The Fight for Health Justice - Action Alert April 7, 2025

BAM Meeting Thursday Night Focuses on

Fight for Health Justice

With the U.S. Senate's early hours vote last Saturday, the GOP is fast-tracking the budget reconciliation process with cuts to Medicaid and other vital human services programs in the crosshairs. Join us on Thursday night (April 10, 7 p.m. Adele Grage Community Center) to hear from special guest Katy DeBriere, Legal Director of the Florida Health Justice Project, and learn more about how these cuts threaten our most vulnerable populations: children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled. We'll strategize on actions we can take to save these critical programs, which could be cut by the House this week (see below) to fund tax breaks for the mega-wealthy. Don't miss this opportunity to gather with like-minded neighbors and friends --- we are stronger together! RSVP here.

Tell Congress: No Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP

The federal budget reconciliation process is moving fast --- the House could take action by mid-week if the Speaker can pull the GOP together. Tell Congress cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other critical safety net programs are not acceptable! Here are some ways you can speak out TODAY. Although it often seems like we are talking into a black hole, don't underestimate the power of this weekend's nationwide protests (more on this below!). Let's keep reminding our members of Congress that they work for us.

Use 5 Calls to contact Rep. John Rutherford. Find a script and how-to here.
You can also email Rutherford using this form from the Medicare Rights Center.
Advocate against cuts to SNAP, the federal food assistance program, using this form from the Food Research & Action Center.

More To Do!

Florida Legislature Week 6: Final Budget Battle Begins

Budget reconciliation is happening here at home, too. On Wednesday, April 9th, the Florida Senate and House take up their respective versions of the 2025-2026 state budget (SB 2500 & HB 5001). The bills differ significantly in key areas, including tax cuts, education, and environmental spending. Further complicating these negotiations are recent tirades by Gov. DeSantis calling out "nominal Republicans" and accusing House leadership of "giving a lifeline to the left" by seeking bipartisan solutions on several issues -- a trend that deserves our support. The Legislature has until April 29th to pass a budget. Let the battle begin!

Last chance to stop attack on citizen-led amendments: SB 7016, the bill further gutting the process for citizen-led amendments, is in its final Senate Committee on Tuesday (April 8). Click here to contact lawmakers ASAP and ask them to oppose attacks on this process, which is already the strictest in the nation. We must continue to fight to protect direct democracy in Florida!

Special Elections: Last week's special elections in Florida to fill two vacancies in the U.S. House offered a glimmer of hope for 2026. Both Democratic challengers cut GOP margins of victory in 2024 by 50%+ in their two deeply red districts. In District 1, Escambia County flipped blue for the first time in 33 years, providing further evidence that we can successfully chip away at GOP dominance. Thanks to everyone who phoned, postcarded, contributed to candidates, and knocked on doors for Josh Weil in District 6. It made a difference!

Peacekeeper Training: With all the rallies and protests taking place, peacekeepers are in demand. Interested? There is a training scheduled for Sunday, April 13 from 1-3 p.m. at the Yellow House, 577 King Street. Contact Etta at (904) 742-8979 for more information.

Save the Dates: BAM will be tabling again this year at Arts in the Park on Saturday, April 26th in Johansen Park. Stop by and say hello! The next day, Sunday, April 27, the Beaches Democratic Club will march in the Opening of the Beaches parade! Find out more and sign up to join them here.

This is What Democracy Looks Like

Jacksonville and a host of other Northeast Florida cities joined more than 1,200 communities across the country on Saturday in demonstrating opposition to the Trump/Musk agenda and the failure of Congress to uphold its Constitutional responsibilities. Nearly 1,500 -- including a large contingent from the Beach -- gathered at the Duval County Courthouse to proclaim "Hands-Off!" The event, organized by 50501 Northeast Florida and other community partners, was the latest in a groundswell of grassroots opposition pushing back on the administration's threats against American democracy. Thanks to the organizers, speakers, participants, and everyone who stopped by the BAM table and sent emails to Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody. Enjoy a sampling of our photos and these uplifting photos from rallies across the country!