she supports the Schumer amendment, and that she will not vote for a bill without a public option.

**Call Senator Cantwell: D.C.: 202-224-3441 or Seattle: 206-220-6400 (Nate Caminos) - She is on the Senate Finance Committee.

• - Push for a public option amendment, preferably votes for both above
• - Support her amendment to enhance the medical service corps, to increase primary care base
• - Support her efforts to even out Medicare reimbursements across the nation
• - Suggest she vote for the Sanders amendment to give states a federal waiver to pursue single payer; emphasize this is a states 'rights' issue
• - Urge her to vote for legislation which would allow Federal programs to negotiate on drug pricing

** Call Senator Murray: D.C.: 202-244-2621 or Washington: 866-481-9186 (Mary Conway) – On Senate H.E.L.P. committee and will work on merging two Senate bills

• - Support public option already in the HELP bill, but urge her to push for stronger version if passed by Finance committee when they merge
• - Suggest she vote for Sanders' amendment if that comes up when bills merge

**Call your Representative:

• - If blue, support and stick with public option. Consider Kucinich amendment to give states a waiver to pursue single payer.
• - If red, let them know how strongly you feel about public option. Tell them the majority of the American people, the majority of doctors want a public option. This is not a partisan issue; this gives people choice. Ask why they would not want to give their constituents choices.

**Call Speaker Nancy Pelosi: 202-225-0100 - Tell her you want a strong public option. Request she stick with her House version in HR3200 when House and Senate bills are merged.

These are all suggestions. Be selective – Focus on public option this week and explain politely why it is important to you and your family.

Thank you for taking the time to make these calls! Our voices do matter in health care reform.

Lisa Plymate, M.D.
Washington State Director, Doctors for America
34th LD King County Committeewoman; PCO 34-1521

King County Elections is moving...

The King County Election office in Renton will be closed Friday September 25th as they make preparations for:

 

"Beginning September 28, King County Elections will operate out of a temporary facility in Tukwila..."

 

see the full article here,

 

http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/200911/moving.aspx

Fwd: News from King County Councilmember Larry Gossett

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: King County Council Member Larry Gossett <District2Enews@kingcounty.gov>
Date: Fri, Sep 18, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Subject: News from King County Councilmember Larry Gossett
(http://your.kingcounty.gov/mkcc/members/gossett/enews/09september.html)
To: chadlupkes@gmail.com

In this newsletter

·         King County Budget Update

·         Prepare for Flooding in the Green River Valley

·         Transportation Town Hall

Dear Friend

Just as the worldwide recession caused you and your family to
reevaluate your priorities and how you spend your money, King County
is undergoing the same process with your tax dollars. As the Chair of
the 2010 Budget Process, I will engage my colleagues in many of the
same or similar conversations that have occurred in households
throughout the county – what are our priorities and how should we
spend our limited resources to best achieve our goals. Alternatives to
detention, public health, criminal justice, and the threat of flooding
in the Green River Valley will definitely top the list of issues the
county must face now and in the foreseeable future. If you have any
thoughts on these and other priorities or have a comment regarding
your regional government, please feel free to contact me at
larry.gossett@kingcounty.gov.

King County Budget Update

Much attention has been given to the projected $56 million deficit
facing the county's general fund – the fund that supports the courts,
the sheriff, public health, etc. – in 2010. However, the general fund
is not the only county fund to be affected by the bad economy. In
fact, virtually all King County funds are in financial distress as a
result of the recession. By way of example, the projected deficit for
Metro Transit is $213 million for the 2010/2011 biennium.

The stress placed on all King County funds during a time of economic
slowdown is exacerbated by the structural gap or the difference
between the statutorily allowed rate of growth in revenues and the
increase in expenditures. Many county funds rely heavily on revenues
from sales tax, real estate excise tax, or new construction all of
which are much lower than previously projected. As Budget Chair, I
have worked closely with our Council Budget Leadership Team, the
County Executive and the Office of Management and Budget all year to
closely monitor this situation. For more information on the King
County budget please visit
www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget/budget_basics.aspx

Prepare for Flooding in the Green River Valley
(No More Katrina's)

The US Army Corps of Engineers has warned King County residents that
the Green River Valley is facing a high likelihood of severe flooding
this winter – and possibly for the next three to five years, as a
result of structural problems with the federally owned and operated
Howard Hanson Dam. King County and the affected cities of Kent,
Auburn, Renton, and Tukwila have been working together to prepare
residents for flooding this winter.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas should not wait for
winter – you should begin by purchasing flood insurance, making an
emergency plan, and preparing an emergency kit. Most importantly, if
you live in the Green River Valley you should prepare for the worst –
starting in the rainy season of October.

For more information on flood preparedness visit
www.kingcounty.gov/safety/FloodPlan.aspx. To prepare an emergency kit
or to learn more about 3 Days 3 Ways visit
www.govlink.org/3days3ways/buildakit.html.

Councilmember Gossett with staff and members of Casa Latina. Gossett
will be receiving Casa Latina's annual leadership award at their 15th
Anniversary Gala Dinner on October 17, 2009.

Transportation Town Hall

I previously mentioned Metro is facing a $213 million deficit for the
2010/2011 budget biennium. Because of this deficit, I am hosting a
Town Hall meeting on public transportation. I would like very much for
you to come to this meeting and receive background information on this
budget shortfall and let me know how you think we should fix this
problem. Should we raise bus fares or taxes to create more revenue or
should we cut bus routes or encourage people to ride light rail? The
Town Hall will be held

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
at 6:00
at the Rainer Vista Boys and Girls Club
located at 4520 MLK Jr. Way South.

I will be pleased if you attend and bring others who are concerned
about or impacted by King County's public transportation budget
crisis.

If you have any questions or comments about the county's budget,
Metro, or any other aspect of county government please do not hesitate
to contact me at (206) 296-1002 or larry.gossett@kingcounty.gov.
Please visit my website for updates on county news and local events at
http://www.kingcounty.gov/Gossett.aspx.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at
larry.gossett@kingcounty.gov.

Fwd: Health Reform Phone Booths

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jeremy Bird, BarackObama.com <info@barackobama.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Subject: Health Reform Phone Booths
To: Susan Sheary <kcdcc1@gmail.com>

Susan --

Last week the President laid out his health reform plan and challenged
Congress to act. OFA volunteers leapt into action, generating hundreds
of thousands of signatures and calls to show grassroots support. Now
we need to reach out in our communities, spread the facts about the
President's plan, and bring new voices of support into Washington.

If you can spare your lunch hour (or a couple of hours whenever you're
free), you can make it happen. Here's how: Organize a "Health Reform
Phone Booth" in your area.

It's simple: Just grab some friends and set up in a public spot where
lots of folks will pass by. You'll distribute fact sheets about
President's plan and ask people to call their members of Congress on
the spot and voice their support.

We'll give you all the materials, phone numbers, and step-by-step
instructions you need to make it a success -- and when you register
your Phone Booth online, other OFA volunteers can join you to lend a
hand.

Click here to run a Health Reform Phone Booth near you:

http://my.barackobama.com/PhoneBooth

Passing health reform won't be easy -- they've been talking about it
in Washington for almost a century. But we know that when ordinary
people who believe in change reach out, spread the facts, and help
folks from all walks of life make their voices heard, we can make
history.

Thanks for making it happen,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- In August we asked a few OFA volunteers to test out running a
Health Reform Phone Booth in their area, and we got great reports --
even from folks who were pretty nervous before they began. Here are
just a couple:

I will confess that I questioned my decision to host an event the
instant I hit the send button. I imagined myself on a street corner,
handing out fliers like the guys hand out restaurant flyers. Relief
struck when the first volunteer signed up with me. Imagine how
thrilled I was when 15 had signed up!... We distributed 300 phone
booth sheets and 600 info sheets... The best part, one of our
volunteers was 79 1/2 years old. She was remarkable. Thank you for
this opportunity. I am very glad I did it, no matter how nervous I
was.
-- Mark P. from New York, New York

We had two veterans tell us that they were very happy with the VA
system, and one vowed to write a letter to the editor to dispel the
myths that that system doesn't work. Many people thanked us for having
a booth and for trying to dispel the lies being spread by opponents of
reform.
-- Mike O. from Bozeman, Montana

--
Thank you,
Susan Sheary

Fwd: A Strong Case for Health Care Reform

From: Patty Murray

Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 2:31 PM

Subject: A Strong Case for Health Care Reform

SUBSCRIBE to Washington View UNSUBSCRIBE from Washington View September 15, 2009     subscribe unsubscribe news photos videos     A Strong Case for Health Care Reform Last Wednesday, President Obama stated clearly what American families and businesses know all too well, our current health care system is simply unsustainable.  The reform we are working towards will provide stability and choice to families and businesses.  It will mean lower costs, stable and portable coverage and the promise that if you get sick, have a pre-existing condition or lose your job, you will not lose your health care.  I look forward to working with the President and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass meaningful reform that will lower costs, increase choice and provide stability to America's families and businesses this year.  – Details ......................................... AEROSPACE: WTO Rules that Launch Aid is an Illegal Subsidy Last week, the World Trade Organization made clear that for decades the European Union has been providing the European aerospace company Airbus with illegal subsidies that have created an uneven playing field for Boeing and cost American jobs.  Following the ruling, I urged the EU and Airbus to heed the WTO's ruling and to immediately put a stop to plans to provide any further illegal subsidies in the form of "launch aid."  The WTO's decision also raises major questions for the U.S. Department of Defense as it prepares to solicit bids to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers.  – Details ......................................... Remembering Senator Ted Kennedy Last week on the Senate floor, I delivered a speech honoring and remembering my friend and mentor Senator Edward Kennedy.  I served with Senator Kennedy for 17 years in the Senate including many years as a senior member of his Committee.  In my speech, I talked about fighting for legislation together that allows family to spend time with sick loved ones, the personal touch he brought to the business of politics, and the unique gift he had to persevere over tragedy.  I also called on my colleagues to help continue Senator Kennedy's work to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Details | Listen to my speech | Watch my speech ......................................... DEFENSE: Millions in Job-Creating Spending for Washington State On Wednesday, I announced that I have included $63 million in federal defense work for Washington state companies in the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill.  This spending will create good jobs in the state and help our armed forces get the cutting-edge military equipment they need and deserve.  The spending I have included in this bill will provide a critical boost to the economy, and it will make a strong investment in research, technology, and innovation in Washington state. Details "Bremerton's Dimension4 in Line for Defense Funds" – The Kitsap Sun ......................................... Commemorating the Attacks of September 11th This year, for the first time, 9/11 was been designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The mission of the day was to honor the victims of 9/11 and those who rose to service in response to the attacks by encouraging everyone to pledge to voluntarily perform at least one good deed, or another service activity on 9/11 each year.  I cannot think of a better way to honor the memory of those who were lost than by taking a moment to remember, and then performing a good deed or act of service.  September 11th was not just a day of national loss, but of personal loss.  My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has lost a friend or loved one. Details  | Listen to a speech I delivered commemorating the anniversary     ...................................................................................................................     TO COMMENT: Please send an email to: http://murray.senate.gov/email

Fwd: Rapid Response Needed

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Susan Sheary <kcdcc1@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Subject: Fwd: Rapid Response Needed
To: KING COUNTY DEMOCRATS <kingcountydemocrats@msn.com>

From: WAFST Approve 71 Campaign <jfriedes@approve71.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Subject: Rapid Response Needed
To: Susan Sheary <kcdcc1@gmail.com>

Dear Susan Sheary, As you know already know, a group of ultra-conservatives (using questionable tactics) have gathered signatures to force a referendum on the domestic partnership law the legislature passed this year.  In just a few weeks, this issue will be on the ballot in a low turnout "odd year" election.  To keep the domestic partnership law, a majority of voters must Approve Referendum 71. We all followed California's battle over Prop 8 last year and that election taught us one thing – never underestimate the resources and unethical campaign tactics of America's hard line right-wing. And I have the unfortunate task of telling you that those same tactics are coming to Washington State. Take a look at the yard signs our opposition has posted. Please click here to help us fight back. I don't need to tell you how important this fight will be. I don't need to tell you about the over 200 legal protections contained in the domestic partnership law, because I know you share with me the belief that all families deserve equal protection under the law. But, I do need to ask you to click here and contribute now to help send a message that we won't allow this in our state. As of this writing, we have no idea how much money our extremist opponents will have to run their fear-based campaign, but if we can't raise at least $50,000 online this week, then we can't launch our campaign's voter contact program on time. Washington families are counting on us to win this fight. But moreover, the entire country will be watching Washington's election results on November 3rd.  Please chip in as generously as you can today and tell everyone you know that they can't afford to sit on the sidelines.  Too much is on the line and we have come too far to lose this fight. Josh Friedes Campaign Manager Approve71.org P.S. To learn about what else you can do to support the APPROVE 71 campaign, please attend one of our upcoming Organizing Meetings in your area. Click here to see the schedule. Mail a donation check payable to Washington Families Standing Together to WAFST, PO Box 12216, Seattle, WA 98102 (Political contributions are not tax deductible). Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this important Approve 71 event.  Tell-a-friend! If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Equal Rights Washington.

--
Thank you,
Susan Sheary

Fwd: AFL-CIO Convention on the Web

Original Message ----- From: "Reggie Cole, AFL-CIO Broadcast Division" <peoplepower@aflcio.org>
To: "susan sheary" <suzie2004@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 11:45 AM
Subject: AFL-CIO Convention on the Web

Dear Susan,

The 26th AFL-CIO Convention begins this Sunday in Pittsburgh,
and I'm excited to announce that we will be streaming live video
online from the convention floor all week.
The convention kicks off at 3 p.m. Sunday and continues through
12:15 p.m. Thursday. We'll be streaming online all the main
floor activities, including speeches, resolution discussions and
debates and officer elections.
Watch the AFL-CIO Convention live online:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/A1aaF_s1kBa2/

Convention Highlights: Be sure not to miss AFL-CIO President
John Sweeney's keynote Sunday afternoon, Secretary of Labor
Hilda Solis' speech Monday morning and President Obama's address
to the convention Tuesday afternoon.
On Wednesday, new AFL-CIO officers will be nominated. Watch the
election of our next president, secretary-treasurer and
executive vice president live online.

Watch the AFL-CIO Convention live online:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/A1aaF_s1kBa2/

Click here for our main convention website:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/_7aaF_s1kBaM/

Click here for a full convention schedule:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/_paaF_s1kBaN/

Follow the AFL-CIO on Twitter
(http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/_daaF_s1kBaA/) for the latest
updates including schedule changes, etc.

Thank you,

Reggie Cole
AFL-CIO Broadcast Division

*****

2009 AFL-CIO Convention Main Hall Schedule

* We Are Many, We Are One
Sunday, Sept. 13, 3-6 p.m.
-- John Sweeney

* Organizing for Our Future
Monday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
-- Hilda Solis and Caroline Kennedy

* Making Change. Now.
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
-- Barack Obama

* The Power of Many
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
-- AFL-CIO Officer Nominations

* One World, One Movement
Thursday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Watch Online Here: http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/A1aaF_s1kBa2/
--------------------------------------------------

If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for
Working Families e-Activist Network at:

http://www.unionvoice.org/wfean/join.html?r=1paaF_sqQgveE

--------------------------------------------------

***********************************************
Click on the link below for more information
from your union, online activism and benefits.
http://www.unionvoice.org/
***********************************************

Contact Our Congressional Representatives Today!

The King County Democratic Central Committee website has been updated to reflect our support of the President's Health Care Reform Plan.  There is a bright yellow button on the homepage (www.kcdems.org) with a "click here to take action now" that will result in display of this page,

 

http://wa-demchairs.org/kcdems/2009/healthcarereform.php

 

You may use the preformatted letter or write/send one of your own to the representatives (contact information is listed on the page as well).

KCDCC has a wide assortment of health care reform and campaign buttons; four are shown at the website.  The buttons and the new WSDCC wristbands are available at both the State and County offices.

 

Many thanks to Bertha McDaniel, Office Manager, of the Washington State Democrats who helped make the wristbands available through a very generous donor.  The wristbands are purple and etched with, "Health Care for Everyone Now."

--
Thank you,
Susan Sheary

KCDCC Chair

425.255.2679

Fwd: Not the first, but the last

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: President Barack Obama <info@barackobama.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Subject: Not the first, but the last
To: Chad Lupkes <chadlupkes@gmail.com>

Chad -- I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help. Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you. Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009. The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care. Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people. We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way. We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential. See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it: http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last. Thank you, President Barack Obama

Fwd: Far from Over

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dow Constantine for King County Executive <info@dowconstantine.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 8:48 AM
Subject: Far from Over
To: chadlupkes@gmail.com

www.DowConstantine.com Friends, Can you imagine an unqualified right-wing Republican running King County - one of the most progressive counties in the nation? If your answer is no - then we need your help today! On Friday a new poll was released showing Susan Hutchison with a slight lead over Dow in the King County Executive Race: 47%-43%.   There is no doubt her widespread name recognition as a former TV personality is responsible. Surprised?  Well don't be: we faced the same challenge in primary polling - too many Democrats and progressive voters indicated support for Hutchison because of her celebrity status.  We won over these voters in the primary because we educated them on Hutchison's true beliefs and lack of substance.  We can do so once again--but we need your help today.  Please make a donation now. Hutchison wants us to elect her to the second most powerful office in the state, with responsibility for nearly two million residents, a $5 billion budget and more than 13,000 employees.  King County runs Metro transit, the criminal justice system, the health department, waste disposal, and elections. Yet she has no experience to prepare her. No experience in making major policy decisions or managing a large, complex organization. Despite months of campaigning, she has no plan for balancing King County's budget, no plan for improving our region's transportation system, no plan for protecting our vanishing green spaces, or dealing with the challenges posed by climate change. When asked what she will do as Executive she offers empty sound bites and can go no further. With the endorsements of all of our major primary rivals, and the support of leaders across the county, we are in a great position to win. But we need to raise another $400,000 to make sure the voters understand the dramatic choice before them - about values, about ability, about our future. Please support Dow today with a donation of $25, $50 or $100. Sincerely, Tracy Newman Fundraising Director Friends of Dow Constantine

President Obama to our kids: We need you to do your part too.

The President's prepared speech that he will give tomorrow morning on the first day of school for many students around the country is now posted on the White House website:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

September 7th Edition of "The King County Democrat"

The September 7th Edition of "The King County Democrat" is available for viewing at,

 

http://wa-demchairs.org/kcdems/documents/sep2009.2.pdf

 

Pages 6 and 7 include a great article written and submitted by 31st LD PCO Coordinator Brian Gunn.

You can read all of our other newsletters here:

http://wa-demchairs.org/kcdems/newsletter.php

--
Thank you,
Susan Sheary

KCDCC Chair

425.255.2679

IDF Class of 2010 - Now Recruiting

From Jason Bennett, Executive Director of the Institute for a Democratic Future:

It's that time of year ... Institute for a Democratic Future is officially accepting applications for the class of 2010!

Do you know any talented adults, ages 21-36, who might be interested in this coming year's class? We will be accepting up to 30 'fellows' for the Class of 2010. Prospective 'students' may apply online or mail all of their application materials directly to our PO Box. We'll be accepting applications until November 20, 2009.

As you may know, the Institute for a Democratic Future (IDF) is a six-month long civics program for men and women focusing on three core areas: public policy, the legislative process and campaigns/elections. The program is entering its 13^th year and we hope to have another excellent class who will continue to do great things post-graduation: working for our Democratic allies, moving public policy mountains, shaking up the Washington establishment, and of course, running for office.

Our six-month program, starting in January 2010, will take next year's class all over the state and to Washington DC. We will hear from elected officials, former alumni, policymakers and local leaders. We're proud of our alumni – and we boast their successes whenever we can. For example:

• Kevin Van de Wege, IDF '02, who is a firefighter (Local 2933) in Sequim and is also State Representative from the 24^th Legislative District, working to bring voice to working families in Olympia.
• Dana Laurent, IDF '08, Political Director for Planned Parenthood, implemented the most aggressive field program Planned Parenthood has ever executed to help Governor Gregoire and build on majorities in the state House and Senate.
• Sudha Nandagopal (IDF '08) and Kelley Drake (IDF '07), both of whom work at the Washington Conservation Voters and work to keep our elected officials green and moving a green, pro-environment agenda forward.

We have dozens and dozens of other alumni who are changing the landscape in Washington – too many to name individually. Labor leaders, congressional and council staff, campaign workers, political consultants, lawyers, policy staff, fundraisers, and engaged citizens who volunteer on campaigns or form their own political organizations. We are proud for our small part we play in these successes. Can you help us build our next great class? Do you have someone who might be interested in our program? We want 'em!

For more detailed information on the program, see our website: www.democraticfuture.org. All of the deadlines and application requirements can be found there as well.

We'll be accepting applications through November 20^th with interviews a few weeks after. Feel free to re-package this email and forward it around to anyone who might be interested.

Any questions or comments? Please feel free to contact us directly: info@democraticfuture.org or 425-395-4330.

Sincerely,

Jason Bennett
Executive Director, Institute for a Democratic Future

206.579.0644 (cell)
jason@democraticfuture.org
www.democraticfuture.org

Labor Day: Celebrating the Past, Preparing for the Future

From: AFL-CIO <peoplepower@aflcio.org>
To: "susan sheary" <suzie2004@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 1:52 PM
Subject: Labor Day: Celebrating the Past, Preparing for the Future

This Labor Day weekend, we are taking a moment to reflect on the
future of America's working men of women. Young workers today
have lower-paying jobs than they did 10 years ago--those able to
find jobs at all. Health care is a luxury, and retirement
security is something for their parents, not them.
In fact, 34 percent of workers younger than 35 still live at
home with their parents. Low-income young workers are as likely
to live with parents as on their own.

A new report by the AFL-CIO and Working America, "Young Workers:
A Lost Decade," finds that the economic meltdown over the past
decade has handicapped young workers' ability to transition into
adulthood and financial independence.
"After getting married, my wife and I decided to move in with my
parents to pay off our bills. We could afford to live on our
own, but we'd never be able to get out of debt. We have school
loans to pay off, too. We'd like to have children, but we just
can't manage the expense of it right now...so we're putting it
off till we're in a better place." --Nate Scherer, 31, lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he shares a
home with his wife, his parents and his brother.

The situation facing young workers like Nate is far worse than
it was 10 years ago and is cause for alarm.
What do you think it means for our future? Read more about the
report on our blog and share your thoughts.

Read the full report:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/47aaF_s1hQz3/

Here are just a few of the report's disturbing findings:

* 31 percent of young workers report being uninsured, up from 24
percent 10 years ago, and 79 percent of the uninsured say they
don't have coverage because they can't afford it or their
employer does not offer it.
* Only 31 percent say they make enough money to cover their
bills and put some money aside--22 percentage points fewer than
in 1999.
* Seven in 10 do not have enough saved to cover two months of
living expenses--a real danger when so many jobs are
disappearing.

The future of our country depends on the prosperity of each
generation, and while the magnitude of the problems is huge, so
are the opportunities. Young workers remain full of hope and
want to be involved. As a movement, we must engage proactively
with this generation.

"Young workers in particular must be given the tools to lead the
next generation to prosperity. Our national survey shows just
how broken our economy is for our young people--and what's at
stake if we don't fix it." --AFL-CIO President John Sweeney

As we look to the future this Labor Day, let's all think about
what we can do to make our economy work better for the next
generation. Keep in mind that one exciting result of our survey
is that not only do young people want to be involved, their
priorities are even more progressive than the older generation
of workers.
Join us on our blog all weekend for Labor Day stories and
opportunities to connect:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/XdaaF_s1hQzN/

Friend us on Facebook:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/4paaF_s1hQze/

Follow us on Twitter:
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/4daaF_s1hQzx/

Together, we can make a difference.
Marc Laitin
AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Coordinator

The real story of August

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mitch Stewart, BarackObama.com <info@barackobama.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 3, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Subject: The real story of August
To: Susan Sheary <kcdcc1@gmail.com>

Susan -- At the beginning of August, President Obama wrote to the OFA community to challenge us to work hard, break through the noise and give the American people a voice in the fight for health insurance reform. It wasn't easy: With Congress back home, special interests and partisan attack groups went into overdrive spreading lies, and the media seemed to broadcast any story of conflict or division they could find. But you accepted the President's challenge -- and delivered. See it for yourself: Check out the latest photos and stories from around the country. Our strategy for the month was simple: engage the millions of individuals who know we need change to fight the lies and tell the truth, build support for reform, and ensure that support is highly visible while members of Congress are home gauging public opinion. We continued our methodical, battle-tested approach of volunteers reaching out online and offline in every part of the country. We offered the facts, answered questions and engaged those who were ready to get involved. And the results were extraordinary. OFA supporters like you came together in an unprecedented way over the past four weeks -- and it couldn't have happened without the individual volunteers who make it all possible: Folks like Rebecca E. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who voted for the first time last year -- and collected more than 1,800 health care declarations this summer. Across the country, we've collected more than 1 million signatures in support of the President's core principles for health insurance reform. Supporters like Nita L. in Longmont, Colorado, who organized hundreds of supporters in her town to come with her to talk with their member of Congress about how much this fight means to them. They were among the more than 70,000 folks who showed up at 350 town halls -- where supporters of reform at times outnumbered opponents by 10-1 -- and volunteers who made 65,000 trips to local congressional offices. It's the people who made more than 100,000 calls to Congress to thank representatives fighting for change -- like Nancy T. in Hendersonville, North Carolina, who hosted a health care phone booth because, after her heart transplant, she knows that no American should have to choose between financial ruin and getting the care they need. It's the 1,500 supporters who filled a local recreation center in Kansas City, Missouri, at a town hall meeting with Senator Claire McCaskill, and the 2,500 people who jammed the streets to hear from Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio -- just two of the more than 4,000 events where folks gathered to show their support across all 50 states in August. All of these signatures, calls, office drop-bys, conversations, gatherings, and town hall meetings, all of the late nights, homemade signs, long hours in the sun, and tireless volunteers who make it happen -- totaling more than 1.5 million people who've taken part in this campaign for real reform -- it all adds up to one incredible movement for change. Check out the latest photos and stories from the field to see this movement in action: http://my.barackobama.com/ontheground As Congress returns to D.C. and we roll up our sleeves for the final push toward reform, we know the hardest work may yet lie ahead. The special interests and those in Congress who have pledged to oppose the President no matter what will stoop even lower in the weeks ahead. But you should never doubt that we face the coming challenges together, as part of something far larger than any of us alone -- and far stronger than the old broken politics that have preserved the status quo for long enough. Our strategy is working. We are going to win this thing. Americans will finally get the health insurance reform we all need. Thank you for making it possible, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America