Previous Action Alerts
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2012
Tell Congress: Don't Fail Our Economy.
Members of Congress must stay the course and oppose any fiscal deal that places the burden on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans and the programs that serve them. Any deal must ask the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share in taxes so that the burden does not fall on those who have the least.
Is Michigan the Next Wisconsin in the Anti-Worker Movement? Stand Up and Fight Back!
Michigan workers are facing a legislative attack similar to the fight that shut down the state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin last year. Under the cover of a locked down Capitol, a so-called “right-to-work” law, Senate Bill 116, was passed in the state House and Senate. Call Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and urge him to veto this bill that attacks Michigan workers statewide.
See how your Senators Voted Today on Landmark Disability Treaty
The Senate today failed to ratify an important human rights treaty that would have made positive differences in the lives of over 1 billion people living with disabilities. See how your senators voted and call your senators to let them know your profound disappointment in the defeat of CRPD.
Landmark Disability Treaty in the Senate Tomorrow. Call Your Senators Now!
Tomorrow is the day. By calling your senators, you are helping to ratify and make the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) a reality. Your action can help ensure that there are no amendments that would undermine the treaty so that it receives the consideration it deserves.
A Time for Thanks, Not Cuts
As we show appreciation for what we have this Thanksgiving, Americans across the country are focused on what they could lose if Congress can’t prevent sequestration. Call members of Congress and urge them to protect families this holiday season by balancing our nation’s budget fairly and responsibly – not on the backs of the most vulnerable Americans and the programs that serve them.
"Too Many of our Courtrooms Stand Empty." - President Barack Obama, Nov. 14, 2012
On Wednesday, during the first week the Senate returned to Washington for its lame-duck session, President Obama announced seven more highly qualified, diverse nominees to serve as judges in the federal court system.The new nominees join 19 others awaiting a vote in the Senate. There is nothing left to do except vote. Call senators and demand action without further delay: Vote to confirm all federal judicial nominees.
Don't Let "Lame Duck" be Lame. Join the #PassVAWA2012 Photo Campaign!
On November 14th, participate in a National Day of Action for VAWA by joining The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women in the #PassVAWA2012 Facebook Photo Campaign. Tweet pictures directly to congressional leadership with the hashtag, #PassVAWA2012, or submit your photos to lccref@gmail.com and we will deliver them for you.
The Judicial Vacancy Crisis Continues...
The stonewalling of judicial nominees for political gain leads to courtrooms without judges and people across the country unable to access the courts. Call senators while they are home for the August break and demand they stop obstructing justice and consider pending judicial nominees immediately upon their return to Washington in September.
Keep Up the Pressure in August to Pass the Real VAWA!
Time is running out; and VAWA (S. 1925) is at risk of not being reauthorized at all. One of the best ways to deliver this message is to meet with your members of Congress. While they are home in August, request a meeting with them to discuss why VAWA is important to you. Tell them enough is enough. Pass the real Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925)!
This July 4 Holiday, We Want to Say Thank You
As we celebrate the July 4 holiday, The Leadership Conference celebrates you for taking action with us throughout the year to achieve equity and equality for underserved Americans. Keep up with The Leadership Conference and stay up to date on civil and human rights issues by “liking” us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and checking out our website and Unfinished Business blog.
Stand with the Country's Defender of Civil Rights
As early as Wednesday, June 27, the U.S. House of Representatives could take an extreme measure and vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress. Call representatives now and urge them to oppose holding Attorney General Holder in contempt of Congress.
In the Final Hour, Don't Cave on Transportation Equity!
With a July 1 deadline looming, Congress is on the brink of striking a deal to fund our nation’s transportation program. But some of the civil rights provisions in the bill could be sacrificed. Tell Congress that passing a bad transportation bill is even worse than doing nothing.
An Important Vote Today: Confirm Paul Watford!
On May 21, the Senate will consider the confirmation of Paul Watford, a highly qualified nominee, to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Call senators today and urge them to confirm without delay Paul Watford to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
High Court to Hear "Show Me Your Papers" Law
On Wednesday, April 25, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Arizona's extreme, “show me your papers,” law, SB 1070. The Court’s decision will have a major impact on the rights of families across the country to live with or without fear of racial profiling and extreme enforcement measures for generations to come. Join our Supreme Court Virtual Vigil to show your support for immigrants during Wednesday’s SB 1070 Supreme Court arguments.
Can't "Tweak" Hate. End It. Alabama Bill Makes Hateful Law Worse.
While H.B. 658 was introduced to “fix” various components of Alabama’s anti-immigrant bill, it does the opposite. It makes life even worse for immigrants in Alabama. If you live in Alabama, please call your legislator at (334) 242-7600 and urge them to OPPOSE H.B. 658 and demand repeal of H.B. 56.If you do not live in Alabama, you can lend your support by urging Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes to speak out against H.B. 56.
Join the National End Racial Profiling Advocacy Week!
The Leadership Conference, the ACLU, Rights Working Group and the NAACP are cosponsoring a national week of activism and engagement to urge Congress to take action. Participate in Advocacy Week by writing members of Congress today to urge that they co-sponsor the End Racial Profiling Act (S. 1670) and join Senator Dick Durbin and Representative John Conyers’ efforts to reform the U.S. Department of Justice Guidance.
A Law So Ill Conceived, We are Traveling Around the World to Repeal it.
In April, Wade Henderson and leaders from the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) traveled to Seoul, S. Korea to urge automaker, Hyundai, to take a stand against Alabama’s notorious and dreadful immigration law, H.B. 56. You can lend your support by signing a petition urging Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes to speak out against H.B. 56.
Help End Racial Profiling Now!
Take a stand against racial profiling! Meet with your members of Congress while they are back in your hometown between April 2nd and 13th to speak with them about the discriminatory practice of racial profiling. Urge them to co-sponsor the End Racial Profiling Act (ERPA – S. 1670) and insist that the U.S. Department of Justice revise its Guidance Regarding the Use of Race and Ethnicity by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
Here We Go Again: Another Budget that Undermines the Economy
We must be clear – the next budget is America’s budget, and it is about defining America’s priorities. The Ryan budget does just the opposite. Call members of Congress and urge them to oppose Rep. Paul Ryan’s new budget because it would undermine our country’s economic recovery, and would be balanced on the backs of low-income and middle-class families, minorities, people with disabilities, and seniors.
Stop by the Supreme Court to Show Your Support!
Access to quality health care is a fundamental civil and human right. But as it turns out, the American health care system is most burdensome to the people who need it the most. The Supreme Court will begin an unprecedented three days of arguments on the ACA on Monday, March 26. We need your support at the Supreme Court.
Tell Congress: Aim Higher and Get Moving on Transportation
The law that allocates funding to our nation’s transportation systems and infrastructure expires on March 31. Call members of Congress and urge them to pass without delay an effective and fair transportation reauthorization bill that strengthens MAP-21 and supports vulnerable communities.
March 13-15: National Call-in Days to End the Obstruction and Confirm Judges!
Next week, beginning as soon as Tuesday, March 13, the Senate could consider a number of President Obama’s nominees. For far too long, a small group of extremist senators have held up these important votes. Senators must be told to end the obstruction and vote on these judicial nominees.
Join a Historic March for Equality, March 4-9
On March 4-9, The National Action Network, The Leadership Conference, and many other organizations came together to re-enact the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Forty-seven years ago, hundreds of civil rights activists peacefully marched for equality and voting rights. Today, the voting rights secured by that law are under attack in dozens of state legislatures, which is why we must continue to push to for a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
National Call-In Day: Support the Unemployed and Working Families
On Friday, February 10, unemployed workers met with their members of Congress to urge passage of a clean extension of unemployment insurance and the payroll tax cut through the end of 2012, without cuts and barriers to benefits such as the child tax credit. You showed solidarity by taking part in national call-in days to deliver this message.
H.R. 7: An Attack on Public Transit = An Attack on Civil Rights
The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R.7) would severely limit access to affordable and accessible public transportation and safe roadways. We need a balanced, bipartisan transportation policy that creates effective and fair transportation projects, and provides access to employment, health care, and schools, and other necessities of everyday life.
The State of Our Union: #DoBetter2012
We can’t predict what Congress will do this year, but one thing is for sure – Americans have had enough of a do-nothing Congress that has put partisan politics and political games over the best interests of the country. As you watched the State of the Union this year, we asked you to tweet Rep. John Boehner (@JohnBoehner), and Sen. Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) to share your thoughts on the civil and human rights issues Congress must address this year.
To Honor Dr. King's Legacy, Help Inspire Others
On Monday, January 16, the nation celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflected on his selfless service to others and commitment to justice for all. In honor of King’s legacy of serving and inspiring others, ask your friends to join you in the struggle for civil and human rights.
2011
In 2012, Congress Must Do Better
As 2011 comes to a close, we want to thank you for fighting alongside The Leadership Conference to protect the civil and human rights of every person in this country. Start the year off by making even more phone calls, telling more friends about actions they can take, and sending more letters through Action Alerts. Together, we can do better.
Solidarity with Alabama Is in the Holiday Spirit!
The close of 2011 marks the end of a hard year for immigrants in America. Congress has again failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and states around the country are implementing harsh and discriminatory laws that are destroying families, businesses, and entire communities. We asked you to show solidarity with families in Alabama by writing to your member of Congress to tell them that your wish for the holiday season is for Congress to take a stand against discriminatory state laws like H.B. 56; and urge them to pass comprehensive immigration reform without further delay.
Tell Congress: Keep the Holiday Spirit and Extend Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment benefits were set to expire at the end of December. It was unthinkable for Congress to even consider celebrating this holiday season while denying relief to millions of unemployed Americans during the economic crisis.
Whose Side Are They on?! Confirm Cordray!
A strong CFPB needs a strong director with the political presence and clout required to effectively stand up for Main Street and stand up to Wall Street and special interests. No one has questioned Richard Cordray’s fitness for the job. It is clear that blocking Cordray’s confirmation simply boils down to protecting big banks on Wall Street and thereby preventing the protection of consumers.
Stand Up for Families Across the Nation
This Thanksgiving, we asked you to write your senators to share your Thanksgiving family traditions and urge them to pass laws that will help keep families together and working.
Tell Congress: Say NO to any Balanced Budget Amendment
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and many other organizations oppose a Balanced Budget Amendment because it is a recipe for making recessions more frequent, longer, and deeper, while requiring severe cuts that would harshly affect the most vulnerable Americans including seniors, children, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Join the Fight in Alabama!
As we remember the legacy of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, one of our nation's most revered civil rights heroes who passed away on October 5, 2011 in Birmingham, Alabama, it is striking that Alabama’s anti-immigrant law, H.B. 56 is dividing people in the same state where Rev. Shuttlesworth fought for justice. Rev. Shuttlesworth dedicated his life to ending legal segregation in Alabama, yet in his death, the state’s anti-immigrant law has ushered in what many call one of Alabama’s worst times since Jim Crow.
Tell Your Senators: Pass the Jobs Bill!
On October 11, President Obama's American Jobs Act was considered by the Senate for a vote. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and many other organizations supported this bill because it would have helped Americans get back on their feet, revitalized our nation’s economy, and put Americans back to work.
Tell Congress this Labor Day: Rebuild the American Dream—American Workers Need Good Jobs
On Labor Day, we asked people to attend a town-hall meeting or drop by their members' offices to tell them that Americans need jobs, not cuts. Labor Day is a day to celebrate the contributions American workers make to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. What better way to celebrate the holiday than for Congress to commit itself to creating jobs and putting the country back to work.
Take a Stand in Birmingham! Join the Rally for Alabama’s Future: Repeal HB56
More than 3,500 activists from all over the South gathered together to rally for Alabama’s future and oppose a terrible law that was law inspired by Arizona’s notorious SB1070, but goes much further. The outcome of this struggle for justice in Alabama will have tremendous repercussions for the rest of the country, as legislators in other states assess the actions of the courts and community advocacy. Thank you to all those who came out to show your support.
Enough is Enough! Tell Congress: Don't Destroy the American Dream
In this exceedingly dangerous moment in our country, Congress must make some hard choices. Lawmakers must not try to fix our nation’s debt by eliminating longstanding programs that have helped low-income and working class families for decades, and have kept the middle class from sliding into poverty and the impoverished from living on the streets. Instead, Congress should create a fair budget plan that protects and preserves our nation’s commitment to providing a safety net and expanding opportunity to millions of the most vulnerable communities. There is no other choice.
Write Your Senators: Make the DREAM a Reality!
DREAM students are part of our country’s future. And since many of them were brought to the U.S. as small children, the DREAM Act would help these students to realize their full potential in the only country they’ve ever known. The bill would provide a path to legal status for undocumented students of good moral character, and who serve in the military or obtain a college degree.
Tell Senators: END Job Discrimination - Support ENDA
In a nation which prides itself on opportunity, it is deplorable that hardworking Americans would be kept from supporting their families and contributing to the economy because of characteristics that have no bearing on to their ability to do a job. But Congress has the opportunity to remedy this injustice by passing the Employee Non-Discrimination Act.
2010
Call Your Senators: Stop Shortchanging Women
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Paycheck Fairness Act in 2009, and it is time for the Senate to do the same. This bill will prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who disclose or discuss their salaries; improve wage data collection; and put remedies for gender-based wage discrimination on an equal footing with discrimination based on race or ethnicity
Confirm Elena Kagan
Earlier this month, the Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings to consider the nomination, where Judge Kagan demonstrated that she is a uniquely well-qualified nominee, with a sharp and independent mind and a record of excellence and integrity.
Call Your Representative: Correct the Disparity
The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, S. 1789, would reduce excessive penalties imposed on people convicted of low-level crack cocaine offenses and increase penalties for high-level traffickers. The U.S. Sentencing Commission estimates the changes could reduce the federal prison population by 3,800 over 10 years, and the measure will save taxpayers $42 million over five years.
President Obama Addresses the Nation on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
President Obama addressed the nation in early July and called for a bipartisan comprehensive reform bill to fix our broken immigration system. Members of Congress must follow the president’s lead by making the passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill a priority for this year.
Support Women This Mother's Day
CEDAW, the Women's Treaty, helps women and girls to go to school, to own and inherit property, to take part in public life, and to fight violence and oppression. We need Senate action on the CEDAW Treaty (the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) to give the U.S. greater clout to help women worldwide win these basic rights.
Help Create 1 Million Jobs!
There are now six unemployed American workers for every one job vacancy – double the ratio in the last recession. Almost every American has been touched in some way by the economic downturn and rising unemployment, and almost every community has been deeply impacted by the cuts in services that result in cuts to state and local revenue. That’s why urged members of Congress to cosponsor House Education and Labor Committee Chair George Miller’s (D.Ca.) Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812).
Make Yourself Count- Fill Out Your Census Form
Fill out your census form and mail it in by April 1: Filling out your census form can help get federal funding to support education, health care, housing and economic development in your area. For each person who doesn't get counted, an estimated $14,000 in urgently needed resources for your community is lost over the next 10 years. Your children, neighbors, and community members are counting on you, so fill it out and mail it back!
Restoring American Financial Stability Act
Call Your Senators to Protect Consumers with the Restoring American Financial Stability Act: On March 22, the Senate Banking Committee passed (13-10) the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (S. 3217), legislation that will protect American consumers and increase the stability of the economy in a serious and timely fashion. A critical component of this bill is the creation of a strong Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would be established to protect consumers from discriminatory and predatory lending practices.The Senate needs to support a strong and independent CFPB, a single agency that consumers can trust – one with strong civil rights protections that will centralize and strengthen existing regulation, hold banks responsible for their lending practices, and fill in the gaps where existing laws have failed.
Extend UI Benefits and Cobra
Urge the Senate to immediately extend Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and COBRA subsidies through the end of 2010: At the end of the month, people looking for a job in this tough economy will be completely cut off from UI benefits and COBRA subsidies. And, on top of that, states will soon lose funding for Medicaid and other public services. There are more than 26 million unemployed Americans who cannot afford to be cut off from these vital lifelines. Minorities and older Americans are disproportionately affected as they are more likely to be unemployed longer.
2009
Vitter Census Amendment
Thank Your Senators for Dropping Vitter Amendment: On November 5, the U.S. Senate voted to drop the Vitter amendment, which if approved, would have required individuals to answer a question on immigration status. Not only would this amendment have been detrimental financially, it would have added to the overall climate of fear within the immigrant community. The intrusive question would have inflamed concerns within both native-born and immigrant communities about the confidentiality and privacy of information provided to the government. This bill would have deterred many residents from responding, and would have likely resulted in an undercount.
Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Thank Your Member of Congress for Passing the Hate Crimes Prevention Bill: On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. For the first time in history, individuals targeted due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status will now be protected from violent crime. This new law provides the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes in states where current law or local law enforcement action are inadequate. In many cases, localities and states have simply not had the resources to act. We are proud to celebrate this important and historic victory with the advocates and organizations nationwide who have worked tirelessly to push this bill over the finish line.
Child Tax Credit
Tell Senators to Pass a Stimulus Package with an Expanded Child Tax Credit: The Child Tax Credit (CTC), a crucial component of S.1, is a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 for families with children under age 17. Current law requires families applying for this credit to have a minimum annual income of $8,500, which denies the CTC to millions of poor children and their families. At this time, S.1 lowers the earnings threshold to $6,000, which is better than current laws, but still excludes many low-wage workers with children from the benefits of the CTC. The House version of this bill helps the poorest by eliminating the earnings threshold entirely, allowing 12 million more children, many of whom are African American or Latino, to receive the credit or receive an increased amount.
Eric Holder Nomination for Attorney General
Tell the Senate to Bring Integrity Back to the Justice Department: Holder has earned a reputation as a fair-minded, tough and aggressive foe of political corruption. As U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and as Deputy Attorney General, Holder demonstrated his commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans. Eric Holder’s record of service on behalf of the American people proves that he is the right candidate to lead the Justice Department.
Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Restore Discrimination Remedies for American Workers with the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act: The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is a "fix" to a 2007 Supreme Court decision that severely limited the ability of victims of pay discrimination to sue and recover damages.Without this "fix" the impact of the Court's decision will be widespread, affecting pay discrimination cases involving women and racial and ethnic minorities, as well as cases under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Legislative Update: The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act passed in the Senate!
2008
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act Signed into Law
President Bush recently signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act – which fulfills a promise of fairness and equality to all American workers with disabilities. This victory shows the power of bipartisan alliance and multi-sectored coalition – as members of the civil rights, disability and business communities came together to work with Congress to fix this wrong.
Child Tax Credit Expansion
Rescue Bill Includes Temporary Child Tax Credit Expansion: The Rescue bill included a CTC expansion among its tax provisions that will benefit an estimated 13 million children. The provision lowers the earnings threshold that families must meet to qualify for the refundable portion of the credit to $8,500, as opposed to the current level of $12,050. However, this provision is temporary as it is only for the 2008 tax year. Learn more about how the CTC is one component of eliminating poverty through our Half in Ten Campaign.
Stand Up Against the FCC
The FCC recently decided to eliminate a longstanding limit on how many media outlets any one company can own. This allowance of media ownership consolidation decreases the local, minority and female ownership of media outlets. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to ease restrictions on media ownership and consolidation must be stopped.
Controversial Judicial Nominations
As a result of the President's relentlessness and the Senate's previous willingness to confirm ideologically-driven judges, ultraconservative judges are becoming increasingly dominant on the courts. The Senate should not grant "swift decisions" (as President Bush would like) when it comes to life-long appointments that impact constitutional rights.
No Child Left Behind Act
Quality Education is a Civil Right: Fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, the extent of educational inequality is still startling. An improved and fully funded No Child Left Behind and other federal laws must play an important role in making educational opportunity for all Americans a reality.
Richard Honaker Nomination
The Senate Must Reject the Nomination of Richard Honaker to A Lifetime Seat on The Federal Court. Attorney Richard Honaker was nominated to a lifetime position on the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming. Honaker is one of many controversial nominees who threaten to weaken established constitutional rights and civil rights protections for ordinary Americans.
End Racial Profiling Act of 2007
Urge Congress to Co-Sign the Bill to End Racial Profiling. Racial profiling is a violation of civil rights and a drain on resources. The "End Racial Profiling Act of 2007" would create a federal prohibition against racial profiling, provide funding for the training of law enforcement officials on how to discontinue and prevent the use of racial profiling, and hold law enforcement officials and agencies that continue to use racial profiling accountable.
Comprehensive Economic Stimulus Package
Economists say that an effective economic stimulus plan needs to include an increase in food stamps, unemployment insurance, and aid to the states. Senators should also reject anti-immigrant language as it creates barriers to serving eligible needy people.
2007
FCC Nominations
Tell Bush and McConnell to Stop Holding the FEC Hostage to Reward a Political Crony.
President Bush and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R. Ky., tried to hold hostage the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) by insisting on the all-or-none confirmation of four nominees, including Hans von Spakovsky, who has an egregious record of politicizing the U.S. Justice Department and rigging the system against minority voters.
Accurate Census
Urge Senators to Save the Census - An Accurate Count Means Accurate Representation.
The census is struggling to pay for critical activities in preparation for an accurate count in 2010. Getting an accurate count of all Americans is essential for the fair allocation of federal funds among the states. Data from the 2010 census will also be used to monitor compliance with civil rights laws and to determine how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.
DC Voting Rights Act
Urge Your Senator to Support the DC Voting Rights Act. During the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the DC Voting Rights Act (S. 1257), a robust and bipartisan panel, including Wade Henderson, President and CEO of LCCR, expressed strong support for the bill that would give the District of Columbia a voting representative in Congress. The bill would ensure voting representation for the more than 600,000 residents of our nation’s capital.
Media Ownership
Tell the FCC: "I Care Who Owns the media!"
Many Americans, particularly those in underrepresented communities, feel insufficiently represented by today’s media system. One reason for this injustice is the disproportionately small number of minority- and female-owned media outlets. The FCC is examining the current state of media ownership and you have the opportunity to tell them what you think.
Coalition Action Alerts:
Urge Your Senators to Pass the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act(GINA)
All Americans should be able to use genetics in medicine without fear of misuse of their genetic information. This legislation would, for the first time, establish federal standards to protect the privacy of genetic information and prohibit discrimination in the workplace and insurance based on genetic test results.
