Important Dates:
- February 5 – last day to register to vote in the primary
- February 20 to March 2 – Early voting
- March 6 – Election Day!
Who’s on the Texas primary ballots in 2018? >> (Texas Tribune)
Read how your voices are making a difference >>
Actions
“Shithole.”
The President’s repugnant statements last week succeeded in taking attention away from the actual policies being debated. Instead of debating the flaws or merits of the deal, the press have been focused on yet another White House sideshow. We must turn our attention to ensuring Congress passes comprehensive protection for DREAMers—without harming other immigrant groups. We will allow for nothing less.
Read: A Racist Is Not Capable of Negotiating an Immigration Deal in Good Faith >> (Indivisible Austin)
Tell your MoCs to Vote NO on any spending bill that leaves children and DREAMers behind
Not only is the government only funded through January 19, but there is no deal in sight to protect DREAMers or provide long-term stability for CHIP.
Tell leadership of both parties: “A funding bill that neglects the health of children and the security of DREAMers is unacceptable. Vote NO on any spending bill that leaves children and DREAMers behind.”
Protect DREAMers
There are more than 120,000 DACA recipients in Texas alone — an estimated 20,000 of which are schoolteachers. Over 14,000 immigrant youth have already lost DACA protections, putting them at risk of deportation.
Demand your MoCs take the DREAMer Pledge >> (Indivisible Project)
See who the “DREAM Killers” Are >> (United We Dream)
Important information for DACA-recipients—please spread the word. US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that, “Until further notice, and unless otherwise provided in this guidance, the DACA policy will be operated on the terms in place before it was rescinded on Sept. 5, 2017. If you previously received DACA and your DACA expired on or after Sept. 5, 2016, you may still file your DACA request as a renewal request.”
Long-term stability for CHIP
Congress did the absolute bare minimum by providing only a few weeks’ extra funding for CHIP before the holidays. This type of reckless, stop-and-go funding threatens the health of children and pregnant women across the country.
Call your MoCs in both the House and Senate and tell them to fund the CHIP program before more Texas children and pregnant women lose coverage.
Read: The price of extending CHIP is now so low it saves the government money >> (Vox)
Read: 30+ Texas Health Groups Send Urgent CHIP letter to Washington >>
Events
Monday, January 15
9 a.m. to 3 p.m MLK March, Festival, and Food Drive, The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multiculturalism in our city. The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 15 at 9 a.m.with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus.
We will then march to the south steps of the State Capitol for a short program and marchers will continue on to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
MLK COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
The MLK Community Festival kicks off as soon the marchers arrive on location and will last until 3 p.m.; it will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever!
Wednesday, January 17
6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Cities: On-the-Ground Impact, LBJ Library, 2313 Red River. Join the Future Forum for a conversation on sanctuary cities from the diverse perspectives of those who witness the on-the-ground impact. View Facebook Event >>
Thursday, January 18
7:30 a.m. A Conversation with Lupe Valdez, Democratic Candidate for Governor, Capital Factory, 701 Brazos. Hosted by the Texas Tribune.
7 p.m. Indivisible Cedar Park Meeting & VDR Training, Twin Creeks Country Club, 3201 Twin Creeks Club Dr, Cedar Park, TX. RSVP to Melissa Crijns (melissa.crijns@gmail.com).
Saturday, January 20
Many have asked about a Women’s March. Being Austin, there will not be just one event, but three! We are not the organizers of any of these events but we will have a table at the Roe V Wade Rally. Stop by and say hello.
Here is the sequence of the day’s events:
- 10 a.m. Impeachment Rally at City Hall
- 12 p.m. Texas Handmaids procession from City Hall to the Capitol
- 1 p.m. 45th Texas Roe V Wade Rally at the Capitol. Join the Texas Reproductive Rights Rally and celebrate the anniversary of the historic Roe V Wade Supreme Court Decision which guarantees the right to medical privacy in the event of a person seeking an abortion. This event is absolutely free of charge and open to all.
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