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Because This Is America! Weekly News, Updates, and Events We As Democrats Believe: "Ultimately, America's answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired." — Robert Kennedy Suggest a future quote?: Click here to send to the Editor. NEWS Democrats Fight for Common Sense Gun Control in North Carolina
(From NCDEMS) A mass shooting survivor dramatically added his voice to North Carolina Democrats pushing for legislation to help curb gun violence in the state, but Republicans who control the state legislature refuse to budge. Two pieces of legislation, HB454 and HB86, have languished in committee for more than four months, but Republicans won't allow them to come up for debate and voting. Drew Pescaro (pictured), who is recovering from being shot in the back during the April 30 attack at UNC Charlotte, demanded last week that
HB454 is a "red flag bill" that would allow family members and law enforcement to petition a judge to take guns away from individuals in imminent danger of hurting themselves or others. HB86 would extend gun licensing requirements. Rather than moving to deal with the rash of mass shootings in America, Republicans in North Carolina actually have pushed to loosen gun restrictions. Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, released a statement saying: “The time for condolences alone has long passed, and now it is time for action. The General Assembly should move quickly to debate the details of these bills so that we can end up with legislation to keep deadly weapons out of the wrong hands."
Lend your voice! Survivors of gun violence, like Drew Pescaro, deserve more than just words -- they deserve action. That’s why you may want to call Republican legislators and ask that they sign the petition to bring gun common-sense gun reform to a vote. The number for the General Assembly is 919-733-4111.
Democrats Maintain Pressure As Republicans Continue Budget Stonewall
A Capital Broadcasting Company editorial said, “Bribing legislators with more than $300 million in local pork barrel projects hasn’t worked. A baseless PR initiative and torrent of news releases hasn’t worked. . . Stop the fruitless stalling and political maneuvers.” Still, Republican lawmakers continue to delay on the budget, last week holding the 19th consecutive session without an override vote. It’s past time for Republicans come to the table to negotiate for a better budget.
Medicaid Expansion Offers Significant Benefits for New Hanover County
The Medicaid expansion that Republicans are so intent on obstructing would bring significant benefits for New Hanover county. According to an analysis by the Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University, expanding Medicaid would provide health care coverage for an additional 13,000 New Hanover County residents, and create nearly 900 additional jobs. Also, the county economy would grow by $192 million, adding $2.6 million to county tax revenues. For more detail on the benefits of Medicaid expansion, click here.
New Hanover Democrats To Host Forum On Medical Center Sale
EVENTS
Get Out the Vote Phone Bank -- Now through September 10
When: You pick the time
Where: You pick the place
Use this link to help Dan McCready reach out to Democrats about the District 9 special election!
Dan is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election after election results were thrown out due to fraud by his Republican opponent. We need to send Dan to Washington, and send a message to those who tamper with our elections. Please commit to making calls whenever you can.
Canvassing for Dan McCready in Elizabethtown -- Now through September 10
When: Saturdays shifts at 9:00 a.m, 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sunday shifts at 1 p.m.
Where: Elizabethtown office (1 hour from Wilmington)
Dan McCready is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. Sign up for canvassing at https://www.mobilize.us/
Democratic Women of New Hanover County Business Meeting-- August 13
When: Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Crust Kitchen, 124 Princess St., Wilmington
The Democratic Women support Democratic policies and encourages the participation of women in Democratic activities including running for office. For information on Crust Kitchen, click here.
Support the Port Monthly Meeting -- August 14
When: Wednesday, August 14, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Wabi Sabi Building, 19 N. 9th St., Wilmington
Support the Port Foundation Inc. meets the second Wednesday of each month. Support The Port is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that aims to enhance a sense of community ownership and excellence for under-served communities through the arts, philanthropy and scholarship.
MLK Celebration Committee "Celebrity Softball Game" -- August 17 When: Saturday, August 17, 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Where: Wm. E. Murphy Sports Complex, 401 S. 8th Street (MLK Center), Wilmington NHCDP Countywide Meeting – August 19 When: Monday, August 19, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington The party meets on the third Monday of each month. This month's meeting will feature special guest, District Attorney Ben David. County Commission Forum on Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center #1 -- August 19
When: Monday, August 19, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Northeast Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will seek input ahead of a September 3 meeting where the commission will discuss selling the county-owned medical center.
County Commission Forum on Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center #2 -- August 20
When: Tuesday, August 20, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Where: Senior Resource Center, 2222 South College Road, Wilmington
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will seek input ahead of a September 3 meeting where the commission will discuss selling the county-owned medical center.
Matt Leatherman for State Treasurer Fundraiser -- August 21
When: Wednesday, August 21, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Where: Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach
Matt Leatherman, who served as policy director for former State Treasurer Janet Cowell, is running for Treasurer in 2020. Scheduled guests at his fundraiser include former mayor Don Betz, NC House District candidate Leslie Cohen, and NC House District 17 candidate Tom Simmons. To RSVP or to donate visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ml-wilmington8-21
Third Annual SOBAD Golf Tournament -- August 25
When: Sunday, August 25, 9:00 a.m. Where: Sandpiper Bay Country Club, in Sunset Beach, NC.
Brunswick Democrats are hosting a Golf Tournament, and you are invited! Captain's Choice (Scramble) with three flights, men's, women's and mixed. The $75 entry fee includes lunch. Statewide candidates are expected to attend. Registration deadline is August 16. Contact Dwight Willis at [email protected] or 910-540-2614.
Taco Monday Event for Leslie Cohen -- August 26
When: Monday, August 26, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: The home of Charlotte and Robert Rosenberg, 302 Lumina Ave. N, Wrightsville Beach
Chef Rebecca Stutts will share her culinary expertise, demonstrating how to make tortillas from scratch! Join Leslie Cohen, candidate for Statehouse District 20, for an evening of tortilla making, build your own tacos with all the fillings and toppings, and themed beverages! Enjoy a lovely sunset over Banks Channel on Wrightsville Beach. Sponsor the event and receive entrance for four. To purchase tickets or sponsor, click here.
Get Out the Vote Canvassing for Dan McCready -- September 7 through 10
When: Saturday through Tuesday, September 7 through 10. Shifts at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00, 3:00, and 6:00 p.m.
Where: Elizabethtown office (1 hour from Wilmington)
This is your last chance to flip a Congressional seat in 2019! Dan is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. His campaign hopes to schedule 100 volunteer shifts to canvass in the days before the election. Contact Jim Fleagle at [email protected] if you wish to participate with other New Hanover County volunteers. Or, sign up directly for canvassing at https://www.mobilize.us/
Cocktails With Candidate Leslie Cohen -- September 12 (Rescheduled from August 13)
When: Thursday, September 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: the home of Shelly O'Rourke, 213 Forest Hills Dr., Wilmington
Join Leslie Cohen, candidate for NC House District 20, for cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres at the home of Shelly O'Rourke on Tuesday, August 13th from 6-8PM. Tickets start at $25 and sponsorships available.To purchase tickets or sponsor, click here.
Democratic Women of North Carolina Annual Convention -- September 13 through 15
When: September 13 through 15, times TBA Where: Durham, North Carolina
Save the date for the 59th Annual Convention of the Democratic Women of North Carolina. Further details will be posted soon at www.democraticwomenofnc.org
End of Summer Celebration with Harper Peterson -- September 16
When: Monday, September 16, 5:30 p.m. Where: Alina Szmant and Dan Baden’s home, 210 Braxlo Lane, Wilmington
NC State Senator Harper Peterson. Senator Peterson will give an update on what has been happening in the state on a legislative and political level. If you can't attend, you can still provide your support: bit.ly/DonateHarper . RSVP for the celebration here: bit.ly/PetersonSummerCelebration
Reception for Judge Lucy Inman, Candidate for NC Supreme Court -- Septmber 17
When: Tuesday, September 17, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Where: the home of Louise and Steve Coggins, 150 Beach Road S, Wilmington
Lucy Inman who has served in North Carolina courtrooms for nearly a decade is running for the NC Supreme Court in 2020. To get tickets and select a sponsorship level, click here.
2019 NHCDP Unity Banquet (Sold Out) -- September 21
When: Saturday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm Where: Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington
The annual Unity Banquet has sold out thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and to our keynote speaker, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley. There are always some seats freed up in the weeks before the banquet, and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis to people on our waiting list. To sign up for the Unity Banquet waiting list, click here.
Silent Auction Items Needed: Organizers of the silent auction are seeking donations of auction items. Please note that these contributions are not tax deductible for the contributor. All items must be submitted by August 31st, and should be accompanied by an in-kind donation form, downloadable here. Please direct inquiries to Mary Melia at (973) 223-4976, or at [email protected].
Best, Richard Poole, Chair
News Content by James Cummings If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.
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legislators DO SOMETHING!
(From NCDEMS) 
New Hanover Democrats are planning to host a forum on the proposed sale of the Medical Center. The forum will be August 28th or 29th and will include Medical Center CEO John Gizdic and New Hanover County Executive Chris Coudriet. The forum will provide an opportunity to get questions answered in advance of the September 4th vote by the County Commission. Save the dates - we will send details in a future email.