There has been so much going on that we have a robust range of topics to stay tuned to. Right now our State legislature like public schools are on April recess. That is a perfect time to dig into activism, right?
Please pay close attention to the intersectional activism we are drawing a line between, from our federal, to state, to local politics- with the lens of bodily freedom. Bodily Freedom is under attack because when you take away one freedom, people often have stepped back.
Well, not while we are around because we have always stood up for equity and access. The Womxn Project is on the front line of some work like our lobbying and rallying, but also behind the scenes like in school districts where we are catalyzing community organizations working together for what is best in their towns- standing up for protections for ALL students, not just those that are straight, white, and cis gendered. Standing up for all access to medical care. Standing up for the right to live with bodily autonomy and freedom. Join us!
We’ve released the RI Report today – prepared by The Womxn Project, Americans for Tax Fairness and Health Care for America Now showing that Rhode Island’s wealthiest residents can and should pay more of their fair share. Rhode Island households with incomes of a million dollars or more—the highest-income residents in this state—have seen their annual income grow by $2.6 billion, or 76%, from $3.4 billion to $6 billion, since the enactment of the original Trump-GOP tax law in 2017.
In Rhode Island, Medicaid covers so many things directly related to bodily freedom. Our ED, Jocelyn Foye hosts Nina Harrison from The Economic Progress Institute and Congressman Seth Magaziner discussing the implications of Tax Breaks for the Wealthy on health care in RI on tax day 2025. With Medicaid is at critical risk, watch to see how you can make a difference.
Everyone needs to send the message to everyone that will listen – no one should have their health care taken away and no billionaire should continue to avoid paying their fair share in taxes.
Watch the discussion from today and get action items you can do in Rhode Island!
Sign the Petition: The Time is NOW to Tax the 1% – Raise $190M in Revenue for Rhode Islander
Providence Journal Coverage
Federal Update #2: The SAVE ActThe U.S. House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) Act last week. Among other things it would require people to show up in person to register to vote and show documentary proof of citizenship. It would likely mean the end of voter registration drives, and the ability to register to vote online and via the mail.
It would disproportionately affect a number of groups, particularly women and the country’s gender diverse community. The Rhode Island Voting Access Coalition is sending a letter to Senators Reed and Whitehouse urging them to exercise their power to prevent the SAVE Act from becoming law. Watch MA Rep. Lori Trahan comment on this legislation’s passage in Congress (click on the photo to the right to hear a quick speech).
Where does this bill go from here, from the National Common Cause team,”In normal times, the SAVE Act would need 60 votes to pass in the Senate. However, there are a number of scenarios in which Republicans could try to attach/include SAVE in reconciliation. They could try to vote to overturn a ruling of the Parliamentarian and/or fire her/replace her with someone who would give them favorable rulings on provisions that don’t comply with the Byrd Rule.”
About the SAVE Act
Read the SAVE Act
Sign the petition to Senators Reed and Whitehouse as an individual or a concerned constituent!
Two Saturdays ago, The Womxn Project marched and then spoke out with thousands of people at the Hands Off! Rally, alongside Indivisible and other organizers in our State. This march was held across the country to protest against the harms that Trump and Musk are inflicting on our country’s people.
We are so thankful to our allies and volunteers who came to make signs for this event beforehand, and march along with us- and ALL OVER RHODE ISLAND. Shout out to Tiverton, Portsmouth, South Kingstown, and Westerly to name a few beyond the largest one in Providence.
Together we are strong, and this rally proved we are unified and will get through this as one. And we have to keep it up. Stay tuned to our social media for the next action plan by TWP.
Watch the beginning of the march
See our ED, Jocelyn Foye’s speech
Plan to do more with us and keep active!
Advocacy Day = Day of Appreciation
TWP and the Freedom to Read Coalition thanked bill sponsors in the RI House and Senate for supporting the basic right to read and bring the Freedom to Read Act to the floor for a vote. (Plus this action also is a great way to show off all the bill’s support.) Not only did we do a night of paper flower making in community but that community extended to be present at the State House and give thanks to those who have voiced support. The flowers serve as a tool to show who is a supporter to the rest on the floor of their chamber which helps it get MORE support.
Two weeks after the House Committee hearing, we watched RI Senate positively pass two resolutions in appreciation for Black Maternal Health Week and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you to LGBTQ Action RI for their leadership on this energy and signaling to all of Rhode Island. We are honored to work along side of you. Now onto getting the House to bring the resolution in support for LGBTQIA community before the end of session.
Local Update: Bodily Freedom Action League at the Foster/Glocester School CommitteeThe turnout at the Foster / Glocester School Committee on April 1st was awesomely there to support gender diverse students. The community was met with support of Title IX, uplifting their trans students, and rallying for inclusion. From academic to heart-felt testimonials, there was no dissent.
Cristina DiChiera, the former Director of TWP Ed Fund stated, “Every member of the public who spoke implored the School Committee to uphold policies and policy language that supports and affirms the rights and the very existence of LGBTQ students. The energy in the room was serious and steadfast, demonstrating to the School Committee that any policy changes that would negatively impact students – particularly minority students – will be met with intense public resistance.”
Ponaganset HS has an inclusion pledge all the students know by heart: I pledge. To look for the lonely. The isolated. The left out. The challenged. The bullied. I pledge. To overcome the fear of difference. And replace it with the power of inclusion.
The community lived up to that last night. An example for the rest of RI. TWP was honored to help organize this community but more humbled by who and how folks keep showing up. Keep it up RI!
Read Steve Ahlquist’s Coverage
Get involved in the Bodily Freedom Action League with us.
