ALL WEEK: Defend the ACA…again
Friday is the deadline for Congress to pass a budget, and your health is being used as a bargaining chip to get that bill passed. The main difference in this latest bill is the MacArthur Amendment, which would give waiver options to states. This amendment is there to appease the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus. In other words, this bill is even worse than the last one.
Here’s an example from Celeste Pewter of what the MacArthur Amendment would allow insurers to do:
It would give states the option of opting out of requiring insurance companies to charge the same price to everyone who is the same age, a provision called “community rating.”
In other words: “the draft amendment would allow states to seek a waiver, freeing insurers to go back to using an individual rating system to set premiums.” This ultimately impacts people with pre-existing conditions.
E.g. Per MIC: If passed, this could allow insurance companies to charge cancer patients more for their insurance plan, that may not cover their drugs.
It’s an extremist example, but apt.
Call your HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES and tell them NO on the latest attempt to repeal Obamacare
ALL WEEK: Early Voting for May 6 Elections
Early voting for the May 6 local elections in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties takes place from April 24 – May 2. Municipalities and school boards throughout the region have positions up for election, and there are a number of bonds and tax elections, as well. Find out more about the elections and propositions on your ballot with the League of Women Voters – Austin Voters Guide, and more information about specific races, including the option to build your own ballot is available at Vote411.org.
ALL WEEK: Climate Justice Week
Climate Justice Week—a week of workshops, presentations, and panel discussions, culminating with the Austin People’s Climate March on April 29th—aims to foster understanding and build power at the intersections of protecting the planet with fighting the injustices facing people living in the margins of society.
Sunday, April 23
4 to 5:30 p.m. Climate Justice Week: Forests, Food, Faith and Climate Change
Austin Public Library Yarborough Branch
2200 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX 78756
Monday, April 24
All Day. Call Texas State House Reps to Tell Them NO on SB4: The Anti-Sanctuary Cities Bill
On Wednesday, SB4, the “Anti-Sanctuary Cities Bill” goes for the full House for a vote. There are several actions planned to draw attention to this cruel legislation.
Script for calling Texas House Reps:
“Hi, my name is ________ and I am calling to demand that the Representative OPPOSE Senate Bill 4 in any form. [My family / Texas students / Texas children] deserve/s to live without fear, and to live lives of dignity and prosperity. Please tell the Representative that Texans OPPOSE SB 4 and they must too.”
For up to the moment information, text “StopSB4” to 877877 to stay up-to-date on how you can help, and to be a part of this action to block Trump’s mass deportation agenda in Texas.
Download the Immigrant Ally Toolkit from Indivisible Guide
Read more from Indivisible TX LEGE
All Day. Call TEXAS HOUSE REPS to OPPOSE GERRYMANDERING / HB 2221
Last week, the Senate passed SB 949 that would cap legal fees owed to successful challengers of redistricting and school finance claims to $250,000. This comes on the heels of yet another federal court ruling that found that Texas intentionally diluted minority votes when drawing the State House Districts in 2011. To date, the ongoing litigation surrounding this court case has topped $5 million. According to Senator Kirk Watson, D-Austin, “[This] bill will make it harder for citizens of this state who are aggrieved by actions that violate the Constitution, to bring these cases.”
HB 2221 is the House companion bill to SB 949, and it’s in the House Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence. The bill is set for a hearing on Tuesday. We need to slow this bill down. NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL THESE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and tell them you OPPOSE gerrymandering and therefore also OPPOSE HB 2221:
Chair: Rep. John T. Smithee (512) 463-0702
Vice Chair: Rep. Jessica Farrar (512) 463-0620
Members:
Rep. Roland Gutierrez (512) 463-0452 ***
Rep. Ana Hernandez (512) 463-0614
Rep. Jodie Laubenberg (512) 463-0186
Rep. Andrew S. Murr (512) 463-0536
Rep. Victoria Neave (512) 463-0244 ***
Rep. Matt Rinaldi (512) 463-0468
Rep. Mike Schofield (512) 463-0528 (the AUTHOR of HB 2221)
*** Representatives that we know already will oppose HB 2221. But still okay to call to say thanks.
Next, CALL YOUR HOUSE REP and tell them to OPPOSE HB 2221.
Read more from Indivisible TX LEGE
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Climate Justice Week: Change Changemakers: Law and Policy
Austin Public Library Cepeda Branch
651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Tuesday, April 25
All Day. Call Texas State House Reps to Tell Them NO on SB4: The Anti-Sanctuary Cities Bill
On Wednesday, SB4, the “Anti-Sanctuary Cities Bill” goes for the full House for a vote. There are several actions planned to draw attention to this cruel legislation.
Script for calling Texas House Reps:
“Hi, my name is ________ and I am calling to demand that the Representative OPPOSE Senate Bill 4 in any form. [My family / Texas students / Texas children] deserve/s to live without fear, and to live lives of dignity and prosperity. Please tell the Representative that Texans OPPOSE SB 4 and they must too.”
For up to the moment information, text “StopSB4” to 877877 to stay up-to-date on how you can help, and to be a part of this action to block Trump’s mass deportation agenda in Texas.
Download the Immigrant Ally Toolkit from Indivisible Guide
Read more from Indivisible TX LEGE
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Alliance for Clean Texas (ACT) Lobby Day
Texas State Capitol. RSVP by April 24 by emailing rita.beving@gmail.com
From the organizers: The Alliance for a Clean Texas (ACT) represents a coalition of environmental, public interest, consumer rights and religious organizations dedicated to improving public health, quality of life and the environment in Texas by working for change at the regulatory and legislative levels.
6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Climate Justice Week: Climate Change, Housing Affordability, and Gentrification
Green Room
4804 B Grover Ave Austin, TX 78756
8 to 9 p.m. Emergency SB4 Conference Call with Indivisible Austin, Workers Defense Project, and United We Dream
Guest Speakers:
Jose Garza, Executive Director, Workers Defense Project
Chris Valdez and Karla Perez Ramirez, United We Dream
Dial-in Number: 1-(712) 770-8067
Conference Code: 409542
Wednesday, April 26
All Day. Call Texas State House Reps to Tell Them NO on SB4: The Anti-Sanctuary Cities Bill
On Wednesday, SB4, the “Anti-Sanctuary Cities Bill” goes for the full House for a vote. There are several actions planned to draw attention to this cruel legislation.
Script for calling Texas House Reps:
“Hi, my name is ________ and I am calling to demand that the Representative OPPOSE Senate Bill 4 in any form. [My family / Texas students / Texas children] deserve/s to live without fear, and to live lives of dignity and prosperity. Please tell the Representative that Texans OPPOSE SB 4 and they must too.”
For up to the moment information, text “StopSB4” to 877877 to stay up-to-date on how you can help, and to be a part of this action to block Trump’s mass deportation agenda in Texas.
Download the Immigrant Ally Toolkit from Indivisible Guide
Read more from Indivisible TX LEGE
9 a.m. United We Dream Press Conference to Stop SB4
South Capitol Steps
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Indivisible Austin Coffee Meetup
Cafe Java, 11900 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
A casual weekly meet-up for Indivisible Austin members and interested parties. Drop by to say hello, meet some of the members, grab a bumper sticker and wallet card, and maybe sit and chat for a while. We’re also now selling IATX t-shirts — $20 cash!
6 to 8 p.m. Capitol Vigil for Our Families to Stop SB4
Organized by United We Dream: Immigrant families, friends, & allies from across the state will join in solidarity and hold vigil at the State Capitol to uplift our families as the Texas House votes on Immigrant HATE Bill SB 4
6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Climate Justice Week: Climate Change and Education
University of Texas CPE 2.218
200 E Dean Keaton
Thursday, April 27
12 to 1 p.m. Training: Indivisible 101
North Austin, Location TBD
Instructor: Noah Masterson, Indivisible Austin co-founder and Board Vice President
New to the Indivisible movement? Ready to #Resist Trump but aren’t sure how to get started?
Join this basic training on what Indivisible is all about. You’ll learn:
- How to adopt Tea Party tactics for progressive change
- How we use Austin’s six gerrymandered congressional districts to our advantage
- How we have been successful in blocking the worst of Trump’s policies
Feel free to pack a lunch!
6 to 8 p.m. Indivisible Austin Coffee Meetup
Central Market, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78745
A casual weekly meet-up for Indivisible Austin members and interested parties. Drop by to say hello, meet some of the members, grab a bumper sticker and wallet card, and maybe sit and chat for a while. We’re also now selling IATX t-shirts — $20 cash!
6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Climate Justice Week: Climate Change and Public Health
Austin Public Library Pleasant Hill Branch
211 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Friday, April 28
Time TBD. Climate Justice Week Social/Hangout
Green Room
4804 B Grover Ave Austin, TX 78756
Saturday, April 29
1 p.m. Austin People’s Climate March
Texas State Capitol
Sunday, April 30
2:30 to 4 p.m. Training: “How to Plan & Attend In-Person Indivisible Actions”
Manchaca Road Library
5500 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745
Have you been to an action or 6 at your member of Congress’ office and wondered, wow, how did those organizers get so organized?
Have you thought, gosh, I’d like to plan a meeting, program, or demonstration but I don’t even know where to start?
Or have you just been reluctant to go to your member of Congress’ office because you don’t know how things would work when you got there?
Then come to our first-ever training on how to plan and attend in-person actions!
You’ll come away with creative ideas and practical tips for organizing and attending a successful event or meeting for your group.
All are welcome at this training!