How to Beat the Big, "Beautiful" Bill - Action Alert June 23, 2025

Wait, WHAT???

If you're having trouble accepting that this president's latest constitutionally questionable act was a unilateral decision to bomb a nation the US was not at war with, you are not alone. We will all be discovering in the days to come what this means and what the consequences will be. In the near term, click here to add your voice to those urging Congress to pass a War Powers Resolution requiring consultation and Congressional approval before additional steps are taken. Even better, add that request to the calls we're recommending you make to our members of Congress this week. 

We Can Beat the Big, Cruel Bill

The latest analysis of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, predicts it would cost at least 10.9 million Americans their health insurance, while the deficit skyrockets to $2.8 trillion. While the original House version was bad, the Senate's version made things worse - even before the Parliamentarian told both bodies they can't use cuts to SNAP to cover their losses.  For a comprehensive look at what's in the current legislation before the next round of horse-trading begins, click here. 

Here's why this is a fight the American people can win: This bill that hurts ordinary Americans in a wide range of ways, undermines the environment, and explodes the deficit to give rich people and corporations tax breaks is very unpopular nationwide. Across 4 different recent polls, including one by Fox News, this bill is an average of 24 points underwater. That is news our elected officials need to hear often this week. 

Contact FL Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody this week to advocate against cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. Remind them that the bill also envisions changes to the Affordable Care Act Marketplace that could hurt the 4.7 million Floridians who rely on it.  And while you're speaking to their offices, don't forget to mention the need for that War Powers Resolution.  

Decoding the New Florida Budget

Last Monday, a little before midnight, the Florida Legislature finally brought their contentious 2025 session to a close with the passage of a$115 billion budget. As we all work to understand the details of what passed and failed, legislative candidate and activist Rachel Grage offers a useful overview of budget choices, a look at the final legislation affecting the citizen initiative process, and alegislative report cardthat's a useful way to examine how our local reps served us (or failed to.) She tracked their votes on 17 key bills and the results may surprise you. Guess which of our Duval-area representatives skipped two-thirds of these votes?

Enough is Enough - Rally for Public Education

Calling everyone who cares about our Public Schools.  Tuesday, July 1, we'll gather at 1701 Prudential Drive before the Duval School Board meeting to demand DCPS serve every student regardless of race, background, identity, ability, or zip code. 

Rally starts at 5:30 pm - Arrive early and bring a sign! School Board meeting starts at 6

pm - Submit a public comment card by 6:20!  RSVP here.

Pocketbook Activism 101

If you missed last week's Zoom co-sponsored by BAM, Mandarin Indivisible, and Indivisible JAX Riverside, you can still take advantage of Dr. Brantley's advice on ways our activism as consumers can advance our social and political values. Check out the video of her presentation here.  As you look for ways to align your spending with your values, remember these companies who recently backed off their support of Juneteenth or Pride celebrations, and corporate DEI commitments.