#txlege 2021.Moving from Elections to Advocacy. Here's what to do.
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Advocacy is not as hard as you think.
As Democrats, we have a unique opportunity to interact with our state lawmakers and provide testimony to committees on legislation important to our neighbors.
What to do now
What to do now
- Email or Call your representatives to let them know what legislation you support or do not support.
- Find out who represents you. SW Austin Rep's contacts are below.
- Sign up to testify in committee. Details under each issue below. (when available)
- Show up for votes in the House or Senate galleries. (may be limited due to COVID restrictions.)
Issues we're tracking
Note: Redistricting will be tackled in a special session later in 2021.
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Voting Rights
Republicans are pushing to make voting access more difficult. An omnibus bill has been prioritized by Gov. Abbott to falsely characterize voting in Texas as unsecure, leading to more restrictions on voting. Only 10 states do not have online voter registration – Texas is one of them. Key Message: I support expanded access to the ballot box. I support online voter registration, expanded voting hours and longer early voting periods. I support no-excuse vote by mail. See a sample letter against SB 7 and HB 6 
What you can do now:
Write to your state representative in support of expanded voter rights, in terms of online and automatic registration. Or, write to the House Elections Committee or the Senate State Affairs Committee in opposition to the governor's proposal to make it harder to access the vote. *SW Austin Voters - Donna Campbell is on the Senate State Affairs committee - please let her know how you stand. Bills to watch: HB 6 and SB 7 - restrict voting rights. HB 111, HB 350 - expand voting rights. |
Public Education
State Democratic leaders are concerned that the Republican Governor, Lt. Governor and House Speaker will pay for winterizing private electric-producing plants on the backs of public schools. Key Message: Tap the rainy day fund, if needed, to fund public schools. 50% of the state budget should be allocated to public education. I do not support cuts to public schools. Key Links: Raise your Hand, Texas Legislative Priorities Document |
Medicaid Expansion
Texas is one of just 12 states that has not expanded Medicaid, though we have the highest number of uninsured in the nation. With Covid-related job losses, that number is expected to climb. Key Message: Support expanded Medicaid in Texas. Texas is currently passing up $5.4 billion a year in new federal funds that could be used to expand Medicaid. The state would have to put in just $1 for every 9 federal dollars. Review the PowerPoint presented by Anne Dunkelberg from the March 5 meeting.
What you can do now:
Write a letter through Sick of It Texas. Write to your state representatives in support of Medicaid expansion. Indivisible TX Lege guide on Medicaid. Download our guide to writing the letter. Bills to watch: TBD |
SW Austin Representatives
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Texas House District 47
Vikki Goodwin (TX 47) - D https://www.facebook.com/VikkiGoodwinTX https://twitter.com/VikkiGoodwinTX Office Phone: (512) 463-0652 vikki.goodwin@house.texas.gov Texas House District 48 Donna Howard (TX 48) - D https://www.facebook.com/votedonna https://twitter.com/DonnaHowardTX Office Phone: (512) 463-0631 donna.howard@house.texas.gov |
State Senate District 14
Sarah Eckhart (SD 14) - D https://www.facebook.com/SarahEckhardtAustin https://twitter.com/sarah_eckhardt Office phone: (512) 463-0114 sarah.eckhardt@senate.texas.gov State Senate District 24 Dawn Buckingham (SD 24)- R https://www.facebook.com/dr.dawn.buckingham/ https://twitter.com/DrBuckinghamTX?s=09 Office phone: (512) 766-7324 dawn.buckingham@senate.texas.gov |
State Senate District 25
Donna Campbell (SD 25) - R https://www.facebook.com/DonnaCampbellTX https://twitter.com/DonnaCampbellTX Office phone: (512) 463-0125 donna.campbell@senate.texas.gov |