Dear Activist,
When President Biden was on the campaign trail, he promised to find common ground and get things done--and so far, he’s delivered on that promise. Now is the time to reimagine and rebuild our economy, and just a few days ago, President Biden announced a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make life better for millions of Americans, create a generation of good-paying union jobs and economic growth, and position the United States to thrive in the 21st century.
Congressman Richard Neal, chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, emphasized the need for a federal investment in infrastructure. "The gradual decline in our federal infrastructure investment over the years has resulted in an alarming number of crumbling roads and bridges, inadequate access to broadband, and an under-supply of affordable housing and community-based investments," Neal said. "Here in Massachusetts, we face infrastructure challenges of our own."
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2021 infrastructure report card for Massachusetts, driving on roads in poor-condition costs drivers an average of $620 a year, 9% of bridges are structurally deficient, and drinking water needs are estimated at $12.2 billion. People depend on our infrastructure to get to work, school, see friends and family, and more. A major investment in infrastructure means an investment in Bay Staters, their livelihoods, and their families. |
|
Sincerely,
Gus Bickford
Chair, Massachusetts Democratic Party
|
|
|
WATCH: RELATIONAL ORGANIZING TRAINING WITH KRISTEN ELECHKO
|
|
|
|
Blueprint to ‘22 is the MassDems relational organizing initiative to expand and strengthen our coalition, train expert campaigners, and demonstrate our Democratic values. Over 80 people kicked our program off with a special training session on relational organizing with Kristen Elechko, who previously served as Deputy Relational Organizing Director for Ed Markey. Click here or below to watch the training.
|
|
|
This is the first training in a monthly series leading up to the 2022 statewide election. Click here to register for the July 21 training on Direct Voter Contact Strategy.
|
|
|
2021 PLATFORM COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
|
|
|
Every four years, thousands of Democrats discuss and vote on an updated platform at the state convention, and many more offer testimony at the platform hearings and meetings that take place in the months prior. This week, Chair Gus Bickford announced that Sheriff Steve Tompkins, 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Gonzalez, and nationally-recognized labor attorney and activist Shannon Liss-Riordan will co-chair the 2021 Platform Committee ahead of the September 25 Platform Convention in Lowell.
|
|
“Democrats from across the Commonwealth have the opportunity to make their mark on the foundation and the future of the Democratic Party for the next four years,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I know that Sheriff Tompkins, Jay, and Shannon are going to take this opportunity to dream big and ensure that this platform is bold and progressive as we continue the fight to level the playing field so we can build a Commonwealth and a country that works for everyone.”
“In Massachusetts, we don’t agonize, we organize. That organizing will be on full display as we write our platform at a time when incremental change is not going to be enough to address the many crises we face in this country,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Sheriff Tompkins, Jay, and Shannon are the right leaders to develop the platform we will be able to hold up as a model for what other states should strive to build.”
Registered Massachusetts Democrats may submit written testimony, attend a MassDems Platform Hearing, or find or schedule a platform meeting with a local Democratic committee, community building group, or issue advocacy organization. Learn more about the platform process at massdems.org/platform.
|
|
|
CAUCUS SEASON IN FULL SWING
|
|
|
|
From June 15 to July 31, thousands of Democrats across Massachusetts will caucus at the town and ward level to elect the delegates to the state convention this fall. Caucuses are happening with virtual participation options, so it’s never been easier to attend your local caucus. Find information about your local caucus at massdems.org/caucus.
|
|
|
At this years’ caucuses, Democrats will start discussions about what they want to see in our 2021 Party Platform, a conversation that will continue throughout the summer before delegates adopt an updated platform on September 25 in Lowell. Whether you’re a new Democrat or a long-time party activist, caucuses are the perfect opportunity to get to know the active Democrats and progressive activists in your area and meet some of the candidates running for office near you. Missed your caucus? Consider applying to be an add-on delegate by the August 6 deadline.
|
|
|
CHARLIE BAKER’S COVER-UP AT THE HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME
|
|
|
|
After 76 veterans tragically died of COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, bombshell reporting revealed that Charlie Baker and top administration officials played key roles in the hiring and oversight of the unqualified but well connected superintendent. Recent reporting revealed that while Baker claimed to have commissioned an independent investigation into the tragedy, the private attorney was representing Baker’s interests, not the public’s.
|
|
This comes after the Globe found the Pearlstein Report into the tragedy to be riddled with errors and biases, blaming lower-level officials for a breakdown in communication while failing to hold Baker and top administration officials accountable for their actions. The people of Massachusetts--including the families of those lost--need answers. That’s the least Baker can offer.
|
|
Find Democratic and left-leaning events on our website at massdems.org/events. The Massachusetts Democratic Party also sends out a weekly events email called the DemDispatch. All Massachusetts Democrats are encouraged to submit events to the MassDems for inclusion on our website and the DemDispatch here.
|
|
|
MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE MASSDEMS
|
|
|
|
|
|
