Early Friday morning, with three key Republican NO votes, the Senate’s latest attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act and cut Medicaid failed decisively. That victory was a testament to constituent power. Groups from all over the country banded together to protect our care — and it worked!
Back in January, we heard daily that the ACA would be repealed in full on day 1. Here we are, more than six months later, with Congress’ repeal attempts in tatters. This is a huge win!
But this fight is not over, and as a movement we’ll need to remain vigilant against further attacks on the ACA and Medicaid, promised as early as this week. Together we’ll keep fighting until zealots like Ted Cruz and John Cornyn no longer hold office.
View our photo album from Saturday’s March for Healthcare Austin: Our Lives on the Line. We’ll keep organizing to protect our care as long as we need to!
There are two things you can do this week to keep this momentum going this week:
- Call John Cornyn and Ted Cruz’s offices and tell them that you expect the senate to return to “regular order,” with bipartisan cooperation and at least 60 votes on any healthcare bill.
- Support National ADAPT’s “Disability Integration Act” (DIA). Call both senators and your House representative and tell them to support the DIA, which addresses the fundamental issue that people who need Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) are forced into institutions, rather than remain in their communities.
Monday, July 31
7:30 – 9 a.m. A Conversation on Bathrooms with Sen. Garcia & Rep. Simmons
Presented by the Texas Tribune at the Austin Club, 110 E. 9th St.
“Join us in person or on our livestream for a conversation on bathroom politics and policy with state Sen. Sylvia Garcia and state Rep. Ron Simmons.”
More information and registration here.
Tuesday, August 1
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Y’all Means All: Interfaith Lobby Day
Hosted by Texas Impact at the Texas State Capitol.
Tentative Schedule for the Day
10am Press Conference on the South Steps of the Capitol
11am Advocacy Training (Robert E. Johnson Building)
12pm Lunch
1pm – 3pm Legislative Visits
Save the date and spread the word as Texas faith community leaders and Texans of all faiths stand against discrimination. Plan now to join us at the Capitol for a press conference, legislative updates, and visits with lawmakers during the high stakes special session.
Mainstream faith communities affirm the shared values of respect, dignity, and welcome for every person. Discriminatory legislation that targets individuals based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity runs counter to Texan values.
We reject the fear-filled rhetoric and un-American endorsement of discrimination that underlie proposed “bathroom legislation.” This legislation would pose a threat to vulnerable individuals, affirm state-sponsored discrimination, and dismiss the wisdom of local communities.
And then sign and share this statement opposing discriminatory legislation.
View this event on Facebook for the latest updates.
5 to 9 p.m. Night Out for Safety and Liberation
Hosted by Grassroots Leadership at Lanier High School, 1201 Payton Gin Rd.
What do you think #SafetyIs? This year, more than ever, we must redefine what safety means to our communities and demand what we need to thrive. Trump and his administration want us to fear each other, but we know we will all be safer when we turn to our neighbors, instead of turning on them.
Safe communities are important to all of us—join us on August 1st for Night Out for Safety and Liberation (NOSL) as we reimagine what public safety really means for our communities: having a living wage job, healthy food, healthcare, housing, education, and more.
Read more and RSVP on Facebook
Wednesday, August 2
John Cornyn tweeted this gem:
Obamacare premium increases for 2018 projected at 30% or more. So why did Senate Ds refuse to work with Rs to afford consumers relief?
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 2, 2017
He is the biggest troll ever. Call his office and ask him how Senate Ds were supposed to cooperate when they were never invited to do so. Also say you expect a return to “regular order,” with 60 votes on all healthcare bills going forward.
Thursday, August 3
8 p.m. Texas Solidarity Sing Along
In solidarity with singers across the nation, we sing songs of resistance in the Texas Capitol rotunda every Thursday evening.
https://www.facebook.com/solidaritysingalongtx/
Friday, August 4
6:30 to 9 p.m. Austin Candidate Forum
Hosted by ATX Democratic Veterans and PDA-CenTex at Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Topic areas: Healthcare, Community support, and veterans issues
Meet and greet will begin at 6:30
For a list of candidates who will be attending, view this event on Facebook or on Eventbrite.
Saturday, August 5
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Training: Military 101: Understanding Shared Values Across Communities
Hosted by Indivisible Austin at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave
Only 7.3% of living Americans have served in the U.S. military at some point of their lives, leaving most policymakers, advocates, and everyday citizens with a dearth of knowledge about the military’s organization and culture. Taught by military veterans, this training covers everything from high-level questions about the values of those who serve in the military all the way down to details about the differences between the various branches and ranks. Participants will walk away with a better sense of who serves in our military, why they do it and the values of public service and equality they share with the progressive community.