MORE POWER for Nov. 4th
1000 MORE's weekly nonpartisan roundup of the most important happenings in federal government, written in a way that doesn't require a law degree to understand, with tools to take action
November 4, 2022
This week in MORE POWER:
SCOTUS update: affirmative action cases
Student Loan Reform Act
A federal "Don't Say Gay" bill
Final voter registration deadlines
How to use our share button
Crowdfund advocacy on American Dream & Promise Act
FAQ of the week
HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL
Raise up.
SCOTUS Update: Affirmative Action
On Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases regarding whether colleges may consider race as a factor in admissions.
Students for Fair Admissions sued Harvard and the University of North Carolina and argued that the schools’ affirmative action policies consider race in violation of the 14th amendment. During arguments, the Supreme Court questioned whether diversity has an inherent benefit to organizations. The Court also questioned whether segregation exists or creates barriers to success in the U.S.
However the court decides to rule on these cases, we can start putting pressure on our reps in Congress to respond now. You can use 1000 MORE to them know what you think about these two important issues.
Us, taking notes on student loan news.
Student Loan Reform Act
Last year, Representative Scott Perry, R-PA introduced the Student Loan Reform Act in the House. Just before the midterm recess, Senator Tom Cotton, R-AR introduced a Senate version of the bill.
If it passes Congress and gets signed into law, the bill would require universities to sign as guarantors on future student loans and to pay 25% of defaulted student loans. While both Perry and Cotton say that the bill intends to lower college tuition costs, it does not explicitly reduce tuition, leaving some to question the purpose of the bill.
You can read about the bill in 1000 MORE and let your reps know what you think.
You have the right to free speech.
Just don't say "gay" in school.
Federal “Don't Say Gay” Bill
On October 18th, 33 House Republicans introduced a federal equivalent to the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill: H.R. 9197 Stop the Sexualization of Children Act.
This bill prohibits schools from teaching children under the age of 10 about sexual orientation, gender identity, or related subjects. Schools that teach about gender or sexual orientation, in violation of the bill, will have their access to federal funds withdrawn for three years.
Have a view on this bill that you want to share with your reps?
Final Voter Registration Deadlines
There are four days left until election day on Tuesday, November 8th! Here is the only remaining voter registration deadline:
November 7th
Montana
Remember, 20 states and the District of Columbia all have same day voter registration. That means you can show up at the polls on Tuesday and register to vote right there. No pre-registration required. Here are those states:
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Montana and North Carolina also have same day voter registration, but only during early voting. So if you live there, get moving!
And don’t forget, if you’re not sure where to vote, iwillvote.com makes finding your polling location easy!
GET FAMILIAR WITH OUR FEATURES
Sharing is Caring
Wondering what the green button on the action page of a bill is? It's our Share Button!
From there, you can copy the link to the bill, or share it on Facebook, Twitter or Email with one tap! With that one link your friends anywhere in the country can read about the bill and contact their elected officials.
Using small dollar donations to disrupt the big lobby.
Crowdfunding for or against the American Dream & Promise Act
Last year, the House passed the American Dream & Promise Act, which, if it passes the Senate and is signed into law by the President, would provide Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders and people with Deferred Enforced Departure protection from deportation, and a chance at permanent legal status.
There are organizations advocating for and against this bill. You can use your dollars to support organizations that are aligned with your values and doing the work on the Hill!
BILLS ON THE HILL
What Congress passed this week
Nothing. Because they're at recess.
What the President signed into law this week
What Congress can vote on when they return next month
There has been a lot of talk about priority bills for Congress to pass during the lame duck session, which starts after the midterm elections. We will provide a full update on that in a special edition MORE POWER email next week.
In the meantime, you can scroll through the likely bills in the platform.
YOUR WEEKLY FAQ
Your friends, when you send them MORE POWER.
Q: How can I send the MORE POWER newsletter to my friend?
A: The Forward to a Friend tool! Use the button below to send.
They can also sign up for the newsletter here.
