Budget, Boycotts & Best Chili - Action Alert, November 3, 2025

How Low Will They Go???

GOP Shutdown Enters 2nd Month

The federal government remains shut down as the GOP continues to refuse bipartisan negotiations aimed at extending health care subsidies and funding for other needed programs. Adding to the potential human costs, last week food banks across the nation were bracing for the administration's plans to put SNAP and WIC --- two anti-hunger programs that millions of Americans rely on --- in the cross-hairs in the budget fight. Trump's USDA had announced a November 1 end to its funding for these programs, despite legal requirements that they use contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits.  Thanks to two federal judges, sanity and the rule of law have been upheld. Still, we need to remain vigilant regarding delays in delivery of these necessary support programs.

Meanwhile, though the Senate is in D.C. trying to woo DEMS with votes to break the impasse, the House has been MIA since July when Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly sent lawmakers home early to avoid the release of the Epstein files. Added to canceled votes in the last two months, the House has effectively been in recess for three months already this year. That means Rep. John Rutherford is at home --- getting his paycheck --- while his constituents face a doubling of their Obamacare premiums, and federal workers are furloughed or working without pay.  Take action this week to pressure Congress to end the shutdown!

🔷 Hold Rep. John Rutherford and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody accountable. It is past time for our elected representatives to actually work for their constituents. Regardless of how often you've called before, all 3 need to hear from us now. As of Nov 1, people who depend on the ACA are discovering how high their premiums will go next year. As this article details, the extended government shutdown is affecting more families daily. Choose your points, call, and follow up with an email. Remember to call Rutherford's local office --- he's not in D.C

🔷 Help local food banks prepare for the growing influx of people impacted by the GOP shutdown and likely SNAP delays. Donate nonperishable food items at the BEAM donation center behind the 7 North Thrift Store at 318 7th Ave N, Jax Beach, weekdays between 10 AM and 4 PM. Find a list of needed items here. See below for information on BEAM's Annual Thanksgiving Basket drive. Local Beaches business Pie Heaven is providing free chicken pot pies to government employees working without pay. Support their efforts by referring eligible families you know to the ladies at Pie Heaven and by patronizing this business (1980 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach)

Speak Out at the Upcoming Duval Delegation Meeting

Wednesday, November 5th is the deadline to sign up to speak at the Duval County Legislative Delegation's annual organizational meeting and public hearing. Add your name to the speakers' list by completing and delivering a Speaker's Request Form and Materials Handout Checklist to the Delegation office at 17 W. Duval Street, Suite 480, Jacksonville. The Delegation meets the following Wednesday, November 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 117 W Duval Street, Jacksonville.

You can speak out on any topic that's important to you!  You can also sign up to speak on site, after all pre-registered speakers if there is time. Check the BAM website for resources. We have tips on presenting to the delegation and talking points on two key issues: partisan efforts to further gerrymander the state by redistricting congressional districts ahead of the 2026 election, and the elimination of mandatory vaccinations for children in school or daycare. For more advice and tips on presenting, watch this Jax NOW video.

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Sign the Petition! Tell Publix to Put Customer Safety First

Add your name to the 10,000+ who have signed this petition urging Publix leadership to put customer safety first and ban the open carry of firearms in their stores.

You can also use this quick form from Everytown Action Alliance to let CEO Kevin Murphy know you won't shop at Publix until open carry is banned in all Florida stores. Additionally, you can send a comment to the company using its Customer Care form. 

Boycott Publix! Other stores, including Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, Aldi, Costco, Sprouts, and Trader Joe's, continue their established policies to prohibit or request customers not to open carry firearms in their stores. Publix needs to do the same.

More Boycotts: Cancel Spotify

Indivisible has launched a campaign to pressure Spotify to stop running ICE recruitment ads on its music streaming service. If you are a Spotify Premium subscriber, check out information about this campaign, learn how to cancel your subscriptions, and find alternative music streaming services here. Earlier this year, Indivisible launched a similar campaign calling on its activist network to cancel Hulu and Disney+ services after the networks canceled Jimmy Kimmel’s show, which was subsequently reinstated after customer backlash.

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We Are in It to Win It! Join Us at the

Duval DEMS Chili Cookoff on Saturday!

The Duval DEMS Chili Cook-Off is Saturday, November 8th, at Myrtle Avenue Brewing (11 AM – 2 PM), and BAM is in it to win it! The event marks one year until the 2026 midterm elections and brings together supporters, local leaders, and neighbors for an afternoon of good food, fellowship, and friendly competition.

Sample delicious chili recipes from teams across Duval, cast your vote for BAM's smokin' hot entry, and enjoy the fun! Proceeds from the event will support organizing work to register voters, support Democratic candidates, and defend vital services for Jacksonville families. Tickets are $35. Get yours here.

Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Beaches are partnering to distribute Thanksgiving food baskets again this year to local families in the Beaches Community. The program is open to those living or working in the following zip codes: 32227, 32233, 32266, 32250, 32224, and 32082.

Find information and sign up to donate or receive a basket here. Donations will be collected from November 17th to 19th. BEAM is facing increased demand for services because of the GOP's refusal to fund anti-hunger programs during the federal government shutdown. Please join BAM in supporting this effort!

RSVP Now! BAM November Membership Meeting

RSVP HERE

Every Saturday!

A reminder that the Neptune Beach Coalition is out in front of the Beaches Library every Saturday morning 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.! Starting this weekend, the group is collecting nonperishable food items for BEAM. Bring a sign, a canned good, and join the resistance at the Beach!