Good news for people who want to do good: Day 323

Hundreds of activists — and two members of Congress — arrested standing up for DREAMers

On Wednesday, hundreds of activists rallied at the Capitol to demand a clean DREAM Act. Among them were Democratic Reps. Judy Chu of California and Luis Gutiérrez of Illinois. Nearly 200 people, including the members of Congress, were arrested. But clearly, they were willing to face that consequence to stand up for young immigrants and their right to continue living in the only home they’ve ever know.

This picture of Gutierrez being arrested really says it all:

.@RepGutierrez raises his fist while waiting to be processed by police after being arrested during the #DreamActNow protest at the Capitol pic.twitter.com/FzZZGJ5Adf

— Bill Clark (@billclarkphotos) December 6, 2017

Sen. Tim Kaine demands transparency about sexual harassment claims in the Senate

Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine wants the Senate Office of Compliance to release its records. That’s the office that handles claims, and settlements, of sexual harassment against senators and staff. And since this office is funded by the taxpayers, it seems only right that the taxpayers should have that information.

Kaine sent a letter to the office detailing the information he wants and why.

“This pervasive problem continues to serve as a barrier to ensure true gender equality,” he wrote. “At a more personal level, it signals the failure of our society to guarantee even the basic safety and dignity of our colleagues, classmates, friends, family, and neighbors.”

Kaine said he intends to release the information to the public.

Gov. Jon Bel Edwards is cracking down on sexual harassment in Louisiana

The incredible movement to do something — to actually do something, at last — about sexual harassment and assault isn’t just happening in Congress. In Louisiana, Democratic Gov. Jon Bel Edwards signed an executive order this week to establish a task force that will look at harassment and discrimination in the state’s government.

“The goal is to ensure state employees are safe at work and have the confidence in knowing that any allegation made will be taken seriously and that there are adequate procedures in place to address those complaints,” Edwards said in the statement. “The work has already begun, and we will have helpful discussions and feedback in very short order.”

More of this, please, in every state.

Former teacher and current congressman Mark Takano schools Mitch McConnell — literally

California Democrat Mark Takano was first elected to Congress in 2012. Before that, he was a high school teacher for two decades. So when he reads something really bad, he knows it. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s recent op-ed on the Republican tax scheme is really, really bad. So Takano put on his teacher hat — and gave McConnell an “F.”

When @SenateMajLdr Mitch McConnell writes a deeply dishonest op-ed about the Senate GOP tax plan, there’s only one appropriate response: The red pen. pic.twitter.com/devcI5YTw3

— Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) December 6, 2017

 ACTION ALERT: Stop the GOP tax hike on the middle class

The Not One Penny coalition has organized more than 600 events across the country to stop Republicans from raising taxes on the middle class to give massive giveaways to millionaires and corporations. Use this handy tool to find an event near you.

Shareblue Media Executive Editor Jess McIntosh: “We need to replace these guys with bold, progressive women.”

Shareblue’s very own Jess McIntosh spoke with MSNBC’s Chris Hayes about Sen. Al Franken’s resignation. Long before Jess came to Shareblue, she worked on Franken’s first Senate campaign and has been friends with him ever since.

That didn’t stop Jess from saying resigning was the right thing to do, and what progressives must do next to ensure real and lasting change in this powerful cultural #MeToo moment.

She was courageous, strong, amazing, and absolutely right — and everyone at Shareblue is very proud of her. Watch: