Fight Continues on Health Care
[caption caption="Texas Alliance for Retired Americans activists joined a \"die in\" at Senator Cornyn's office on June 28"]
Progressive people rightfully claim success because the U.S. Senate did not vote on their "health care" before Independence Day, but like a wounded snake, it’s still lethal. The Alliance for Retired Americans continues to ask us to sign petitions and call the toll-free number 1-866-828-4162.
Texas Labor Looks Ahead at Convention
The Texas AFL-CIO convention June 22-24 in Houston did not dwell on past successes. It's true that Secretary-Treasurer Rick Levy announced that Texas had won more legislative seats in 2016 than any other state. It's true that President John Patrick said our United Labor Legislative Committee (ULLCO) had succeeded in stopping the "worst of the worst" anti-labor bills in the Texas legislature. It's true that the first graduating class of the Ruth Ellinger labor school received their diplomas, and it's true that the Youth Active Labor Leaders are playing a big role in the Texas labor movement. It's also true that 316 delegates had a bang-up celebration at the convention.
But that isn't what we talked about the most. AFL-CIO leaders from all over Texas are bracing for the Texas Legislature Special Session that begins July 18. Even though their bills, especially the ones that people understand, are not popular, the Republicans running the state are determined to continue with their anti-worker assault. The latest word from Texas AFL-CIO Communications Director Ed Sills is that the dreaded "Paycheck Deception" effort to destroy public employee unions will re-appear with new authors during the special session. It's our job to stop it.
[caption caption="Dallas was well represented -- and acknowledged -- at the Texas convention"]
More Actions Coming Up
Jun 30+: Call-In for Health Care. Free call to the Senators 1-866-828-4162
Jul 1, 8A-6P: Garage sale at 1623 Homewood Pl, Dallas, TX 75224-1104 to benefit Democratic Socialists of America.
Jul 4: Independence Day
July 5, 6P: Senator Ted Cruz Town Hall meeting. 1900 Gateway Blvd, McKinney, Texas 75070.
Jul 5, 6-8P: Information Session hosted by Congressional Campaign Fellowship. at 1408 N Washington.
Jul 6, 2P: Communications Workers Retired Members Council meets at 1408 N Washington. 214-826-6215
Jul 19, 7P: “Better Builder Interfaith Summit” at Midway Hills Christian Church, 1101 Midway Rd, Dallas 75229. Contact marvin@workersdefense.org