Indivisibles,

We’re feeling it too. Every day there’s a steady barrage of breaking news, loved ones fall ill, and we’re feeling increasingly helpless as we watch our country waver under the Trump administration’s incompetent response. And still, you keep showing up for one another. You take our calls to action to heart and keep pushing for a People’s Agenda in the various coronavirus packages. We see you, and we appreciate any moment you give to fight for those most at need right now. 

So far, all four existing relief bills have fallen short of a simple goal: protecting people during this pandemic. Our Policy team is on high alert waiting for the first draft of the Democratic proposal for the next COVID-19 response package. This is a critical first step in the process because it will set the tone for the negotiations to come with Republicans and the White House. Our teams are ready to compare the new draft to the People’s Agenda demands that we’ve all been united in pushing forward. 

Now let’s do what Indivisibles do best -- stay strong. 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is speeding to finalize a new multitrillion-dollar coronavirus relief package, hoping to put the bill on the House floor this week. We want to be honest with you: this bill -- as important as it is -- is unlikely to become law. With Republicans in control of the Senate and the White House, it’s a hard truth that we face and that won’t change until we take back power in November.

But what it can do is signal to the Senate exactly what a People’s Agenda looks like. It can set a bold marker for what we want and help define the agenda… if it’s a good bill. Right now there are different factions within the Democratic party trying to shape this bill, including efforts from moderates to water down the marker bill. That’s why we need to demand that Democrats propose a bold bill and show up for the people of this country. 

We need to see:

✅ Direct financial relief.

✅ An Essential Workers Bill of Rights.

✅ Protections from mass layoffs. 

✅ Election security measures in the form of universal vote-by-mail. 

What’s more, Democrats must ensure the next package provides relief to every person in this country, regardless of immigration status, age, or disability. This outbreak has already resulted in tens of thousands of people dying, and tens of millions losing their jobs. It has thrown our elections, health care system, and economy into chaos. We can’t afford to wait any longer for Congress to take these necessary steps; it’s time for members to use their vote to demand real relief through a People’s Agenda. 

Your action now can put us in the best possible position to influence the next coronavirus bill. Here’s how we’ll move this fight along, and more: 

 Your weekly to-dos 

1. Take the People's Agenda Pledge. Time is running out. We’re expecting the House to announce their next coronavirus relief package in the coming days. Hold your representative accountable when they vote on the next coronavirus relief package -- if the bill doesn’t put people first, they should vote no.
2. Call, tweet, email, or record a video to your representative demanding a People's Agenda in the next coronavirus legislation. We need Democrats to put out the strongest coronavirus relief package possible -- which means keeping people on payrolls, providing financial relief for people, protecting public health, and defending democracy with national vote-by-mail and election security support.
3. Join Representative Sarbanes to Protect our Vote. Take part in a nationwide call with Representative Sarbanes and Public Citizen to talk about how grassroots activists are calling for $4 billion in election funding to expand vote-by-mail and safe in-person voting options. After the call, sign up to host your own Protect the Vote action and ensure that no one is forced to choose between their health and their vote. 
4. Text “PEOPLE FIRST” to 977-79 to get the latest updates on the bill marker and what’s up next. We want to keep you updated on every move of this process. This is how you can get the latest news on the People’s Agenda and what’s moving through Congress.

 2020 Update 

What’s new in the 2020 Democratic primary? We’ve got endorsement news and more updates on how states are preparing for their primary elections. Here are our most up-to-date delegate numbers for the Democratic primary: Former VP Joe Biden has 1,303 delegates. He needs at least 1,991 delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. Read on to learn more!

• ICYMI: Last week, Indivisibles overwhelmingly voted to endorse Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign for President. The truth is, American democracy cannot survive another Trump term -- and beating him is a critical step to pave the way for a new vision of our country’s future. Catch up on our endorsement here.

• New York’s June 23 presidential primary is back on. A federal judge ruled in favor of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who brought this lawsuit forward after New York removed Senator Bernie Sanders from the ballot when he suspended his candidacy for president. The state election commission removed all candidates with suspended presidential campaigns from the presidential primary ballot effectively canceling the state’s presidential primary. The governor has already ordered that all voters be mailed an absentee ballot application.

• California became the first state to switch the November election to all vote-by-mail. Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Friday that requires all counties in California to mail ballots to the over-20 million registered voters in the state. The order does not do away entirely with in-person voting, ensuring the enfranchisement of “people that otherwise are not familiar with mail-in ballots, are uncomfortable with them, may have disabilities,” according to Newsom. Expect to see more updates on states adapting their voting systems to better protect public health during the coronavirus outbreak.

 Find a virtual event "near" you 

COVID-19 Relief Bills Advocacy Trainings 

The Trump administration’s response to the COVID-19 epidemic hasn’t done nearly enough to help working people. The few supports available to working people are running out and Congress is getting ready to vote on the next relief package. Indivisible has launched The People’s Agenda Pledge to push our members of Congress to step up and not only help working people but also protect our elections. Join Indivisible’s National Policy Director Angel Padilla in taking a deeper look into the new bills. On this webinar, you’ll have a chance to make a plan on how to use The People’s Agenda Pledge to take action at this critical time.

Monday, May 18, 3pm ET / 12pm PT
Tuesday, May 19, 8pm ET / 5pm PT 

Red and Rural Webinar Series Episode 2: Messaging 

Join us for the second webinar in the Red and Rural series as we learn how to win over conservative and undecided voters with our progressive values. We will be joined by Matt Hildreth of RuralOrganizing.org who will provide us with data, tools, and messaging tips to engage in both offline and online voter contact with our neighbors. 

Wednesday, May 27, 8pm ET / 5pm PT

The Payback Project is working

Our Payback Project target senators are losing ground in the polls. They’ve been voting against the interests of their constituents in favor of their corporate buddies for years -- and we’re the movement that’s going to make them pay for it. We have groups on the ground nationwide who are doing the work to win, and we’re supporting them with ads, training, and the digital tools they need to get the job done.

That’s where you come in: we’ve got these Republicans on the defensive, and we can’t let up now. It might seem like an eternity, but we only have a few short months to implement all our plans to win in November -- and we need your help. Can you make a $10 donation to support the Payback Project and all the crucial work we’re doing this year?

  IndivisiWin of the Week 

Last week, groups around Northern Virginia held a car demonstration to call for safe, secure elections and we need everyone to join in.

Before we go, just one last reminder of how we will succeed in putting people first this week: 

1. Keep an eye on our social media for the latest updates on the upcoming coronavirus relief bill: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
2. Haven’t signed the People’s Agenda pledge? Do that now. 
3. Keep taking care of one another. We're getting through this together, one day at a time. 

In solidarity,
Indivisible Team