BIG NEWS! Today, 27 groups from across the state are coming together to urge Governor McKee to sign a second executive order to direct the state employee health plan and the state Medicaid program to include health coverage for abortion. As you know, we have been fighting hard to pass a bill to stop the bans on health coverage for abortion in public insurance programs, but our legislators have failed to act in spite of HUGE public support and the need is greater than ever, so we are looking to the governor to take bold action!
We are grateful that Governor McKee heeded our call and signed an executive order to protect people who provide or seek abortions and those who support people in obtaining care from being harmed by laws from other states that seek to criminalize care. This was an important step, but we need to do more than just push back on the dangerous and discriminatory dragnet being created by abortion bans. We need the governor to use every tool he has to make sure the right to abortion is real for Rhode Islanders.
Learn more about this effort:
- Read the multi-organization sign-on letter.
- Read the frequently asked question around gubernatorial executive orders as a public health tool.
And speak out with us!
Sample Social Media Post: Now more than ever, we must do ALL we can to ensure timely access to affordable abortion care! I am proud to join The Womxn Project and 20+ RI groups pushing @GovDanMcKee to use every tool he has to ensure the right AND access to abortion! Learn more: https://bit.ly/EACAsignon2ndGovEO.
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There are also actions happening around the country right now to push Congress to pass legislation that will fund key investments and protect our democracy by taxing the richest Americans so they pay more of what they owe. Health Care for America Now and Americans for Tax Fairness have launched a #TaxBillionaires day of action to highlight how the growing concentrated wealth of the ultra-rich and greedy corporations threaten democracy and prosperity for the rest of us.
Right-wing billionaires are trying to use their huge fortunes—which are largely untaxed—to buy elections and pass laws that protect their wealth and power. Whether their goal is keeping their taxes low, privatizing public schools, keeping prescription drug prices high, attacking abortion rights and the LGBTQ+ community, it’s clear that the wealthiest Americans have the money and power to rig democracy and overpower voters’ voices. We are proud to join our friends at HCAN in speaking out to push for tax fairness! YOU can join this effort by signing a petition urging Congress to make billionaires pay their fair share in taxes and limit their influence on our elections!
Additionally, join a conversation on the Excessive Wealth Disorder Institute and Tax the Ultra-Rich Now (TURN) Campaign.
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There are big fights ahead, but together we will continue to show up, to speak out and to make a difference! Thank you for all that you do.
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PS- Need an abortion or know someone who does? Check out the resources below – and share them.
- How to self-manage abortion http://Abortionpillinfo.org & Reproaction.org/ (great informational video)
- Find abortion pills: Plancpills.org/ and Abortionpillinfo.org/
- Need legal support or have questions: ReproLegalDefenseFund.org
- Find a clinic: Ineedana.com/ or text HELLO to 202-883-4620 (this is run by the Abortion Care Network, a very reputable network of independent clinics around the country)
- Need financial or practical support: https://abortionfunds.org/