Giving Thanks
If there is one thing all the pundits agree on post-election it is the importance of connecting and supporting one another as we prepare for the work ahead. Despite the
outcome of this election, we have many reasons to be grateful --- and strong networks to build on --- as we head into 2025. Our thanks to:
Vice-President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for waging an incredible campaign and standing up for the values foundational to this country. Nearly 48.9% of voters cast their ballots for democracy --- 74 million reasons we can't give up.
Rachel Grage, Jay McGovern, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, and all the other candidates who ran against the odds in gerrymandered districts so voters could have a choice and hold all candidates and incumbents accountable.
The 100s of volunteers who DID SOMETHING! Knocking on doors, telephoning voters, texting, waving signs, postcarding, contributing time and RESOURCES, and showing up whenever there was a call to action! Postcarding efforts with our formidable partners reached 11,000+ voters locally and statewide. And we made more than 6,000 calls on our weekly Saturday Brunch Phonebank with the Beaches Democratic Club from the primary to the general election with a faithful group of volunteers! Let's continue to strengthen these connections as we move forward.
All our partners -- Indivisible Mandarin, Jax NOW, Beaches Democratic Club, Indivisible Riverside Jacksonville, Democratic Women's Information Network (DWIN), Moms Demand Action, Duval DEMS, Families for Strong Public Schools & Public School Defenders, Florida Rising, Northside Coalition, Moms Rising, League of Women Voters, to name a few -- for their commitment and willingness to join forces on issues from voting rights and social justice to education and fighting gun violence.
The six million voters who supported Amendment 4, including 271,000 in Duval County. While the constitutional amendment fell short of the 60% required for adoption, the results demonstrated that a majority (57%) of Floridians want to restore reproductive rights and access to abortion.
To newly re-elected Senator Tracie Davis and Rep. Angie Nixon for their commitment and willingness to be our voice in the Florida Legislature.
The 5.4 million voters who gave the thumbs down to Amendment 1 and retained non-partisan school board elections. Duval County is the poster child of what happens when the GOP interferes with school board races. The work of saving our schools has never been more important.
Representatives of the 29+ local and state advocacy organizations that came together for the Joyful Resistance GOTV Summit to develop and implement strategies to engage and educate key groups of voters. Coalition building --- one step at a time.
Nate Monroe, Andrew Pantazi, A.G. Gancarski, Jessica Palombo, Anne Schindler, and all the local journalists who keep us informed and hold elected officials accountable. The election, once again, showed us the importance of non-profit journalism in countering disinformation and the social media echo chamber.
Everyone who did the work to support free and fair elections -- poll workers, poll watchers, ballot curers, voting rights advocates, local election officials, and to the VOTERS who showed up and voted!
The BAM Board and membership for their support of this organization and their willingness to pay dues, and step up to do what is needed to ensure its continued success.
And last, but not least, everyone who clicks on this email when it lands in their inbox on Monday morning -- thanks for reading, taking action, and sharing this weekly alert with your friends! Your engagement and advocacy is more important than ever.
Act Now! Tell Jax City Council to Support
Medicaid Expansion
The Jacksonville City Council will consider a resolution tomorrow (Tuesday, November 26th) urging the Florida Legislature to expand the Medicaid program in the 2025 session. Florida is one of only 10 states that has not taken advantage of opportunities under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) to extend coverage to additional uninsured residents. If the state expands its Medicaid program, the federal government would pick up 90% of the costs and provide over $1.8 billion in financial incentives to the state over the next two years. Nearly 4 million Floridians are currently enrolled in Medicaid. Program expansions in other states have contributed to improved health outcomes and reduced health disparities. It has also reduced costs by providing access to primary and preventive care. The Jacksonville's City Council's approval of Resolution 2024-0776 will send a strong message to our state legislators that Jacksonville's elected officials support statewide efforts to "close the coverage gap" through Medicaid expansion, allowing millions of Floridians, including more than 100,000 vulnerable citizens in Jacksonville, to be able to afford health care. Act now and urge the City Council to pass Resolution 2024-0776:
Contact City Council members: Use this one-click form created by Florida Voices for Heath to advocate for the resolution.
Provide comments at the City Council meeting: The Council meets on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 5 pm, at City Hall, 117 West Duval Street, 1st Floor Council Chamber. Fill out a comment card to speak in support of the resolution.
Let's Re-Group, Re-Charge & Celebrate!
As Jessica Craven reminds us this week, "Celebration is a form of resistance!" Make plans to join us for the annual BAM Holiday Party. Bring a nibble to share, and an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to donate to Beaches charities, and spend the evening celebrating as we prepare to resist in the year ahead!
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