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Nevadans for the Common Good Integrates Immigrants

When Nevadans for the Common Good (NCG) decided to host an information session on the executive order on immigration (DPA & DACA) hundreds piled into St. Christopher Catholic Church in Las Vegas. NCG leaders, with St Christopher, is integrating immigrants into the fabric of community while building non-partisan political power for the common good.


Austin Interfaith Advocates for Low-Income Families in Negotiations Over Utilities Repayment Plan

In an Austin American Statesman story about Austin Energy and utilities repayment plans under negotiation, Austin Interfaith leader Ofelia Zapata informs the paper of the impact on her family. Austin Interfaith, with allies, is fighting for a non-punitive utility debt repayment plan that would allow the Austin Energy to reclaim money it, in many cases, did not bill for - but without hurting the families affected.

Why Customers Unpaid Bills are Piling Up at Austin Energy, Austin American Statesman


EPISO Leverages $5 Million for Colonia Park & Road

In addition to securing half a million dollars to upgrade the Ruben Estrella Park in the Montana Vista colonia, leaders of EPISO went on to leverage an additional $4.5 Million to begin construction to extend Edgemere Boulevard from the City of El Paso into the unincorporated community. The road will better allow residents from Montana Vista to better access the City of El Paso; Montana Vista is currently accessible by only one road.


TMO to David Brooks: Programs You Call For Already Exist!

Responding to David Brooks' assertion that the President's proposal to provide cost-free community college access is not enough, TMO leaders Rev. Kevin Collins, Mr. Franklin Olson and Mr. Bob Fleming offer initial agreement and the good news that the types of programs Brooks calls for already exist in Texas.

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VIP Wins $26.6M for Tempe & Scottsdale Public Schools

Phoenix, AZ - 200 Valley Interfaith Project delegates assembled after the fall 2014 election to celebrate the leveraging of $26.6 Million in public school dollars for Tempe Elementary and Scottsdale Unified School Districts. Leaders achieved this by passing school override ballot measures.

Key legislative allies in attendance vowed to to protect Medicaid expansion that was won in 2013, re-connect public school funding to inflation and advance new legislation for Respite Care, all part of VIP's 2015 Human Development agenda.


ICON Wins Commitments for 'Clean & Green' School Buses

ICON and its 'Clean & Green' team leveraged commitments from three board members of the Pomona Unified School District to begin to eliminate the use of diesel buses in favor of cleaner alternatives. Leaders made the case against a district contract that relies on diesel buses, excessively exposing schoolchildren to diesel particulate matter.

Pomona Unified's Smog-Belching Diesel Buses Should be Mothballed, Residents Say, Inland Valley Bulletin

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VOICE-OKC Leaders Weigh In On Governor's Plan

After Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin unveiled an online dashboard / barometer of health, crime and education -- a measure she says will help "hold government accountable," VOICE-OKC leaders were called on to respond.

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Metro Vancouver Alliance Digs in on Transit Referendum Vote

Almost 60 Metro Vancouver Alliance leaders packed a church gym to evaluate how to pass a half cent sales tax to fund improved transit. Leaders argue that better transit is needed to incorporate future demands of the growing (and aging) population, and to contribute to pollution reduction efforts.

Forum on Transit Referendum Looks at Ways to Sell the Yes Vote, News 1130


COPS / Metro: March for JOBS & Freedom Is Still Relevant

On the heels of a successful campaign to raise the wages of San Antonio's lowest paid public workers, COPS / Metro leaders Fr. Steven Gamez and Sr. Consuelo Tovar assert that the March on Washington for JOBS and Freedom is still relevant today.

"Everyone working a full-time job ought to be able to raise a family with dignity and opportunity, and not be dependent on public assistance. As taxpayers, we insist that our public resources be used to foster shared prosperity and not to perpetuate poverty.....

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Houston Clergy & TMO: Exec Action Good, Not Good Enough

The night before a planned House vote which could impact the latest executive action program initiated by the President, 50 Houston judicatory and TMO leaders held a joint press conference urging Congress to do the opposite -- to expand on the action and pass comprehensive immigration reform. Potentially beneficiaries were joined by the Houston -Galveston Catholic Cardinal DiNardo, Methodist and Lutheran Bishops and religious leadership from Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim faiths.

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