Republicans Have Health Problems
Congressman Marc Veasey writes, "Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. We must continue to raise our voices on the devastating impact the Senate health care bill will have on our families.... we continue to fight tooth and nail against this inhumane bill.”
Republicans who want to slash health care continue to have problems in the Senate. Texans continue a stream of protests. Arrests of some protesters have begun.
Knives Sharpened Against Public Workers
As if the Legislative Special Session that begins July 18 weren't bad enough, "Paycheck Deception" is again on the agenda in Austin. For the upcoming special legislative session Abbott, Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, want to take away the ability of public employees - with teachers comprising the largest group - to use payroll deductions for their union, labor organization and/or professional association dues.
Editors of the Houston Chronnicle say, "Their fellow lawmakers should refuse to support this effort." So do we!
Organize, Organize!
Experimental launching of a new Digital Organizing Committee begins on-line at 7 PM Sunday, July 9. Its goal is to advance and help co-ordinate labor's organizing efforts. One obvious goal is to improve turnout at labor's meetings and activities. Another goal that suggests itself is the forming of a "Speakers Bureau" to seek opportuniities to tell labor's story. Telecommunications is only a small part of organizing, but it can help.
Organizers and potential public speakers are encouraged to sign up by clicking here.
Elections Are Never Far Away
The Dallas AFL-CIO has already had candidates approaching us and more can be expected. But working for specific candidates is not the only way to make a difference. Meanwhile, the Dallas newspaper indicates that a fight is developing among Democratic Party leaders. Although the overwhelming majority of states are saying "no thank you," Texas will turn over partial voter data to a commission started by President Trump. The commission has asked for all voter data nationwide. It is being resisted on privacy grounds.
Texas retirees are discussing how we can best prepare for the critical 2018 elections. Certain key Texas districts have already been targeted by canvassers who are gathering information and making friends, even though no candidates have been endorsed.
A lot of union members and supporters are Precinct Captains, and a lot more could be if they checked on vacancies. Each of them could use help contacting precinct members. Certain groups are conducting training sessions.
More Actions Coming Up
Jul 7-10: Call-In for Health Care continues. Free call now goes to the Governor. 1-866-828-4162. Senators are in recess. Senator Cornyn: 972-239-1310. Senator Cruz: 214-599-8749
Jul 8, 9A: KNON 89.3 “Workers Beat” program explores women’s leadership with Katherine McGovern of Women’s March DFW. Call in 972-647-1893
Jul 8: Labor organizer Ella Reeve "Mother" Bloor born on Staten Island, 1862
Jul 9, 7P: First experimental on-line meeting of Digital Organizing Committee. Sign up
Jul 14: Labor troubadour Woody Guthrie born in Okemah, Oklahoma, 1912
Jul 15, 6-8P: Rally for Health Care at Klyde Warren Park. Click for info
Jul 18: Texas Legislature Special Session begins
Jul 19, 7P: “Better Builder Interfaith Summit” at Midway Hills Christian Church, 1101 Midway Rd, Dallas 75229. Click for more info
Jul 21, 7:30P: Central Labor Council invites all affiliated members to 1408 N Washington, Dallas
Aug 2, Noon: Celebrate anniversaries of Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security with Texas Retireesat Alliance/AFT Hall, 334 Centre in Oak Cliff