LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 5-1-17

3. Support Workers

As we celebrate International Worker’s Day (A.K.A. “May Day”), let’s advocate for worker protection. The Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1180/S. 801) might sound like a good thing, but this smoke-and-mirrors legislation would hurt rather than help workers and their families. Tell Congress to vote no on this harmful bill and to instead support The Healthy Families Act (H.R. 1516/S. 636) and The Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act (H.R. 947/S. 337).

2. Don’t roll back women’s healthcare

The amended American Health Care Act (AHCA, H.R. 1628) is reportedly coming to a vote in the House of Representatives as soon as this Wednesday. With Representatives still on the fence, now is the time to call your Members of Congress and urge them to oppose the troublesome MacArthur Amendment to the AHCA. Let's send a message that maternity care coverage should never be on the chopping block, and "pre-existing conditions like domestic abuse and caesarian sections" should not result in higher insurance premiums or being denied coverage. 

1. Close the wage gap

Last week, a federal court ruled that women can be paid less than men with the same experience and job, so long as their previous employer also shortchanged them. This is why we need the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would make it illegal for employers to ask job applicants for their salary history. Check if your member has cosponsored the PFA, and call if they’ve not. If they have, thank them! Thank-yous are always appreciated. 

And for you... 

Mother’s Day is May 14th! Send a card that could change a woman’s life. Every Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day) card you send through JWI’s Flower Project helps us send bouquets and financial literacy resources to women spending the holiday in domestic violence shelters. Show these moms—and the women and men in your life—that they are loved.