Report from Congress
Congressman Marc Veasey, (D-CD33) reviewed the main political issues at an early morning meeting on May 30 in West Dallas. His opinions were largely positive.
Agriculture Bill
Republicans who control the House intend major cuts to school lunch programs and the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Democrats in the Senate have a farm bill that is much more favorable to the hungry children and seniors who benefit most from the programs. The Congressman said that he does not believe that the Republican threat will succeed because it cuts deeply into their own constituency. On this and other issues, Republicans may be distancing themselves from their own voter base.
Community Help
Dallas City Councilman Omar Narvaez of West Dallas thanked Congressman Veasey for bringing in federal dollars to help with community efforts. The West Dallas Multipurpose Center recently received $1M for upgrading. Other speakers also thanked the Congressman for the attention given to Congressional District 33, which includes many African American and Latino families from both Dallas and Fort Worth.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ray De Los Santos, Jr, Center Director for Educational Services of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), praised the Congressman for standing up for civil rights even while Texas state authorities are savagely attacking to return us to the dark ages of Jim Crow. The Congressman, again, said that Republicans at the national level are unlikely to get away with this maneuver because it tears away their own support.
Health Care
Community leaders and retirees especially praised Veasey and the Democrats for the Inflation Reduction Act’s effect on health care. One of several spokespersons was a young man with diabetes who was grateful for the decline in insulin costs. Here are the health care gains they brought up:
* $35/month (or less) for insulin
* Free recommended preventive vaccines
* $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for Medicare prescription drugs
* Lower drug prices beginning in 2026
* More help affording premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare enrollees who qualify
War
A group of anti-war activists attempted to embarrass the Congressman by pelting him with the facts and figures about the Israeli atrocities in Gaza. He listened as well as he could but eventually had to break away to allow other attendees to ask their pertinent questions. During the question-and-answer session, he called again on some of them and they responded with slightly overlong speeches. To their credit, they did not try to ruin the meeting and allowed others to bring up issues. As to the situation in Gaza, the Congressman expressed his support for aid to the Palestinians, lamented the great loss of life in the Middle East, and said that statehood for Palestine was one of his personal hopes. They continued advocating for an end to U.S. participation in the conflict after the Congressman ended the meeting and people began leaving. In general, the anti-war delegation made their point and may have gained some friends in the crowd.
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MORE ACTIONS COMING UP
May 31, 8:30P: “Gaza Stories” at 2416 3rd St, Sachse
Jun 1&2: Pride celebrations in Fair Park. March on Sunday
Jun 1, 11A: Colin Allred receives national retiree endorsement at 1408 N Washington. Contact judy4tara@aol.com 214-729-0063
Jun 3: “Gaza Summer School” begins. @codepinkalert
Jun 5, 12:30P: Dallas Chapter of Texas Alliance for Retired Americans meets at 334 Centre. Everyone invited
Jun 7-9: AFGE District 10 activist training
Jun 8, 4:30P Movie showing and fundraiser at Pan African Connection. @FRSO.DFW
Jun 12: Dallas City Council to vote on a resolution condemning SB4, the “show your papers” bill
Jun 13: Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action
Jun 15, 3:30P: “The Trial of Jane Elkins” performed at Pan African Connection
Jun 20, 7:30P: Central Labor Council meeting for all affiliated AFL-CIO members at 1408 N Washington
Jul 11: Trump sentencing for felony convictions