As local elected officials struggle to deal with the health and economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing racial injustices, and a changing climate, they are reminded that despite the actions of the federal government, they are ultimately responsible for the citizens in their jurisdiction. This is especially true with regard to nuclear weapons.
If a bomb were to fall, or if there were an accident at a nuclear facility, the first response would come from local governments, none of which are adequately prepared because there is no such thing as an adequate medical response to a nuclear explosion. Furthermore, nearly $75 billion in taxpayer money is being siphoned from our communities to pay for these weapons this year alone. And yet, the elected officials who bear the brunt of this reality often don’t have a vehicle to express their concerns about “national” issues.
That is why Back from the Brink has initiated a sign-on letter for elected officials to express their support for national nuclear policies that would keep all of our communities safer. So far, the letter has been signed by both officials in cities where a Back from the Brink resolution has already passed, as well as in cities that haven’t yet. The goal of the letter is to highlight for the new Administration and Congress the existing support for Back from the Brink’s 5 policy points, including 50 city resolutions, two statewide resolutions, and over 350 organizational endorsers.
Here’s how you can help:
Please use the sample language we drafted to send a request to your local and state elected officials to sign on to the letter. (Note: this letter is intended to be signed only by elected or appointed officials, including mayors, city/town councilors, governors, and statewide legislators).
We’ve seen that sometimes all it takes is a constituent asking for support for an elected official to pay attention and sign on, and we can’t do that without you.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@preventnuclearwar.org if you have any questions or want advice on how to reach out to your officials.
