The State of the Union

Abby Witt, BarackObama.com
to me

Friend --

Tonight, the President will lay out his priorities for the year ahead -- outlining policies to strengthen the middle class and make sure our recovering economy is working for all Americans.

​But he's not the only one who's been laying out an agenda for the country. The new Congress has been in session for just two weeks, and in that time, Speaker Boehner and Leader McConnell have been busy:
    -- Rolling​ back the President's actions to reform our broken immigration system, which would strip deportation protections away from 610,000 DREAMers.
    -- Dismantling a key piece of the Affordable Care Act, potentially leaving half a million Americans uninsured.
    -- Weakening key consumer protections passed into law in Wall Street reform -- which would once again put our economy at risk.
    -- Introducing five bills in three days that attack a woman's right to make her own medical decisions​, restrict access to care, and defund Planned Parenthood.

That's why tonight is so important. It's a chance for the nation to see an alternative to an agenda that wants to tear down the progress we've made.

If you were there in person tonight, you'd have the opportunity to stand and applaud to show support at key moments. While we may not be members of Congress, OFA supporters will be standing up in living rooms across the country -- for ideas that will make Americans' lives better.

​If you think that's something worth fighting for, we could use your help -- take a stand right now to support an agenda that moves our country forward.

In the last few weeks, the President's already announced some proposals that do just that -- big things like free community college for those willing to work hard, strong cuts to dangerous methane emissions that contribute to climate change, and expanded access to paid sick leave for millions of Americans.

That's real progress. But this year isn't going to be easy, that's for sure.

Here's just one example: M​ore than 25 percent of Congress denies the basic science behind climate change. That means one in four members of Congress simply don't believe there's a problem to solve -- and most are actively looking for ways to prevent the President from taking action.

​We're up against a lot when it comes to making meaningful progress -- and that's why it's never been more important to take a stand.
Tonight, we'll get to hear a little more about President Obama's plan. I hope you're ready to fight -- let's go:

http://my.barackobama.com/Tonights-State-of-the-Union

Thanks,

Abby

Abby Witt
Managing Director
Organizing for Action

P.S. -- The White House has put together an amazing, interactive resource you can use to follow along with the President's speech at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time tonight. Check it out:
http://my.barackobama.com/State-of-the-Union-Resource

P.P.S. -- And here's something fun you can do while you watch tonight. We're calling it "Denier Bingo" -- download a set and tick boxes off whenever you catch a glimpse of one of these 24 prominent climate change deniers in Congress:

 

Don: Your name is part of the permanent record

Carly Pearlman, BarackObama.com
to me

Don --

A few months back, we collected the names of the organizers who helped make health care reform a reality -- our way of marking down in the history books how a grassroots movement made history.

Don, you're a part of this "permanent record" -- and I wanted you to see what we did with it.

We set out to come up with an installation that anyone can visit, find their name, and reflect on how we came together to help millions of Americans get access to quality, affordable care. That belongs in the history books, so we decided to take that literally.

It took 76 books to fit more than 400,000 names in the record. Take a look:

If you want to learn more about how it all came together, check out the blog:http://my.barackobama.com/Victory-Wall-Report-Back

And next time you're in the neighborhood, be sure to drop in and find your name!

Carly

Carly Pearlman
Design Director
Organizing for Action

P.S. -- I have to share one more photo. The other day, my mom came by to see her own name on the wall. She got so excited that she pulled out her phone and took a picture of her name on the display:

What Senate Republican​s did today:

The White House <info@mail.whitehouse.gov

 Wednesday, April 30, 2014

 

What Senate Republicans did today:

 

Earlier today, Senate Republicans blocked a vote to raise the minimum wage for 28 million hardworking Americans.

 

Whether or not this issue personally affects you, chances are you know someone for whom this would make a difference.

 

So if you believe raising the wage is the right thing to do, it's time to add your voice to this debate.

 

Share this graphic with your family and friends and let them know you think this is important.

 

We know what the folks who stand to benefit from raising the wage actually look like -- and the answer might surprise you: The average worker who would benefit is 35 years old, and more than half are women.

 

It's a single mother trying to make sure her kids have enough to eat. It's a college student working to pay her way through school. And they deserve a raise.

 

Help us get the word out. This issue is too important to ignore.

 

Stay Connected

 

 

 

 

 

 

What $10.10 would mean for you





The White House info@messages.whitehouse.govvia service.govdelivery.com

to me

 Wednesday, February 19, 2014

 

What $10.10 would mean for you

President Obama is calling on Congress to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10.  And the President has taken the first step by signing an Executive Order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors.

Raising the federal minimum wage will give millions of Americans a raise, and it's long overdue -- because no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty.

Last week, we asked what raising the minimum wage meant to you.  The stories you shared are a strong argument for exactly how important it is that we get this done.

Raising the minimum wage helps Americans young and old. It helps provide relief for those who are just scraping by, and it helps those saving for a rainy day. It's the right thing to do, but don't take our word for it.

Read these stories from folks like you -- then forward them on, and submit your own.

Raising the minimum wage will allow me and my family to live comfortably, not worry about living from paycheck to paycheck.
Vennatte E., Huntsville, TX

It would give me a chance to save something for the future of my kids and grandchildren.
Malissa M., Bloxom, VA 

This would help out single parents like me to help finish raising their kids alone on one income.
Idrissa S., Oglethorpe, GA 

It will help me save money to go to the college of my dreams and help me lift the burden off my mother.
Shelby S., Long Beach, CA

The stories you share make a difference. Share your story and help spread the message: We need to raise the minimum wage.

Stay Connected

Rep. Matsui will appreciate this

Jon Carson, BarackObama.com

   to me

Donna --

The middle class got hit last Friday, and it didn't have to happen.

Congress failed to compromise -- with some Republicans insisting on protecting tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans (seriously). Because of it, a series of devastating budget cuts known as the sequester are now in effect.

Americans across the country are feeling the consequences, from teachers to air traffic controllers to parents with kids in Head Start. We're talking about funding for our local fire departments and programs that feed our seniors.

This isn't a game -- and Congress needs to hear it from the people they represent. They can put an end to these cuts right now.

Here's a quick and simple action that you can take right now to send a message that members of Congress -- and everyone else -- can't ignore.

Tweet at Rep. Matsui right now and say you're standing with her in fighting for a balanced approach to the budget, not drastic cuts.

Tweet Now Link:

The last time OFA supporters did this, demanding action from lawmakers on gun violence, it got Washington's attention.

Representatives responded with their own tweets of support. News outlets noticed, and reported about it. And thousands of folks who might not have otherwise spoken up got off the sidelines and raised their voices, as well.

Let's keep it up.

Congress can put an end to these disastrous budget cuts at any time -- but they need to feel the pressure to come to the table and find a common-sense solution.

Make your voice heard right now -- send a tweet to your representative and tell them to keep fighting for a balanced plan today:

http://my.barackobama./Tweet-at-Your-Member-of-Congress

Thanks for taking action.

Jon

Jon Carson
Executive Director
Organizing for Action

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Devastating

Jon Carson, BarackObama.com
to me

Donna --

Today, because congressional Republicans refused to act, devastating budget cuts known as the sequester are going into effect.

They're self-inflicted wounds, and they didn't have to happen.

Congress can stop all of this right away -- and pursue a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

That's what the vast majority of Americans want, and yesterday, more than 100,000 Americans called on Congress to be reasonable about the budget.

Add your name now:

http://my.barackobama.com/Tell-the-GOP-to-Act

Thanks,

Jon

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Messina, BarackObama.com
Subject: Stand behind the President's plan, before tomorrow

Friend --

Brace yourself.

If congressional Republicans don't act by tomorrow, we're going to be hit by a series of devastating, automatic budget cuts called the sequester.

If congressional Republicans don't act by tomorrow, we're going to be hit by a series of devastating, automatic budget cuts called the sequester.

It's a sledgehammer to the budget, our economy, and millions of Americans across the country -- and the most frustrating part? It doesn't have to happen.

The majority of Americans support President Obama's balanced approach to deficit reduction -- add your name if you do, too.

So far, congressional Republicans are refusing to compromise -- all because they don't want to close tax loopholes for millionaires, billionaires, vacation homes, and corporate jets. Seriously.

This has very real consequences.

On the chopping block are 10,000 teaching jobs, more than 70,000 kids' spots in Head Start, $35 million for local fire departments, $43 million to make sure seniors don't go hungry, and access to nutrition assistance for 600,000 women and their families. That's just a few of the things we'll lose.

President Obama has put forth a balanced deficit reduction plan with smart spending cuts that protect the critical investments needed to strengthen middle-class families and our economy.

We need to send a strong signal about where Americans stand on this issue.

Add your name today:

http://my.barackobama.com/Tell-the-GOP-to-Act

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina
Chair
Organizing for Action

P.S. -- If Congress fails to act, this fight doesn't end tomorrow. We'll need to put even more pressure on Republicans to stop these budget cuts and pass a balanced plan. Join this fight now.

Sources: The White House and Center for American Progress

----------------
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Stand behind the President's plan, Donna

Jim Messina, BarackObama.com
to me

Donna --

Brace yourself.

If congressional Republicans don't act by tomorrow, we're going to be hit by a series of devastating, automatic budget cuts called the sequester.

It's a sledgehammer to the budget, our economy, and millions of Americans across the country -- and the most frustrating part? It doesn't have to happen.

The majority of Americans support President Obama's balanced approach to deficit reduction -- add your name if you do, too.

So far, congressional Republicans are refusing to compromise -- all because they don't want to close tax loopholes for millionaires, billionaires, vacation homes, and corporate jets. Seriously.

This has very real consequences.

On the chopping block are 10,000 teaching jobs, more than 70,000 kids' spots in Head Start, $35 million for local fire departments, $43 million to make sure seniors don't go hungry, and access to nutrition assistance for 600,000 women and their families. That's just a few of the things we'll lose.

President Obama has put forth a balanced deficit reduction plan with smart spending cuts that protect the critical investments needed to strengthen middle-class families and our economy.

We need to send a strong signal about where Americans stand on this issue.

Add your name today:

http://my.barackobama.com/Tell-the-GOP-to-Act

Thanks,

Messina

Jim Messina
Chair
Organizing for Action

P.S. -- If Congress fails to act, this fight doesn't end tomorrow. We'll need to put even more pressure on Republicans to stop these budget cuts and pass a balanced plan. Join this fight now.

Sources: The White House and Center for American Progress

----------------
Let's finish what we started. Chip in $3 to Organizing for Action, the grassroots movement that will get the job done. Because you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately:

QUICK DONATE: $3 // $35 // $50 // $100 // $250 // Or donate another amount.

How the sequester affects Donna

Stephanie Cutter, BarackObama.com
to me

Donna --

Prepare yourself for job layoffs, reduced access to early education, slower emergency response, slashed health care, and more people living on the street.

This Friday is the final deadline for congressional Republicans to stop disastrous automatic spending cuts (known as the "sequester") that will hurt everyday Americans -- including you.

These budget cuts will take a sledgehammer to the budget, and indiscriminately cut critical programs vital to economic growth and middle class families.

If Congress fails to act, we'd see budget cuts pretty much across the board to critical services that teachers, first responders, seniors, children, and our men and women in uniform rely on every day.

It sounds bad because it is. And with all these cuts on the line, why are congressional Republicans refusing to budge?

Because to do so, they'd have to close tax loopholes for millionaires and billionaires, oil companies, vacation homes, and private jet owners. I'm not kidding.

It's on each of us to speak up. Share what these budget cuts could mean to you -- or someone you know -- today. Congress needs to hear it. 

President Obama has offered a balanced plan to reduce our deficit, asking the wealthy to pay their fair share so that we can protect programs that are incredibly important for working and middle-class Americans.

But congressional Republicans so far are refusing to compromise.

Here are some of the consequences if Congress fails to act by Friday:

-- 10,000 teachers would be laid off, $400 million would be cut from Head Start, the program that makes sure at-risk preschoolers are ready for kindergarten, and 70,000 kids would be kicked out of the early-education program completely. 

-- The budget for firemen and other first responders to react when natural disasters strike would be cut by $35 million.

-- Nutrition programs that help make sure seniors don't go hungry would be cut by $43 million.

-- A program that helps provide housing for the formerly homeless, including many veterans, would be shuttered, putting them at risk of going back on the street.

-- A number of programs that help the most vulnerable families and children would be slashed -- including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children dropping 600,000 women alone.

Right now, each of us has a responsibility to step up and make sure Congress hears our voices. 

Whether you'd be directly affected by these sequester cuts, or whether they'd affect a senior, veteran, or teacher you know, please share what they mean to you:

http://my.barackobama.com/Share-Your-Sequester-Story

Let's keep the pressure on congressional Republicans to do the right thing.

Thanks,

Stephanie

Stephanie Cutter
Organizing for Action
----------------
Let's finish what we started. Chip in $3 to Organizing for Action, the grassroots movement that will get the job done. Because you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately:

QUICK DONATE: $3 // $35 // $50 // $100 // $250 // Or donate another amount.