Calls to Action

ISSUE

The primary runoff elections will take place Tuesday, May 26, and public health concerns around COVID-19 will likely still be looming large. The same may be true by the time of the November general election. To prevent Texans from deciding between voting and protecting their health, our state government should increase the availability of voting by mail.

FOR MORE

Texas runoff candidates curbing direct voter contact amid coronavirus concerns

ACTION TO TAKE

Call your State Representative, State Senator, and Governor Greg Abbott at 512-463-2000. Say:

“My name is _____ and I’m a constituent of {Representative/Senator name}. My zip code is _____. I’m calling to encourage my representative/senator and Governor Abbott to find solutions for our May runoff election, as well as the general election in November, that will allow all voters to vote by mail or otherwise ensure access to the polls in a way that takes into account the current public health crisis. Thank you.”

BACKGROUND

In recent years, police forces across the state of Texas have pushed back against federal immigration directives. Why? Because local law enforcement better understand the priorities needed to keep their communities safe, and going after hard working immigrants is not a priority. Now ICE is planning to send additional forces to crack down on immigrants in “sanctuary cities.”

• The story: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/elite-bortac-unit-to-join-sanctuary-city-crackdown

CALL

Call your state elected officials and urge them to push back and support local priorities.

“Hi, I’m a constituent of {Sen/Rep/Governor} _________. I am urging {her/him} to push back against the increased ICE activity in Texas. We need to let our local police officers set local priorities, and cannot have families living in constant fear. We cannot let this federal overreach go unopposed! My zip code is ______.”

• To find your representatives: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
• Governor’s office contact info: https://gov.texas.gov/contact

ISSUE

Governor Abbott has announced that Texas will opt out of accepting refugees. Since then, a court has blocked the decision, thankfully, but we still need to make it loud and clear that Texas welcomes refugees.

NUMBER TO CALL

512-463-2000

SUGGESTED SCRIPT

“Hi, I’m a Texan and constituent of Governor Greg Abbott, and I was appalled to hear that he hopes to block refugees from resettling in Texas. Texas is a large and wealthy state that has been only made stronger by the refugee families who have resettled here. I’d also like to remind the Governor that Texas is a friendly state, and he will face a tough reelection in 2022 if he continues to push hateful policies that hurt people. My zip code is _____.”

Both HD 28 and HD 148 have runoff elections on January 28. Early voting starts on Tuesday, January 21 and ends Friday, January 24. Here’s how you can help GOTV.

• Block Walk w Swing TX Left to Get Out The Vote for Eliz Markowitz in HD28!
• Phone Bank NOW FROM ANYWHERE for Eliz to Flip TX HD 28!
• Volunteer for Anna Eastman (HD 148)

ISSUE

Former Texas college and university students often carry a crushing student loan debt years after they finish attending their institution. This can reduce their post college standard of living, and lead to crippling loan defaults. Also, the state is less likely to reach its college degree goals as the student loan problem worsens.

WHO SHOULD ACT AND WHEN

Anyone can call any of the committee members, and do it anytime from now until September 1, 2020.

WHO TO CALL

House Higher Education Committee members:

• Chris Turner Chair (D) (512) 463-0574
• Lynn Stuckey VC (R) (512) 463-0582 
• Angie Chen Button (R) (512) 463-0486
• John Frullo (R) (512) 463-0676 
• Donna Howard (D) (512) 463-0631 
• Leo Pacheco (D) (210) 928-9023
• Matt Scheafer (R) (512) 463-0584
• John Smithee (R) 512) 463-0702
• Armando Walle (D) (512) 463-0924
• Terry Wilson (R) (512) 463-0309

Senate Higher Education Committee members:

• Brandon Creighton Chair (R) (512) 463-0104
• Royce West Vice Chair (D) (512) 463-0123
• Paul Bettencourt (R) (512) 463-0107
• Brandon Creighton (R) (512) 463-0104
• Pete Flores (R) (512) 463-0119
• José Menéndez (D) (512) 463-0126
• Beverly Powell (D) (512) 463-0110
• Larry Taylor (R) (512) 463-0111
• Kirk Watson (D) (512) 463-0114

SAMPLE SCRIPT

“Hi, I’m {your name} and I’m calling because I’m seriously concerned about the crushing student loan debt that college students must take on in order to afford a higher education degree. This debt reduces Texan’s post-college standard of living and can lead to crippling loan defaults. Also, the state is less likely to reach its college degree goals as the student loan problem worsens. I ask that you study this problem and make recommendations for consideration during the 2021 session as part of the {House Interim Higher Education or Senate Interim Education Committee’s} work this interim.  Thank you.”

BACKGROUND

• CPPP: Let’s Keep College within Reach
• Degrees of Debt: What to Do About Rising College Debt in Texas” is a three-part data series by the Center for Public Policy Priorities. Part 3/3
• Texas Higher Ed Coordinating Board, 60×30 plan on student debt
• ScienceDaily: Texas’ strategic goal for students’ debt burden shows potential promise and pitfalls
• Dallas Morning News: Are Texas college students taking on too much debt? A new study suggests maybe
• Houston Chronicle: New report reveals how much debt Texas college students graduated with in 2018

ISSUE

Texas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country, and it’s also one of the hardest states to vote. Here are a few actions you can take to help increase voter turnout in Texas.

ACTIONS TO TAKE

Call Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz to support HR 4.

• 5calls.org: Pass HR 4 – Restore Federal Protections Against Voter Suppression

Become a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar

• Deputy Voter Registrar Guide

Volunteer for a voting rights group

• Texas Civil Rights Project
• Common Cause
• League of Women Voters

EXPIRATION DATE

This action never expires. We invite everyone to stay involved with this issue!

ISSUE

Dial in to hear what our 2020 plans are to motivate Texans to GOTV (get out the vote), flip the Texas state house, why flipping the house is so important, and how we plan to prep for the 2021 legislative session that will include the all important Redistricting!

WHEN

Sunday, December 8, 3 PM

INFO

Dial-in: (512) 649-5398 (no access number needed)
Take Action by: December 8

And check out our calendar page to see what else is coming up!

ISSUE

Our group is organized by issue huddle to make sure you’re able to work on issues that are most important to you. Join us this Saturday to learn more about Huddles: Roles and Goals.

WHEN

Saturday, December 7, 11 AM

INFO

Dial-in: (425) 436-6200
Access number: 402-980
For more: Huddle Up!
Take Action by: December 7

And check out our calendar page to see what’s coming up!

ISSUE

On Wednesday of last week, a Butadiene Plant in Port Neches, TX suffered massive explosions, forcing evacuations to the neighboring communities. The video footage of this horrific event is simply unreal. Contact the TCEQ and EPA and urge them to stand up to businesses and work to protect the health and environment of all Texans.

ACTION

Anyone can call or comment. No deadline, but sooner is better!

Call: 512-239-1000 (TCEQ); 800-887-6063 (EPA’s Dallas Office)

Comment:

• TCEQ Pending Permit Application
• EPA Pending Regulation Comment Submission

Say something like: “Hi, I’m a resident of Texas, and I was deeply troubled by the massive explosions in Port Neches last week, especially considering the recent federal rollbacks of environmental and safety protections at refining and chemical plants. These corporations have the know-how and the means to maintain safe operating facilities, and if they don’t, they have no right being in business. I urge the [TCEQ / EPA] to do everything in their power to enforce existing laws on these facilities to ensure the health and safety of our communities. Thank you.”

FOR MORE

CBS News: Forced Evacuations after Chemical Plant Explosions

ISSUE

Y’all, we live in a huge state. You’ve probably seen the news that if Texas flips, there’s no way a certain “Republican” can be reelected to the Presidency. And for Texas related work, if we don’t flip the Texas House of Representatives, we will likely have no bipartisan voice at the redistricting table. The work we do between now and November 2020 is vital, both for Texas and for the country, and we need your help!

Our state government has incredible power to make Texas lives better or much worse, so let’s make sure we do the work to keep Texas moving in a healthy direction!

RESOURCES

• Sign up to learn more: Indivisible TX Lege Onboarding
• Join an Issue Huddle: We’re organized by issue huddle: healthcare, democracy, education, and more. Let us know what area you’re most passionate about!
• Help out behind the scenes: There is so much work to do! Help out by keeping our calendar up to date, developing calls to action, compiling one-pagers on target legislators, and more!
• Check out our revamped Website: IndivisibleTXLege.org