TDP update (long - but good)

[ashling]

I recieved this email update from the party. Note the volunteer opportunity at the end:

Republicans Prove That They Can’t Govern

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Charles Soechting released a statement this week
that took on Republican legislative leadership for their failure to produce a fair
budget. With less than a week to go before the close of the biennial session, it
appears that spending will dramatically increase, services will be cut and taxes
will be raised.

"It’s official: Republicans can't govern," Soechting said. "They have become living
proof of the Peter Principle -- mediocre management will always attain the highest
level of its incompetence. The tax-and-spend Republicans have simultaneously raised
taxes and cut services.”

Republicans provided meager property tax relief while declining to restore 2003
funding cuts in education, children’s health care and child protective services.
They even raised their own pensions while cutting those of retired teachers. They
did all of this while increasing the size of government by a record 12% and passing
the largest single tax hike on Texas families in state history.

"The uniform disappointment Texans feel with the current Republican leadership
crosses partisan, regional, ethnic, and gender lines," Soechting said. "It is one
thing to advocate for less government or even for more government, but when Texans
look at the Republicans in charge, what they long for most is better government."

Texas Democrats stand ready to fight for better services and fairer taxes for all
working people in this state. Republicans campaigned on lower taxes, better
services and checks on government spending—they have failed on all counts. The next
elections are just around the corner: help us fight the failed GOP and make Texas
great again!

_________________________

Senator Rodney Ellis Fights for Fair Clemency Procedures

Texas’ foremost expert on the issue of criminal justice, State Senator Rodney Ellis
(D-Houston), passed SB 548 this week requiring the Board of Pardon and Paroles to
actually meet during clemency hearings. Currently the board is not required to meet
when a person’s life is at stake and typically simply faxes in a pro forma execution
order.

"No matter your stance on capital punishment, I think all Texans can agree that you
shouldn't be able to fax in someone's life," said Ellis.

Texas is the only state where the final decision maker in capital cases is not
required to actually meet to decide the case before an execution is carried out.
Ellis’ bill will change that process to ensure that no innocent people are ever
executed in Texas. Texas Democrats have a variety of opinions on the issue of
capital punishment, but we all agree on protecting the lives of the innocent.
Senator Ellis’ bill should be welcomed by all who care about this issue and we
congratulate him on his continued leadership on this important issue.


_______________________

Republican Lawmakers Vote to Increase Their Own Pensions While Cutting Teacher
Retirement

On Tuesday of this week, North Dallas Republican Rep. Will Hartnett quietly passed a
bill to increase the pensions of retired Texas legislators by at least $6,000 a
year. On Thursday, Republicans passed a measure to cut retirement benefits for
teachers now entering retirement by changing the funding formula and raising the
retirement age for career educators. Thousands of Texas teachers receive less than
$1000 a month after their bills are paid, while Tom Craddick would be eligible for
more than $102,000 a year after the House’s changes.

Rep. Aaron Peña, Democrat of Edinburg, said “I could not bring myself to vote for
the increase in pay, not because it was not needed (because it is needed) but
because others have had to endure cuts and we should not be benefiting at a time
when others are having to cut back.” Indeed, because the GOP ensured that there
would not be a voice vote on the issue, Peña’s candor is welcome.

A retired teacher interviewed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram was quoted as saying
"I'm voting against anybody… that comes up for re-election including Perry when he
comes up. And I'm a redneck, right-wing Republican."

Texas Democrats are more interested in helping working families, educators and
others who serve this state without the limelight and perks that politicians enjoy
than giving huge handouts to ourselves. It is time for honest and responsible
leadership to return to Austin, in other words, it’s time for Democrats to turn this
state blue again. Help us fight for teachers and other good Texans by donating to
the TDP today!

________________________

Constable Bruce Elfant Hosts Annual Ice Cream Social This Weekend for Charity

Travis County Constable Bruce Elfant, the Sergeant at Arms for the Texas Democratic
Party, will be hosting his annual Ice Cream Social in Austin this weekend to raise
funds for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Travis County. The event is not
to be missed, as it provides a great opportunity to socialize with Travis County
community leaders and eat some delicious ice cream, all for a great cause. The
event is on Sunday May 22, from 3-5 PM at the AFL-CIO state headquarters at 11th and
Lavaca Streets, downtown. Donation levels start at $15 and go to $500.

__________________________

We Need Your Help!

The Texas Democratic Party is looking for someone who can volunteer their expertise
in Flash animation to design a new online fundraising campaign. If you or one of
your friends is experienced in Flash animation, send an email to
[email protected] or give us a call at [phone]. The ad will need both
sound and animation and will be used as part of our online organizing efforts.
Thanks for the help!

www.txdemocrats.org

[crispini]

1. Wow.

This is my favorite part:

A retired teacher interviewed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram was quoted as saying "I'm voting against anybody… that comes up for re-election including Perry when he comes up. And I'm a redneck, right-wing Republican."

YEAH!