|
Kay Hendrikson
March 2025 |
 |
Hi All,
The state of Minnesota is fighting against the extreme federal cuts and positions at the federal level but that might not be enough.
The statewide Senior Caucus is planning an in person rally. We only have tentative dates and tentative place right now, but probably the end of April and probably at the Bloomington Social Security building. Keep watch on Facebook and the Website. I will send updates.
I’m upset. You are upset. We all need to tell them that these attacks on Social Security, Medicaid and Veteran’s Administration is wrong.
Check your Social Security check/deposit regularly. If there is a problem, immediately call Social Security — 1 (800) 772-1213 — then call your federal legislator. After you do both phone calls, let us know so the Senior Caucus can keep track of how many of our members are having problems. Then the Senior Caucus will be dogging them. dflseniors@gmail.com
I added Call to Action items and a template below. Click here for a printable version of Kay’s message to members.
As Tim Walz said on the campaign trail: “We can sleep when we’re dead!“
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
********************************************************
CALL TO ACTION!!
Issues the Senior Caucus is concerned about:
Attacks on Social Security, Medicaid and Veteran’s Administration
Funding cuts in MN will affect county, state and local services including:
- Disappearance of rural hospitals, rural health care
- Age-Friendly provision not in current budget proposal
I’m asking you as individuals and as Chapters to “make some noise.” We have enough members to make a difference. If each Senior Caucus member called, emailed, and/or postal mailed to our representatives once or twice a week or even once or twice a month, this is thousands of contacts per month just from Senior Caucus members. This will make an impact.
Last month, I reminded us all of the poem “First they came for…” I want to repeat it again here:
- 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
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
Angie Craig: Eagan, MN Office, 1915 Plaza Dr, Suite 202, Eagan, MN 55122, (651) 846-2120
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>