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As shutdown deadline nears, Senate Democrats say they won't vote for GOP-led bill; After USDA funding freeze, Colorado farmers brace for tariffs; NM protests against Musk's Tesla dealerships expand to Sandoval County; Local economic partnership helps MT town embrace new work sectors.

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Senate Democrats refuse to support GOP budget bill. The EU and Canada respond to steel and aluminum tariffs and some groups work to counter Christian Nationalism, which they call a threat to democracy.

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Many fear the Trump administration's effort to raise money fast could include sale of public lands, thousands of farmers wait for payouts frozen by the USDA, and a shortage has rural America's doctors coming out of retirement.

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

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Monday, April 1, 2024   

Southern groups are mobilizing to protect democracy and empower voters to address the issues that impact their communities, including in North Carolina.

The groups Alabama Values and Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement hosted a roundtable discussion, called As Goes the South, to shed light on the legislative developments happening across the region - from voting rights and reproductive rights, to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Rhyane Wagner, senior policy manager with the Black Voters Matter Fund, said some lawmakers have worked to pass bills that negatively affect voter turnout.

"They're manifesting in changes to early voting locations and drop boxes - the removal of drop boxes, if you will," said Wagner. "The erosion of gubernatorial powers - like in North Carolina, they've eroded the powers of Roy Cooper, in terms of who he selects for the Board of Elections."

According to the Brennan Center, since the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v Holder, the gap in voter participation between white and nonwhite voters has been expanding.

Before that, states and localities with a history of racial discrimination in their voting practices had to get federal approval of any changes to election policies.

Jerome Dees, policy director with the Southern Poverty Law Center, said these trends signal an urgent need to reimagine advocacy and engage grassroots organizations in communities.

"This is a concerted effort that is being waged against these communities of color," said Dees, "with the hopes that we just throw up our hands and say, 'You know what? We give in. You win.' But it's important that we understand that tactic and brace ourselves, and rely upon community."

The speakers at the roundtable emphasized the importance of collaborating regionally, diversifying candidates, and mobilizing funds to support campaigns aimed at effecting change.

They agreed that local support plays a crucial role in driving long-term policy transformation to improve marginalized communities.




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