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1212 Guadalupe St. #107
Austin, TX 78701

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(512) 472-1100
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Date: 9/24/2021
Subject: Capital Action Report - League of Women Voters of Texas
From: Janet Imhoff



September 24, 2021
What's Happening at the Capitol
Janet Imhoff, Vice President Advocacy
 
Breaking News: LWVTX Issues Press Statement on Secretary of State Calling for 2020 Election Reviews! 
 
Our 2020 election was above reproach. During recent legislative committee hearings on election bills, the Secretary of State’s office testified that the November 2020 election was smooth and secure.  Yesterday, former president Trump demanded that Governor Abbott include more partisan election reviews on the agenda for the third special session. Shortly thereafter, the acting Secretary of State announced they are conducting a review of the 2020 election in 4 counties in Texas.  The partisan call for election reviews is needless and a waste of time for our hard-working elections officials.
 
You can see the full statement to the press here.

The 3rd Special Session Begins!

The session is mainly for redistricting, although a few other issues are on the Governor’s agenda.  Two new ones were added yesterday:

  • adding tighter restrictions to the cash bail system for violent offenders, and 

  • giving school property tax relief using the surplus.

We will be watching these bill carefully! Until we learn the details, the League will not advocate on either of these.


Watch the Hearings!

  •  The House Corrections Committee will hold a hearing on Monday, Sept. 27, 11 AM,  to hear “Border security impacts on state prison populations.”  Watch the hearing here.
  • The Senate Redistricting Committee hearings: Friday, Sept. 24, 10 AM, and Saturday, Sept. 25, 9 AM. Watch here.

 

Redistricting:

You may receive separate emails on Redistricting due to the speed of the session.  An email went out on Wednesday to alert members about Senate hearings on Friday and Saturday.  The Senate Redistricting Committee will take comments virtually from across the state, or in person at the Capitol. 
 
We encourage you to testify if you are able and submit comments! To assist you our Redistricting Issue Chair has developed this Guide to Writing Redistricting Testimony.

New Blogs:

 We have no new LWVTX Action Alerts yet, but please follow our Issue Chairs recent  blogs. Click on the links below and scroll down to the “blogs” section of the page.

  • Immigration - Haitian Refugees  "The current immigration crisis in Del Rio is overwhelming the small community of 35,000 with 15,000 Haitians living under bridges, and facing extreme heat, no food, and poor conditions."
  • Redistricting - "Opportunities for Public Comment on Senate Redistricting Map"

If you have not seen the new LWV Texas website, check it out! 

Take Action!
Donate to Your Texas League Today! 
 
Together, we are working to empower voters and defend democracy in Texas. I do not have to tell you, we have a lot of work to do! If you have appreciated your weekly Capitol Action Report, the League's Action Alerts, and the very easy to use Action Center to contact your legislators, consider taking the next action step. Support your dedication to Texas voters and our democracy by making a financial commitment to the League of Women Voters of Texas. 
 
Members and supporters may make an annual gift, give monthly, or make a one time donation. Some are planning a legacy gift to the League. Individual donations range from $5/month to $5000 gifts. What works for you? 
 
The League is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization. The the League is foremost a nonpartisan, grassroots, membership-driven civic organization. League members and volunteers encourage informed and active participation in government, work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence public policy through education and advocacy. Take an additional action step to empower voters and defend democracy in Texas. 
 

LWVUS Action Alert:

A new Action Alert on the Freedom to Vote Act came from LWVUS on Wednesday.  It is directed to our Senators! 

Please respond: Freedom to Vote Act Action Alert.

FYI!
LWV Dallas critical race theory

 

All League members are invited to a Zoom webinar on Thursday, Sept. 30, 7-8:30 PM. 

Registration is required. See this link for information.


LWVUS Redistricting Webinar 9.2021
Join the League of Women Voters of the US next Thursday 9/30, at 1 pm ET on Facebook Live for a virtual discussion outlining ways to get involved in community redistricting. The League of Women Voters President Dr. Deborah Ann Turner will moderate the discussion with panelists from NAACP, Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), and National Congress of American Indians.
RSVP and learn more here.

LWV Austin Area Webinar: "Democracy in the Spotlight: the 87th Texas Legislative Session"

Sunday, September 26, 2021 at  2:30-4 pm (2:00 for LWV Austin members)

 

Welcome & Moderator - Cinde Weatherby, LWVTX Voting Rights & Election Law Issue Chair

  • Historical Perspectives - Harvey Kronberg, Quorum Report publisher
  • Legislator Perspective - Rep. John Bucy, Texas House District 136
  • Election Official Perspective - Isabel Longoria, Harris County Election Administrator  
  • Legal Perspective - Thomas Buser-Clancey, ACLU 
  • Q&A

Are you ready to lead?

The League of Women Voters of Texas is looking for applicants to serve on the Board of Directors. We are looking for committed candidates who have experience in leadership, business, government, philanthropy or nonprofit work. Creative visionaries and hard workers should apply!

 

This is a working board. Currently, the Board meets monthly for 2 hours via zoom. The Board will also meet at least twice a year in person over a long weekend. Between meetings each board member assumes responsibilities for specific tasks such as voter education, advocacy, growing strong and healthy Leagues, and we all do fundraising. 

 
For information click here

The League of Women Voters of Texas 
1212 Guadalupe Street #107
Austin, Texas 78701
512-472-1100