February 22, 2021 03:47 PM UTC

What you can do to fight for progress this week (February 22)

• 0 Comments
• by: ProgressNow Colorado

Like these alerts? Click here to subscribe.

This week in the Colorado legislature, far-right Republicans are trying to undo Colorado’s best-in-the-nation election system–a system that became a much-praised example last year for safely and securely holding an election even during a global pandemic. [1]

Why would Republicans try to break an election system that works better than basically anywhere in America? Because Donald Trump baselessly claimed the election was stolen with mail ballots like Colorado uses. Second-guessing Colorado’s election system which is subject to intense security, bi-partisan election judges, and risk-limiting audits is a cynical attempt to keep the Big Lie that Trump didn’t really lose the election last year alive. In Colorado, where we’ve been voting by mail since 2013, everyone who is willing to be honest knows Trump lied, and Trump lost fair and square.

That’s the truth Trump and his dead-ender cronies don’t want you to hear.

Because you helped elect a strong progressive majority in the Colorado General Assembly, the GOP’s bad bills to roll back voting rights won’t get far. But it’s a reminder that the fair and accessible election laws we take for granted in Colorado don’t exist everywhere, and there are politicians who don’t want Colorado to be a model for expanding voting rights.

Now help us take the spirit of Colorado’s election reforms to Washington. If you haven’t already, visit our friends at the Declaration for American Democracy and find out how you can get involved in the campaign to pass HR1, the For The People Act to strengthen voting rights, limit the influence of big money in American elections, and impose new ethical safeguards to prevent corruption. The For The People Act represents the most comprehensive federal reform of elections and ethics in government laws since the Watergate era. The time has come.

Once that’s done, here are a few more great ways to fight for progress this week:

Town Hall with Daneya Esgar and Leroy Garcia

Join Pueblo elected officials Representative Daneya Esgar and Senator Leroy Garcia for a virtual town hall. On Monday, February 22nd, Representative Esgar and Senator Garcia will discuss the upcoming legislative session, their legislative agenda, and what it means to have two people from Pueblo on leadership in the General Assembly.

When: Monday, February 22 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Health Foundation: Belonging is an Antidote to Racism

Join an intimate conversation between our president and CEO, Karen McNeil-Miller, and john a. powell, director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, as they discuss how communities fell apart – and came together – during the challenges of 2020.

When: Tuesday, February 23 at 12:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

The Bell Policy Center: A Closer Look: Investing in Economic Mobility

The Bell Policy Center’s most recent report shows us how less public investment has led to fewer middle class families in Colorado, but what does this mean for future policymaking? During this community conversation, you’ll hear from Dr. Anita Alves Pena, author of the Bell’s newest report, and the Bell Policy Center research team on why it’s not just about the dollars we spend, but how we use and where we put them.

When: Tuesday, February 23 at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Women’s Lobby of Colorado: 2021 Legislative Session Kick-Off

Join us *virtually* for the beginning of session kick-off! We will come together as community to prepare for a session of advocating for gender equity.

When: Wednesday, February 24 at 5:15pm

Click here to RSVP.

9to5 Colorado: Housing Justice Lobby Day

Join us for our virtual Lobby Day to support Housing Justice! Lobby Day is one of the most important chances during the legislative session for 9to5 Colorado and our members to push for our values to be represented in policy decisions and become law. We will be speaking about the Rental Late Fee Bill that we are leading and ways to get involved with the legislative process. Together, we will discuss actions that we can all take to apply pressure to the legislature and make sure that our communities’ struggles are recognized.

When: Wednesday, February 24 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition: Citizenship Workshop

Join CIRC and other community partners in taking the next steps to become a U.S. Citizen at our upcoming Citizenship Workshop on Saturday February 27. Apply from the comfort of your own home via phone or computer. Volunteers and immigration attorneys are available to answer questions. If you also qualify for a reduced fee waiver or a fee waiver, we can help you file that with your naturalization application.

When: Saturday, February 27 at 9:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Town Hall: COVID-19 Vaccine Update with Rep. Duran & Sen. Danielson

Come join Representative Monica Duran and Senator Jessie Danielson at a virtual town hall to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and the current 2021 legislative session.

When: Saturday, February 27 at 10:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Also, take note of these great events coming up in the next few weeks:

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative: Health Care Day of Action 2021

Health Care Day of Action is an opportunity for you to join forces with other advocates to talk with your elected officials about the health care issues closest to your heart! This year’s event will be two virtual half-days where you will learn about the legislative process and current health care legislation, hear from health care experts, and connect with legislators for the change you want to see.

When: March 5-6

Click here to RSVP.

*VIRTUAL* Colorado Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day

Join the Colorado Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Coalition as we host our first ever *VIRTUAL* lobby day at the state capitol. We will hear from story-tellers and activists in our movement followed by a lobby training. We will then join breakout rooms to meet with legislators. The event will conclude with a very special guest!

Wednesday, March 24 at 9:00am

Click here to RSVP.

We’ll be back next week with more opportunities to get involved. Thanks again!