For the past six months, Organizing for America volunteers across Louisiana have organized for health insurance reform, making thousands to Members of Congress. Today, the hard work, dedication, phone calls and door to door canvassing all paid off, when by a vote of 220 to 215, the US House of Representatives passed the Affordable Healthcare for America Act. Now, the United States Senate will begin its work on final passage.
Today, OFA-Louisiana volunteers in North and Central Louisiana managed and attend phone banks, conducting neighbor to neighbor canvassing and encouraged supporters to make calls to Members of Congress.
In Shreveport, Anu K., Community Organizer, spent the day reaching out to supports in Shreveport and Bossier City.
"Yes we did! This is a historic first step towards true reform. It will provide much needed change in the way insurance companies do business, and end discrimination against people with preexisting conditions, women and young people. It is a beginning in affordable quality care for all. WOW! And thank you for all who worked so hard to get it passed.
Armed with her laptop coffee and a tall glass of Louisiana sweet tea, Katrina R. a Community Organizer in Shreveport made dozens of calls using a virtual phone bank.
“Tonight’s vote proves that regular American citizens can organize and defeat the multi-billion dollar lobbyists and special interest groups; change from the ground up. I’m ecstatic that we are closer than we’ve ever been to comprehensive health insurance reform. I know that we still have a battle ahead of us, but to see our hard work pay off is invaluable. Now let’s get Louisiana Senators to lead the charge in taking health reform to the next step."
Congress is done for now, but the Senate still has work to do. Contact your Senator and tell them to support the Obama Plan for Health Insurance Reform by clicking here.
To become a community organizer or join your neighborhood team, click here.
To find an event or activity near you, click here.
Volunteers across Louisiana have been engaging their communities, educating people about President Obama’s health care plan and urging supporters to call their member of Congress. On October 20, 2009, Louisiana took part in an OFA national movement to help make at least 100,000 calls to Congress and to especially let the Louisiana Congressional delegation know how important health insurance reform is in the state of Louisiana.
Leading the charge on October 20th were seven New Orleans retirees who made calls as part of a Senior-to-Senior phone bank. Becoming fast friends, the group shared stories from previous campaign phone bank experiences and rallied behind a common cause: to demonstrate that Louisiana seniors support the President’s health insurance proposal, including the public option.
After an orientation by New Orleans community organizer Lee Madere, the callers reached out to peers and dispelled health reform myths and encouraged others to call Congress. In just over two hours, the group made over 350 calls and got nearly 100 commitments. By the end of the day, Organizing For America blew past their national goal and finished the day with an astounding 314,000 calls to members of Congress.
“Watching the thermometer rise throughout the day was a thrill,” said Lee. “It’s great to know that Louisiana seniors we a part of helping the nation surpass 100,000 calls. We also realize the importance of being consistent and making calls every day. My team plans to get together again next week.”
It’s Time To Deliver for the thousands of Louisiana seniors will benefit from health insurance reform. We’re closer now than ever.
Contact your member of Congress and tell them to support the Obama Plan for Health Insurance Reform by clicking here.
Ominous chain emails and videos are starting to percolate on the internet, breathlessly claiming, for example, to "uncover" the truth about the President’s health insurance reform positions. There is a lot of misinformation, misunderstanding and misrepresentation being advanced by corporate interests, health insurance lobbyists and reactionary pranksters creating panic and outrage in a segment of our population that was already nervous about the idea of Change.
Let's help our president fight these smears like we did during the campaign. He has asked for our participation helping him get the country out of the mess it's in. If we want to keep our seat at the table of democracy, as Michelle Obama has said, we must not relinquish it for even a day, because someone with more power, with more money and without our best interests at heart is more than happy to come fill it for us.
President Obama may be the Michael Jordan of politics, but he still needs someone to pass the ball to. Join us in our efforts to pass health insurance reform and help our president in his ongoing efforts to bring Change to America. We started this together. Let's keep going!
Please report any lies about health care reform directly to the White House so that they may have the opportunity to fairly rebut them:
flag@whitehouse.gov
To get involved in Louisiana, contact our state director, Steven Walker at 504-376-3880.
Hi Louisiana.Obama For America is now Organizing For America. The goals have shifted from getting Barack Obama elected to helping make sure his presidency is a success, both politically and policy-wise. You are still needed in this effort.Last week, Congress voted to pass our president's 2010 budget. Only 2 legislators from Louisiana helped to make that happen: Senator Mary Landrieu and Representative Charlie Melancon. We need help showing that Louisianan's care about how our members of congress vote.Could you please take a moment and send a letter to the editor of your local paper thanking Senator Landrieu (and congressman Melancon if you are in his district)? There is a great tool on MyBO to help make this really simple:http://my.barackobama.com/page/speakout/ThankCongressBelow I've attached some ideas for letters, but please write from your own heart. And thank you for continuing to support Barack Obama.Best,Lynda Below are a few ideas to guide your letter writing. Visit our website for more additional tips and information http://my.barackobama.com/page/speakout/ThankCongress LTE #1President Obama is talking to us like adults. He doesn’t sugarcoat his message or claim to have the silver bullet. Since taking office, he's encouraged us to be patient and persistent in charting our course - I think his words were, “more ocean liner than speed boat.”President Obama’s budget is big, but it’s a bold and important down payment on our long-term economic recovery here and across the nation.And that's why I applaud my congressional representative for voting in support of the President's plan to put our country back on the path to prosperity - a vote all of us can be proud of.
LTE #2I’m sick and tired of our bubble-driven economy. From the dot.com craze to the housing bubble, I know so many people who have been affected by the constant boom and bust that has made our economy unstable.President Obama’s budget plan takes on the challenges in our healthcare system, public education and energy policy – and aims to make those things operate better and more efficiently for people just like me here in my town.I agree with President Obama that now is the time to make significant investments to help our economy develop in a sustainable way, and provide real growth and services the people on Main Street need. And that's why I applaud my congressional representative for supporting President Obama's plan.
LTE#3I volunteered for President Obama’s campaign, was thrilled to watch his inauguration, and have been following the early months of his presidency.These days, all the pundits seem to talk about is President Obama’s budget plan. Is it too expensive? Is it too ambitious?I am happy to see that President Obama is engaging his supporters - the regular people who elected him to office – to help build grassroots support for his budget blueprint.Making healthcare more affordable, investing in education, and creating a safer, greener energy policy, are the changes we fought for during the election.And that's why I was so pleased to see my congressional representative vote in support of the President's plan and give him the help he needs to put a down payment on a more sustainable, economic future for all of us.
Today the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, and HUD, Shaun Donovan, visited New Orleans to get an update on our recovery from the hurricanes of the last 4 years. At the same time, Brad Pitt was in Washington, DC meeting with Nancy Pelosi and James Clyburn to discuss his rebuilding efforts in the 9th Ward.
The president has already signed a couple of executive orders extending our recovery benefits in Louisiana... and has just named a new, well-respected director of FEMA, Craig Fugate. Additionally, Barack Obama recently met with the King of Zulu, Charles Hamilton, in Washington DC in order to receive his hand-painted coconut from this year's Mardi Gras parade dedicated to our new president.
I am well pleased to see our region, though greatly ignored during the campaign, take a bit of the spotlight these days.
Keep up the good trend, President Obama!
Lynda Woolard
Change Corps of New Orleans
www.changecorpsnola.org
Economic Recovery - what's in the Economic Stimulus Package for Me?
Baton Rouge,Louisiana on February 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Hosted by: Paulette G. Bailey-Wilson and Debra Hammond Dudley
Attendance: Katrina Jackson, Paulette Bailey-Wilson, Debra H. Dudley, Pastor Daniel Johnson, Jonathan Johnson, Chandi Johnson, Reika Johnson, Aliya Johnson, Rep. Regina Barrow, Barbara Haynes, Woodrow J. Wilson, J,r Brandon R Bailey and Denise Gauthier
AGENDA
Welcome to the Group by Paulette
Video Presentation/President's Address on CNN - (We all watched together)
Shared Stories at the meeting (personal stories on current economic situations)
Woodrow Wilson stated:
As a small business owner, (distributor and supplier) we had to layoff two employees because we couldn't access credit from the bank to continue to make payroll nor purchase inventory. Some customers cut back on their orders and some stopped placing orders completely due to the economy. We need more breaks for small businesses and ways to access capitol to continue creating jobs and growth in our area.
Rev. Daniel Johnson stated:
I have seen this slump in the economy affect the local churches. Our members are coming to us with desperate needs such as help with utility bills, food, medical perscriptions and counseling for depression. The church has and will continue to help its members but with this bad situation our resources are limited too. We are stretched to our bare ends and members do not have money to donate to many services to help others less fortunate.
Katrina Jackson stated:
I have been extremely blessed that my immediate family members nor myself have experienced job loss from this economic crisis. However, with the rising cost of goods and services I am sending as much money as I can to help others. Also, personally I was hoping to finance a house this year. I willl be doing so hopefully after paying off old debt. I hope the economy does not prevent my plans from becoming a reality.
Debra Dudley stated:
I have been placing money in a 457 Deferred Compensation plan and have watched it dwindle to nothing over the last year. My husband is a small business owner in the construction industry and he has seen a slow down in this past year. If this trend continues he will be forced to lay off some of his employees. We don't want that because it only aids to the unemployment numbers in our state.
Paulette G Bailey-Wilson stated:
I have a 22 year old that is attending college and is not fully covered with health insurance. I am self employed and my business can not afford a group coverage or family insurance plan. We have a small hospitalization plan for him but it does not cover major medical cost. Last year, he broke his foot and we had to pay out of pocket expenses up front to the doctors before they would perform surgery and any after care. We need health coverage for all kids and especially college kids that can't be covered by their parents insurance. College tutition and book cost is going out of the roof. We really need help to assure these kids in our state can stay in college. We cannot afford higher education fees in our state. We need them to be prepared for the future and job ready to help the state's economy.
Discussion on why the economic stimulus is important to us
Many said - repairing of schools and upgrades to 21st century technology, money for small businesses, financial help for distressed homeowners to stay in their homes and not be foreclosed upon, jobs and educational tools, institute the tax cuts immediately and have President Obama look at the repeal or reduction of the WEP and GPO social security provisions. Many retirees are devastasted by these reductions.
Brainstorming (ways to encourage public support for economic recovery to help improve our community)
Closing - Rep. Regina Barrow proposed to host a second follow-up meeting or/a town meeting to educate Baton Rouge on the stimulus package and have someone on hand to answer questions the citizens might have. Paulette, Katrina and Debra agreed to work with Ms. Barrow on this effort. Rev Johnson suggested that local churches and ministers take on a interest in helping the less fortunate and invite members to the meetings and state capitol to meetings/hearings on the stimulus funds coming to the state level.
I wanted to pass along brief highlights of items in the stimulus package that will be very beneficial to families and children in Louisiana. These items and provisions apply to both House and Senate versions of the bill. If you want to research material on the stimulus package more details are available by going to: www.ctj.org/stimulus citizens for tax justice has prepared a state by state series of the stimulus proposals, www.cbpp.org - center on budget and policy priorities has created a state by state estimates on a number of provisions affecting low and moderate families and individuals. Also you can check out the Center for American Progress or www.cspan.org for more details on todays votes 2/13/09.
Overall, while the bill does not solve every proplem, it reflects what economists from both sides of the aisles have said publicly:
infrastructure investments such as school repair projects create jobs; providing direct assistance such as tax credits and food stamps to low-income families provides economic stimulus because they will spend the money quickly to keep their heads above the water; and temporary fiscal aid to state like Louisiana, like (FMAP) Federal Medical Assistance Percentages, helps struggling families weather the recession and prevents further erosion of their purchasing power.
Louisiana stands to receive 4 to 5 billion dollars (based on the final vote in the senate 2/13/09. State officials said Thursday at a Louisiana Senate and Finance Committee Meeting at the Louisiana State Capitol that both versions of the currently presented HR.1 would go a long way toward resolving Louisiana's budget problems. Out of $30 billion dollar budget the Divisions of Administration officers have cut some $341 million for reductions in state general fund revenues. The General Fund Revenue is expected to decrease by $1.2 billion dollars for the fiscal year that starts July1. ( according to Senate Finance 2/6/09). It was reported that sales tax revenue is not coming in as anticipated - a standstill and people are going to the casinos a lot. So that means revenues are low. Oil prices peaked last summer and now they have fell sharply. It was report that income tax collecctions are low to low to present a new tax break and not to mention the major cuts reported by higher education. They are facing up to $382 million dollars in cuts and maybe some school closures reported (LSU-A) in Alexandria. One good thing is that Senate Finance 2/6/09 stated that some $281 million dollars could help restore the shortfalls to higher education in Louisiana.
So let's take a close look at what's in it for us!
The American Recovery And Reinvestment Plan is a nationwide effort to create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform our economy for the 21st century. Across the country, this plan will help businesses create jobs and families afford their bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education and a 21st century infrastructure.
In Louisiana, this plan will deliver immediate, tangible impacts, including;
In addition to this immediate assistance for Louisiana, the American Recovery and Reinvestment plan will help transform our economy by:
With such a high rate of poverty in our state the Louisiana Poverty Council is putting together recommendations on ways to combat this grave problem that plagues our state in urban and rural communities. The economic stimulus package will provide up to $15 billion dollars for grants (competitive funds) through out the U. S. Dept of Education to be used for teacher distribution in high poverty areas. This is a brand new effort in the stimulus; a new pot of money and the system or design on how it will work will have to be crafted in washington.
Just know that President Obama's recovery plan will help our state and many struggling families right now by saving or creating up to 3.5 million jobs. It will also help strengthen our economy for the future and prepare us to work with other countries better. We need to encourage our Representatives and Senators as we move forward with this important stimulus plan to put away selfish pride, mean spirits and egos and for one time put their constituents concerns first. Please put America's Future First! If not, we will remember next time we have to vote!.
As Inauguration Day approaches, I know we are all excited. We are about to enter a new era. Our President-Elect has called on us to participate in a National Day of Service on Martin Luther King Day in anticipation of his Inauguration. Can you help us send a message to the next President of the United States that Louisiana has heard him and wants to be an involved partner in his presidency? Please go to http://www.usaservice.org and find an event to participate in over the course of the MLK Holiday Weekend. Or better yet, start an event of your own. Gather folks in your neighborhood to beautify a dirty playground, collect clothing in your office to take to a homeless mission, have a bake sale to benefit your local animal shelter... Look around you and see what your community needs you to do, and then, be the change you wish to see in the world. Make sure you register your event at http://www.usaservice.org so others can join you and be inspired by your ideas. For those of you who plan on attending the Inauguration, remember: the Obamas and the Bidens will spend Monday, January 19th in service to their new home community before the Big Day. Since the service events are going on all weekend, consider participating Saturday, January 17th before your travels.This is a watershed moment. The world is watching. Will Louisiana rise to the challenge?
www.TheLouisianaMovement.ning.com
The Obama organizers in this state held a vested interest in this year’s campaign. We were here before the campaign, remain here after the campaign, and we are determined to bring about real change in our home state. Several of us have formed an alliance for change, and we invite each of you to join us.
We are Dawn Collins, Obama ’08 Regional Field Organizer for Congressional District 7 (and beyond. LOL); Diana Hamilton, Obama ’08 Field Representative for the Lake Charles Region; Patrice Jacques, Obama ’08 Regional Field Organizer for Congressional Districts 1 and 3; and Lynda Woolard, Obama ’08 Field Representative for the Orleans Region.
Many of you know us personally as we have worked side by side during the campaign. Many of you are just now being introduced. All are welcomed to join us at www.TheLouisianaMovement.ning.com. This site is intended to be used as a local supplement to BarackObama.com. From this site you can find the websites of each organizer, or you can view and join a few of the groups listed on the left under the “Members” listing (i.e. “Change Corps of Greater Baton Rouge,” “Change Corps of Acadiana,” “Citizens for Financial Responsibility,” and “Citizens for a Better Education”).
You can use the page to create a group to be used for your own area or for an issue near and dear to your heart. You can start discussion boards or forums. You can even add memorable pictures, videos, and music.
We welcome your enthusiasm, questions, and concerns. Reach out to us about how you can make strides in your own neighborhood, city or region.
We look forward to your continued involvement. Change cannot happen without you.
Sincerely,
Dawn D. Collins
Dawn.Collins@ObamaAlumni.com
I saw Steven Soderbergh on the Rachel Maddow show this week. He raised an interesting point that has really stuck with me.
Rachel asked him how it is that his movies, which are so smart and thought-provoking, could possibly be the commercial successes that they always turn out to be. The popular theory is that Americans prefer to watch "dumb" material... going to the theater to escape the real world... and not wanting to be bothered with having to think.
Soderbergh replied that while he only had a high school education, he was a thinking man and chose to not under-estimate his audience. The remarkable thing is that what had impressed upon him that Americans might just be smart enough to care about politics and the important issues of the day was his experience with Sports Radio. He explained that in listening to sports talk on the radio, he had realized that our citizens are perfectly capable of memorizing years' worth of statistics, understanding obscure rules, maintaing focus on an issue from beginning to end over several months, if not years, and expressing great passion about their beliefs. He was particularly impressed with how mere fans have no problem calling a coach out for a bad play... and are able to easily articulate how they could do it better.
He's right. If you ever listen to a sports radio station, you will hear this borne out every day. It's exciting and fascinating... and there's no reason that we cannot put the same amount of energy and intelligence into our politics and our communities. Our sports teams, are, after all, just another community of which we are a part and supporting a team is rife with politics. We have the model to be excited and involved. And a little bit of observation does, in fact, prove that doggone it... we're smart enough and committed enough to do this thing.
We can do it! Yes we can!
Be the change...
Join us:
Dear friends,On the evening of the election we've all dreamt about, anticipated, imagined, and worked toward, I feel impelled to write and recognize all of you, the foot soldiers of the Obama Nation throughout the country and the world. You have rewritten the book on political campaigns by showing what a vast movement composed of small decision makers working together can accomplish when each one is inspired by a believable leader who speaks the words we didn't even know we were waiting to hear. This is the first 21st Century political campaign and the American political process will never be the same. But I'm also reminded of the inspired decision makers who banded together to oppose a British monarchy that believed it was entitled to rule over them and enrich itself from their hard work. The country they invented had a long way to go; and, I'm sure it still does. But the day after tomorrow, we will all sit down in amazement and realize how far we've come. Instead of saying, "Yes, we can!" we'll say to ourselves, "Yes, we did!" Each one of you believed our country, the United States of America, one more time could build on the long struggles of the past, could overcome the hijacking of democracy that has taken place over the past 8 years, and could rise to greater heights than ever before. And, then you went out and did something about it. I'm proud of our positive, grassroots, bottom-up, hope-based campaign and grateful to each of you. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say "Thank you!"
Now, let's do what it takes to get the vote out!
All the best,
Owen
I am really dsmayed at the use of the Rev Wright controversy in New Orleans. They ads are even running on CNN! I have seen very few Obama ads on local CNN, and hope there will be more.
The Republicans even withough McCain's blessing are still trying to make people in LA, afraid.
But after Katrina, I don't see how anyone would want another Republican in the White House.
Al Gore was here in a helicopter resucing people- yes he even rescued my Preist- before Bush was anywhere to be found. All the southern states seem to go Republican, and I don't see how that has worked for us.
I noticed the parts of the country with the best jobs and opportunites are all Democratic.
I hope Louisiana surprises the nation and votes OBAMA!
Two days from now, you won't hear from me again (well, perhaps once just to gloat over our landslide victory).We are desperately seeking volunteers. We've had a great, bustling campaign office today, but this close to the election, we need more. We want to call every Democratic and Obama-supporting voter in the state and remind them that they need to get to the polls - with a photo ID and withOUT wearing any campaign paraphernalia - and also offer them a ride, if they need one!I know not all of you are into phone calling. But we've had our most anti-phone-call people on the phones all day because they know the importance of what we're doing - every single phone call is a vote. And these are friendly calls! :)Still, for those who are not inclined, we need lots of canvassers to go door-to-door on Election Day, we need general office and reception help, data entry, and much, much more.The time is now. We should all be feeling a sense of urgency - we only have 2.25 more days to really make a difference for the candidate we all know and love. Recent polls have shown that this race in Louisiana is much closer than we think - every single vote counts.Please come help if you can - and THANK YOU for everything you've already done!
Shreveport for Obama HQ
520 Spring Street, Suite A
318.221.7902
