Thursday, May 7 - No White House Ballroom / Processing ICE with Kids 5/9 / Chapter Meeting 5/12
Community Action: No White House Ballroom
During the record government shutdown, Republicans are seeking taxpayer funding for Trump’s White House ballroom. This project caused the demolition of the historic East Wing despite court orders and a lack of congressional approval.
Previously funded by private donors with government interests, proponents now seek up to $400 million in public funds, often attached to unrelated immigration bills. Given the nation's financial turmoil, these resources should support essential programs instead.
The Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees have released the proposed text of the Republican budget reconciliation bill. In addition to the over $70 billion for immigration enforcement, it includes $1 billion for “security” related features of Trump’s ballroom. While the text stipulates that the funds cannot be used for construction, this administration cannot be trusted to abide by that restriction. They have already claimed the entire purpose of the East Wing renovation is for “security.” The committees may do markups on the text to make changes during the week of May 11th before it goes to the full Senate for a vote.
👉 Tell your representatives to oppose funding for this ballroom project and the White House makeover.
Call Senator Durbin in DC 202-224-2152, email him, or use a local office number
618-351-1122 - Carbondale, IL
312-353-4952 - Chicago, IL
309-786-5173 - Rock Island, IL
217-492-4062 - Springfield, IL
Call Senator Duckworth in DC 202-224-2854, email her, or use a local office number:
618-722-7070 - Belleville, IL
618-677-7000 - Carbondale, IL
312-886-3506 - Chicago, IL
309-606-7060 - Rock Island, IL
217-528-6124 - Springfield, IL
Script: Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from Chicago. I'm calling to demand [NAME] oppose the partisan budget reconciliation bill that includes federal funding for Trump’s ballroom. This unnecessary vanity project would not improve the security or wellbeing of the American public, and funding would be better used to support government programs that do.
Action via 5calls
ICA Partner Action: Processing ICE with Kids 5/9
Join Indivisible Chicago Northwest for a FREE member-led community mental health event focused on processing ICE with kids.
This event will feature the following:
A local elementary school counselor and mental health professionals that work with children
Coping strategies and community resources
A local artist will have a therapeutic art craft
Folks from Kedzie Center and Augustyn Family Services will be present to talk about their services
Chicago Public Library will be there to showcase books on the themes of migration, immigration, and talking to kids about hard topics.
ICA Partner Action: Indivisible Lakeview Lincoln Park Old Town May Meeting 5/12
Join Indivisible Lakeview Lincoln Park Old Town for our monthly meeting!
We will talk about local actions we can take and hear from:
Tracey Swanson of Lakeview Urbanists, who have been doing an amazing job organizing locally around safer streets, housing, and other urbanist topics.
David Lupedis, on behalf of Abundant Housing, who advocates for abundant housing and sustainable, inclusive cities throughout Illinois. He will talk about housing proposals being debated in Springfield this session that could have a major impact.
👉 Join the chapter meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at Beermiscuous (2812 N Lincoln Ave.)
While some of these Daily Actions come from our own work as Indivisible Chicago Alliance, others are from our many partners working to advance the progressive agenda. We invite you to join us in supporting their work. Postings from community partners do not imply Indivisible Chicago Alliance endorsement of specific policies and positions.
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