321: Fight against domestic violence, immigration policies, and healthcare attacks.

3 Support Efforts for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Help us shed light on economic abuse by supporting JWI through the Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse Challenge. New data shows a clear link between poverty, domestic violence, and social inequality. Your support helps us raise awareness and funds for programming that combats domestic violence and financial abuse

JWI creates financial literacy resources for women and families in domestic violence shelters throughout the country. Donate today and help us win an additional $10,000 in the challenge.

2 Undocumented Youth Held Hostage

Learn more about the impact of recent immigration policies on survivors of domestic and sexual violence by watching our panel discussion hosted by JWI’s Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence via Facebook live tomorrow at 10 am EST and follow #FaithSupportsSurvivors on Twitter throughout the month.

1 Further Weakening of Healthcare System

Last week, President Trump signed two executive orders intended to dismantle our healthcare system, denying millions of Americans affordable access to comprehensive healthcare coverage. The first allows insurers to provide plans that gut essential health benefits like maternity care and substance abuse. The second order will result in a drastic increase in premiums for individuals and families. Call your Senators now to stand up against attacks on our country's health.

And for you...  

Women and men have come together using #MeToo on Twitter and Facebook, raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment. The importance of this campaign is to acknowledge and validate these stories without questioning experiences or victim blaming. For those who have posted and those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, we support and stand with you in this fight.

Gun laws protected while women's healthcare attacked

3 Women’s Health Care Under Attack

The Trump Administration limited access to birth control by allowing employers with moral or religious objections to opt-out of providing contraceptive care. A dangerous twenty-week abortion ban passed the House of Representatives, preventing women from accessing this procedure unless they can prove incest or rape. A budget passed by the House cuts $5 billion from safety net programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which provide access to healthcare for millions of women.

To stand up against these attacks, call your Senators and tell them to vote against H.R. 36 and the House budget and object to tampering with a woman’s right to contraceptive care.

2 Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

Our hearts go out the all of the victims injured or killed, and the families affected by last week’s horrific shooting. In response to the massacre in Las Vegas, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) has introduced the Automatic Gun Fire Prevention Act to close a loophole that allows semi-automatic weapons to be modified to fire at the rate of automatic weapons.

With the Senate out of session this week, this is the time to go to a town hall or call your Senators’ local offices to demand they support the this common-sense legislation as the first step in comprehensive gun reform.

1 Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

News reports illuminating the despicable actions of Roger Ailes and Harvey Weinstein provide a public face for a problem that has been overlooked for far too long. It is estimated that at least twenty-five percent of women in the United States have been sexually harassed at work. Women in the workplace are protected by the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sexual harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.

Learn more about the law and the best ways to move forward if you are being harassed in the workplace. 

And for you...  

Join our webinar to learn from a panel of experts from the Muslim, Catholic and Jewish faiths about how faith serves as a resource and a barrier for seeking help, and gain strategies for engaging with faith leadership.

JWI's Statement Following Mass Shooting in Las Vegas "We must act now."

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Jewish Women International (JWI), the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls, offers the following statement from CEO Lori Weinstein:

“Monday morning we awoke to the news of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, likely the most deadly shooting in American history. Now we add Las Vegas to the all too long list we all can recite – Aurora, Columbine, Newtown, Orlando, San Bernadino, Charleston. But today we must also think of the daily shootings that don’t make the headlines. Every day, 93 Americans die from guns. Every day, American children are 14 times more likely to die from guns than children in other developed countries.

“It is too easy to feel overwhelmed, too easy to mourn and to try to accept these deaths as part of modern life. But the fact is there are things we can do. Universal background checks, bans on possession of guns by anyone who has committed domestic or sexual violence, proper storage requirements, regulating silencers. Simple steps that will make a difference. We have seen too many innocent victims gunned down. We owe it to every child in Newtown, every young person in Orlando, every concert goer in Las Vegas, every nameless victim whose story we don’t hear because there are far too many.

“Stronger gun laws have been proven to reduce gun violence. We cannot let wealthy lobbying groups hold our nation hostage any longer. We must act now."

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 10-2-17

3. House Seeks to Deregulate Gun Silencers  

Yet again, our nation is mourning the loss of innocent life on a horrific scale, and now is the time for our elected representatives to take concrete action. This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is due to vote on the SHARE Act, that seeks to deregulate silencers. Silencers make it more difficult for police to hear and locate an active shooter. In the wake of last night's tragedy, it is unconscionable that any elected officials would vote for this legislation.

Call your Representative today and tell them to vote "no" on the SHARE Act.

2. Unconstitutional Limits on Abortion Access 

This week, Congress will vote on an unconstitutional and dangerous abortion ban. H.R. 36 mandates that incest survivors and rape survivors who are minors report their abuse in order to seek an abortion. This reporting requirement places an unfair burden on these children who need time-sensitive and safe care. The bill also would prevent women from obtaining an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, placing an arbitrary restriction that cannot account for the many reasons women may need an abortion later in their pregnancy. 

Demand that your member of Congress vote against H.R. 36!

1. Playing Politics with Children's Health Care

Due to Congress' inaction this weekend, no new money will go to states to help them insure nearly 9 million children across the country. For decades CHIP reauthorization has been a bipartisan priority. We must call on Congress to work together to stabilize the insurance markets and fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

Call your Senators and tell them to stop playing politics with our children's health.

And for you... October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join JWI's Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and help raise awareness.

• Add your voice to our Thunderclap
• Come to our panel discussion on "A Faith Response to Deportation of Domestic Violence Survivors
• Change your Facebook profile to show the world that #FaithSupportsSurvivors

Learn more about what JWI is doing for DVAM2017 here.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 9-25-17

3. Healthcare Under Threat

The Graham-Cassidy bill allows states to increase premiums for any pre-existing condition – including pregnancy, cancer, or even physical and mental health issues resulting from abuse, rape, or assault. Millions of Americans will be forced off Medicaid and millions more will see premium and out-of-pocket costs increase drastically.

Call your Senators and tell them that forcing through a piece of legislation that will devastate access to healthcare is not the answer!

As of now, the following Senators are undecided. If you live in one of these states, call NOW and tell them to vote NO! – Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mike Lee (R-AZ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), Todd Young (R-IN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Rob Portman (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Pat Toomey (R-RI), John Thune (R-SD), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Bob Corker (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

2. State Buy-Offs

Rather than work in a bipartisan manner to improve access to healthcare, the Senate Majority is trying to pass a cruel piece of partisan legislation by providing minor additional funding to Alaska, Arizona, and Maine in order to influence the votes of key senators. Healthcare is a fundamental right, and all Americans deserve equal access.

Call Senators Lisa Murkowski, John McCain, and Susan Collins and tell them not to fall for these tricks!

1. Opportunity for Bipartisan Action

For weeks the chair and ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee have been working on a bipartisan solution to stabilize the insurance markets across the country that would result in greater competition between insurance companies and reduced premiums for individuals in the marketplace. The Senate should listen to Senator John McCain’s reasons for opposing Graham-Cassidy, and work together.

Call your Senators and tell them to work with Senator Alexander (R-TN) and Senator Murray (D-WA) on a bipartisan plan to improve and fix the Affordable Care Act!

And for you... 

We were deeply moved by this video created by the NFL and salute the players, who use their platforms to speak out against violence and the owners and coaches, who stand with them in unity.

JWI is honoring Anna Isaacson, the NFL's VP of Social Responsibility at Women to Watch. Don't miss your chance to meet all 10 of our inspiring women on December 11th.

 

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 9-18-17

3. Inspired by Nicole Kidman's Emmy speech

Last night in her Emmy acceptance speech, Nicole Kidman used her star power to shine a spotlight on the silent plague of domestic violence. Each year more than 10 million women and men are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has saved, protected, and supported millions of Americans by providing legal protections, programs, and funding across the country. VAWA is up for reauthorization in 2018, and the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence has already started educating congressional staff of the importance of VAWA. Call Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Feinstein (D-CA), and Representatives Goodlatte (R-VA) and Conyers (D-MI) and ask that they support VAWA!

2. Inspired to provide all children with healthcare

Congress has only two weeks to reauthorize healthcare funding for 8.4 million children in low-income families. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a joint federal-state program that provides healthcare to children with family incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid. We applaud Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Hatch (R-UT) who have come to an agreement on CHIP funding, but now call on both chambers to move forward on a vote. Millions of children are at risk of losing lifesaving healthcare if Congress doesn’t act soon. Contact your senators and representative and tell them this is an urgent priority!

1. Inspired to tweet about fair pay

From 2015 to 2016 the gender pay gap went from 79.6% to 80.5% according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau last week. While this number is statistically significant, women aren’t feeling a change in their checkbooks. In fact, if the wage gap keeps increasing at this rate, women won’t achieve real pay equity until 2059! To combat wage inequality the Office of Management and Budget needs to move forward with pay data collection. Today join a Twitterstorm from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. using #EqualPay to call on the Administration to combat wage inequality. 

And for you... 

World leaders are gathering today at the United Nations. Do you know the U.N. plays an important role in advocating to end violence and promoting gender equality throughout the world? Learn more about the priorities and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the U.N. here.

Inspiration for the New Year... 

For those observing Rosh Hashana, a beautiful video from our friends at the 92nd Street Y of performers from around the world dancing their prayer for the New Year. It is a vision of a world of peace and friendship.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 9-11-17

3. Demand justice at your alma mater

At a time when reports of sexual assault on college campuses are appallingly frequent, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has placed the federal government on a path to potentially eliminate the federal protections for survivors in high schools and on college campuses. Rolling back these 2011 "Dear Colleague" guidelines would harm the rights of survivors of violence, insult the lives that have been harmed by violence, and impede the national effort to change campus culture. Write to the president or provost of your alma mater, and tell them to keep following the Dear Colleague guidelines to ensure that survivors of violence are protected on their campus. (Read JWI's statement.)

2. Protect “Dreamers”

The Trump Administration’s repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program deports over 800,000 young people back to countries they haven’t lived in for at least ten years. DACA recipients, also known as "Dreamers," are part of our communities: they attend American colleges, serve in our military, and work as health care providers. We should be celebrating these young people and their achievements, instead of forcing them to leave the only country they've ever called home. This month Congress has an opportunity to protect Dreamers from deportation by passing the DREAM Act, which will make immigrant communities safer and help survivors of violence feel safe reporting crimes without the risk of deportation. Call your senators and representatives to demand a vote! (Read JWI's statement.) To better understand just how complicated this issue is, we recommend the book Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luiselli. 

1. Support bipartisan healthcare reform!

Health insurance premiums could increase by up to 25% on the individual marketplace if the Trump Administration does not commit to funding cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments to insurance companies by the end of September. Without CSR payments, companies are likely to stop providing health insurance to millions of Americans, and raise premiums for millions more. On Capitol Hill last week, a bipartisan group of state insurance commissioners and governors testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee that immediate federal action is needed to stabilize insurance markets. The time for playing politics with Americans' healthcare is over, and Congress and the Administration should move forward with commonsense, bipartisan solutions to ensure access.

And for you... 

On this anniversary of America's darkest day, many hurricane victims in Florida are facing tremendous material loss - and millions are in the dark, without power. Take a moment to hug your family and friends, and appreciate what truly matters.

Department of Ed must support the Dear Colleague letter

Jewish Women International (JWI), a leading advocate against campus sexual assault and dating violence, condemns Secretary of Education Betsy Devos’s announcement today as an attack on survivors of sexual assault and dating abuse. The guidelines issued by the Department of Education in 2011 have helped school administrators and students provide all students with equal protection and have improved student’s rights. Rolling back these guidelines will further victimize the one-fifth of female college students who experience rape or sexual assault.

"Today’s action is an insult to victims, advocates, administrators and campus sexual assault coordinators throughout the country," said JWI CEO Lori Weinstein.  "The facts speak for themselves-- every year, hundreds of victims of sexual assault do not get the justice they deserve. This is why the Obama Administration put the Dear Colleague letter in place. Devos’s action today erases the progress we have made in the past eight years.”

JWI provides critical proactive programming on college campuses, teaching students about sexual assault, dating abuse, and bystander intervention.  We call on the Department of Education to support the Dear Colleague letter and further bolster the rights of survivors of sexual assault, dating abuse, and stalking on college campuses across the country.

Ending DACA runs counter to the very ideals of our country

Jewish Women International (JWI) is deeply disappointed in the Trump Administration’s decision today to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Over 800,000 young people who call America home will now be deported to a country they haven’t lived in for at least a decade. 
 
DACA recipients have used the protection of this program to enroll in college and graduate school and participate in the workforce as social workers, EMS professionals, and members of the military. Sending away our best and the brightest will do unconscionable harm to our economy and to families across the country. 
 
Ending DACA runs counter to the very ideals of our country.  It is imperative that Congress act now and pass the bipartisan DREAM Act to provide a pathway to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of young people who are Americans in every way, except on paper. Call your senators and representative to demand action!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 9-4-17

3. Just Tweet No #TrumpGlobalGag

The Trump administration instituted the "Global Gag Rule" banning nongovernmental organizations that receive American aid from counseling patients about abortion or advocating on abortion laws. This regulation puts restrictions on $9.5 billion of federal aid, harms the health of women across the world, and denies women economic opportunity. On Tuesday, September 5, participate in a Twitter storm by tweeting your protest and the hashtag #TrumpGlobalGag from 1 to 3 PM. (The toolkit with everything you need to tweet is found here.)

2. Support A Bi-Partisan Health Care Proposal

Yesterday, the Administration announced drastic funding cuts for Affordable Care Act outreach and enrollment. The 90% cut from $100 million last year to $10 million this year will end vital efforts to educate people about their insurance options and encourage people to sign up. Instead of cutting critical resources for the 39 states that use the federal exchange, Congress should follow the lead of a bipartisan group of governors who have authored a commonsense proposal to strengthen health care markets. Call your governor now and urge her or him consider the bipartisan Kasich-Hickenlooper health care proposal.

Help share critical sign-up dates by going to JWI's Facebook page and sharing this image:

1. Help End Child Marriage

In the last 17 years, more than 200,000 children were illegally married in the United States. Most of these marriages are between girls under the age of 18 and adult men. This practice perpetuates gender inequality, cripples girls’ economic opportunities, and harms their health. Twenty-five states have no limits on how young a child can be married; to find out if your state is one of them, click here. The best safeguard to protect these young girls is a law that mandates 18 as the minimum age to marry, without exceptions. Call your state legislators to demand they work to eliminate child marriage in the next meeting of your state legislature.

And for you... 

We're loving Lisa Feiriman's new website Rose-Colored. As Lisa writes, after reading story after heartbreaking story, "somehow stories of resilience, generosity, and community arise from the ashes of these disasters." She curates these uplifting stories and shares them on her site. Check it out and be reminded of the good in the world.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 8-28-17

3. Stand for equality

Today thousands of rabbis, ministers, priests, and imams are marching in the nation’s capital to protest white supremacy and racism. Clergy of many faiths are banding together at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to stand up for equality and justice - in our nation and around the world. In the final week of the congressional recess, reach out to your elected officials and tell them to follow their moral compass and vote to put social justice and civil rights first.

2. Tell Congress that children deserve healthcare!

Unless Congress renews the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) next month, nine million children will lose access to essential healthcare. All children in our country deserve affordable healthcare, even children whose parents are unable to afford it. Republicans and Democrats must come together to pass this reauthorization. Call your Representatives to tell them to fund healthcare for millions of children!

1. Demand Funding for the Violence Against Women Health Initiative!

Healthcare costs for survivors of violence, sexual assault, and stalking by intimate partners are forty-two percent higher than for non-abused women. Women who were victimized in adolescence will lose over $52,000 in expected lifetime income. The current budget before the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives defunds the Violence Against Women Health Initiative, a program that funds research on ways to end systemic violence and trains health professionals on the best responses to abuse. Tell your Representative that funding to address violence against women is essential for millions of women to be able to seek help and live safely!

And for you... 

This week, do for someone else: The victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas are in need of our support. There are many ways to help; donating to the Red Cross is always a good start.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 8-21-17

3. Let Women Give Peace a Chance

Negotiations that include women in the peace process have a 35% better chance of creating a lasting peace agreement: Clearly greater female representation is essential to world peace. To promote the inclusion of women in these negotiations, the Senate just passed the bipartisan Women, Peace, and Security Act, sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Now it's up to the House of Representatives to pass this important bill - call on your Representative to sponsor it and make sure women are included in these vital negotiations!

2. Stand Up for Health Care!

The Trump administration has threatened to stop cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments for healthcare insurance, a move that the Congressional Budget Office reports would increase premiums by 20%, increase the federal deficit by $6 billion, and strip healthcare from one million people. Americans deserve increased access to quality, affordable health care, not a drastic reduction! During the final weeks of this congressional recess, attend a local town hall or go to your Senators' offices to let them know threats to Americans' health care are unacceptable.

1. Celebrate the 19th Amendment

Next Saturday, August 26th, is the 97th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment, which guarantees women’s right to vote. While there is much to celebrate, this is an important moment to recommit ourselves to the many ongoing fights for true equality. To learn more about the current barriers - as well as possible solutions - to achieve equality, join the #WomensEqualityDay tweet chat on Friday, August 25th, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

And for you... 

As a counterbalance to fears that our access to health care will dissolve faster than an Alka Seltzer in water, learn about the beauty that Tilda Shalof is creating to commemorate the care she's given to countless patients in nearly 30 years as an ICU nurse.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 8-14-17

3. Fund measures to prevent home-grown terrorism.

The tragic events in Charlottesville this weekend demand strong leadership that condemns hatred at every turn. There is no place for acts of racism, bigotry or white supremacy in a civil society. But words aren't enough. In July, President Trump proposed drastic cuts to local programs aimed at fighting home-grown terrorism; it is imperative that we call on Congress to amend this budget and commit to fully fund these programs.

2. Reject laws that attack women's health.

Since 2011, states across the country have passed a total of 369 laws restricting women’s access to abortions. A poll conducted by the Center for Reproductive Rights shows that the majority of Americans do not support these attacks on women’s health. Sixty-one percent of adults in the U.S. support a law like the Women’s Health Protection Act that prohibits states from imposing these restrictions. On Wednesday use #ActforWomen and #ReproRights on Twitter from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (EST) to bring attention to this important piece of legislation!

1. Make paid family leave the law.

Last week Sheryl Sandberg formally endorsed the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act – a bill that provides up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave to every worker in America. As the COO of Facebook, Sandberg understands the importance of a federal paid leave policy for both families and businesses. Now is the time to call your Senators and Representative and tell them to co-sponsor the FAMILY Act!

And for you... 

Let's remember that there's goodness in the world. Practice random acts of kindness this week: Buy a latté for the person behind you in the Starbucks line; write a letter commendation for someone who's doing a good job; or even just reconnect with an old friend; or donate to a charity whose mission means a lot to you.

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 8-7-17

3. Speak Out During Recess

With both houses of Congress in recess for the month of August, now is the perfect opportunity to tell your Representative and Senators about your policy priorities!  You can attend a town hall or call one of their local offices to schedule a meeting. Push for bipartisan healthcare reform, advocate against concealed carry reciprocity, or demand that the Administration continue collecting important data about the wage gap. Take this time to engage with members of Congress about what's important to you!

2. Demand Accountability for Sex Trafficking Websites

A two-year Senate investigation into online sex trafficking found that the website Backpage.com knowingly aids the criminal sex trafficking of women and girls. Current federal law doesn't allow survivors whose abusers used Backpage.com to file lawsuits, even though it is well-established that Backpage facilitates sex trafficking. In an attempt to close this unconscionable loophole, a bipartisan group of Senators has introduced the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA).  Call your Senators and tell them to co-sponsor this bill to make it clear that websites like Backpage should be held accountable!

1. Stand Up for Paid Family Leave

Only one in three employees in the United States has access to paid parental leave, reports a new study published by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The study also shines a light on the large gap in access to paid sick days that leaves part-time workers at a great disadvantage. This disparity is indefensible - every new parent deserves paid time off. The Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act would guarantee this right to every American. Call on your elected officials to sponsor the FAMILY Act!

And for you... 

If you haven't given much thought yet to the impending solar eclipse, NASA is here to help you plan your viewing; the New York Times recommends some reading material for historical context; and Bonnie Tyler has you covered for a soundtrack to this once-in-a-lifetime event. Protect your eyes, and prepare to be amazed!

Trump's transgender military ban is an insult to all servicemembers

President Trump’s commitment to ban transgender people from serving in the United States military is blatant discrimination, and his use of social media to announce this measure adds insult to injury. This ban runs counter to JWI's work and beliefs, and disparages the brave service of all members serving in our military. Instead of moving backward to the days of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell," we must continue the progress made in the last few years to create inclusive policies for all military personnel. 

America's healthcare remains intact - for now

Late last night the Senate’s final effort to repeal and replace Obamacare failed. Thanks to the leadership of Senators Murkowski, Collins, and McCain, who voted against the “skinny repeal" bill, our healthcare system remains intact and millions of Americans remain protected!

JWI applauds the sentiments expressed by Senator John McCain - that it is time for members of both parties to come together and govern in the best interest of our nation. We hope - like all Americans, of every political affiliation - for a Congress that can leave partisanship behind and work toward a better future for every citizen.  

Call your senators NOW to protect healthcare!

Wednesday, July 26, 2017:

At this moment the Senate is voting on ways to repeal and replace Obamacare, which provides the elderly, poor, and disabled children, as well as people with pre-existing conditions, access to affordable health insurance.

The cost of repeal is high – in dollars, and in lives.

With less than 20 hours of debate remaining, now is the time to make your voice heard. Call your Senators to demand they vote against any measure that repeals Obamacare and takes healthcare coverage away from millions!

Act now: Call (202) 224-3121!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-24-17

3. Speak Up One More Time for Healthcare! 

Healthcare premiums will double and twenty-six million people will lose their health insurance if Obamacare is repealed without a replacement. Tomorrow the Senate is having its deciding vote on the repeal of Obamacare (the groundbreaking legislation that provided healthcare to millions of Americans).  Call, email, andtweet at your Senators to tell them to vote NO on the repeal of Obamacare! 

2. Safeguard Funding for Proven Programs! 

The Health and Human Services budget currently includesdamaging language that greatly limits women’s access to health care -- eliminating funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program, providing $20 million for ineffective abstinence-only education programs, and canceling the funding for the Title X Family Planning program. Contact your member of Congress to tell them we need these programs and to vote NO on the Labor-HHS Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018. 

1. Protect Immigrant Survivors of Abuse! 

The Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill heavily increases funding for DHS, harming immigrant victims and their families and spreading fear in communities across the country. The House of Representatives will hold a vote soon on this devastating legislation. JWI believes women and children fleeing any kind of violence should not face detention and deportation! Call yourRepresentative to vote NO on the FY 2018 DHS Appropriations Bill.

And for you... 

While we're confident that our resistance will keep healthcare intact, it's still a good idea not to wait for cancer checks. If it's been a while since your last routine breast, colon, skin, or other cancer screening, make an appointment and then enjoy some insurance-covered peace of mind. Have a healthy week!

LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 7-17-17

3. Keep the Pressure Up

Senator Mitch McConnell released a new healthcare bill that even major insurance companies have called "unworkable." Once again, rather than protecting the most vulnerable, this legislation kicks millions off of Medicaid, defunds Planned Parenthood, and eliminates essential health benefit protections. It also adds a loophole that allows insurance companies to choose their clients for cheaper plans while forcing sick people to pay more for coverage. While the vote on this legislation is temporarily on hold, the time to take action is still now! Tell the undecided Senators Heller (NV), Murkowski (AK), Lee (UT), Capito (WV), and Portman (OH) to vote against the Better Care Reconciliation Act! 

2. Let’s Close the Gun Loophole 

Last week bipartisan bills were re-introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to close a loophole in current law that allows people convicted of stalking and dating violence to own firearms. We applaud the efforts of Senator Klobuchar, Congresswoman Dingell, and Congressman Donovan for working to save women's lives by sponsoring this legislation. Call on yourSenators and Representatives to co-sponsor the Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act and the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act and keep violent offenders from owning guns!  

1. Share your Story 

After meeting with college administrators, sexual assault survivors, and those wrongly accused, Secretary Besty DeVos has not yet come forward in support of Title IX protectors for victims. Removing the 2011 guidelines ultimately further victimizes the twenty-three percent of female college students who experience rape or sexual assault. To engage in this issue you can tweet #DearBetsy, call your member of Congress, or if you are a survivor, call the Civil Rights Hotline in the Department of Education to share your story. 

And for you...

We know it’s hot. And issues like the ones above aren’t making it easier to cool down. One good thing about the heat – it makes the peaches grow! So find time to enjoy summer’s bounty. #PeachSeason #LittleThings

The Better Care Reconciliation Act is WORSE

After months of trying to formulate a healthcare plan, Senator Mitch McConnell re-introduced a disastrous new version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act last week. The legislation fails us in so many ways: It strips millions of Americans of healthcare; creates a two-tiered system with astronomically high insurance premiums and deductibles for people with pre-existing conditions; and eliminates all of the protections Obamacare provides. It is unconscionable that members of the Senate could vote to kick children, the disabled, and the elderly in nursing homes off of Medicaid with no viable, affordable alternatives.

Even America's Health Insurance Plans, the healthcare industry’s main trade group, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association spoke out against this craven legislation, telling the Chicago Tribune on Saturday, "It is unworkable in any form and would undermine protections for those with significant medical conditions, increase premiums and could lead to widespread loss of coverage for people currently enrolled in the individual market."

We cannot go back to the days where women were charged more for healthcare solely based on their gender, nor the days when insurance plans didn’t include coverage for even the most basic care. As the wealthiest nation in the world, we must ensure that affordable, quality health care is a right of all of our citizens and not a privilege for the wealthy.

The vote on this bill may be temporarily delayed, but as in any good horror story, it’s only sleeping – not dead. We must not give up or relax until this bill has been buried! It is imperative that we keep up the pressure and call on the undecided Senators Heller (NV), Murkowski (AK), Lee (UT), Capito (WV), and Portman (OH)  to vote NO.

Lori Weinstein
JWI CEO