Take Action
Stop SB15 and related bills in the TXLEGE
Image: CPPP
SB15—which would not only revoke local control in Texas cities but do so in a way that allows business to discriminate—has now been broken into several bills. From League of Women Voters of Texas:
Senate Bill 15, a proposal banning local communities from protecting workers has now been broken into four separate bills. The new bills would prohibit local governments from requiring the following of their local businesses:
- SB 2485 – prohibits requiring benefits such as health, disability, retirement, profit-sharing, death, and group death or dismemberment benefits.
- SB 2486 – would ban fair scheduling ordinances.
- SB 2487 – bans adoption of requirements for leave, paid sick days, paid holidays, vacation, and personal necessity.
- SB 2488 – would ban “fair chance” hiring ordinances relating to hiring those with a criminal history.
None of these bills has an exemption for non-discrimination ordinances.
We must stop these unfair bills! We need to allow local governments to decide what is best for their workers.
Three ways to stop these bad bills
- Call your state Senator’s office, and ask them to oppose SB 15 and SB 2485, SB 2486, 2487, 2488): 1-833-417-4260
- Email your Senator using this easy action page from the League of Women Voters of Texas
- Sign this petition from Working Texans for Paid Sick Time.
Cheers and Boos on #VAWA Reauthorization
The House voted last week to approve the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. We had a rare split decision among our Republican reps in Central Texas, with Reps. McCaul, Williams, and Carter voting for the bill, and Reps. Flores and Roy voting No.
The National Rifle Association opposed the bill because it contains amendments that makes it harder for domestic abusers to buy a gun. This is the most likely reason that Flores and Roy caved.
If you are represented by Rep. Lloyd Doggett or any of the Republican reps who voted for the bill, call and give them your thanks.
If you are represented by Chip Roy or Bill Flores, call and ask them to explain their vote. Do they really value access to firearms over the safety of women?
Now the bill moves to the Senate. Call Cruz and Cornyn and tell them to vote yes on the reauthorization of VAWA—including the protections for domestic-abuse survivors.
Read more about Chip Roy’s priorities in this week’s Congress Critter
H.R. 1585: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019:
AYE:
✅ @RepLloydDoggett
✅ @RepMcCaul
✅ @RepRWilliams
✅ @JudgeCarterNo:
Now it's on to the Senate:
? @JohnCornyn
? @tedcruz #VAWAhttps://t.co/9sS5WbWdJx— Indivisible Austin (@indivisibleATX) April 5, 2019
How your voices are making a difference
- The House Judiciary Committee voted to subpoena the Mueller report
- The House Ways and Means Committee asked the IRS for six years of the commander of cheese’s tax returns
- New Mexico became the 14th state to pledge its electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote
Read “Exposing Corruption in Donny’s Swamp”
2020 Congressional Candidates!
With less than 11 months until the March 3 “Super Tuesday” Texas primary, several Central Texas candidates have announced that they are running. It’s never too early to start backing your favorites. These are not endorsements. We linked to candidate websites where available, and news articles and FEC filings when not.
TX10
- Mike Siegel (Indivisible Austin endorsed Siegel in the 2018 election cycle. Check out this fundraiser on Sunday)
- Pritesh Gandhi
TX17
TX21
- Bruce Boville
- Wendy Davis (considering)
TX25
- Julie Oliver (Indivisible Austin endorsed in 2018)
TX31
Do you have a tip on someone who’s planning to run for congress in Central Texas? Let us know!
Congress Critter of the Week: Chip Roy
Originally posted on Facebook by Cari Marshall. Reposted with permission.
This past Thursday, the U.S. House voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. The updated law would enable law enforcement to take away the guns of dating partners or stalkers convicted of abuse – closing the “boyfriend loophole.” (Under current federal law, only those convicted of abusing a spouse, a co-parent, or live-in partner can have his guns taken away.)
The National Rifle Association sought to block the act’s renewal because of this provision.
Nearly half of murdered women in this country were killed by a current or former domestic partner (usually by gun).
My ultimate point here, the one that makes me REALLY ANGRY, is that not only did my Rep Chip Roy vote NAY, he didn’t even bother to make a public statement about it (someone please correct me if I’m wrong!). But he’s quite proud of his NRA endorsement.
Continue reading Chip Roy’s 48 tweets about everything except his vote on VAWA19
Events
Monday, April 8
The People’s Committee Hearing on The Healthy Texas Act
Hosted by Rep. Gina Hinojosa
Please join Rep. Hinojosa, Our Revolution, and the AFL-CIO for a hearing about HB 4127 (aka Medicare for All!) oat 6pm. This hearing will take place at the AFL-CIO, located on 1106 Lavaca St. #200, Austin, TX 78701.
RSVP here: http://www.ginaforaustin.com/healthytxrsvp
Thursday, April 11
Planned Parenthood Texas Lobby Day
Hosted by Planned Parenthood Texas Votes & others
Join 1,000 fellow Planned Parenthood advocates at the State Capitol to rally for reproductive rights and talk to our legislators about the top issues impacting women’s health care. Together, we will make our voices heard and take a stand for access to confidential, expert, and comprehensive reproductive care for all Texans. No matter what.
Friday, April 12
Civics Celebration at the Capitol
Hosted by Civics 4 Y’all
Join us for a rally supporting high-quality civics education in Texas! Students, teachers, and community organizers will share their experiences with civics education and discuss the importance of high-quality civics education for all Texas students!
Event Schedule:
- 10 to 11 a.m., North Steps of Capitol (or REJ Conference Center North Room in the case of rain)
- 11 a.m. to noon Lobby Day. Check in at REJ Conference Center North Room
To sign up for individual meetings about civics education, please fill out this form
Funding the Fight
Look at everything happening this week! From opportunities to fight wretched bills to the BIG PUSH in 2020 to wrestle control of our government away from those who think the Constitution and human rights are mere annoyances.
Every week, every DAY is a chance to fight back. Indivisible Austin is taking up the fight. Be there with us. Be a part of the fight. Make a gift today.
Your Moment of Zen
And for no real reason b/c indeed there needn’t be one—please enjoy a baby porcupine eating a banana.?pic.twitter.com/2F3gSjEdgu
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@QasimRashid) April 4, 2019