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West Virginia Update: February 2022
Hello team,
We are continuing with our state newsletters this month, and next up is West Virginia. This partner state has seen a deluge of short-term, reactionary national money flood their borders as donors around the country get frustrated with a certain United States Senator. Unfortunately, very little is being invested long term, despite the herculean efforts of local organizers. If we want to win back West Virginia, it’s time to change that approach. It’s time to put in the year-round work and resources to build deep trust with the voters we’ve lost or failed to show up for.
Groundwork Project is investing in organizers on the ground in West Virginia who are working to build long-lasting, sustainable political infrastructure. The past few weeks have highlighted how critical that work is. The Senate aside, West Virginia’s State Legislature is back in session and trying to push through regressive legislation on everything from abortion to tax reform. Give to Groundwork Project today to help us support the organizers working to win West Virginia back.
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Joe Kennedy
Founder
News Update #1: Black Policy Action Day
“By working collectively, we are making Black History Month come alive. By showing up, we are creating history right now that we will be proud of.”
-Dr. Shanequa Smith
Executive Director of Black Voter Impact Initiative
Groundwork Project Grantee
Image Source: Ink Factory artist Kinshasa Anglin for Call For Racial Equality, Black Voters Impact Initiative, and Black By God.
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Main Takeaways:
Black Policy Day was historic! The first of its kind, this gathering focused on creating space for Black West Virginians to collectively take action on major policy fights.
Groundwork Project was a proud sponsor of this event.
Other Sponsors Include: Deltas Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Call to Action for Racial Equality, WV Black Voter Impact Initiative (a GWP Grantee!), and Black By God: THE WEST VIRGINIAN
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!
Give to West Virginia Black Voter Impact — a Groundwork Project Grantee and Black Policy Day Sponsor!
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News Update #2: WV is the First State to Pass a 15-week Abortion Ban in 2022
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Main Takeaways:
House Bill 4004 passed the WV House and Senate. This bill will ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, forcing many to travel out of state for abortion care or give birth against their will.
House Bill 4005 would ban the sale of fetal tissue (which is already illegal). State lawmakers have clearly introduced this bill simply to spread misinformation and perpetuate abortion stigma.
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!
Sign Planned Parenthood’s Petition to stop the WV State Legislature from passing these bills!
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News Update #3: WV’s Unspent Welfare Funds
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Main Takeaways:
The West Virginia State Government has $110 million in unspent federal funding for programs that give families and children money for essential needs like food, clothing, and rent.
The need for assistance in West Virginia is great: 40% of West Virginians are behind on rent and state food banks are reporting “soaring hunger numbers.”
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!
Share this tweet to increase awareness!
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WEST VIRGINIA ORGANIZING SPOTLIGHT
The West Virginia Citizen Action Group has been advocating for better public policy, rights of individuals, a clean environment, and a stronger democratic process since 1974. Most recently WV Citizen Action Group has advocated for a ban on nuclear power and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
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> Founded by Joe Kennedy III, Groundwork Project invests in year-round, local community organizing in places Democrats have gotten used to writing off. With a focus on Appalachia, the Deep South, and the Plains, we support local advocates and activists working to build durable political infrastructure and secure power for those historically excluded.
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