The People’s Watchdog Newsletter - December 14

This week's Common Cause newsletter is just a 4 minute read at 600 words.

SUNDAY, December 14, 2025 👋 Hi Pamela! Happy Sunday. In the Watchdog Newsletter, we share what you need to know to hold power accountable from the nonpartisan source you can trust. This watchdog doesn't give in to pressure from presidents. This week's Common Cause newsletter is just a 4 minute read at 600 words. 🌟 Common Cause Wrapped 2025 In 2025, we saw the militarization of our cities, attacks on our voting rights, and our elected leaders catering to billionaires rather than the people. But thanks to our members like you in every congressional district, we fought for the people and earned unprecedented victories. Our Common Cause Wrapped highlights some of our top people-powered victories of the year. Keep scrolling to read the difference you made: Being the first to set the standard for mid-decade redistricting. Amidst the mid-decade redistricting push, we demanded any proposed maps meet our fairness criteria, or they would meet opposition from the People's Lobby. Some states, like California, listened to our expertise and drafted legislation in line with our standards. Firing Elon Musk. When Elon Musk, an unelected billionaire, was attempting to run our government like one of his companies, we ran a campaign to fire him from any role within our government. Our work gained national attention and generated thousands of letters to Congress from our members, leading up to his resignation from DOGE. Securing major voting rights wins, including a first for LGBTQ+ voters. Common Cause cemented sweeping voting rights protections into state law across the nation. Along with our allies, we passed the Colorado Voting Rights Act, which created first in the nation protections for LGBTQ+ voters and eligible voters confined to county jails, expanded language access, and strengthened protections against racial discrimination. In Maryland, we expanded language access protections to ensure every voter, no matter which language they speak, can participate in our democracy. These are just a few of our wins that wouldn't be possible without the support of our members like you. We are grateful to all those who joined our People's Lobby, in ways big and small, and made sure the people's interests came first. Read Common Cause's 2025 Wrapped. Watch the video here. 📱 Our Favorite Post 👀 ICYMI We're working so hard to protect our democracy, we could write you a novel instead of a newsletter. Instead, here are the top headlines you don't want to miss: Florida 🍊: Florida has entered the national mid-decade redistricting battle and so have our Common Cause watchdogs. Our work will help ensure the state's partisan gerrymandering ban is upheld, no matter what. Read how we're defending fair maps here. Rhode Island ⚓: The federal government is suing to illegally access Rhode Island voters' sensitive personal data. We're stepping up to make sure voters' data is protected. Read about our lawsuit here.   Hawaii 🍍: In Honolulu, a senior staffer from the mayor's office threatened to withhold funding from councilmembers who did not vote how he wanted. Read how we're holding local power accountable. North Carolina 🛩️: For decades, North Carolina lawmakers have used a "gut-and-amend" strategy to quickly pass legislation without public input. Read what our advocates on the ground are saying. California 🐻: Secret clauses in legislation isn't good for anyone. Our California team addresses this legislative trick that confuses the public. Read why we believe transparency builds public trust.   📊 By the Numbers This year alone, lawmakers made 13,324 trades totaling $635.57 million. A ban on congressional stock trading is long overdue. Click here to learn more and read about who traded the most. 🗞️ Kicker Quote 👕 Wear Your Values If you're not following Common Cause, you're not getting the truth. If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up too, click here. For updates, follow us on X [Twitter], Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and TikTok. Common Cause is a leader in fights that matter at the local and state level. Your support helps us fight special interests, hold elected officials accountable, and build a better democracy for all Floridians. DONATE Interested in volunteering with our Action Team? Sign up here. 333 3rd Ave N, Unit 427 St. Petersburg Fl, 33701 202.833.1200 https://commoncause.org Common Cause's work to defend and strengthen our democracy is powered by members like you. You can use this link to unsubscribe or let us know you'd like to receive fewer emails from us.

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