The Tea Party Doesn't Want You to Show Up

[TexasTowelie]

From Progress Texas

Rick Perry and the Tea Party run Texas Legislature are back in session, and that means it is time for progressives from across the state to come together, make some noise, and get the attention of our state leaders.

Over the next several weeks, many fantastic groups and coalitions will be organizing events, rallies, marches, and lobby days at the state Capitol. These important events provide an opportunity to show the strength of our community and promote progressive public policy ideas for our state.

Below we have highlighted four great upcoming events. This is not an exhaustive list, by any means - if you are interested about other rallies and lobby day opportunities on issues you don't see below, e-mail us at [e-mail] and we will help you find an opportunity for advocacy that works for you. We hope to see you at some of these events!

Texans Demand Immigration Reform - Friday, February 22nd

What: Texans are once against leading the way on immigration reform. As the debate heats up nationwide, Texas communities are taking their demands to the streets.

Who: The Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance (RITA) is a multi-sector statewide network dedicated to building support for comprehensive immigration reform. RITA’s goal is to present a common, pro-reform Texas voice and educate Texas elected officials about the need to fix America’s broken immigration system with fair, humane and sensible policies that foster America’s strength, security and prosperity.

When: Friday, February 22nd. Events start at 11:00 AM.

Where: Meet at Republic Square Park at 4th and Guadalupe for a march to the Capitol.

Click here for more information, directions, and a detailed schedule. http://reformimmigrationfortexas.org/1/2013/texans-to-march-in-austin-for-immigration-reform/

Save Texas Schools - Saturday, February 23rd

What: Public education in Texas is under threat like never before. Continuing budget cuts, private school vouchers and a broken testing system all threaten our children's future. Stand up with thousands of others from across the state and demand that outstanding public education be a top priority for Texas.

Who: Save Texas Schools is a nonpartisan statewide volunteer coalition of parents, students, educators, business leaders, concerned citizens, community groups and faith organizations.

When: Saturday, February 23rd. Events start at 10:45 AM.

Where: A march down Congress Avenue followed by a rally at the Texas Capitol.

Click here for more information, directions, and a detailed schedule. http://savetxschools.org/

Texas Medicaid Matters - Tuesday, March 5th

What: In the next few months, the Texas legislature will make decisions about health care for millions of Texas kids and families. This includes whether Texas will restore funding from the health care budget in 2011, and whether our state will opt for a Medicaid solution to cover an estimated 1.4 million uninsured, low-income Texans under health reform. Families across Texas need your energy, your voice, and your passion. Join the rally and call on the Texas Legislature and our state leaders to:

Protect Medicaid for children and other vulnerable Texans.
Extend Medicaid to low-income adults who qualify for it under the Affordable Care Act.

Who: Texas Well and Healthy is a grassroots, statewide campaign to ensure Texans have access to health coverage they need and have access to the benifits of a fully implemented Affordable Care Act.

When: Tuesday, March 5th. Events start at 10:45 AM.

Where: A march down Congress Avenue followed by a rally at the Texas Capitol.

Click here for more information, directions, and a detailed schedule. http://texaswellandhealthy.org/march-5/

Our Future, Our Texas! - Wednesday, April 10th

What: Our state leaders have the opportunity to undo the disastrous 2011 cuts and to prioritize education, health care, public safety, the environment, and economic opportunity for all Texas families. Investing in Texas now is the right thing to do and can ensure the future safety, health and strength of our state.

Who: Texas Forward is a coalition of organizations promoting a balanced approach to state budget decisions. The member organizations represent a broad spectrum of interests, but all believe that meeting the needs of Texans and moving our state forward to greater prosperity and opportunity will require more than just belt-tightening and cuts in education, healthcare and other vital public services.

When: Wednesday, April 10th. Events start at 11:00 AM.

Where: A march through downtown Austin followed by a rally at the Texas Capitol.

Click here for more information, directions, and a detailed schedule. http://txforward.org/ourfutureourtexas.html

Just because you can't make it to Austin for one of these events, doesn't mean your voice can't be heard on these issues. You can always find your legislator in the Texas House and Texas Senate to call them and tell them these issues are important. You can also click below to take action now and help us spread the word:

Education: Sign this petition and tell Rick Perry and David Dewhurst that our kids can't wait until 2014 to fix our schools.
https://secure3.convio.net/pn/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3401

Health Care: Sign this petition and tell your Texas legislator that Texas and its residents need Medicaid expansion!
http://signon.org/sign/i-support-medicaid-expansion?source=c.url&r_by=423259

Budget: Sign this petition and tell Susan Combs and state leadership that the problem is not Medicaid, public education, or any other essential public service; the problem is the priorities of state leadership. We need a real plan to meet the needs of Texans!
https://secure3.convio.net/pn/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2509

Thanks for everything that you do.

Sincerely,

Phillip Martin
Progress Texas