As the Coronavirus pandemic rages on, and the unemployment benefit comes to an end, thousands of people in our community face evictions, foreclosures and utility shut-offs.  Take Action to pressure our Congress and Governor Dewine to remind them that they serve us, not corporate interests, and that people need help now. Take action in this week's Activist Toolkit!

Here are the top 3 actions you can take this week:

1. The U.S. House and Senate are delaying additional stimulus with millions of Americans facing evictions, foreclosures and utility shutoffs. Use this People's Action tool to call, write or tweet Senators Portman and Brown to tell them: give us a People's Bailout NOW!
   
   
2. Call Gov. DeWine at 614-466-3555 or 614-644-4357 to tell him: we can't catch up on utilities; don't let utility companies shut us off until the pandemic is over and we have the assistance we need to get caught up. 
   
   
3. Join us to imagine an economy that works for everyone.  CUFA's Popular Education Series continues next Monday, August 3 with our session on a Long-term Agenda: Regenerative Economy! Check out the whole series here, register to attend virtually, and get flyers and links you can use to invite friends and family.  

What's happening this week:

From our friends at People's Action

We need a People’s Bailout. A relief package worth that name would:

• Guarantee health care during the pandemic;

• Cancel rent and end evictions;

• Provide emergency money for the people;

• Extend pandemic unemployment insurance;

• Cancel student debt;

• Include undocumented immigrants in benefit eligibility;

• Fund green jobs for a just long-term recovery and equitable future;

• Provide significant relief for localities and states; and

• Exclude the $300 million slated for the COPS program.

CUFA's Energy Affordability Action Team asks you to call Gov. DeWine 

Governor DeWine must act now to put Ohioans struggling to keep up with bills first, not the interests of utility shareholders. He issued a moratorium to stop utility shutoffs at the start of the pandemic, but let it expire. Let's send him a message: the pandemic isn't over, and we need to keep our utilities on!

Call Governor DeWine at 614-466-3555 or 614-644-4357 to tell him: stop utility shutoffs now. You can use this short script below to make your call: 

"Hi, I'm [your name] from [your City]. I'm calling with Communities United For Action to deliver a message to Governor DeWine: we need him to stop utility shutoffs now until the pandemic is over and people have the help they need to catch up on utilities. We need the Governor to put the health and safety of Ohioans before the profits of utility companies."

Don't forget to tell your story on the call, especially if you or your loved ones are struggling to keep up bills.

***If the voicemails are full, try again! They open up periodically.***

CUFA's Popular Education Series continues

Communities United For Action And People's Action will present a Popular Education series of virtual events to explore important topics as we organize for racial, social and economic justice July 20 - August 31. The events will be on Zoom and broadcast on Facebook Live. Each event is from 6:30-8:30 PM (EDT).

Find out more about the entire series here, download flyers to invite friends and family, and get registered to join us on Zoom for each session you'd like to attend. 

Watch: Racial Capitalism with Nigel Tann of People's Action.

Register for August 3: Long-term Agenda: Regenerative Economy with Ben Ishibashi and Kaniela Ing of People's Action.

Register for August 17: Homes Guarantee with John Washington from People's Action.

Register for August 31: Healthcare For All with Connie Hunyh of People's Action.

The Census is still happening! Make sure you are counted!

Federal funding and how much representation we get in Congress is determined by Census results, so help CUFA spread the word about the importance of filling it out. The Census is collecting responses over the phone or online. You can fill yours out here. 

Join CUFA on social media: 

Like us on Facebook and invite friends to like our page.

Follow us on Twitter.

Be sure to join our Facebook group.