Dear TTP Citizen Advocates:

This week at the Capitol started with Inauguration Day. Lt Governor Patrick and Governor Abbott took the oath of office, each promising to do things that may or may not actually happen.  My favorite was Gov. Abbott saying that because of the 32 billion dollar surplus, we're going to see the"Biggest tax relief in Texas History".  Then I read about the budget as proposed which only puts 15 billion of that 32 towards tax relief.  That reminds me of when we heard "the most conservative session ever!"  🤪

But it was a fun day.  I enjoy all the pomp and circumstance of the day, and the traditions.  There was a great lunch opportunity on the lawn with about 15 different restaurants from all over the state offering small bite plates of different kinds of cuisine.  The live band made it festive, and there was even a petting zoo for the kiddos.  All in all a pleasant day, and I ran into several friends that I had not seen in a long time, which is always nice.

We did do some actual work in the afternoon.  We delivered position papers on gender modification of children to 10 law makers, urging them to support legislation that will ban the practice.  Some of our activists had some good discussions with legislative directors.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Our next events will be next week on Jan. 24 and 25.  Please try to be there one or both days!

Jan. 24th:  Texas First Legislative Briefing on making elections accurate, transparent and accountable.  It will take place in the Capitol Committee Room E1.016, 10 am to 5:00 pm.  This will be a great opportunity to hear about the evidence that has been established regarding the unreliability of voting machines and electronic poll books, and also hear about Senator Bob Hall's plans to fix the problem.  We need a lot people there to send the powerful message that the grassroots are committed to MORE election reform.  (most of the lawmakers think this was adequately addressed last session - it wasn't!)

Jan. 25: 

Meet up in the Rotunda at 10:30 am. Matt Long (Fredericksburg Tea Party) and I will have a plan of action for you to do some work until about noon.

Texans for Vaccine Choice Freedom Fight 1:00 to 3:00 pm South Steps:  This is an annual event with amazing speakers including Del Bigtree.  Wear your TFVC shirts if you have one or a red shirt if you don't have one.  Please come out and support our friends Rebecca Hardy, Christine Wellborn, and Michelle Evans as they work to preserve medical freedoms.

**I realize some of you cannot attend both the 24th and 25th.  That's ok!  Pick one that interests you most, and go for it.  They are both worthy events and could use our support. 

****If you plan to be there either date, please email me so I can prepare the right numbers of paperwork.  THANKS!  [email protected]

****ALSO - if you need a ride, email me and we'll see what we can arrange.  I already have one carpool going from Tarrant County

SAVE THE DATES!

Jan. 31

Mini Citizen Advocate Training 10 am to Noon.  Meet up in Conference Room (number to follow) for some Citizen Advocate Training, including How to Read a Bill by Fran Rhodes, and Effective Tips for Doing Office Visits by Matt Long.

Visits to lawmakers offices 1:30 to 4:00.  Put what you learn from Matt in the morning, to work in the afternoon, as we make visits to lawmakers' offices, talking to them about our priorities and how we can help each other achieve common goals.  If anyone needs a "practical" tour of the Capitol, we can work that in too.

February 3 and 4

Full Blown Citizen Advocate Training (plus other workshops) Feb 3 & 4, in Rockwall.  This is our Certified True Texan Weekend Workshops where we offer 4 or the 5 required classes, plus two bonus classes.  Find details and registration link on our TTP Website.  Classes are free, but you must register.

We have not yet planned the rest of February at the Capitol, but keep an eye on your emails for weekly updates and planned activities.  Still working on a "kickoff" trip - plans are shaping up!

Thanks for all you do for Texas!

Fran Rhodes, President