SCOTUS and Gerrymander Updates, Florida Young Dems and Grandparents for Gun Safety

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Good morning Democrats,

Last Saturday marked the 14th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. For over a decade, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has provided life-saving health care to millions of Floridians. Federal programs like the ACA and Medicaid are a lifeline for people who become unexpectedly sick and face medical bills for frequent doctor’s appointments, expensive medications, hospitalization and surgeries.

Last week, Ron DeSantis signed a series of healthcare bills into law that did not include expansion for Medicaid. Florida Republicans could have used this session to expand Medicaid coverage for over 800,000 Floridians who would be eligible — but they didn’t.

Florida leads the nation in enrollment in the ACA, and with more women and children being pushed out of Medicaid coverage, the only way to guarantee that all Floridians ‘live healthy’ is by re-electing President Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris to protect healthcare for all.
Florida's Missed Opportunity

This year’s legislative session was a missed opportunity for the people of Florida whose top priorities were not addressed by Governor Ron DeSantis and his allies in the legislature including Indian River County's Representative Robert Brackett and Senator Erin Grall. As working families and seniors continue to struggle under an affordability crisis that has them wondering if they will be able to enjoy a secure retirement or pay for the medical care they need, legislative leadership focused on their own political ambitions and the needs of their corporate elite donors instead of working for the people they were elected to represent.

We deserve leaders who will work to lower costs, increase wages, and protect our freedom to be healthy, prosperous, and safe! If you are interested in running for office, please email us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Gerrymander Update
A panel of federal judges has upheld Florida’s congressional map, turning away a challenge that alleged it was discriminatory against Black voters after the district held by former Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, was dismantled. The federal court's validation of Florida's congressional map marks a significant setback for advocates challenging claims of discrimination against Black voters. Despite efforts to contest the redrawn boundaries, the court's unanimous decision stands as a blow against allegations of racial bias, highlighting the Republican success in reshaping the state's political landscape. Any appeal faces an uncertain timeline, prolonging the battle over equitable representation. As the legal saga unfolds, it underscores the enduring struggle for fairness and inclusion in Florida's electoral processes.
SCOTUS Abortion Case

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a politically motivated case challenging the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, one of two medications most commonly used in medication abortion in the United States, often also prescribed for miscarriage management. Access and approval to mifepristone remains unchanged at this time, and we expect a ruling this summer.

Access to safe, effective medication abortion care is essential to ensuring people’s freedom to make decisions about their bodies based on what’s best for their circumstances. Mifepristone is a safe, effective FDA-approved medication with a 20+ year track record, and is now used in more than half of all abortions. The FDA's medical and scientific experts approved mifepristone, and they should decide what medications are available to patients, not politicians or the courts.

If this ruling is allowed to stand, it would undermine the FDA’s authority and their ability to make nonpartisan decisions based on scientific data about drug safety and efficacy. It would also jeopardize future development of therapies and cures. This is a cynical, backdoor effort to push the most common method of abortion care out of reach, ignoring medical standards, 20+ years of evidence, and public opinion. This case’s repercussions go far beyond abortion care—it could stifle medical innovation, upend the country’s drug approval process, and put every approved medication in the political crosshairs.
Last month, the Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the judicial review process for Amendment 4 — the ballot initiative enshrining a right to reproductive freedom in the Florida Constitution. The court, which typically releases opinions on Thursdays, has until April 1 to make a decision on whether or not Amendment 4 appears on the ballot in November. The Florida Supreme Court shouldn’t take the bait on the state’s baseless, partisan arguments — Floridians deserve the opportunity to vote on Amendment 4 in November.
Florida Young Democrats

The Florida Young Democrats is hosting its 2024 Virtual Annual Convention on April 6 with top-tier training programs, discussions with candidates and elected officials, and camaraderie with your fellow Young Dems.

Purchase your ticket HERE ([link removed]) then complete this form ([link removed]) to finalize registration.

Consider becoming an event sponsor to directly help to support local chapter programs and getting young people out and voting in local elections and for the 2024 general election.. Sponsors who contribute at least $250 will be recognized on social media and offered a chance to speak during the general session.
Join Grandparents Uniting for Gun Safety

Democrats of Indian River is a proud partner of Grandparents Uniting for Gun Safety, a digital advocacy network which will gathers people of all ages across the country to advocate for gun safety and gun violence prevention. You can join the network to be informed about pending legislation and initiatives. Just click here to visit their website and “Add Your Voice to Ours ([link removed]) “.
Opportunities to Get Involved
We need your help! Our voter registration team leaders are eager to meet you. Pop into the office Monday at 11:30 a.m. to learn how you can join the team and register voters across Indian River County. Our team leaders will be available to answer any questions and help you get started.

Democrats of Indian River is currently seeking to strengthen our committees that interact with the community and participate in local government meetings. We are searching for individuals to spearhead the following teams:
* Get Out The Vote (phone/text banking)
* Poll Watching
* Vero Beach City Council
* Sebastian City Council
* Fellsmere City Council
* Indian River County Commission
* Indian River Neighborhood Association

To learn more about these positions, please contact the Democrats of Indian River office at 772-226-5267.
If you are interested in contributing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-eds on crucial issues within our community and would like to join our Editorial Team, please complete this volunteer form ([link removed]) .

Passionate about politics and skilled in crafting engaging social media content to drive online engagement? If so, we want you to join our team! As we gear up for the 2024 election year, we're on the lookout for a talented and dedicated Social Media Intern to help us spread our message, engage with voters, and amplify our impact online. This is a part-time, paid internship opportunity. To apply for the Social Media Intern position, please send your resume to .
To ensure your participation in the upcoming elections, make sure your Vote-By-Mail ballot request is up to date by visiting [link removed] ([link removed]*F) to request your mail-in ballot today.
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])

Steering Meeting
Thursday, April 17, 2024 5:00 p.m.
ZOOM Meeting

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, April 25, 2024 6:00 p.m.
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Voter Registration Team Meeting
Monday, April 1, 2024 11:30 a.m.
Democrats of Indian River Office

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Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 6:00 p.m.
BigShots Golf 3456 US-1, Vero Beach, FL

Join our club or pay dues
HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
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Join our club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Annual Scholarship Luncheon at Bent Pine
Saturday April 13 at 11:30 a.m.
Speaker will be Dr. Angie Bailey, Business Professor, IRSC
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967

Non member guests are invited to attend. The cost is $35, payable at the door by cash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday April 10 to DemLunch @aol.com ([link removed]) and include your meal choice: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast, Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Tomato Onion Chutney or Vegetarian Plate. Valet Parking will be limited to arrival from 11:15 until noon & departure from 1:30 to 2:15.
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday April 26, 2024 2 - 4 p.m.
Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus

We will discuss, "Whole: Re-Thinking the Science of Nutrition"
By: T. Colin Campbell and Howard Jacobsen (2013)

Questions? Email
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Monday, April 22, 2024 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
School District of Indian River County
School Board Business Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Town of Indian River Shores
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday, April 4, 2024
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
Thursday April 4, 2024
City of Sebastian
Regular City Council Meeting at City Hall. Details here ([link removed]) .
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Town of Orchid
Regular Town Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .

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Indian River Democrats Office Location
2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-3pm

(772) 226-5267
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