On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the coronavirus a global pandemic. Over the course of the last year, despite the amazing efforts from first responders, healthcare professionals, local public health officials, and elected leaders like Governor Jay Inslee, we still saw this virus take more than 5,000 lives here in Washington.As COVID-19 swept through our country with no action from the Oval Office, more than half a million people died nationwide. We know that it didn't have to be like this and we can never forget the lives of those that were lost due to COVID-19 – it totals more than World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and 9/11 combined. Americans have sacrificed a lot over the last year and communities and families across the country have suffered grievous losses in so many ways.
"While it was different for everyone, we all lost something." -President Joe Biden
But on March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, 50 days into his presidency, help is on the way. Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate have worked strenuously to pass a relief package that meets this formidable crisis with an equal and historic level of impact!
Democrats united to pass the American Rescue Plan, which 75% of Americans across the political spectrum support, while not a single Republicans joined to vote for this critical legislation. They should be held accountable.
But first, we need to spread the message far and wide of what’s included in the American Rescue Plan and why it’s so important. Open, read, use, and review the Washington State: Help is Here Guide and ARP Impact Breakdown. Please use this messaging guide that we developed with the DNC to post, tweet, write letters to the editor, and op-ed the heck out of, well, the truth. The GOP is already trying to muddle the truth and claim credit – when, again, not a single member of their party voted for the plan – and dismiss and discredit the most progress legislation to come out of Congress in a decade. Need something more or have a question? Just email us!
Remember, as Democrats, we always have to tell the truth, follow the science, restore trust in government after four years of GOP failures, and protect ALL of the American people.
Justice delayed is NOT justice denied. There are so many breakthroughs to be excited about this week; one of those developments is the full-circle confirmation of Merrick Garland as Attorney General of the United States. On March 10, Garland's nomination to be U.S. Attorney General passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee and was confirmed by the full Senate in a 70–30 vote. Many of you may recall that President Barack Obama nominated Garland to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court in March 2016 to fill a vacancy due to the passing of Antonin Scalia. However, the Republican Senate Majority, led by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), refused to hold a hearing or vote on his nomination. Well, isn't this sweet vindication?
Finally, we are excited to announce a new program that will enable us to build a strong foundation of Democratic values across Washington State and help win elections for years to come!Blue Washington is a new opportunity for Democrats across Washington State to come together and make a collective effort to support year-round organizing and build long-term relationships with underrepresented communities! Whether you join as a Grassroots supporter or a Partner, solidifying Democratic values in every race and every place is only possible by working alongside our sustainable supporters. Winning back “red” communities across Washington State requires collective action -- and now is the time to establish powerful party infrastructure, recruit terrific candidates, and deploy innovative training and organizing techniques to help make the Democratic Party even more successful in the future. Come join us!
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Something to read (and use!): On the campaign trail, President Biden promised to deliver relief to the American people and that promise was kept. Help is here! The Washington State: Help is Here Guide will give you the tools you need to amplify the American Rescue Plan and inform your friends and neighbors about how it will impact lives in every part of our great state. Read it here: wa-democrats.org/arphelpishere
Something to do: The Washington State Democrats are excited to announce that we're partnering with the ASDC Best Practices Institute to ensure we're getting the most thorough and comprehensive training for ALL of our Local Party Leaders, PCOs, and amazing volunteers. This is Rise and Organize SUPERSIZED! Over 500 Washingtonians have already signed up – why not you? The Train the Trainer (T3) program is designed to train thousands of people at their own pace over six weeks, beginning March 16. Click here to submit your registration for the 2021 T3 Training Program! Registration will close at 8:59 p.m. PT, on Sunday, March 14… that’s this Sunday! It's the best investment you'll make in the future of organizing in Washington state!
Something else to do: We would like to honor our female Local Party and Caucus Chairs by highlighting them on social media during Women's History Month. Please be sure to fill out this form so we can share stories of the amazing work that’s done under the leadership of powerful Washington women! Nominate yourself or a Democratic woman you admire! Please complete this form by Tuesday, March 16:https://forms.gle/vf1EUEZrMgB61tvs9
Something to watch: This week onDemocracy on Demand, we chatted with Representative Tarra Simmons (23rd LD) about her voting rights bill that could impact the lives of formerly incarcerated people and reduce recidivism by restoring their right to vote.
