CDP Notes -- Shutdown Edition! 


**The next CDP call will take place on Monday 1/22 pending any new developments 


>> If you say one thing today: With the government funding deadline looming, President Trump and Republicans in Congress failed to do their jobs and produce a workable budget. This shutdown falls squarely on President Trump and Republicans.


Unfortunately, the government shutdown is giving America a taste of the Trump GOP vision for America: looming threats to our families’ and communities’ health, hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans out of a job, and boarded-up, unstaffed parks and memorials.


President Trump and Republicans in Congress have the power to keep the government open. All they need to do is to put America's future ahead of special interests.

 

>> If you only do one thing today: The next few days are critical as the public decides who to place the blame for this shutdown. We must make sure it falls to the rightful owner -- Trump and the Republicans. Please use the guidance to issue a statement [if you haven't already] and flood your social media channels with the #TrumpShutdown and our key points. 


TrumpShutdown Messaging Toolkit


Intel 
  • The government is shutdown and negotiations are ongoing 
  • Both the House and Senate are in session today 
  • Republicans may try to bring a 3 week CR to the floor today 
  • Agency impacts:
    • EPA has funding to stay open until 1/26
    • DOE is open
    • NPS is open with limited capacity
    • Army Corps sites are closed 
  • Flag: Democrats are willing to give up more on border wall -- important to make sure that these concessions do not damage refuges 
  • Flag: The Women's March could be impacted by limited NPS capacity. Zinke may also visit WWII memorial today to highlight that it is remaining open. 
  • Flag: AFGE Chicago rally could be delayed based on EPA funding 

Action 
  • Define the narrative 
    • Turn up the volume!! Support Dreamers by owning Trump narrative shutdown and weaving together DACA, healthcare and border wall 
    • Release statements (circulate to the list!)
    • Put out social 
    • Amplify key articles on negative shutdown impacts on parks and health 
    • Continue to drive key facts and pushback on agencies to media 
      • Thread the line about needing agencies like EPA to stay open to protect health of American people and NPS to allow people to access parks and the politically motivated intentions 
      • Look for IMPACTS of shutdown
        • Drive people to submit their stories 
        • Look for ways that diminished agency capacity is harming health, safety and recreation 
  • Attend the Women's March!
  • Participate in events supporting Dreamers (list to come) 

Next steps 
  • Prep for earned media drumbeat next week. Voices might include Former officials, Gov’t Employees/Unions (EPA, NPS, other), Local/State electeds, Business leaders, and Health professionals. Tactics that should be considered are editorial/reporter outreach, Op-Eds/LTEs, Stand-ups, and Radio/TV tour.
    • Key states: Arizona, Tennessee, Maine, New Jersey, Nevada 
  • Help us identify and amplify emerging opportunities to highlight the real-world impacts of a government shutdown. If you have a shutdown story to share, then please use OurEnvironment.org or send it to the CDP listserve.

  >> Let CDP know if you are working on outreach or field activities