Dear TTP Citizen Advocates,

I hope you all enjoyed your4th of July celebration, honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence that started us down the road to a new nation.  We've all memorized that first part of the Declaration:  "We hold these truths to be self evident........ life liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  But to me, the important part is what comes next:  "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"  I often think that we've forgotten that "consent of the governed" part.  We've let our governments get so big and so powerful that they have become more like the Kings our founders fled, or the Dictators of contemporary nations.

The "consent of the governed" is why we need Citizen Advocates to be engaged in government at every level.   And that's primarily why True Texas Project exists.  If you are not yet engaged I hope you'll consider changing that.  We have multiple opportunities to do so.  Find what works for you, but do something!

Things are still moving in the 2nd Called Special Session of the 88th Legislature.  Moving at a snail's pace, but moving.   The 2nd Special has only 2 items on the call - Eliminating a property tax in Texas; and Lasting Property Tax Rate Cuts.  The Senate has passed their version -  SB1 and SJR1 and sent them to the House.  So far the House has taken no action on them.  The Senate bill still contains provisions to increase homestead exemptions plus tax rate compression. (the Governor has indicated he will not accept anything but 100% compression)  The House version - HB1  and HJR1 calls only for rate compression (no increased exemption) and has been sent to Calendars Committee to schedule a vote.

Which leaves us pretty much where we were at the end of the 1st Special Session.  Stalemate!  At least the House is present this time, and actually doing things.  Several bills  have been assigned to Ways & Means Committee, and Speaker Phelan has appointed a shiny new "Select" Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment.  If you are in Austin on July 11 and 12, the new Select Committee on Education is holding hearings and taking public input.  There is an online version available as well. where you can make your comments on line. No bills to testify on this time, just the objectives of the committee which are listed in the comment form.

ACTION ITEMS:

I highly recommend watching this week's podcast from Luke Macias.  He lays out 6 things every concerned citizen should be doing.  I'd like to use his suggestions as our action items for this week.

1. Join a grassroots group and help grow that group  You've already joined TTP, so check that one off.  But what are you doing to grow your local TTP group?  Here are some suggestions:  Volunteer to be on the leadership team; share the event notices with friends; invite friends to join; share newsletters and other emails; support TTP financially.
2. Find out if your Precinct has a Precinct Chair - if not, volunteer to be the Precinct Chair.  If there's already a PC, volunteer to help him/her.  Be engaged in the Republican Party Process and the conventions.
3. Meet with your local elected representatives. (State Senate/House; School Board; City Council; County Judge and Commissioners).  Get to know these people and establish relationships.  It carries so much more weight when they hear from someone that they know, recognize, and have a relationship with than when they get random emails about something from someone they've never met.  Call them up and ask for a meeting!
4. Make a list of at least 20 people you know in your area.  Have the name, email, phone number.  Then work to get out the vote when it's time by contacting these people to let them know where/when to vote, and tell them who you're voting for.  You'll be surprised how many people appreciate having voter recommendations.  And many of them will share with their friends, and pretty soon, your list of 20 increases to hundreds that go and vote.  And remember, we have voter recommendations on the website.
5. Choose a candidate to support - hold them accountable.  Never work harder for a candidate than he or she is working for themselves.  Ask them the questions, and make sure they are working as hard as their volunteers. Otherwise, you're wasting your time.
6. After you've join a local group - get to know the people there!  Networking is crucial in citizen advocacy. Exchange contact information and get together frequently to share information, work together, and support each other.  (Hmmm, that sounds familiar!  A lot like TTP meetings and Social Activities)  Building community is an essential part of our success.

To help you with many of these things, TTP is rolling our a new plan for Election Engagement.  It's called True Texans Taking Charge.  We'll be sharing details soon, so watch for those as they develop.  It will include on line webinars, live townhall events, multiple how to videos, local candidate coordinators, and voter recommendations in each Satellite area.

To get things started - we've booked one of our favorite speakers for a special event TONIGHT!  KrisAnn Hall will be with us to talk about "Getting Government Right".  This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most respected government and constitutional experts in the country.  You don't want to miss it!  Details in this flyer, or on our website calendar.

As always - THANK YOU! for what you do to hold government accountable and hold feet to the fire.  Our goal to hold elected representatives to their promises is enhanced because of people like YOU!  And I am eternally grateful. 

For Texas always,

Fran Rhodes, President

PS: Don't forget about training opportunities.  For all the details, registration links, and schedules, for our training activities (which keep expanding!)  visit our website CTT page.  We're ready to mobilize the army.  Are you?