Action News! 
January 3, 2016
Table of Contents


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Help "Organize, Educate and Agitate" Today! 
From The President  
 
 2017 is here!  As Texas League members, we have much to do.  The Legislature convenes on January 10. Lobby Days are January 30 - 31 and our Making Democracy Work Benefit Dinner is January 30.
 
The Texas Legislative Session promises to be challenging - the budget will be difficult and school finance is a top issue along with health care financing issues. We can also expect to be defending against restrictive voter suppression bills while at the same time we will be fighting to pass expansions of voting rights, such as online voter registration and improved redistricting processes. Reproductive rights will be challenged again, and "bathroom bills" have already been filed. We have our work cut out for us.

I encourage everyone who can to come to Austin for Lobby Days. Those of you who can't come to Austin can be there in spirit and can participate by calling & emailing your legislators on Jan. 31. After Lobby Days, you will recieve regular Action Alerts to contact your legislators about specific bills.  With everyone pulling together, League members can make the difference! 

Happy New Year! 
 
Elaine Wiant   

2017 LWV-TX Lobby Days - Jan 30-31


DEADLINE for Hotel Discount is Jan 8th. 

LaQuinta Inn  (300 East 11th St, Austin, 78701) is one block from the Capitol grounds. 

Call  512-476-1166  to make your reservation. Rooms are blocked in the name  League of Women Voters of Texas.   Confirmation No: 09071693 Rates for  Jan. 30 & 31 are $162/night . Room  rates will increase after Jan 8. 
Making Democracy Work Benefit Dinner - Jan. 30
Please join us to celebrate and support the League of Women Voters of Texas!   In addition to keynote speaker Dr. Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, LWV-TX will recognize and honor stellar community organizations who strive to Make Democracy Work® in Texas. A noted political scientist and analyst, Dr. DeFrancesco Soto will discuss changes and trends in voting patterns in Texas. 

Advocacy Report - "Potty Bills" and More
Grace Chimene, Vice President
While our priorities are women's health, education and voting rights, it seems Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's top priority this session is bathroom regulation targetting transgender people.  Picking on this very small group of Texans, he is instilling fear and creating problems where none exist.  

In case you are wondering, the League will stand to protect the civil rights of all people. Our "
 "all persons, regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability." The League fights to:
  • Protect the civil rights of all people. 
  • Prohibit discrimination against lesbians and gay men in jobs, housing and public accommodations. 
  • Provide legislation against hate crimes.
  • In 2010 we included providing the rights of heterosexual couple to of same gender couples. 
LWV-TX Statewide Conference - Jan 30 at 12:30PM
Nancy Parra, Vice President
The LWV-TX is holding a Statewide Conference Jan. 30 at 12:30 PM, in conjunction with Lobby Days, to vote on the proposed update to the Redistricting position. 
 
A t the LWV-TX State Convention in March, the Austin Area League proposed updating the Redistricting position to include an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The update was approved.  Frances McIntryre (LWV-Austin Area)  chaired  the Program Review Committee. Click below to read the committee's report.

SAVE THE DATE 
April 27-29, 2018, State Convention 2018, Inn of the Hills, Kerrville