Join Us! Saturday, April 5th is National Day of Action
Jacksonville and Northeast Florida (NEF) will join communities throughout the country for a mass mobilization on Saturday, April 5th to resist the efforts of Trump, Musk, and the GOP Congress to destroy our democracy. Organized by 50501 NEF, the local rally and protest will start at 11 a.m. at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street, downtown. More than 600 similar events are planned nationwide in defiance of the administration's actions and assault on our freedoms and our communities. This is our chance to let Trump and his enablers know we won’t comply in advance, and we won’t sit back while they try to seize control of Medicaid, Social Security, and other critical programs that support millions of American families. Let's have a great turnout from the Beach! Email us if you need a ride, and be sure to stop by the BAM table at the rally!
Protect the Voting Rights, Direct Democracy
On the heels of a sweeping executive order vastly expanding the executive branch's power over federal elections and potentially disenfranchising millions of voters, Congress is scheduled to vote on the SAVE Act (HR 22) this week. This Act would require all Americans to prove their citizenship with documentation unavailable to millions --- including 69 million women whose married names are not on their birth certificates--- upending how every American citizen registers to vote. The act is a dangerous anti-voter bill that will not make elections safer. Take action today!
Use this script to call or email Rep. John Rutherford and demand he oppose HR 22 and protect our right to vote!
Meanwhile, the FL Legislature continues to march lockstep with Gov. DeSantis and his efforts to kneecap the state's citizen-led amendment process. On Thursday, April 3rd, the Florida House will vote on HB 1205, a bill containing wide-ranging attacks on this process. We need to continue to fight this bill and its companion in the Senate.
Contact Rep. Kiyan Michael and tell her to oppose HB 1205 and protect direct democracy in Florida. And while you have her attention, let her know what you think about her vote to lower the minimum age to buy a gun in Florida. The bill, which rolls back provisions of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Act was enacted after the Parkland High School mass shooting, passed by a 78-34 vote last week. Contact Kiyan using this email created by Progress Florida.
Call Senator Joe Gruters at 850-487-5022 and ask him NOT to schedule SB 7016, the Senate version of House Bill 1205, on the Fiscal Policy Committee agenda. Protect the public's voice.
More Things To Do!
Immigration Enforcement: Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act-cracking down on illegal immigration by declaring it a “local crime” punishable by imprisonment is on the Mayor's desk for signature. It's another move by the GOP-dominated City Council to align with the Trump/DeSantis agenda (see Duval DOGE). Call the Mayor's office at (904) 255-5000 and support her veto of this unneeded bill.
Florida Legislature Week 5:Two more priorities for advocacy this week:
No immigrants? Let children do the work! Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 1), the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee will hear House Bill 1225, which would undo child-labor laws for kids as young as 14. Find Committee Members here.
Don't Trash Sea Turtle Habitats! Senate Bill 1822, aka the bad trash bill, is scheduled for the Senate Community Affairs Committee today (Monday, March 31) at 4 p.m. The bill pre-empts the ability of local government and state agencies to regulate plastic containers --- a threat to sea turtle and other sea creature habitats. Public opposition killed this bill last session. Let's do it again. Use this link created by the Florida Springs Council to email your opposition to the committee.
Final Stretch- April 1 Special Election for Congressional District 6: A new poll shows a victory for Josh Weil, DEM candidate for CD 6, is within the margin of error. Turnout will determine success! Sign up for a GOTV phonebank today (Monday, March 31) and Election Day (Tuesday, April 1). Let's win this and help flip the U.S. House!
National Security by Emoji: Rather than call for investigations (Inspector General, really?) or resignations (Hegseth? Waltz? Right.) related to Signalgate, we suggest emailing Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg and THANKING HIM for his ethical and careful handling of this chilling breach of national security. Send him a note!
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.
State of Our Schools: Duval Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier and Beaches School Board Representative April Carney are guest speakers at the Beaches Watch meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 7 p.m. at the Beaches Library.
Save the Date ! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 10th for the next BAM Membership Meeting. Details to come!
300+ At Empty Chair Town Hall!
More than 300 NEF voters attended last week's Empty Chair Town Hall and let those representing us in Washington, DC know what they thought about their complicity in implementing the Trump/Musk agenda. Our leaders should answer to us — but when they refuse, we’ll make sure our voices are still heard. Find a recording of the event on YouTube here, and a summary of comments by participants here. The summary was sent to Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, and Representatives John Rutherford, Aaron Bean, and Kat Cammack with a request for a response. See more photos of the event here. Thanks to everyone who attended, testified, and sponsored the town hall!
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