Sisters, Brothers and Kin,
As we go into August, there are a few issues on which I hope you will take action. As most of you should know, the HEROES Act that would provide for extended unemployment benefits is currently stalled in the Senate. IATSE has conveniently provided a link that you can use to send an e-mail to our Senators at:
You can also call your Senators at 1(202)224-3121. You will be connected to the Capitol switchboard and can ask to be connected to either Senator Lankford's or Senator Inhofe's office (or your own senators, for those out of state). Every bit helps, I urge you to take a few moments to write AND call now.
Also, Oklahoma has local elections coming up on August 25th. Please make your plan to vote. Some of you may have run-offs for State Representative or State Senate seats, and if you live in the Tulsa City limits, you will be able to vote for Mayor, City Council, and 5 questions regarding changes to the City Charter. If you don't know if you're registered, you can go to the Voter Portal at https://okvoterportal.okelections.us Type in your name and birthdate, and you should get back information on your registration, voting location, etc. I know this is late notice, but if you are not registered you need to get your registration post-marked by July 31st (which is TODAY!) to vote in the August 25th election. You can start this process and create a filled out registration from from the Voter Portal. If you want to vote absentee, you have until August 18th to request a ballot. I would not wait that long, as I have heard reports of people sending their ballots in with ample time, to later find out their vote was never counted. You can also use the same Voter Portal to submit your request for an Absentee Ballot and confirming after the election if your vote was counted.
Remember, in this election cycle you still have an alternative to having your absentee ballot notarized - you can add a copy of an approved ID to the outside of your affidavit envelope. The Voter Portal will also allow you to generate a sample ballot that is based on your voting location. I urge you to take a look at it so you aren't surprised by an unexpected choice on election day. If you have any questions, you can always e-mail me at: political@iatse354.org, or call (918)402-3281.
Hope you all are doing well, and are doing what you need to stay safe.
In Solidarity,
Rich Shumberger
Political Coordinator
