Democracy in Brief: a weekly resource for those who believe democracy is worth the fight.

Dear Friend,

Nearly 60% of Kansans chose to reject the right’s agenda to undermine abortion rights at the ballot box on Tuesday. In doing so, they’ve shown what we’ve long known at Democracy Forward: not only are regressive policies harmful but they are also deeply unpopular, which is why the right continues to undermine the ability of people to be represented. While extreme, anti-democratic movements have gained outsized political power across the country, the vast majority of the American people believe in the promise and potential of democracy.

At this critical moment, we must leverage our collective power to stop the law from being used in regressive ways and to build for a better future. And that’s exactly what the DF community does best.

To that end, we’re introducing a new way to stay both informed and inspired: the Democracy In Brief newsletter.

Each week, you’ll get a curated snapshot of the latest news about our work in the courts and communities, news impacting our democratic rights and institutions, and ways to be involved in this generational battle for people and democracy.

Thank you for believing that democracy is worth the fight, we’re grateful you’re with us. Same time, same place next week?

Onward,
Your Friends at Democracy Forward

Representing America

We provide legal representation and expert counsel to people and communities who make up the fabric of American democracy. Here are some highlights from our latest work.

Victory

Protecting Election Integrity in Wisconsin

An informed public is fundamental to democracy, but in Wisconsin, the Office of Special Counsel investigating “fraud” in the 2020 election has been deleting its records, directly undermining Wisconsinites’ ability to know how that investigation is going. We sued the state’s Office of Special Counsel to halt further destruction of documents – and in a victory for government transparency, we secured a temporary restraining order.

Just Filed

Defending the Federal Contractor Minimum Wage from Attack by Right-Wing Attorneys General 

14 right-wing Attorneys General (AZ, AL, AR, GA, ID, IN, LA, MS, MO, MT, NE, OK, SC, TX), along with special interest groups, are leading or supporting three challenges to the $15 federal contractor minimum wage. These attacks are part of their broader effort seeking to effectively cut worker’s wages. Our latest brief in one such case — filed on behalf of a broad coalition — explains to the court that not only is the federal contractor minimum wage legally sound, it also reduces income inequality and racial and gender wage inequities for the workforce.

Submitted

Ensuring Investors Have Access to Climate Risk Information

The Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a rule to require that public companies disclose certain climate-related risks to investors. Despite that this rule both makes good financial sense and is supported by many investment managers, some right-wing Attorneys General and special interests have opposed it based on the mistaken claim it violates the First Amendment. Read our comment on behalf of law experts both demonstrating the importance of the rule and establishing its legality.

Stories Worth Following

What We’re Monitoring

#TwitterTakes

Sidebar

President & CEO Skye Perryman Featured in “Me, First” INSIDER Series

This week, Skye spoke with INSIDER about her journey back to Democracy Forward and our team’s continued determination to achieve a bold, vibrant democracy for all people.

In her own words, “At the end of the day, it’s actually a lack of hope that could be the thing that seals the deal here. We know that the vast majority of the American people want a country that’s as good as its promise.”

Read the full interview.

 

Get Involved

Our work at Democracy Forward over the past 5 years shows that – if we all commit to the fight – those who seek to erase our democratic values can be stopped. It’s time to redouble our efforts to protect and defend our democratic rights and build the bold, vibrant future we deserve.

Sign our pledge if you agree democracy is worth fighting for, and to let us know we can count on you to help in the days ahead.