LINCOLN CITY — The rights of immigrants and all persons living in the U.S. and the county’s platform goals and proposals will be presented at the Lincoln County Democratic Party’s next meeting, Wednesday, July 23, 5:45 p.m., at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place in Lincoln City.
In her “Know Your Rights” presentation, attorney Kate Simkins will explain the constitutional rights held by all persons living in the U.S. regardless of immigration status and how those rights can be exercised. She’ll discuss how Oregon’s sanctuary state status works to protect Oregonians and what all residents can do to help protect themselves and their neighbors. An associate with the Lincoln City-based Zantello Law Group, Simkins has extensive experience in the field of immigration law and has represented both immigrant children and adults in private practice, worked for two faith-based nonprofit immigration organizations and worked as an asylum officer, a policy analyst and an immigration attorney for three federal agencies.
In advance of the Oregon Democratic Party’s August Platform Convention, attendees will hear from Platform Committee Delegation Chair, Linda Perrine, about the platform proposals to be presented by the Lincoln County Democrats for consideration by the state organization. A discussion will follow the presentation.
The proposals fall into nine key areas: Economy and Labor, Education, Climate and Environment, Foreign and National Security, Human Rights, Health Care and Public Health, Energy and Infrastructure, Protecting Democracy and Science and Technology. Among the items included under those headings are support for an Oregon “right to a healthy environment” constitutional amendment, universal housing and healthcare, support for state energy independence, subsidized child care, preservation of Oregon farmland and tying federal minimum wage to the same cost of living (COLA) as it is currently applied to social security.
Finally, the attendees will hear a summary of recent public rallies and demonstration activity and will be informed of future opportunities for expressing their views in public forums.
“At this very dangerous period of our history, it’s important that we find a strategic balance between policy and action,” said Mary Infante, Chair of the central committee of the Lincoln County Democratic Party. “By providing sound legal guidance to our most vulnerable neighbors, organizing to raise our voices as effectively as possible and clarifying our values and priorities, we’re demonstrating that we are not just the voice of opposition, but also the proponents of a sustainable, fair and equitable future.”
The Lincoln County Democratic Party holds monthly meetings rotating among northern, central, southern and eastern centers of the county with zoom options available for virtual attendance and participation. All are welcome.
The purpose of the Lincoln County Democratic Party and its executive committee is to promote the interests of the Democratic Party in Oregon and Lincoln County, to work for the election of Democratic candidates, adopt a party platform and work to ensure its principles are reflected in law, and to provide a link between Democratic voters, the Democratic Party, and the government. The Lincoln County Democratic Party welcomes comments and questions, which can be addressed to: dems@lincolncountydemocratsoregon.com.
