The Workers Circle Responds to 48 Republicans Blocking Debate on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
November 4, 2021
Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Lynsey Billet, lynsey@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-8449
“We the People Must Form the Bulwark to Protect Our Democracy”
(NEW YORK) — Today, Ann Toback CEO of the Workers Circle released this statement as all Senate Republicans but one used the filibuster to block debate on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act:
“The freedom to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy and it has been under attack at a speed and magnitude not seen since the terrible rise of Jim Crow. Since the 2020 election, 19 states have passed 33 laws making it harder to vote. Hundreds of bills are drafted and set to be introduced in the 2022 state legislative sessions.
With the ability of millions of voters to cast their vote and have it counted hanging in the balance, yesterday 48 Republican Senators used the filibuster rule to block the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The JLVRAA, named after the late Congressman John Lewis, who risked his life to ensure the vote for every American, would once again require states with long histories of voter suppression to have any proposed voting bills pre-cleared by the Department of Justice and restore the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
But while anti-democratic senators voted to block debate on this urgently needed bill -- just as they had blocked debate on the Freedom to Vote Act in October -- a dozen students and leaders from the Workers Circle joined over 50 democracy activists in civil disobedience outside the White House. We were arrested with MLK Jr.’s son, Martin Luther King III, and Yolanda King, the granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to send an urgent message to President Biden: use the full power of your office end the filibuster to pass the JLVRAA and the Freedom to Vote Act.
Yesterday’s Senate vote was shameful, but it is not the end of the story. We the people must form the bulwark to protect our democracy at this critical hour.”
About the Workers Circle
Founded more than 120 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.ll. Learn more at www.circle.org.