New resource on immigration reform
Rachel, May 23, 2013 - 12:25pmAn immigration reform bill introduced in April 2013 in the Senate has the potential to be a historic advance for the civil rights and liberties of immigrants and all Americans. If passed, it will put millions of immigrants who contribute every day to the vitality of our country on a road to citizenship.
Go here to learn more and follow along.
Go here to learn more and follow along.
Important Privacy Votes Pending in Augusta
shenna, May 22, 2013 - 5:22pmSome hugely important votes could take place in the Maine legislature any day that will have a direct impact on Mainers' privacy. We really need your help to ensure that privacy prevails. Click here to find your legislator and call or email them right now. In a hurry? Use our action alert system here. The issue at hand is whether law enforcement should have to get a warrant based upon probable cause before spyi | continue reading
Keeping kids out of jails
oami, May 21, 2013 - 6:06pmLast week, I testified against a bill that sought to create severe criminal penalties for cyberbullying. Under LD 1233, a first cyberbullying offense would have been a Class E crime, and subsequent offenses rose to Class C status - in other words, a felony.
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ACTION: Last call for warrants!
Rachel, May 21, 2013 - 4:32pmAs early as tomorrow, the Maine Senate and House will vote on whether the police should get a warrant before tracking people with their cell phones.
We’ve been working together all session to convince the Legislature to vote for privacy protections, and now they need to hear from you one last time! Please call or email your senator and representative TONIGHT so they know you want them to vote YES for LD 415 and privacy protections.
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We’ve been working together all session to convince the Legislature to vote for privacy protections, and now they need to hear from you one last time! Please call or email your senator and representative TONIGHT so they know you want them to vote YES for LD 415 and privacy protections.
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A Vote for Early Voting
jill, May 20, 2013 - 5:31pmLD 165, a bill that would make it easier for more Maine citizens to vote, seeks to amend the Maine Constitution to allow for early voting. The bill does not mandate towns to adopt early voting, but would create an option.
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This Week in Civil Liberties: Choice, Gene Patents, and Freedom of the Press,
Ryan, May 17, 2013 - 4:14pmEach Friday, we’ll bring you updates on the latest civil liberties news from Maine and the nation.
Abortion Rights
Yesterday, the state legislature’s Judiciary Committee held public hearings on three anti-choice bills. The bills seem designed to chip away at abortion rights. Wisely, the committee voted “ought not to pass” on all three bills today. Read more here.
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Abortion Rights
Yesterday, the state legislature’s Judiciary Committee held public hearings on three anti-choice bills. The bills seem designed to chip away at abortion rights. Wisely, the committee voted “ought not to pass” on all three bills today. Read more here.
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A Nation of Immigrants
jill, May 15, 2013 - 5:12pmA week and a half ago, I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and staffers of Maine Senator Angus King. We were asked to share our personal immigration stories, urging the Senator to support reform.
By the time it was my turn, I was in tears. I apologized to the small group gathered who have been separated from their families, put in jail and denied basic benefits while seeking asylum in our country. Their stories made me aware of many things: I am white, I am an American citizen, I am safe and I have plenty.
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By the time it was my turn, I was in tears. I apologized to the small group gathered who have been separated from their families, put in jail and denied basic benefits while seeking asylum in our country. Their stories made me aware of many things: I am white, I am an American citizen, I am safe and I have plenty.
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Legislative Agenda: Week of May 13
Rachel, May 13, 2013 - 10:00amThe following are public hearings and work sessions on bills of note for the week of May 13:
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This Week in Civil Liberties: Victories in Maine Legislature and in same-sex marriage
Ryan, May 10, 2013 - 4:14pmEach Friday, we’ll bring you updates on the latest civil liberties news from Maine and the nation.
Maine Legislative Successes
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Maine Legislative Successes
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Don't Let Maine Regress On Reproductive Freedom
edward, May 9, 2013 - 1:56pmA woman’s right to have an abortion is under assault. Take Arkansas and North Dakota, which recently passed two of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. Or Kansas, which is considering a similar law. Or Texas and Alabama, which are pushing bills designed to force women's health centers to shut their doors. The list | continue reading