FIGHT FOR WHAT’S ESSENTIAL IN THE BUILD BACK BETTER PLAN
Now is the time to tell our representatives what programs must be included in Build Back Better and how they’ll be paid for.
QUICK READ: Democrats negotiating with themselves over what to tear out of BBB provides us with an opportunity to influence the final package. So, let’s tell them what programs are essential, whether to go wide or push just a few, what constituencies to prioritize, and what funding mechanisms to use.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
For months Democrats have been working on Build Back Better, which provides Americans with the ability to earn good incomes and find good housing; and get good care for our children, affordable medications for our families, and clean air and water for generations--while making the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share.
This whole package, which builds a more prosperous society, is extremely popular with voters (including Republicans) and supported by 96% of Congressional Democrats.
Unfortunately, the other 4% of Democrats, beholden to corporate lobbyists or pursuing their own private agendas, are demanding things like eliminating programs, means-testing, slashing benefits, and tax-increasing limits.
Forcing Democrats to negotiate with themselves about what to tear out makes this the time to insist on what’s non-negotiable. Is it:
Taxing the rich?
Providing child-care, Head Start and college tuition?
Allowing seniors to eat, hear, see?
Negotiating drug prices?
Saving the planet?
Should we:
Shorten the time, reduce the programs’ size and scope OR fully fund just a few?
Prioritize children because they’re our future OR seniors because they vote most often?
Ignore the parliamentarian and include immigration reform?
Our MoCs are facing these questions. Let’s help them make the best decisions by stressing our bottom line.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
It is dreadful that Democrats like you are being held hostage by two of your colleagues who are trying to kill or severely weaken the Big Back Better Act. For me, the following are non-negotiable components [include here your list of what to keep in and how to pay for it]. Please keep this in mind during negotiations. I know you will do everything in your power to retain as much programming as you can and to ensure that the rich and big corporations pay their fair share.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
It is dreadful that Democrats like you are being held hostage by two of your colleagues who are trying to kill or severely weaken the Big Back Better Act. For me, the following are non-negotiable components [include here your list of what to keep in and how to pay for it]. Please keep this in mind during negotiations. I know you will do everything in your power to retain as much programming as you can and to ensure that the rich and big corporations pay their fair share.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
The Build Back Better Act, including its taxing of the rich and large corporations, is extremely popular with your constituents and the American people, and voting against it will cause great harm to millions of Americans. Do what you were sent to the Senate to do. Save lives and the planet. Support reconciliation.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
It is dreadful that Democrats like you are being held hostage by several of your colleagues who are trying to kill or severely weaken the Big Back Better Act. For me, the following are non-negotiable components [include here your list of what to keep in and how to pay for it]. Please keep this in mind during negotiations. I know you will do everything in your power to retain as much programming as you can and to ensure that the rich and big corporations pay their fair share.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The Build Back Better Act, including its taxing of the rich and large corporations, is extremely popular with your constituents and the American people, and voting against it will cause great harm to millions of Americans. Do what you were sent to Congress to do. Save lives and the planet. Support reconciliation.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
It is dreadful that Democrats like you are being held hostage by several of your colleagues who are trying to kill or severely weaken the Big Back Better Act. For me, the following are non-negotiable components [include here your list of what to keep in and how to pay for it]. Please keep this in mind during negotiations. I know you will do everything in your power to retain as much programming as you can and to ensure that the rich and big corporations pay their fair share.
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
It is dreadful that Democrats like you are being held hostage by several of your colleagues who are trying to kill or severely weaken the Big Back Better Act. For me, the following are non-negotiable components [include here your list of what to keep in and how to pay for it]. Please keep this in mind during negotiations. I know you will do everything in your power to retain as much programming as you can and to ensure that the rich and big corporations pay their fair share.
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to kill or severely weaken the Big Back Better Act. For me the following are non-negotiable components [include here your list of what to keep in and how to pay for it]. I am very angry that you ignore your constituents’ needs with impunity. Next November, we will fight to replace you with a representative who will care about us and work to benefit ordinary Americans.
Action 3:
Other opportunities for action include:
WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY,
FRIDAY, OCT. 22, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/
PHONEBANK TO ENCOURAGE VIRGINIANS TO VOTE
SATURDAY, OCT. 23, 12:00 noon-2:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/410893/
Further Reading:
Americans are ready to tax the rich
Democrats Bet on Raising Taxes on High-Income People, Big Businesses
Opinion: Get the message right, Democrats: The reconciliation bill is about supporting families
White House looks to scale back its climate initiative after stiff pushback from Manchin
CNN Poll: Most Democrats favor a bigger bill on social safety net and climate
Progressives urge Pelosi to keep all the social and climate programs in Biden’s economic plan intact
Congress Should Balance Vouchers and Development of Less-Expensive Housing in Recovery Legislation
Cortez Masto and Democratic colleagues committed to including immigration in social spending package
