City of Austin Passes Budget, Triggers Tax Rate Election
After two days of debate, the Austin City Council adopted a $6.3 billion budget for the next fiscal year and called for a tax rate election (TRE) in November. Read coverage from KUT News here. Look for more from LWVAA and other community organizations in the weeks to come.
Keep Up With Redistricting & the Special Session
The League of Women Voters of Texas opposes mid-cycle redistricting and believes that Texans deserve fair congressional maps. SB 4, the companion bill to HB 4, redraws Texas congressional maps only five years after the 2020 census. The new maps "pack and crack" minority communities for the purpose of creating five additional Republican leaning districts. The maps are the product of a rushed process, ignore public input, and engage in statistical tricks to avoid the clear implications under the Voting Rights Act.
Contact your legislators and urge them to oppose SB 4! The "Take Action" page on the LWV Texas website makes it easy!
League members only: On Tuesday, August 19, at 7:00 p.m., LWV Texas Vice President and Advocacy Chair, Elisabeth MacNamara, will present an overview of how the League's priority issues fared in the Texas 89th Legislature and in the first Special Session. With at least one more Special Session in progress and lawsuits being filed regarding redistricting issues, Elisabeth will discuss what League members can do to take action. Register here to receive a Zoom link.
Back to School: ACLU Texas Offers Free Speech Academy
Beginning the first week of September and continuing for seven weeks, ACLU Texas will offer an online civic education and action program designed to empower parents and adult community members with the tools to understand, defend, and exercise their free speech rights in schools, at school board meetings, and in local policy spaces. The deadline to apply is September 1.
Apply Today!
Looking for an Event to Support Democracy This Week?
The LWVAA calendar is here to help!
LWVUS News
Take Unite and Rise Actions from LWVUS
- Hold Congress accountable for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB).
- Read and share the LWVUS blog post discussing the OBBB and its effects on health coverage, reproductive healthcare, education, and more.
- Get involved! There are many ways to have your voice heard by elected officials and policy makers. Take action on League priorities today!
|