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Tell Greg Abbott, John Cornyn, and Ted Cruz that the NRA is not welcome in Texas

The annual NRA convention is in Dallas this weekend. Governor Greg Abbott and Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz are speaking. It’s time to call BS on our elected representatives, for not representing our interests. The NRA represents gun manufacturers, not gun owners, not citizens, and definitely not Texas. We stand with the majority of Americans, including gun owners, in demanding commonsense gun legislation.

Why are our two senators and our governor to beholden to the NRA that they would speak at their convention—despite (or perhaps because of?) the massive nationwide backlash against what is essentially a domestic terrorist organization. Their presence at the convention is insulting to victims of gun violence and to all Texans. Remind Cruz and Abbott that this is an election year for them, and for Cornyn in 2020, and that you’re paying attention to their sleazy alliance with gun lobbyists.

And if you’re in the Dallas area, protests begin at noon at City Hall Plaza on May 5th. And Indivisible Women Tarrant County is holding a die-in the night before.

Get the sample script and more on our blog >>

Ask John Cornyn and Ted Cruz why they put party before country

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance a bill to prevent Robert Mueller from being fired. Republicans Chuck Grassley, Lindsay Graham, Jeff Flake, and Thom Tillis joined with Senate Democrats in a 14-7 vote.

This vote was important. While Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he has no intention of allowing a full vote on this bill, the bipartisan vote in the Judiciary sends a message that the Senate puts country over party when it comes to Russian election interference.

Who were among the seven No votes? John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Call and tell them that when our nation is attacked by a foreign adversary, you expect better of your representatives.

Tell Cornyn and Cruz to #BlockHaspel

Read more at haspel.indivisible.org >>

Events

• Saturday, May 5th, 1:30 p.m. at T. Don Hutto Detention Center: A “People’s Tribunal,” where immigrant rights activists, community leaders and people who have been directly affected by the immigrant detention system will gather in front of the T. Don Hutto detention center to hold ICE accountable for its culture of secrecy and systemic abuse. Hosted by Grassroots Leadership. (Facebook)
• Sunday, May 6th, 1 p.m. at Laura’s Library: Meet the runoff candidates in TX-25 and HD47. This nonpartisan event will give you an opportunity to speak with each candidate in a small group and ask them the questions that matter to you. Hosted by Indivisible Eanes/West Austin. (Eventbrite | Facebook)

Congress Critter Corner: Rep. Roger Williams

Rep. Roger Williams loves selling cars, and for some car dealers, part of selling cars is having plenty of unregulated credit floating around. Maybe that’s why he’s so chummy with payday lenders… that plus the fact that payday lenders are some of Roger’s biggest donors. They’ve already given him more than $40,000 just in 2018!

They can afford it, since they often charge their borrowers, who are almost universally financially insecure, 300%, 400%… 800% interest or more. The payday lenders keep bad car loans afloat, while crushing their borrowers with revolving debt; so Roger can sell more cars. The lenders keep Roger in power with campaign contributions, and Roger keeps regulators off of the payday lenders’ backs while giving no support to more consumer friendly alternatives.

Everybody is happy and making money! Except for their borrowers, and us, Roger. We’re not happy, not even a little bit.

Your Moment of Zen

We know nothing about this candidate, but might have to endorse him based on the doggy voiceover alone.

Using your cute dog to motivate voters is a solid strategy ? pic.twitter.com/rh0oPmtFEW

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) April 27, 2018

Get to Know: ECHO

The challenge of caring for our homeless neighbors and empowering them to live as full members of the community now has a comprehensive and widely accepted plan to address it. Thursday, Austin City Council endorsed a plan from ECHO, the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, to provide comprehensive solutions, ending homelessness in Austin. Through a combination of robust case management and the greater resources in shelter, transitional, and permanent supportive housing, ECHO’s plan will address the many faces of homelessness in Austin. The city council’s endorsement is an important step. The plan will require a doubling of funding for homeless services to $30 million in funding, which ECHO intends to seek from a combination of governmental foundation and private sources.

…And Now a Note from Our Treasurer

If Trump and the Republicans have their way, everyone outside of the 1% is going to lose their shirt. So, why not pick up an extra one while we all fight to stop them?

Make a gift to Indivisible Austin’s fight for our democratic ideals today. While you’re there pick between our original Indivisible Austin t-shirts and stickers as our thank you to you.