Chop Wood, Carry NY 8/13

Hi New York team!

Hope you’re surviving the summer swelter (in all ways) as best as you can. Because our democracy is at stake with Texas’ goal to gerrymander their maps mid-cycle, we can’t sit by and let it happen. So here’s what we need to do, plus a few more important actions.

📞 FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE
Republicans in Texas are pushing to redraw their congressional maps mid-decade — a power grab that could lock in minority rule. NY has the ability to answer in kind. But our lawmakers must act now.

1️⃣ Call your NY State Assemblymember & Senator — Look up and save their phone numbers here: Assemblymember & Senator Urge them to co-sponsor the new bill committing NY to redraw our maps if TX goes forward.

Script for lawmakers:
“Hi, I’m [name] from [city/zip]. I vote every election. Please coordinate with the Governor and commit to redrawing NY’s congressional maps if Republicans in Texas redraw theirs mid-decade. We can’t afford inaction.”

2️⃣ Call Gov. Hochul — (518) 474-8390 (press #1 to leave a message if the wait is long). Thank her for her strong statements and urge her to publicly declare support for the bill.

Script for Gov. Hochul:
“Hi, I’m [name] from [city/zip]. I vote every election. Thank you for your strong statements about redrawing NY’s maps if Republicans do it in TX. Please declare public support for the bill now. We can’t allow one-sided gerrymandering to lock in minority rule. I, along with many others, am watching — and expecting your continued leadership.”

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🛡 PROTECT OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS
With the passage of H.R. 1, Republicans just handed Trump and notorious xenophobe Stephen Miller $171 billion to supercharge mass deportations — including $45 billion for detention centers and $30 billion for new ICE officers and transportation.

Here’s how we fight back in NY:
✔️ Email your NY State electeds — tell them to support the New York for All Act, which prohibits state and local resources from being used for the federal deportation agenda: Send here

🗒 To make calls, use this call schedule & script from Jackson Heights Indivisible here: MELT Act Call Guide

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☀ SUMMER SLUMP ACTIONS
Feeling the August slow-down? Recharge with Markers for Democracy’s Daily Actions Doc — quick, high-impact things you can do in under 10 minutes: Get Daily Actions

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🔮 LOOKING AHEAD
Meet Antonio Delgado, candidate for NY Governor.
Virtual, casual, community-focused — bring your neighbors, your coffee, and your questions. Monday, August 18.
RSVP HERE

That’s all for now. Talk again soon.

Jess and NY partner Lydia + Andrea who helps with state newsletters