Letter in Support of DNC Unity Reform Commission
ORMA recently sent a letter to the Democratic Party in support of the Unity Reform Commission. See the details here. Affiliates are being encouraged to do the same and request that the DNC adapt and implement these reforms. See theUnity Reform Commission Report and ORMA letter to Chairman Perez and other Democrats. Local affiliate support is encouraged, see the FCCPR letter that includes the email addresses.
Working People’s Day of Action
On February 26th, thousands of working people across Massachusetts will rise up to protect the freedom of working people to join unions for a better life. All ORMA members and supporters are urged to attend a “Working People’s Day of Action” find an event near you and “sticker up”!
Visit MassAFLCIO.org or call 781-324-8230 for more details. ORMA members interested in a fact sheet about the Janus decision should emailrand.wilson@gmail.com.
International Women’s Day is March 8th
Last month, ORMA and affiliates across the state participated in the Women’s Day March. Next month, International Women’s Day will celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. How will you #PressforProgress in 2018? Local, state and national groups are planning for the upcoming global day of celebration. See this link for more information. Local events are planned throughout the county. Our Revolution Springfield and Our Revolution Chicopee in collaboration with local affinity group, Springfield Women Organize have plans for a candlelight outdoor public gathering see FB event “Shine a Light On Women’s Issues.”
The Sanders Institute Rocks
Jane Sanders, along with a group of progressive thinkers has established the Sanders Institute and you can find in depth articles on researched issues of interest to ORMA members on the website. Featured this month, The Macroeconomic Effects of Student Debt Cancellation, is a 68 page report detailing the positive effects on the economy through debt cancellation. See the Jane Sanders interview with Dr. Stephanie Kelton, one of the researchers (and a Fellow from the Sanders Institute). The report ties in with an ORMA backed amendment passed on the floor last year at the Massachusetts Democratic Platform Convention (see bullet point on page six of the Party Documents). If you want to be active in #HigherEdNotDebt send an email to info@ourrevolutionma.com.
Public Higher Education Lobby Day
On March 5th, the annual Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM) takes place at the statehouse. PHENOM is an allied organization that advocates for debt-free college with a long term vision of free public college in Massachusetts. As we all know, free public college was a central issue in Bernie’s campaign and Lobby Day will also focus on the labor issue, as we continue to deal with layoffs and poor conditions for workers. If you’ve never lobbied before, lobby days are a great way to do it for the first time. Everything is coordinated for you and there will be other people joining you at the meeting with the legislator or/staffer. Share with your networks and RSVP at http://bit.ly/PHEAD2018 or see Facebook event.
The Charlie Baker Lowdown
There is a sense that Governor Charlie Baker has not provided the leadership he promised to improve life here in the Commonwealth. ORMA ally, Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, and have put together a
Baker Dossier to pinpoint these broken promises.
Two Legislators Retiring, An ORMA Opportunity?
Two State House legislators, John Scibak D-South Hadley and Stephen Kulik D-Worthington have announced their retirements after serving for years on Beacon Hill. Representative Scibak, was devoted to health care issues, while his fellow legislator, Representative Kulik, was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee with a deep interest in rural affairs.
The retirement of two legislators in Western Mass opens up the field for a new generation of candidates. This is an opportunity for ORMA members with some political background or life experience to enter the ring. Last week Politico confirmed Casey Pease from Worthington, a Bernie2016 former staffer in Massachusetts has announced his intention to run for Kulik’s seat.
Upcoming Gubernatorial Candidate Forums
- Saturday, March 10, 1 PM
Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Road, Lincoln MA 01773
Doors:12:30pm, Forum:1:00 pm
- Wednesday, March 28, 7 – 9 PM
Northampton High School, 380 Elm St, Northampton
See this page for more information.
- Saturday, April 7, 9 AM
Carpenters’ Training Center, Millbury
February 2018
Members of the Representative Council (RC) and Coordinating Committee (CC)
Welcome to our newest forming affiliate, Our Revolution Springfield(western Mass). ORSpringfield launched on February 11th with support from two sister affiliates in Western Mass, 