LET'S GET TO WORK: Civic action to-do list for 6-12-17
3. SPEAK out ON Healthcare Legislation
The American Health Care Act (AHCA) is advancing to the Senate, which may drop the House’s provision allowing insurers to charge people with pre-existing conditions higher premiums. But the ACA replacement is still hugely problematic. Millions of sick people will be denied treatments while others will have to pay more for maternity care and mental health services, a crucial treatment for sexual assault survivors. Furthermore, this legislation could put contraceptive coverage and reproductive access at risk. Call your senator to express your opposition to the AHCA.
2. Uphold Concealed Carry Standards Nationwide!
Both the House and Senate will soon consider legislation that would require states to accept all concealed carry permits, which means a state that is strict about which residents can carry will be forced to allow concealed carry by persons with permits from more lenient states. Passage of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity bill would allow an abusive partner to carry their concealed weapon in states that are currently very careful about who can do so. Stand up for the safety of survivors and tell members of the House and Senate to vote against this dangerous bill!
1. Say “I Don’t” To Child Marriage!
All over the U.S., pressured by parents, religious leaders, and even judges, unwilling children are becoming wives years before they can vote, work, or drive a car. The majority of states allow people 17 and under to get married; 27 states have no firm minimum age. This practice perpetuates gender inequality, truncating girls' education crippling their economic stability, and harming their health. In some cases, girls are forced to marry their rapists as a means for the family or community to evade the perceived shame of an investigation. Read Sherry Johnson’s horrifying story, then find out the legal age to wed in your state and call your elected officials to stop this archaic practice.
And for you...
Father’s Day is this Sunday! Honor the wonderful men in your life with a card that helps women in need. Every $25 e-card sent through JWI’s Flower Project allows JWI to provide domestic violence survivors with financial literacy resources. Proceeds also fund JWI programs that work year-round to break the cycle of abuse and empower women and girls.