Perks Now, Pain Later - Action Alert May 19, 2025

beachesactivistmov
6 days ago
5 min read

GOP Tax Bill: Perks Now, Pain Later

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" heads to the House floor this week, as GOP holdouts maneuver for even deeper cuts to critical programs to support tax breaks that disproportionately favor the wealthy. The House Budget Committee passed the bill in a rare Sunday late-night session after it was voted down on Friday, thanks to the defection of GOP members who demanded even steeper cuts to Medicaid and green energy programs. Negotiations on those demands continue, despite the vote. Congressional leaders are aiming to approve the measure by Memorial Day.

Described by Politico as"perks now, pain later," the GOP bill front-loads new spending and tax cuts likely to be popular with voters, while delaying tax hikes and spending reductions until after Trump leaves office. Tax breaks for tips, overtime, and car loan interest --- promised by Trump on the campaign trail --- while included in the bill, expire at the end of 2028. That’s also the case for a $4,000 increase in the standard deduction for seniors. In contrast, deep cuts to Medicaid, which could eliminate coverage for more than 10 million vulnerable Americans over the next decade, don't kick in until 2029. GOP holdouts are pushing for these cuts and other provisions designed to reduce Medicaid enrollment to take effect sooner.

If the budget bill survives a floor vote this week, it goes back to the Senate for another vote. Rep. John Rutherford and Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody need to hear from us. Reach them through the Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121. Tell them you are watching their vote on the budget and will hold them accountable. NO CUTS to Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs that people in our community depend on!

Support the Nomination of Elizabeth Andersen

to the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees

Book banning at schools wasn't enough. The local GOP, supported by Moms for Liberty and other extremists, has mounted a personal attack on Liz Andersen, recently nominated by Mayor Donna Deegan to the Public Library Board of Trustees. Andersen, currently executive director of OneJax, previously represented the Beaches on the Duval County School Board and effectively led the district during COVID and other divisive challenges. She is a proven leader who deserves our support. Act now by signing this letter of support for Andersen's nomination. The City Council Rules Committee will consider Liz's nomination today (Monday, May 19th) at 2 p.m.

People Power for Florida Partners with Jax Area Indivisible Groups to Register Voters

BAM and other Jacksonville area Indivisible organizations are partnering with People Power Florida, a statewide voter outreach and engagement group founded by State Rep. Anna Eskamani, to increase voting rolls in the state. Join us on Wednesday, May 21st, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm as we kick off this partnership and learn more about how we can effectively register voters in our community. Let's chip away at the GOP's registration advantage in Florida as we get ready for the 2026 elections! RSVP here.

June 14th NO KINGS! Duval Day of Defiance

Join us for the next National Day of Action as we stand against the rising authoritarianism, corruption, and attacks on our fundamental freedoms—all while those in power continue to serve and enrich themselves and their billionaire buddies. Enough is enough. Jax area Indivisible groups are joining with 50501 NEFL for the Duval Day of Defiance on June 14th. Here's a look at the activities and events we have planned:
Wake UP! No Kings Protest at the corner of Beach and Hodges Boulevards, 9-10:30 a.m. Join us for sign-waving as we start a day of rallies and action! Get info and RSVP here.
No Kings! Protest and Rally at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street, 11 am - 1 pm. Bring your signs, lawn chairs, umbrellas and water to a peaceful rally organized by 50501 NEFL. Hear from diverse organizations as they discuss their work in coalition and community-building. Get info and RSVP here. Need a ride from the sign-waving event? Email us for carpool info.
Keep the momentum going! Following the protest, we encourage you to continue your Duval Day of Defiance by supporting our community, including:
📚 Book Signing @ Cafe Resistance 🕑 2 – 4 PM with Dr. Rev. Gary W. Harvey, author of Faith, Flags & Fear: the Dark History of Christian Nationalism | 📍 5007 Soutel Drive🎉
Melanin Market // Juneteenth Celebration 🕒 3 – 9 PM | 📍 822 A Philip Randolph Blvd🌈 Rainbow Market @ Riverside Church 🕓 4 – 8 PM | 📍 2650 Park Street
Help BAM register voters and collect petitions to expand the state Medicaid program at the Melanin Market from 3 - 6 pm. We're joining the Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters and other groups in reaching out to voters as part of the market's Juneteenth Celebration. Email us to volunteer for a one-hour shift!

More To Do This Week!

Save Guana from Development: On Wednesday, May 14th, the State of Florida posted a meeting agenda with an alarming proposal: To trade a portion of the vulnerable and valuable Guana River Wildlife Management Area in St. Johns County to a private entity — likely for development. Act now to stop the swap and the dangerous precedent it sets! Use this email to let the Florida Department of Environmental Protection know you oppose the proposal. Register here to attend the online FDEP meeting on May 21st from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Don't Gut the Endangered Species Act: The Trump administration is proposing significant changes to the Endangered Species Act which could alter its interpretation and effectiveness. The proposed removal of the definition of "harm" would eliminate the requirement for impact studies on endangered species and their environment. This could adversely impact endangered species like the Florida panther. Find out more and submit a comment using this form TODAY. Comment period ends at midnight tonight.
All Politics is Local: Join the Beaches Democratic Club on Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m. at the Adele Grage Cultural Center located at 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach FL 32233. Mike Finn (Club President) and Josh Hicks (Past Club President) will discuss how to get involved at the local level. Whether you have a few minutes a day or more time to take action, you'll leave the meeting with a plan of easy action items to make our community a better place to live! RSVP here.
SWIFT Meeting: Join Indivisible groups from across Florida for a monthly statewide collaboration call on Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 pm ET. This month, we'll focus on social movement ecology, Indivisible's theory of change, and how to create effective grassroots campaigns. RSVP here for the ZOOM link.
Medicaid Expansion - Keep Collecting Petitions: Florida Decides Healthcare is mounting a full-court press to collect signed petitions before July 1st when additional hurdles to the citizen-led amendment process become effective. Attend one of three weekly training sessions by registering here and find out about changes to the collection process and what you can do to help.