🐦Byrds & Gators🐊- Action Alert, June 30, 2025

beachesactivistmov
Jun 29
4 min read

#KilltheBill: Senate Votes Today

The GOP is scrambling to deliver the Big, Ugly Budget Bill to Trump by his July 4th deadline, with a vote expected this morning. If Senate leaders can drag it over the finish line, it will face another vote in the House to reconcile significant differences in the two bills.

Understanding what's actually in the 900+ page bill --- and its impact on everyday Americans --- appears irrelevant to GOP lawmakers as they work to keep Trump happy by adopting his cruel and anti-democratic priorities. The bill got even uglier this weekend as the Senate added a hodge-podge of changes to secure votes from both flanks in the GOP, and overcome objections raised by the parliamentarian under the "Byrd Rule" that threatened to derail the reconciliation process. Make no mistake --- the final bill, including the crumbs in tax cuts and credits tossed to lower-wage earners and seniors, results in the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in U.S. history. And, despite GOP smoke and mirrors, it adds an eye-popping $4 trillion to the national debt. If this isn't the America you are planning to celebrate on July 4th, make your voice heard:

Make last-minute calls before this morning's vote to Senators Rick Scott (202.224.5274) Ashley Moody (202.224.3041) and demand that they kill the bill. Scott was a last-minute holdout on Saturday's vote in an attempt to secure even MORE cuts to Medicaid and other programs that Floridians depend on --- share your outrage. Remind Moody how unpopular the bill is with her constituents --- she faces voters in 2026. Both need to hear from us.
Start putting the pressure on U.S. Rep. John Rutherford (202.225.2501 or Jax office - 904.831.5205). If the budget gets through the Senate today, the next stop is the House. Wish him a Happy 4th and remind him why America fought for independence --- no kings, fair taxation, democracy --- values antithetical to the Big, Ugly Budget Bill.
Join the 50 Days of Shame protest calling out FL GOP Congress members, including Rutherford, for their actions supporting Trump and his MAGA agenda on July 7th (more info below). And bring two friends.
Get ready for the mid-terms in 2026 --- check your voting status and renew your request to receive a vote-by-mail ballot, and make sure family and friends do the same.

Enough is Enough: School Board Rally Tuesday, July 1st

BAM is joining Families for Strong Public Schools, Public School Defenders, and a coalition of more than a dozen civic and social justice organizations in rallying for public education on Tuesday, July 1st. The rally will be held from 5:30 - 6 p.m. immediately preceding the school board meeting at DCPS headquarters, 1701 Prudential Drive. For more about the attacks on public education, see this excellent letter to the editor by Katie Hathaway from Sunday's Times-Union. Bring a sign and fill out a comment card to voice your support for public education at the meeting. RSVP and get info here.

Stop Alligator Alcatraz, Support Immigrant Organizations

Florida's Governor and Jacksonville's GOP-led City Council are hell-bent on demonstrating their fealty to Trump and his mass deportations of both legal and illegal immigrants. The state's latest contribution is to build a tent city (aka detention center) in the middle of the Everglades. Dubbed Alligator Alcatraz -- after gleeful comments, posted by the Governor and state AG, about what would greet detainees if they tried to escape -- the plan is currently on hold, thanks to an injunction filed by the Friends of the Everglades. Lend your support to their efforts by sending this message to the dynamic duo.

Meanwhile, the latest anti-immigrant legislation by the Jacksonville City Council hit a wall as council members sustained Mayor Donna Deegan's veto of the illegal and unnecessary bill. Take a minute to thank Mayor Deegan and the city council members who backed the mayor's decision to veto.

Finally, if you are concerned about attacks by Congress on charities serving immigrants, like Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities in Jacksonville, consider signing this letter by the National Campaign for Justice. The group is calling out Trump's war on charity and efforts to crush movements that stand for human dignity. If you'd like to get involved locally in advocating for immigrant rights, contact the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance for more information.

50 Days of Shame: Hold Rutherford, GOP Lawmakers Accountable

Northeast Florida will join communities throughout the state on July 7th in calling out Rep. John Rutherford and other GOP members of Congress for their support of Trump and his MAGA agenda. The effort is part of 50 Days of Shame, a nationwide initiative to hold elected officials accountable for their complicity in dismantling our country's democracy. Beginning with Alabama on July 1st, individual states have organized protests, phonebanks, and social media campaigns on each of 50 designated days.

Florida will be the focus of activities on July 7th. To kick things off, a protest to call out Rutherford will be held at the corner of Phillips Highway and Baymeadows Road from 9 - 10 a.m. Make a sign and join us. We'll be carpooling from the Beach, so reach out if you need a ride! Later that day, from noon - 1 p.m., you join a virtual phonebank and help flood Rutherford's office with calls. Thanks to Indivisible St. Johns County for their work in organizing this initiative in NE Florida!

Happy July 4th! Beach Clean Up on Saturday, July 5th

As you join friends and family for barbecues and fireworks on Friday, don't forget the annual post-holiday Beach clean-up! The clean-up will take place from 7 - 9 a.m. at three locations: Atlantic Blvd at the ocean, Beach Blvd at the ocean, and 16th Ave South at the ocean. Volunteers must be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult. Dress appropriately, protect yourself from the sun, and bring your own water bottle. The event will be cancelled only in severe weather. Sponsored by Keep Jacksonville Beautiful and the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol.