A Whole Lot to Love
Amid the deluge of political doom and gloom, we found a whole lot to love this Valentine's Day week:
President Biden's response to the special prosecutor's report on his handling of classified documents. If you can't find enough evidence to bring charges, go with an incredibly cheap shot to create some GOP campaign fodder. Be sure to read "Riffs" below.
FL Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz's reaction to arguments questioning the wording of the proposed 2024 ballot measure protecting access to abortion: "The people of Florida are not stupid."
GOP House members who joined House DEMS --- 100% of whom showed up! --- to defeat the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alex Mayorkas. Even they found it hard to ignore the U.S. Constitution.
While we're tempted to love the GOP meltdown over this vote as well as its inability to pass bipartisan bills on immigration and taxes, there's too much at stake. We need a path forward to prevent a government shutdown in March. Here are two opportunities this week to urge our GOP lawmakers to figure it out: a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel, and a push to advance the expanded childcare tax credit which will benefit more than 1 million poor children in Florida. Email Scott and Rubio, or call their local offices (Scott 904.479.7227; Rubio 904.354.4300) and urge them to support critical foreign aid funding. Tell them you support the expanded childcare tax credit by signing this letter.
The new "I am Jacksonville" integrated media campaign recently launched by One Jax. Check out the spot featuring Mayor Donna Deegan. And congrats to BAM Board member Elizabeth Andersen on her recent appointment as the organization's CEO!
After ending a spectacularly unsuccessful presidential bid, FL's first family adopted a rescue dog. As the old saying goes, if you need a friend, get a dog.
The collaboration among grassroots groups in our community working to save democracy and get out the vote in 2024. We're joining with Indivisible Mandarin to build on this collaboration with a GOTV summit in May. Help us plan it by taking this short online survey.
And last, but not least: Taylor Swift because, well, you know why.
Holland Talks About How Elections Work Tuesday
In a year with three local elections, how do we know our vote is secure and the election process is fair? Join Jacksonville Today on Tuesday, February 13 at 6 p.m. for a conversation with Duval County Elections Supervisor Jerry Holland and a demonstration of the voting equipment that will be deployed at our local precincts. Holland will also take questions from the audience. RSVP here for the free event at WJCT Studios.
Donate Toys for International Women's Day Event!
BAM is joining other community groups to sponsor an International Women's Day event on Saturday, March 9th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church on Myrtle Avenue. Organized by Together Jacksonville, the gathering will feature health & wellness screenings and information, voter registration and status checks, free food, and an outdoor toy giveaway. We need your help in collecting new and gently used toys and sports equipment for the event. To make it easy, we have several drop-off locations at the Beach. Find out more and donate! We'll be collecting donations through February 23rd. You can also email us if you'd like to volunteer on March 9th!
BDC Meeting Features Jax NAACP President
Join the Beaches Democratic Club on Tuesday, February 20th at 6:30 p.m. at the Neptune Beach Senior Center located at 2004 Forest Ave, Neptune Beach to hear Isaiah Rumlin, President of the Jacksonville Branch NAACP, discuss the organization's role in successfully suing the City of Jacksonville and the Duval County Supervisor of Elections regarding the City Council and Duval County School Board redistricting plans. RSVP here.
Mark Your Calendar!
Click on the graphic below to RSVP and receive the ZOOM link.
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