Crunch Time!
Voting has begun in the 2021 local elections. A good turnout would help affirm democracy at a time when it is clearly under assault. Your labor movement entreats you to join the Good Guys in the fight. Contact mariahwarwick20@gmail.com for instructions and any training you might need.
Once activists begin helping, they may often set their own schedules.
Seniors and eligible others began voting by mail last week. Eligible voters who haven’t yet received their mail ballots may have forgotten to do their annual application. They can still get help at register2vote.org.
State and National Opportunities Rise
Despite rivers of opposition testimony, the majority in the Texas Legislature seems determined to slash voting rights. The Service Employees’ Union has estimated that 363 anti-voting bills have been introduced nationwide since Trump lost last year’s election.
Teachers are also pointing out that federal dollars that should have already gone to Texas education are being held back. Some legislators want to set up a special committee, overseen by the governor, to control all federal dollars coming to the state. State legislation moves fast, so all Texans should write ed@texasaflcio.org to keep up with developments.
The PRO (Protect the Right to Organize) Act in Congress is labor’s main legislative goal. A national mobilization is scheduled for April 26-May 1. The act would cancel decades of anti-union legislation, including “Right to Scab” laws. We are also in major fights for voting rights and infrastructure help.
Focus Is on May 1
Activists plan to promote the PRO Act, get out the vote, and celebrate International Workers Day together on Mayday. A Get-Out-The-Vote Car Caravan will begin at 9 AM. KNON radio will help coordinate the caravan and present MayDay addresses from Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy and Dallas youth leader Rosie Curts.
The caravan will end at Everglade Park, 5100 Jim Miller Road, with a picnic that includes music, softball, free food, and major speakers. Local organizations are reserving tables or booths while pooling our money to pay for the food. Checks can be made to “Dallas AFL-CIO” and sent to 1408 N Washington#240, Dallas 75204; or donors can use our PayPal account. Be sure that treasurer Mariah Warwick knows about your donation.
More Actions Coming Up
Apr 9, 6P: “Seniors Oppose Voter Suppression -- TARA Free The Vote Rally” Texas Alliance for Retired Americans on-line speakout. https://www.facebook.com/TexasRetirees
Apr 10, 10A: Union members will be discussing the issues with labor-endorsed candidate Hosanna Yemuri for Dallas City Council. GOTV phone banking afterward. Contact mariahwarwick20@gmail.com
Apr 10, 1P: “Conditions workers are facing and how we can fight” Dolores Huerta’s 91st birthday. Register here. Contact lonburnam@gmail.com
Apr 16: Texas New Era Jobs Fair. Contact jasontomlinson81@gmail.com
Apr 19, 10A: Rally for first day of early voting at the County Courthouse, 600 Commerce in downtown Dallas. Contact etilley@cwa6215.org
Apr 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail for May 1 local elections
Apr 27: Botham Jean Blvd opens in Dallas. Replaces Lamar. dmn
May 1: Election day; International Workers Day. Contact Gene Lantz
