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Kay Hendrikson
February 2025 |
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Hi All,
Sad? Mad? I KNOW you are trying to figure out what to do. We all are.
I’ve added a section below on “CALL TO ACTION” and I’m asking you as individuals and as chapters to “make some noise.” We have over 1000 members statewide and more to come. This is enough to make a difference. Check the Call to Action section for recommendations that each of us can do. If each Senior Caucus member calls, emails, and/or postal mails to our representatives once or twice a week or even once or twice a month, this is 4,000 to 8,000 letters/calls a month. This will make an impact.
I’m reminded of the poem “First they came for.”
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller
Let’s speak out. Let’s make a difference.
I added Call to Action items and a template below for a sample email or postal letter or even a phone call to your legislator. I added our democratic congressional representatives for you, but you should also send these letters to republican representatives – they are your representatives too.
I added the Economic Black Out Day information that the Senior Caucus supports. If you are able, don’t buy anything on February 28 from the companies below. Please participate in the Economic Black Out Day if you can.
I’m upset. You are upset. Let’s make a difference. Let’s make some noise!!
Be safe, have fun, be healthy!
Always yours,
Kay C Hendrikson, PhD
Chair, DFL Senior Caucs
“We yearn for a return to an America where we work together and look out for each other… And together, we too will build a country that is more secure and more just, more equal, and more free.”
Barack Obama, 2024 DNC Convention
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CALL TO ACTION!!
Please participate in the Economic Black-out Day if you can. Join the DFL Senior Caucus in our support of the Nationwide Economic Boycott on Friday, February 28. Do not buy anything from companies that have abandoned their commitment to DEI programs, such as Amazon, Meta, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.
Companies that continue their commitment to DEI programs include Costco, Apple, Delta, Ben & Jerry’s, Sephora, Coca Cola, and Proctor & Gamble.
Let’s let the administration and the companies that support attacks on diversity feel our impact on their profit margin by buying NOTHING from them on February 28. Continue to purchase from local small businesses with which you have a relationship.
Issues the Senior Caucus is concerned about
Call, email, and write postal letters to both democratic and republican elected officials. If you are unhappy about what is going on, they represent you.
If all 1000 Senior Caucus members write them once or twice a week or a month, they will get the message. This is why we are a state wide team – to make a difference!!
https://www.house.gov/representatives#state-minnesota
Find your local legislators here: https://ballotpedia.org/Minnesota
For lots of election information: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/
Amy Klobuchar: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-amy
Tina Smith: https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Betty McCollum: https://mccollum.house.gov/contact/email
Federal issues:
- Elimination of Medicare reimbursement for telehealth
- Effect of cuts – Older Americans Act, Medicaid expansion, DEI and LGBTQ protections
- Possible elimination of Dept of Education, USAID, WHO membership
- Elimination of funding for medical research at NIH, including research to cure Alzheimer’s disease
Minnesota issues:
- Disappearance of rural hospitals, rural health care
- Age-Friendly provision not in current budget proposal
- Legacy bill, giving priority to seniors for services
- Housing bill, providing support services for seniors staying in homes
Sample letter to representative
Dear Representative/Senator <Name>,
I am your constituent in <City>. I am writing to express my concerns about <issue; include bill number if relevant>. I am concerned that <negative outcome>. {repeat for additional outcomes but keep it brief – no more than 3}.
<Describe relevant expertise you have on the issue and/or the personal impact of the issue.>
<Describe support you’ve provided: voting, donating, campaign volunteer>
I understand that being in the minority right now, Democrats are limited in our ability to block these disastrous appointments/changes. I want you to know that I am a loyal voter and strongly support any efforts you make to prevent the dismantling of services that are critical to Minnesota and the country.
<Your signature and your contact information>