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June 11, 2007
Texas 2007 Legislative Session
2007 was a success. With hard-right majorities in both chambers of the Legislature, we were still able -- with your help -- to beat back several extremely restrictive voting measures that would have disenfranchised thousands of eligible Texas voters.
House Bill 626 would have required Texans to produce expensive documents proving their citizenship just to register to vote, despite report after report debunking allegations of widespread 'voter fraud' by individuals. Many eligible voters do not have passports, birth certificates or other documents that prove their citizenship, and they can be incredibly hard and expensive to obtain or replace, especially for the poor and the elderly, as well as some naturalized citizens. The measure, which in its final version would have cost Texas taxpayers $20 million , passed the House but died in the Senate thanks to pressure from activists like you to.
A more traditional voter identification bill (HB 218) which would have required multiple forms of ID to vote, and would have been extremely burdensome on voters, was passed out of the House but we were able to beat it back in the Senate.
And several other terrible voter ID bills that were introduced never gained enough traction to move.
We were even able to achieve some successes on the voting rights front.
If you can believe it, currently it's a crime to carry another person's mail-in ballot, even if you are merely placing it in the mailbox for them. Passage of HB 1987 remedied this - it provides that certain persons possessing another person's official vote-by-mail ballot (or another person's official vote-by-mail carrier envelope) would no longer be subject to criminal prosecution in certain cases.
HB 2840 was another victory. It authorizes voters who applied for but did not vote early by mail to cast provisional ballots and to cancel their mail ballot applications in person at the polling place. Under previous law, a voter who had applied for an early mail ballot is prohibited from casting a ballot on Election Day unless the voter first cancels the application. HB 2840 provides ways to ease the burden on voters who are not able to get their mail-in ballots in on time but still want to cast a vote.
HB 3105 re-establishes the countywide polling place program passed by the 79th Legislature and expiring in 2007. The use of countywide polling places allows voters to vote at any of the polling places in a county. (On a side note, the bill unfortunately reduces the overall number of polling places, so PFAW and members of the Electoral Reform Coalition are watching closely.)
In the area of religious liberty, PFAW made a major impact on a bible education bill (HB 1287), helping to get some serious safeguards placed into the bill that will add accountability and constitutional protections to the teaching of the Bible in public schools. The Right, however, was able to score one victory in this area, near the end of the session, with a bill promoting organized prayer and other religious activities in public schools (HB 3678).
Far Right legislators proposed several attacks on gay and lesbian Texans (particularly with regards to barring them from foster care), but none of those bills were able to garner the support they required to make any progress.
SB 1000 and SB 1506 would have created voucher programs that would have diverted public funds from public schools and redirected it to private schools (many of them religious schools). Both failed! We seem to fight the voucher battle every year in Texas, but as many times as the Right tries, the privatization scheme to undermine public education can't gain traction -- thanks to efforts by activists like you, that is. SB 1000 was a particularly cynical attempt to create a voucher program -- it would have drained hundreds of millions of dollars from public school special education funding to give private school vouchers to children with autism (something that would not necessarily help the recipients of the vouchers, but would have certainly hurt countless other special needs students).
We got the ball rolling on some other good bills that we'll continue to work on and hopefully get passed next session.
HJR 39 would have placed Texas on official record as ratifying Amendment XXIV to the U.S. Constitution. In 1964, when this crucial amendment eliminating the poll tax was ratified, Texas was one of 12 states that failed to ratify this amendment. Other states that did not ratify this amendment have subsequently done so since then as a symbolic gesture. PFAW helped guide this bill successfully through the House, but it languished on the Senate calendar and died.
PFAW and our allies got HB 770, a simple and decent bill designed to encourage the civic participation of formerly incarcerated persons upon completion of their sentence, passed with bipartisan majorities in both the House and the Senate. The bill carried no cost to the state and simply provided that ex-offenders be informed of their right to vote and given voter registration cards. Unfortunately, HB 770 was vetoed by Governor Perry.
PFAW worked with several legislators on bills addressing the accuracy, security and reliability of voting machines, but was unsuccessful in getting a bill through the Legislature.
And PFAW worked closely with Rep. Anchia and Sen. Ellis to get legislation passed providing criminal penalties for deceptive election practices aimed at disenfranchising voters, similar to Sen. Barack Obama's federal bill; unfortunately that bill was left pending in committee.
Thank you again for the phone calls and e-mails to your legislators, and for ALL that you did to support us throughout this legislative session.
May 30, 2007
No Child Left Behind National Town Hall Meeting in Texas
On May 22, 2007, People for the American Way Foundation’s Texas Office co-sponsored a call-in community forum to address the community’s concerns about the No Child Left Behind Act. The forum was hosted by Call For Action, an organization that promotes education awareness through town hall-style phone meetings. Here is our report of the May 22nd meeting:Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, of Texas’s 23rd District, spoke about his plans to reform the No Child Left Behind Act, due for reauthorization in Congress this year. Congressman Rodriguez has a long history in education, dating back to his days as a board member of the Harlandale Independent School District in 1974. He served for 11 years in the Texas House of Representatives, where he worked on the Public Education Committee sponsoring several bills that sought to improve programs in schools across Texas.
Several constituents from the 23rd District participated in the forum and chronicled their experience with the No Child Left Behind Act. Many of the constituents who spoke during the forum were teachers ranging from elementary to high school.
The primary concern for many was the over-emphasis on testing in the school system. A 5th grade teacher from this district said she was concerned for her students because the majority of the class day was spent practicing for math and science standardized tests. She and other school teachers said that they understood the importance of emphasizing these courses, especially since many students are behind, but it caused other courses such as art, music and history to go on the back burner. Congressman Rodriguez agreed that other liberal arts courses are vital to a student’s education, and spoke of creating after-school and summer school programs for those students who are struggling in math and science.
The majority of those who asked questions of Congressman Rodriguez spoke of their concern that students were not receiving a well-rounded education and this was the primary cause for students failing or dropping out. According to Congressman Rodriguez, with his plan for after-school and summer programs, students will be able to continue at a normal rate through the school system and it will be more cost effective for taxpayers. Holding back a child for one year costs $6000; if the school system sends a child to summer school for six years it costs $3600 ($600/year).
People for the American Way Foundation and other sponsoring organizations raised awareness in over 30 districts across the United States with the help of Call For Action. Hopefully, the renewal of the No Child Left Behind Act will address some of these concerns, and students and teachers in the public schools will benefit.
May 30, 2007
Texans’ Voting Rights Narrowly Survive the 80th Legislative Session
Governor Rick Perry Vetoed Important Legislation Which Would Have Encouraged Civic Participation
The Texas legislature adjourned its difficult 2007 legislative session with Texans’ voting rights still mostly intact. When the session concluded Tuesday, none of the threatened legislation that would narrow voting rights for Texans had passed -- such as burdensome proposals to require additional ID and proof of citizenship at the polls. Unfortunately, Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill which would have helped former felons who have paid their debt to society become voters and better citizens.
Senate Democrats banded together to block House Bill 218, an egregious voter identification bill which would have made it more difficult for Texans to exercise their right to vote. Against doctors’ orders to stay in bed because his body was showing signs of rejecting a liver transplant he received in January, Sen. Mario Gallegos rested outside of the Senate chambers in a hospital bed on standby if the bill came up.
“What we’ve seen this session is an all-out shameful effort by some members of the legislature to chip away at the right to vote, and courageous efforts to hold back that tide,” said Joy Authur of People For the American Way’s Texas Office. “First the voter identification bill, which was blocked by Senate Democrats, and then Governor Perry vetoed a good public policy initiative to help formerly incarcerated individuals become voters and better citizens.”
“There’s much work to be done here, and it will be an uphill battle, but we are encouraged by champions for democracy such as Senator Mario Gallegos. We’ll continue our work with organizations and members of the legislature for effective reforms that will ensure that all eligible voters are able to participate in the electoral process,” Authur said.
On a sour note, Governor Perry vetoed legislation passed overwhelmingly by the Republican-controlled House and Senate, that would have required the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to provide written notification to discharged prisoners regarding their voting eligibility, and to provide those persons with a voter registration application.
“It’s embarrassing that the governor would support attempts to turn back the clock on our voting rights, and veto legislation that would expand the electorate,” Authur said.
May 24, 2007
Texas Voter ID Bill Blocked In Legislature
Sen. Mario Gallegos a Hero for Voting Rights in Texas
AUSTIN – Late Wednesday night, Texas' voter ID bill H.B. 218 was defeated in the Senate by the 11 Democrats who banded together, with the help of ailing Sen. Mario Gallegos, to prevent the bill from getting to the floor. Against the advice of doctors and despite signs that his body was rejecting a liver transplant he received in January, Sen. Mario Gallegos traveled to the statehouse and remained in a hospital bed outside the senate chambers for more than 48 hours to block a voter ID bill moving in the Texas Senate.
"A hero for voting rights and a true defender of democracy, Texas State Senator Mario Gallegos went above and beyond the call of duty to protect Texans' voting rights this session," said Joy Authur of People For the American Way's Texas Office. "We admire his steadfast support for the right to vote for all Texans."
The bill, H.B. 218, was approved in the House earlier this session, and needed two-thirds of the Senate's 31 members to vote to bring the bill to the floor. Gallegos held the decisive vote to block the legislation. Gallegos departed the Senate Wednesday night to a standing ovation from colleagues.
"I'll be back," Gallegos told colleagues in the Senate chamber. "If you want to fight this fight again, I will again, but as a healthier Mario Gallegos."
"If this and other voter suppression bills return to Texas, People For the American Way will stand proudly with Senator Gallegos to fight such grave injustice," said Authur.
November 29, 2006
Shut Up and Sing
CONGRATULATIONS to the Dixie Chicks, who on February 11, picked up FIVE Grammy Awards for their latest record, Not Ready to Make Nice—including Best Album! The making of this record was the subject of much of the Shut Up & Sing documentary. |
On November 29, People For the American Way’s Southwest Regional Office hosted a special presentation of the documentary Shut Up and Sing. In 2003 during the build up to the invasion of Iraq, Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines made the comment on a London stage that they “were ashamed” the President of the United States hails from their home state of Texas. The aftermath was a torrent of vicious attacks on their careers and in their personal lives.
The top-selling female recording artists of all time became the target of a boycott, as they were tarred and feathered by right-wing TV and radio personalities and conservatives within the country music industry. But in the face of smears on their patriotism and the serious financial impact of declining sales, the Chicks stood strong by their First Amendment rights, expressing their opposition to policies of the Bush administration. Shut Up & Sing tells the story of the Dixie Chicks’ perseverance against the right-wing attack machine.
The Austin, Texas screening was held at the Highland Galaxy Cinema and was filled beyond capacity with people seated in the aisles! All attendees received a People For the American Way membership with their contribution. Special guests included State Representative Mark Strama and the Honorable Larry Don Shaw. There was a great energy in the room; everyone enthusiastically applauded the Chicks and enjoyed the humor they displayed in the face of this adversity.
August 17, 2006
PFAW Speaks Out on Immigration Issues
This summer, congressional committees and subcommittees scheduled 38 hearings around the country, ostensibly to learn about immigration issues. The hearings began six months after the House passed a punitive, enforcement-only immigration bill, and the real agenda of the hearings quickly became apparent: to increase public anxiety about the immigration issue in an effort to force the Senate – and the majority of Americans – who favored a comprehensive reform approach to back down. The Congressmen have no interest in hearing differing viewpoints or learning more about the issue. The people holding this debate have made it clear that they oppose immigration: not illegal immigration -- all immigration. Their minds are closed.
With that in mind, PFAW has been active in organizing a counter-message for the hearings, bringing together business groups, religious leaders, agricultural growers, farmworkers, civil rights activists, and other community leaders to call for an end to divisive, nativist rhetoric and a commonsense, comprehensive approach to immigration reform. At press conferences and community forums across the Southwest, PFAW and others have spoken out forcefully – in California, New Mexico and Arizona as well as Texas.
With congressional hearing scheduled in Texas this week, PFAW’s Austin office brought together diverse groups to plan community events in Houston, El Paso and Austin. In Houston, pro-immigrant groups organized a community dialogue, a prayer vigil and a press conference. In El Paso, hundreds attended a press conference and community forum held the evening before a hearing. In Austin, a press conference was followed by a community forum where a distinguished panel of immigration experts shared their insights.
July 31, 2006
PFAW garners support for comprehensive immigration reform
Last week in Mission, TX, People For the American Way co-sponsored a community forum and press conference in response to the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee hearings. The forum and press conference were PFAW’s latest events designed to raise public awareness of the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
The community forum, “The Untold Story of Life on the Border” was held at Mission City Hall. The forum consisted of three panels: “Law Enforcement and Security on the Border,” with Ana Yàñez Correa (Texas Criminal Justice Coalition) and Ray Ybarra (ACLU of Texas); “Family and Community on the Border,” featuring Jose Juan Garcia, Jose Aldape, and moderated by Benigno Peña (South Texas Immigration Council, Inc.), and “Education and Youth Opportunity on the Border,” with Olga Cardosa and Estela Sosa Garza (University of Texas - Pan American). The audience also heard from Juanita Valdez-Cox (LUPE), Luis Figueroa (MALDEF), and Rosalie Tristan (Valley Interfaith).
Over 80 community members participated in the forum, which was conducted entirely in Spanish and chronicled the moving stories of hard-working immigrants in America.
Although the forum primarily featured the speakers, John McClung (The Texas Produce Association) and Ray Prewitt (The Texas Vegetable Associaton) were also in attendance. Their presence demonstrated the broad agreement among business, agricultural, civil rights and religious groups that commonsense immigration reform is overdue.
People For the American Way and other organizations continue to promote their message of commonsense immigration reform in similar events. PFAW helped organize a community forum on July 31st in Las Cruces, NM in anticipation of a hearing by the Committee of House Administration on Thursday, August 3rd. People For the American Way is also working to organize a constructive response to anti-immigrant hearings around Texas on August 17th.
July 21, 2006
PFAW hosts progressive intern training
Last Thursday and Friday, People For the American Way Foundation sponsored intensive internship training for progressive organizations statewide. The training was part of PFAWF’s effort to build leadership and capacity within Texas’ progressive movement.
More than 40 interns from 16 organizations, including the ACLU of Texas, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, TexPIRG, OXFAM – USA, and the Center for Public Policy Priorities, participated.
The training consisted of a series of panels such as Grassroots Organizing, The Legislative Process, Netroots Organizing and Lobbying. Each panel had a diverse group of speakers, including Representative Mark Strama (TX – 50), Luis Figueroa of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network, and Philip Martin, a writer for the Burnt Orange Report. For many interns, the high point of the event was Media Training with Robert Nash, a PFAW consultant.
Interns traveled from as far away as Houston and spent the night on staffers’ couches in order to attend the training at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
“The training was thorough and well-planned,” said Kelly Johnson, a student at Smith College in Northampton, MA. Other interns are currently studying at Connecticut College, Rice University (TX), Cornell University (NY), Occidental College (CA), Colorado College and the University of Warwick (UK).
People For the American Way Foundation hopes to host similar trainings each semester as part of its efforts to educate and equip young progressive leaders.
 July 13, 2006
PFAW Texas Hosts Screening of A Blinding Flash of the Obvious!
On July 11th and 12th, the Texas and Southwest Region Office of People For the American Way Foundation hosted screenings of the inspiring documentary A Blinding Flash of the Obvious: A Film About Fairness and How It Was Won. This short, powerful documentary reveals how a united coalition of business, religious and elected leaders convinced conservative Cincinnati to approve the only successful gay rights ballot initiative in the country in 2004.
In Austin, PFAWF partnered with Atticus Circle, the ACLU, and a host of other progressive organizations at the Robert Jones Art House. Over 100 people attended the premiere. In Houston, PFAWF partnered with the Houston Equal Rights Association, PFLAG, Atticus Circle, which hosted the event. More than 75 people attended the Houston event. At each screening, the film was followed by a panel of speakers who gave insight into how they have personally been affected by the battle for equality and how activists can further the fight. In both venues, the community’s response was overwhelming and standing room only crowds watched the film.
In Austin, panelists included Rev. Steven Baines, Director of Interfaith Outreach for PFAWF; Anne Wynne, founder of Atticus Circle; Lisa Graybill, Legal Director of the ACLU of Texas; and Bettie Naylor, a life-long lobbyist and advocate for equality. In Houston, the panel consisted of Rev. Baines; Houston City Controller Annise Parker; Jerry Simoneaux, managing partner in the law firm of Nechman, Simoneaux, and Frye, PLLC; and Tammi Wallace, founder of Houston Equal Rights Alliance.
Panelist Lisa Graybill of the ACLU speaks while Bettie Naylor and Anne Wynne of Atticus Circle look on.
About Our Texas Office
 People For the American Way is working to identify and develop relationships with other progressive organizations and individuals who are working on behalf of our shared values in Texas. We are building a movement to form coalitions to advance our American values of civic participation, public education, civil rights and constitutional freedoms in our state government.
People For the American Way’s Texas office is in constant contact with our state legislators and local policy makers as well as with our most important sources of information – the people of Texas. Through grassroots organizing and participation in civic coalitions, we are listening to our state’s parents, teachers, health care providers, faith leaders, students and working people. We are committed to the on-going work of keeping democracy alive and well in Texas. To this end, one of our office’s most important functions is legislative advocacy. We’re exhaustively researching proposed legislation, strongly supporting policies that are good for Texas’ future and vociferously opposing those that serve only special interests.
Please take action today and join us as a member, volunteer and/or as an e-mail activist!
Learn more and get involved. You can use our directories of elected officials and media organizations to contact key decision-makers about the issues most important to you.
For more details about our activities in Texas, or to tell us what you’re working on, contact our Texas coordinator Joy Author at jauthor@pfaw.org.
You can also contact Sergio Lopez, at slopez@pfaw.org, in our Washington office. |
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U.S. senators and representatives from Texas
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Directory for the Texas state legislature
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