Thursday, August 4 - Pass the Inflation Reduction Act / Air Passengers’ Rights / 8/20 Canvass with Ramirez & Underwood
Actions You Can Take Today
Action 1: Tell Senators to pass the Inflation Reduction Act now!
Action 2: Public comment on new protections for airline passengers
Action 3: Canvass for Lauren Underwood with Delia Ramirez on Saturday, August 20 in Joliet — carpools available
Action 1: Pass the Inflation Reduction Act
On Wednesday, Sens. Schumer and Manchin announced that they had reached an agreement on a reconciliation package, including details on how this bill would lower health care and energy costs for families. There’s even legislative text, which is being reviewed by the Senate Parliamentarian. This is real!
Here are the really good things in this bill:
A 15% Corporate Minimum Tax ensuring the ultra-rich pay their fair share
Closing the Carried Interest Loophole that is a giveaway to Wall Street investors, and cracking down on wealthy tax cheats
Investments in cleaner energy solutions that put us on the path toward a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030
Permission for Medicare to negotiate drug prices (lowering prescription drug prices)
Continued lower Affordable Care Act premiums for millions of Americans
And more…
Of course this bill isn’t everything we want, but it is a potential monumental step forward for a reconciliation package we thought was all but scuttled. And as a reminder, because this is reconciliation, Democrats can pass it with just 50 votes in the Senate, meaning Mitch McConnell and his Republican friends will be furious, but there’s nothing they can do to stop it.
But it is only potential. We need to put in the work to make sure it gets across the finish line over the next two weeks.
You can help by calling your Senators to tell them to pass the Inflation Reduction Act now!
Action via Indivisibile
Action 2: Public Comment for Airline Passenger Protections
Some major new traveler protections were just proposed by the US Department of Transportation, brought to you by Pete Buttigegeg:
Passengers are eligible for cash refunds when their flight is delayed by 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international). It doesn't matter if the ticket was "non-refundable" or if the delay was outside the airline's control
Require airlines to give non-expiring vouchers for passengers who can't travel due to the pandemic. This includes: if you get sick, if there's a stay-at-home order, if borders close or entry restrictions change (even if the flight still operates). Airlines who receive "significant governmental financial assistance" must provide refunds rather than non-expiring vouchers for travelers.
These are two huge boosts for air travelers' rights. It ensures that when there's a significant delay, your right to a refund doesn't change depending on what airline you are flying. It also ensures you don't have to choose between your health (and others' health!) and your flight cost.
The proposed rules are now open for public comment for 90 days before getting finalized. Share your comment in support today!
If enacted, this would be the biggest expansion of travelers' rights in decades.
Action via Scott Keyes
Action 3: Canvass with Ramirez & Underwood on 8/20
We're knocking doors to introduce Congresswoman Lauren Underwood to voters in new parts of her 14th district—voters who may not know much about her and aren't used to voting in midterms. To keep her seat in Congress and continue her stellar progressive leadership, she needs our help to turn these voters out.
Delia Ramirez, who with our help has just become the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 3rd district, will join us at our Chicago meet-up spot, Colectivo Coffee at 2261 N Milwaukee. She’ll travel with us, and Lauren will greet us in Joliet. Beginners are welcome. We'll provide all the training you need, and pair you with a veteran canvasser if you like. We'll arrange carpools from Chicago, or you can meet us in Joliet.
Take advantage of this chance to win some votes and meet these two incredible women. Sign up to canvass for Lauren Underwood with Delia Ramirez on Saturday, August 20.
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 partners do not imply Indivisible Chicago Alliance endorsement of specific policies and positions.