April 10, 2017 02:35 PM UTC

What you can do to fight back this week (April 10)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

Today, as you probably already know, Neil Gorsuch was sworn in to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Neil Gorsuch is from Colorado, but his record stands in opposition to the values we care about as Coloradans. Gorsuch’s confirmation is a disappointment, and we can only hope that the grave concerns Americans have expressed about Gorsuch’s judgment are proven wrong.

But it could have been even worse. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado faced intense pressure to support Gorsuch. Elites from both parties, local newspapers, and millions of dollars in ads urged Bennet to vote yes on Gorsuch’s confirmation. In the end Bennet voted against filibustering Gorsuch, hoping to defend the Senate against the so-called “nuclear option.” It was a symbolic vote, since Democrats already had the voted they needed to filibuster and Republicans had already decided to use the “nuclear option” to force a vote on Gorsuch’s confirmation.

Despite all the pressure on Bennet to back a fellow Coloradan, he did the right thing and voted against Gorsuch’s confirmation. Bennet’s vote against Gorsuch proved he puts Colorado values before political expediency. On a day that was bound to disappoint, Bennet did something you can be proud of. And it’s the direct result of actions you took to oppose Gorsuch in his home state.

We’ve got to keep the pressure on our lawmakers. Congress has adjourned for a two-week Easter recess. Cory Gardner continues to hide from his constituents, but other representatives have announced public hearings. It’s vital that Coloradans make their voices heard in these two weeks before lawmakers go back to Washington, where Trump’s destructive budget and many other challenges await.

Here are ways for you to fight back for the week of April 10:

Rally Against Child Abuse

You are invited to join our partners, community leaders, advocates, and volunteers as we come together on the steps of the Margaret Carpenter Park Amphitheatre on Monday, April 10th, 2017 from 5:30 – 6:30pm, to declare April Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month. Stand up for the children in our community, make their voices heard, and join in envisioning a bright future for every child.

Where: Margaret W Carpenter Park colorado blvd and112th, Thornton
When: Monday, April 10 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

Parvais & Saul of The Death Penalty Project

The Distinguished Speakers Board is pleased to announce a free community event this Spring: The Death Penalty Project. Parvais Jabbar and Saul Lehrfreund will speak on April 10th at CU Boulder’s Wittemyer Courtroom in the Wolf Law building. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. There will be a Q&A portion with the audience following the event.This is a concurrent event with the Conference on World Affairs.

Where: Wolf Law Building CU 2450 Kittredge Loop Rd, Boulder
When: Monday, April 10 at 7:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Trump, Russia and the Panama Papers

Join us Monday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. as Kevin Hall, the national economics correspondent for McClatchy Newspapers, talks about his work covering the “Panama Papers,” the huge leak of files detailing how the wealthy use offshore structures to avoid paying taxes in their home countries. McClatchy was the only U.S. newspaper partner during the yearlong, global investigation. Hall’s Panama Papers work has already won awards from George Polk, the Overseas Press Club, SABEW Best In Business, Scripps Howard, Online Journalism Association, Barlett & Steele and the American Society of Newspaper Editors.

Where: The Denver Press Club 1330 Glenarm Pl, Denver
When: Monday, April 10 at 7:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

CO FAMLI Act Rally & Press Conference

Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act (FAMLI) HB17-1307 is introduced! FAMLI Act is significant! The United States is the only industrialized country in the world without paid family leave. We are thrilled that Representative Faith Winter has sponsored the bill again and is leading with a Colorado solution to ensure the well-being and financial stability of working families.

Where: 9to5 Colorado, 1634 Downing St, Unit A, Denver
When: Tuesday, April 11 at 12:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Final Resist Trump Tuesday–Resistance Recess!

The first Resistance Recess in February was a huge success, and constituent activity has been widely credited with building the power to stop Trump and Ryan from taking away our health care. As Trump remains under investigation and as Congress continues to push Trump’s unconstitutional and dangerous agenda, we must make sure that no one allows the passing of time to normalize this president and his harmful policies.

Where: Skyline Park, 1125 17th St., Denver, Colorado
When: Tuesday, April 11 at 12:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Durango Protest Against the Bombing of Syria

No Justice No Peace!

Where: Santa Rita Park, 2700 Main Ave, Durango
When: Tuesday, April 11 at 4:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

The Frontlines Are Everywhere: Grand Jury Resistance Tour

This Spring #NoDAPL water protectors and the Water Protector Anti-Repression Crew will be facilitating trainings across Turtle Island sharing knowledge about resistance to the grand jury convened against water protectors at Standing Rock. We want to build our capacities for strong movement defense against state repression.

Where: Fort Lewis College 1000 Rim Dr, Durango
When: Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30pm

Click here to RSVP.

NO to Right to Discriminate Bill – Call Night

Join us at the One Colorado office to call our supporters about LGBTQ equality. The Colorado Legislature introduced a bill this week that, if it became law, would legally allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Senate Bill 17-283 would allow businesses and individuals to claim that any belief they hold gives them permission to exempt themselves from non-discrimination laws they don’t want to follow.

Where: One Colorado 1490 Lafayette St, Ste 304, Denver
When: Tuesday, April 11 at 6:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Trump Tax March Comedy Benefit Show

Strengthening Democracy Colorado and the Denver branch of the Tax March for Donald Trump’s Tax Returns is putting on a special show at the Oriental Theater filled with several of the top comedians around Denver! Joining us for the show are comedians Zac Maas, Christie Buchele, Harry Baber, Conner Roma, and Alan Bromwell!

Where: The Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver
When: Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

ACLU of Colorado – Women & Families Wednesday

Join ACLU of Colorado at the Colorado State Capitol for our Women & Families Wednesday!

Where: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax, Denver
When: Wednedsay, April 12 at 8:15am

Click here to RSVP.

Testify in Support of HB17-1256–Increasing oil and gas setbacks from schools

HB17-1256 requires oil and gas operations yo be 1000′ from school property line. If it is good enough for marijuana dispensaries, oil and gas should be held to the same standard. The hearing will be in room 357 upon adjournment which should be around 10 am.

Where: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax, Denver
When: Wednedsay, April 12 at 10:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Religious Exemptions In Disguise Press Conference & Hearing

This Wednesday, April 12th, the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee of the Colorado Senate will consider a Right to Discriminate bill that would let individuals and businesses claim ANY of their personal beliefs — including religious beliefs — allow them to refuse to follow non-discrimination laws they don’t like. Join us for a press conference in the West Foyer of the Colorado State Capitol at 12:20 p.m. with a coalition of Colorado business owners, faith leaders, and community groups.

Where: Colorado State Capitol, 200 E Colfax, Denver
When: Wednedsay, April 12 at 12:20pm

Click here to RSVP.

Rep. Mike Coffman Townhall (CO-06)

Right-wing Rep. Mike Coffman is holding a town hall meeting to discuss “all of the critical issues facing our community, state, and nation.” This event is open to residents of Coffman’s district only and registration is required.

Where: Education Building 2 South, CU Anschutz Campus
When: Wednesday, April 12 doors open at 5:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

March for President Donald Trump’s Tax Returns

President Donald Trump’s team has gone back and forth over whether or not they will be releasing his taxes, and no date has been set in the event that they are. We have one demand: President Donald Trump will release his tax returns.

Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave, Denver
When: Saturday, April 15 at 10:00am

Click here to RSVP.

Thanks again for everything you are doing to fight back against President Trump and the far right here in Colorado and in Washington. The hard fact is that elections matter, and we’re not going to win every battle. But every time we respond to the latest bad news, and show the world that Trump does not speak for all of us, that’s a small victory we can build on.

America will outlast Donald Trump and emerge stronger. You are the reason why.