Weekly Justice Highlights

Promoting the Common Good: As the debt/deficit deal deadline draws near, calls and emails are highly encouraged to members of Congress (1.888.907.1485 – toll free OR 1.202.224.3121 – not toll free) and the President (1.202.456.1111 – not toll free).  Urge leaders to vote NO on any debt/deficit deal that does not protect low-income people and fails to raise revenues. Both spending cuts and revenues are necessary to protect poor individuals from these harmful cuts. All socio-economic levels must share the burden, not just those individuals who are poor.

Care of Earth: The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY 2012 (H.R. 2584) that funds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several other departments is making its way through the House this week. Urge U.S. Representatives to vote no on this legislation because it would prevent the EPA from regulating coal ash as a hazardous waste, protecting streams from coal mining, and clarifying that headwaters streams are protected under the Clean Water Act.

Human Trafficking: Urge textbook publishers McGraw-Hill to educate students about human trafficking.

The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179) is working its way through Congress. This measure will ensure that those who participate in the health care system “retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions.” Action is available here.

Write or call U.S. Representatives urging them to co-sponsor legislation calling to close the Western Hemispheric Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) also know as the School of the Americas.

Urge President Obama to reject Keystone XL (toxic tar sands oil) and invest in clean, safe energy solutions.

Urge Congress to protect impacted communities of the Gulf Coast, accelerate the restoration process and prevent future oil spill disasters.

Want to release some tension with regard to the deficit talks, join in singing It’s a Binge on Top

Louisville, KY: Residents are urged to sign the petition that reads, “Coal Ash from LG&E’s Cane Run plant endangers the health of Louisville residents. Please take immediate action to protect Louisville residents from this harmful pollution and hold LG& E accountable.