Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

December 1, 2021 at 11:00 PM

How about some good news for a change?

John, The Texas State Board of Education today met briefly to take the final vote of a two-year process to adopt new science standards for our public schools. The good news: The standards do a better job of addressing climate change. Democratic members s…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 1, 2021 at 2:04 AM

Less than four hours left

There is still time to give to TFN this Giving Tuesday! Dear John, With just a few hours before midnight, time is almost up to participate in Giving Tuesday. By donating to TFN today, your selfless gift will directly fund our efforts to defend dem…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 30, 2021 at 8:02 PM

Give to TFN before Giving Tuesday is over

There are less than 10 hours left until Giving Tuesday is over! Dear John, This has been a challenging year for us all but, because of grassroots supporters like you, TFN has been able to rise up and challenge every obstacle in our path. Now, TFN …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 30, 2021 at 2:07 PM

It's here!

Dear John, It has been a tough year. But thanks to you, TFN has gone above and beyond, fought back harder, and helped lead the statewide resistance to the right’s reckless agenda. Today is #GivingTuesday. On this global day of generosity, I’m reaching ou…

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  Texas Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 24, 2021 at 2:01 PM

TFN is grateful for...

From all of us at TFN, we're grateful for you!   Support Our Work TFN is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organizati…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 22, 2021 at 2:01 PM

Add this to your calendar

Dear John, It is a busy week, but I wanted to take a moment to reach out and thank you personally for your activism, generosity and partnership this year. Giving Tuesday is right around the corner. As you gather with family and friends and reflect on wha…

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  =?iso-8859-1?q?Roc=EDo_Fierro-P=E9rez?= - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 20, 2021 at 2:27 PM

Censorship at the SBOE

John, This week's Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) hearing proves once again that the board is where textbooks go to be censored. In an astonishing series of votes, the SBOE rejected all but one publisher's health textbooks for our public schools. T…

See More from =?iso-8859-1?q?Roc=EDo_Fierro-P=E9rez?= - TX Freedom Network

  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 13, 2021 at 3:02 PM

Let’s talk sex...education

We know not everyone can make it to Austin to testify at the State Board of Education. But we can help get a message to your SBOE member ahead of next week's meeting that begins on Tuesday. John, We know not everyone can make it to Austin to testify at th…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 12, 2021 at 6:44 PM

Abbott opens door to book censorship

John, Gov. Greg Abbott is once again on a censorship rampage. This time, he’s turning his attacks on books. On Monday, the governor sent a letter to education agencies calling for the review of various books, including two with LGBTQ+ themes. This is no …

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 10, 2021 at 10:42 PM

A correction and an update on SBOE testimony registration

John, Next week's Texas State Board of Education hearing unfortunately won't have an option to testify virtually. Anyone wishing to deliver remarks to the board must do so in person in Austin. The hearing for the health materials will occur Tuesday, Nov.…

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 8, 2021 at 11:15 PM

One meeting, two super important votes. And you can have a say.

John, Next week, the Texas State Board of Education will gather for its final meeting of the year and to take two critical final votes on: Whether new K-8 science standards will acccurately address climate change Whether to adopt new health instructiona…

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 4, 2021 at 11:00 PM

Do better, SBOE. Signed, climate scientists.

John, Earlier today, TFN joined with our friends at the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) to release an open letter from 67 Texas climate scientists to the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The message: We must do better. The fact is that…

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  Marti Bier - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 2, 2021 at 9:41 PM

An open letter to our community

John, Two days ago a fire was set outside the sanctuary doors of my synagogue in Austin. Throughout the state this year, and particularly in the last few months, we have a seen a disturbing rise in antisemitic attacks. As a Jew and a Texan, I’m writing t…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 1, 2021 at 3:49 PM

Onward: Last Chance to register

John, The countdown is on for TFN’s virtual event! Join us this Wednesday, Nov. 3, to (virtually) celebrate our powerful grassroots network and the champions who have gone above and beyond this year to defend our democracy and promote social justice. Th…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

October 20, 2021 at 3:30 PM

See you in 2 weeks!

John, Two weeks from today our grassroots network will gather for Onward! A Celebration of Social Justice Champions. Don’t miss out on this virtual celebration on Wednesday, November 3, as we come together to recognize the grassroots champions who have g…

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

October 18, 2021 at 4:18 PM

#TeachTheTruth on climate change

John, Increasingly destructive coastal storms, devastating droughts and last February’s catastrophic winter storm and power outage have brought the reality of climate change home to millions of Texans -- even as the governor and other elected officials d…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

October 6, 2021 at 1:22 PM

Onward to Nov. 3

John, We’re less than one month out from Onward! A Celebration of Social Justice Champions. Please join us virtually on Wednesday, November 3, as we recognize the grassroots champions who have gone above and beyond this year to defend our democracy and p…

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  Rev. Erika Forbes - TFN · [email protected]

October 4, 2021 at 9:07 PM

A message from DC

John, I write to you from our nation's capital, where I and members of the TFN team traveled to last week to join our partners and deliver a message to federal lawmakers: #BansOffOurBodies, because our rights must be protected and our autonomy is not neg…

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  Rev. Angela Williams - Just Texas · [email protected]

September 22, 2021 at 8:03 PM

You’re Invited! Faithful Healing Ritual for the Trans Community

We’re in need of some healing! Just Texas is gathering clergy, people of faith, and supporters in the Texas Capitol halls of power to proclaim our love, support, and celebration for the trans community. John, We’re in need of some healing! Just Texas is g…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

September 20, 2021 at 1:01 PM

Another attack on democracy?

John, Gov. Abbott and his Republican allies know there is more than one way to attack democracy. Today, lawmakers return to the Capitol in Austin, at the direction of the governor, for a third special legislative session. Leading the agenda is the once-i…

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  Val Benavidez · [email protected]

September 10, 2021 at 2:45 PM

Announcing TFN’s 2021 Social Justice Champions

One is a faith leader who speaks boldly in support of reproductive justice and LGBTQ Texans. Another is a bright young student leader creating change from her college campus and in her community. And the other is one of our state’s great progressive changemakers. …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

September 3, 2021 at 2:37 PM

The governor had a real opportunity to lead. He failed Texans again.

John, The Texas Legislature ended its second special session of the year, called at the direction of Gov. Abbott, late last night. The result extends an extreme agenda that Texans saw on full display during the regular legislative session. The governor h…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

August 30, 2021 at 5:05 PM

In 36 hours

Texans will feel tangible impacts of the right’s all-out assault at the Capitol this year. John, Starting September 1, numerous new laws passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by Gov. Abbott go into effect. SB 8: Essentially a ban on abortion becaus…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

August 27, 2021 at 4:23 PM

SB1 is advancing. We'll keep fighting.

When it comes to listening to Texans, Gov. Abbott just can’t be bothered. John, Despite delaying Gov. Abbott’s suppression session, the Texas House finally reached quorum to pass voter suppresion bill SB1. It is now on a likely path to becoming law. To pa…

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  Val Benavidez & Diane Ireson - TFN · [email protected]

August 26, 2021 at 5:15 PM

Moving forward together

True change is possible for Texas, but only if we move forward together with a powerful network of organizers, activists and champions like you! John, It has been another hard-fought year. Thanks to your continued support, the Texas Freedom Network’s comm…

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  Jules with TFN · [email protected]

August 25, 2021 at 10:30 PM

Tell the SBOE: #TeachTheTruth

John, We have all seen a constant attack on truth at the Capitol all year long. We can't let it happen at the State Board of Education next week when board members consider new health textbooks/instructional materials that cover sex education, plus new s…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

August 20, 2021 at 9:07 PM

Sounding the alarm

The Texas Legislature is back in session and recent events have made it clear – our communities are under attack. With only two weeks left in Gov. Abbott’s suppression session, we’ll need your help to mobilize quickly. John, The Texas Legislature is back …

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  Texas Freedom Network · [email protected]

August 6, 2021 at 1:00 PM

Your plan for Nov. 3rd

    Texas Freedom Network invites you to join us for a virtual celebration to recognize grassroots champions who have gone above and beyond this year to defend our democracy and promote social justice. Save the date for Onward! A Celebration of Social Justice Cha…

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  Josh Gonzalez · [email protected]

July 27, 2021 at 2:13 PM

Pride is all year long

The freedom to marry became the law of the land in June of 2015. But the fight for equality didn’t end there. John, The freedom to marry became the law of the land in June of 2015, but the fight for equality didn’t end there. Texas remains a state where L…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

July 20, 2021 at 2:00 PM

Thank the Dems

Voting is a sacred right and anything that threatens to needlessly restrict or block access to the ballot box must be rejected. John, Last week, 57 Democratic members of the Texas House left the state, breaking quorum in the lower chamber of the Texas Leg…

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  Jules with TFN · [email protected]

July 14, 2021 at 8:41 PM

Thursday: Stop school censorship at the TX Capitol

This is a historical day for Texas John, Texas Republicans are trying to pass yet another law to censor what our state’s public schools can teach about the history of discrimination, inequality and civil rights -- and their new bill, SB 3, is even worse t…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

July 12, 2021 at 11:36 PM

Extreme measures require an extraordinary response

This is a historical day for Texas John, Earlier today, more than 50 Democratic lawmakers left the state, denying a quorum and halting the progression of a draconian voter suppression bill at the Texas Legislature. This is the second time Democratic lawma…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

July 7, 2021 at 3:52 PM

Abbott vs. the people of Texas

The most extreme session of the Texas Legislature is getting a second act. John, Gov. Abbott gets to dictate what is on the agenda for a special legislative session. And today the governor announced that when lawmakers return to the Capitol on Thursday fo…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

June 28, 2021 at 10:02 PM

A step forward on climate change education in TX

But while this vote represents progress, TFN’s campaign to teach the truth isn’t over. John, On Friday, Texas took a small but important step forward in teaching public school students the truth about climate change. Heeding calls from the Texas Freedom N…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

June 22, 2021 at 9:59 PM

BREAKING: Special session starts July 8

It will be another tough fight, but TFN and its Texas Rising and Just Texas programs are ready. John, Moments ago, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he will call lawmakers back for a 30-day special session of the Texas Legislature starting on July 8. I wan…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

June 3, 2021 at 11:20 PM

One session down, two to go

John, A brutal session of the Texas Legislature ended this past Monday. But the campaign of cruelty we just witnessed is not entirely over. This morning, Gov. Abbott made it clear that he intends to call lawmakers back for not one but two more special le…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 30, 2021 at 4:35 PM

36 hours left to unlock our match

John, With only 36 HOURS until the end of the Texas legislative session, we’re calling on our grassroots network of supporters like you to help us. We’re less than $3,000 away from our matching gift goal of $25,000. Every dollar you give will be doubled …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 27, 2021 at 5:12 PM

John, did you see our match?

John, We’re only halfway to reaching our Rapid Response Fund match before the Monday deadline and we urgently need these critical resources to amplify the voices of our grassroots network in the last lap of the Texas legislative session. Help us cross th…

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  Jules with TFN · [email protected]

May 25, 2021 at 8:26 PM

A vigil, a rally and the end of the legislative session

John, The Texas legislative session is coming to an end on Monday. That might not seem like a lot of time, but at the Capitol it's more than enough for another of our rights to be threatened. So let's keep the pressure on by coming together this week in …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 24, 2021 at 9:07 PM

What can happen in seven days? Plenty.

John, Next Monday marks the end of the Legislative session. It means we have one week left to double down on our grassroots organizing efforts to stop the right-wing’s agenda at the Texas Capitol. Seven days doesn't seem like much but, trust me, that's p…

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  Jules · [email protected]

May 21, 2021 at 4:55 PM

Don't mess with Texans' abortions

Join us for a powerful rally and march at the South Steps of the Capitol. John, Join us at Don’t Mess with Texans’ Abortions, a rally and march at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, on the South Steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Abbo…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 20, 2021 at 1:13 PM

John, it’s time

John, This is a historic moment in Texas politics. With less than two weeks left in the legislative session, I want to take a moment to personally thank you for your partnership and activism. Thousands of grassroots supporters like you have engaged with …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 17, 2021 at 1:00 PM

We are the movement

John, Thank you for being an important part of TFN’s grassroots movement. Our work is only possible because of dedicated activists across the state -- activists like you! As we enter the final two weeks of the 87th Legislative Session at the Texas Capito…

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  Rae & Osmara, Texas Freedom Network · [email protected]

May 14, 2021 at 7:31 PM

Please join us in congratulating ...

John, One of the Texas Freedom Network’s most important programs is Texas Rising, which has been organizing young progressive Texans on college and university campuses across the state for 14 years. So please join us in congratulating the many fantastic T…

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  Jules · [email protected]

May 11, 2021 at 10:02 PM

Let's put an end to these bills now

John, As the Texas legislative session draws closer to the end, we have an opportunity this week to kill some harmful bills. If a House bill does not get heard on second reading on the House floor by the end of Thursday, it will be dead in the water. Now…

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  Josh Gonzalez - Tx Rising · [email protected]

May 7, 2021 at 8:00 PM

Fighting voter suppression 24/7

It has been a wild week at your Texas Capitol. John, It has been a wild week at your Texas Capitol. And we should know, because we've been there, in some cases for pretty much 24-hour stretches. The Texas Rising Action team is a little bit tired, but sti…

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  Rev. Erika Forbes - TFN · [email protected]

May 6, 2021 at 8:48 PM

A prophetic, progressive and powerful voice of faith

We are Just Texas, and we are changing the narrative Dear John, For too long, a highly vocal, extremist minority in Texas has claimed to represent the only faith-based position on reproductive rights and choice: attacking policies that ensure safe and af…

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  Josh · [email protected]

May 4, 2021 at 10:29 PM

Rally for democracy

John, Last week, the chair of the House Elections Committee, without notice and without letting Texans speak at a public hearing, rammed through a voter suppression bill and moved it closer to becoming law. It was a shameless step with little precedent, …

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  Jules · [email protected]

May 3, 2021 at 9:49 PM

This week's legislative actions

John, Here is your latest email previewing upcoming legislative actions as we head into the final month of this year's session of the Texas Legislature. Similar to last week, we are in a holding pattern waiting for when, and if, the next round of bad bil…

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  Josh · [email protected]

May 1, 2021 at 11:45 AM

It's Election Day. Go vote!

John, Today is Election Day across Texas as cities hold their local elections to decide mayoral races, city council races, the fate of ballot initiatives, and more. We believe that every election, from municipal and all the way up to the presidential, is…

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