by Maggie Micklo '21
Monday, December 2nd 2019
Note: And That's The Way It Is will publish monthly this year.
what are the dems up to?
Glad you asked! In November, the Dems gathered petitions at Big Y to get a question about Ranked Choice Voting on the ballot, hosted congressional candidate Mayor Alex Morse, worked with the South Hadley Sunrise Movement to advocate for the Green New Deal, watched (another) Democratic Debate, learned about impeachment, heard from the MHC Menstrual Products Task Force, andelected two new e-board members! So... we’ve been busy. To celebrate the semester and prepare for an action-packed Spring, we have one more meeting!
Join us for a cookie decorating party on Sunday, December 8th at 8pm in Blanchard 227! We will be celebrating the semester, talking about the work ahead, and maybe watching a political movie (let us know if you have any suggestions!).
We will see you all in the Spring! It’s never too late to come to your first meeting.
in the pioneer valley
Hampshire College retained its accreditation in late November, marking an important step towards financial stability for the college. Newly-hired President Ed Wingenbach said, “we see our path forward as ambitious, data-driven, and achievable. Upholding our accreditation is a critical step toward securing a long future for Hampshire College.”
Rachel Maddow, host of “The Rachel Maddow Show” on MSNBC, visited Mount Holyoke College to finish off her book tour. Her book, “Blowout,” discusses the relationship between Russia, the United States, and oil and gas companies. These topics became particularly relevant to the national political conversation around impeachment.
Maddow’s recommendation? Regulation of oil and gas companies. This comes after a massive oil spill in the Keystone pipeline system, which you may remember from the Standing Rock protests in North Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led these important actions. Learn more about their work and how to best support their voices here.
state-wide
Governor Charlie Baker (R-MA) signed a $1.5 billion education funding bill into law last Tuesday. This is the largest influx of new money since 1993. Governor Baker said of the bill, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 63 years, it’s that talent is evenly distributed. What’s not evenly distributed is opportunity.” This funding will be used particularly in communities in need of extra resources, such as nearby Holyoke.
Check out the most recent episode of The Horse Race, a weekly podcast covering Massachusetts politics, policy, and elections. This week’s episode, found here (or wherever you get your podcasts), covers former governor Deval Patrick’s entry into the Democratic presidential race, features an interview with Boston City Council President Andrea Campbell, and discusses data behind troubles with public transportation and traffic across the state.
national news
The Supreme Court is set to hear its first case on the Second Amendment in nearly a decade. Though some are skeptical that the court will substantially change the nature of the Amendment, many are concerned by the new conservative majority’s power to limit gun regulations.
Worried about this case? Support the work of organizations fighting for common-sense gun legislation, especially EveryTown For Gun Safety.
Oh yeah, that whole impeachment thing is still happening. Getting confused by the news cycle? Here’s a guide to the most recent updates.
take action!
Here is this week’s Americans of Conscience Checklist. It’s filled with clear actions for members to stay engaged and fight for democracy, equality, voting, and respect.