The Texas House of Representatives takes up the state budget Thurs, April 6. And in typical fashion, scores of amendments have been pre-filed that threaten to turn the budget debate into an all-out culture war.
Make a quick call to Texas State Representative Larry Phillips, 512-463-0297, to let him know you’ll be watching his votes on Thursday, April 6.
Pick the issue below that you care most about — or mention all three!
VOUCHERS
Support amendments by Reps. Abel Herrero and Gary Van Deaver banning the use of state dollars for any voucher scheme.
Oppose amendment by Rep. Briscoe Cain funding an “Education Savings Account” voucher scheme.
Message: Vouchers drain precious tax dollars out of our public schools to subsidize private and religious schools that are unaccountable to taxpayers.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Oppose all amendments that increase funding for “Alternative to Abortion” facilities, which do not provide any health care services and promote lies and misinformation about abortion.
Message: Our tax dollars should support legitimate reproductive health care — including broad access to birth control and abortion care — not dishonest propaganda.
LGBT EQUALITY
Oppose amendment by Rep. Valoree Swanson to create anti-transgender bathroom restrictions in state buildings.
Message: “Bathroom bills” like this are simply discrimination against transgender Texans.
Thank you for holding our elected leaders accountable. tfn.org
Call this evening, April 5 or Thurs morning, April 6: use the wording on the filibuster situation from 5calls.org, or call Sen Ted Cruz, 202-224-5922, and Sen John Cornyn, 202-224-2934, directly about this today (cloture vote is Thursday morning).
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
I’m calling in opposition to changing the rules of the Senate to reduce the number of votes needed to break a filibuster for a Supreme Court nomination. I am asking the Senator to Vote NO on a rule change, and NO on invoking cloture. Thank you. [IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied]
Vote for Andra Petrean for Sherman School Board
Andra is a science teacher and mother of two boys who attend Sherman I.S.D. She believes in quality education for all children and will work to empower teachers.
Early voting starts April 24 and ends May 2.
Election date: May 6, 2017
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Request an application for a Ballot by mail. Do this NOW to allow enough snail mail time. You may request more than one, so you can give it to anyone who might need one. Mail the application back as soon as you get it so that you will receive the ballot in time for the May 6 election (early voting in person starts April 24). If over 65 or disabled, you may always vote by mail, but you must request ballots by mail at the beginning of every year. You may also vote by mail if you anticipate you will be away during early voting and election day.
The Sherman ISD Bond and School Board Election is coming up on May 6. It’s our first chance to vote this year. Be sure you are registered and encourage your friends and neighbors to do so. Find out about what’s involved in the bond issue. Find out about the candidates for School Board. You must be registered 30 before the election in order to vote. That’s April 6. Go to the Elections Administration Office across the street from the Grayson County Courthouse on Houston St, or contact a Democrat to find out about registering. It’s easy, it’s important, and it will determine the future of our Sherman Public Schools. -Lander Bethel, Past County Chair
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Please join the Democratic Women of Grayson County for Kaffee Klatsch on the second Saturday of each month, Panera Bread from 9:00-10:30 am.
The Kaffee Klatsch is a a come and go meet and greet. Purchase your favorite brew then join us for an informal conversation and make new friends. The Kaffee Klatch is a monthly event, held on second Saturdays. Mark your calendars: April 8 and May 13.
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Action Committee meetings, first Mondays, 6:00 pm at Grandy’s.
We will meet on the first Monday of each month. New members always welcome!
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What’s at Stake? Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid & the Affordable Care Act: How to fight back and have your voice heard. Watch Glenn Melancon’s information-packed presentation to DWGC.
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03-17-2017, Nonpartisan report says 24M people to lose health insurance under Trumpcare. Call our Republican senators Cruz & Cornyn again & say vote NO on ACA repeal: 866-888-5744
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Postcards to Trump: http://resistforamerica.org/downloads/RFA_3-15-17_print.pdf
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GCDP Chair, Lander Bethel, was interviewed with Reggie Smith, Repub County Chair, on the KXII Public Forum program. Watch it now!
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If you have an announcement you would like added to this list, please notify Barb Rush by emailing the event to info@graysondemocrats.org. Thanks!
International Women’s Day in Sherman, Texas What a G R E A T D A Y !!
Peaceful and positive demonstration, WOMEN UNITE SINGERS
Wednesday, March 8, 11am-1pm, Grayson County Courthouse
Watch KXII Broadcast and KTEN Broadcast
Read the article in The Herald Democrat
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GCDP Monthly Meeting, Thurs, April 27, Grandy’s, 5:30 for food, 6:00 meeting. MAP
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ACLU People Power Resistance Training.
Review the live stream: https://peoplepower.org/.
Review the action materials: https://peoplepower.org/freedom-cities.html
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