We count on community
There’s no getting around it, the news last week was rough. After the gut-wrenching Callais decision, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and others rushed to gerrymander their maps in hopes of retaining the house in 2026. Then, on Friday, the Virginia Supreme Court invalidated the votes of Virginians who approved a new congressional map in their state.
On top of that, Republican leaders announced their new plan to fund ICE/CBP through 2029, planning to bypass the votes of Democrats by using the budget reconciliation process. (More below)
Weeks like these are tough to weather, that’s why being in community is so important – to get us away from our screens and personal bubbles to, instead, connect and interact with others who share our disappointment, anger, struggles, and values.
This Saturday, we came together for our regular monthly community meeting. We heard about the success of our May Day Strong and Community Not Cages events and learned about about what to do if you see ICE kidnapping someone from our friends at Indivisible Eastside. We talked about the progress made in Issaquah against Flock cameras and next steps (see below!) and where we can go to find out how to connect with important election work for the November election.
Most importantly, we were reminded that we are not alone in this fight, and that we’re stronger when we band together. If you were unable to attend the community meeting in person, you can view the slides here.
Thank you for showing up and showing out with us, here are some actions you can take this week to keep working for democracy.
ICE/Border Patrol Funding Next Steps
Republicans caved last week. After months of keeping the Department of Homeland Security shut down, they finally agreed to pass a bipartisan bill that funds every DHS agency except ICE and Border Patrol.
Thanks to grassroots pressure, Democrats held the line and refused to give ICE and Border Patrol another penny. This is a significant win — but the fight isn’t over just yet.
This week, Republicans released the initial text of their reconciliation funding bill. In addition to the $70 billion they want to shovel into the regime’s mass deportation machine, they also snuck in $1 billion for Trump’s White House ballroom.
What’s not in the bill? Anything that would address the cost of living crisis that’s crushing millions of American families.
Republicans know their agenda is massively unpopular, but they’re hoping they can pass this bill quickly before the public even hears about it. So, we need to move faster, be louder, and build a backlash big enough to stop this bill in its tracks.
What can we do in WA-8 to help?
First, use Indivisible National’s tool to let Rep. Schrier know we want her to not just VOTE against this bill but to STAND against it in the media and online.
Second, double down and call Rep, Kim Schrier in DC to tell her again! The more she hears that we want her to stand against the unpopular Republican budget, the better! Call 202-225-7761
And, finally, join Indivisible’s across the country to call voters in red districts and help mobilize them to oppose this bill on
Tuesday, May 12 11:30 – 1:30pm PDT
Never phone banked before? No problem! Training will be included at the beginning of the phonebank, so both first-time dialers and phonebank pros are welcome to join. Be sure to have both a computer and a phone so that you can make calls to voters.
Register for the phonebank here
And, if you’d like to act locally:
- Join our next Whistle Kit Party Thursday, May 12th at 1:00
- Or, help fund the contents of the kits
Good News & More to Do!
Flock Camera Updates in Issaquah
A big thank you to those who have emailed the City Council and submitted public testimony opposing the use of grant money for Flock cameras. We’ve heard our efforts are working, but we need to keep up the pressure.
Tonight, the Issaquah City Council will have a “Committee of the Whole Meeting” to discuss a couple of local issues including the Congressional Community Appropriations Grant, which the city was awarded for conducted-energy devices (better known as tasers) and Flock ALPR’s. No votes or other action will be taken at this meeting, but public comments will be allowed in person and online.
Current info suggests the Issaquah Police Department has removed its request to purchase Flock cameras and are now asking to use those funds for tasers that will automatically turn on body cameras instead. Click here to read the IPD Staff Report on the grant for the May 11th meeting.
This is good news but that doesn’t mean our work is done!
If you live, work or shop in Issaquah, let the City Council know you oppose Flock cameras in Issaquah and ask for a city ordinance banning or putting more limits on ALPR cameras in public areas in Issaquah to be passed before accepting the grant.
Here are two ways to make your views known on this matter:
- Attend the Meeting on May 11th @6:30pm at Issaquah City Hall South,
135 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah, or online. - Email the Mayor and City Council to let them know you oppose Flock cameras in Issaquah and support an ordinance banning them in the city. Please take this action even if you have already emailed them before.
More Info about Flock Cameras in Issaquah
Washington State Supreme Court Candidate Forum
It’s very easy to take our seemingly blue state of Washington for granted, but as we have unfortunately found out, we do so at our peril. So, it’s important to know that 5 of the 9 Supreme Court seats in Washington will be on our ballot in November – which could change the balance of our Supreme Court.
We must keep and solidify a State Supreme Court with judges who will not only protect Washington state from authoritarianism but also continue to prioritize economic equity, voting rights, immigration reform, gun safety, a healthy environment, racial justice and reproductive rights.
State Supreme Court races are non-partisan which makes it more difficult to know if a candidate aligns with your values. This leads to some of the lowest voter turn out elections in Washington state. Even if a voter returns their ballot, they often will leave these important races blank because the voter feels that they don’t have enough information.
Be a voter with enough information! On April 27th, Yakima Democrats held a forum with 9 of the 12 candidates. Forums like these are a great way to get to know the people running in these crucial races and get the information you need to be an informed and educated voter!
