The Womxn Project shares the confusion and outrage that many have expressed about the recent decision by Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island to refuse to endorse Jennifer Rourke, a remarkably strong woman of color who has been a true reproductive rights, health, and justice champion and thusly deserves the endorsement honor. Jennifer was PPVRI endorsed in a previous election cycle, but will not be endorsed in this current senate race (Warwick, district 29) as PPVRI seeks to appease the leadership of the Rhode Island General Assembly. We at The Womxn Project are making our concerns known to the staff and board and will continue to keep you appraised.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to help local canidates collect their final ballot signatures today. Stay strong and keep it up, RI; we sure as heck intend to.
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It has been said that budgets are a way to measure the priorities of a state or a nation. What we spend money on – or don’t – reflects our values.
Earlier this week, the US House of Representatives put out a federal spending bill that continues to include the Hyde Amendment. This is language that denies health coverage for abortion in public health programs. So during a pandemic when people are struggling to manage their health and care for their families, politicians are playing political games? Unbelievable!
Please, take a moment to sign this petition to add your voice and make it clear that we want to END ALL COVERAGE BANS!
Here in Rhode Island, we have a chance to make sure our state budget includes financial assistance for the 4,000 families who use the RI works benefit. This is a cash benefit that is supposed to help families in our state, but right now it sits at 70% below the amount the federal government deems necessary. This forces families to live in deep poverty.
The RI Works benefit has not been increased since 1991. That is absurd! Soon the Governor and General Assembly will agree to a budget for 2021. We need your help to ensure that they make RI Works families a priority in the budget!
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TAKE ACTION TODAY: To do your part, please call AND email the governor, House Speaker and Senate president. It’s simple. Just tell them your name, where you live (so they know you’re a RI voter), and why you are calling. Urge them to increase the monthly RI Works benefit and increase the yearly clothing allowance and provide it to all children in the family. Tell them that you care about families in Rhode Island and that while so many people are struggling in this global crisis, we need to do more to support the people in our communities!
| Governor Gina Raimondo | Phone: 401-222-2080
TTY: 711
Email: [email protected] |
| House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello |
Phone: 401-222-2466 |
| Senate President Dominick Ruggerio |
Phone: 401-222-6655 |
It really is easy to just make the call and send the e-mail, but it could make a big difference for so many in our state! Thank you in advance for taking action. Together, we truly can make a difference!