Edna Butts

[Suzanne Bellsnyder @sbellsnyder]

Turns out @jamestalarico was telling the truth and @GregAbbott_TX was threatening Republican legislators.

[Glenn Rogers @RogersForTexas]

Davy Crockett: “I’ll Wear No Man’s Collar!”

Davy Crockett was more than a hero who gave his life at the Alamo. He was also a political hero back in Tennessee. When pressured to go along with President Andrew Jackson (once a close ally) on the ill conceived and poorly written Indian Removal Act, he refused at great political costs. Crockett stated, I’ll WEAR NO MAN’S COLLAR.

Largely because of this vote, he lost his election in 1831. Most Texans are familiar with his response, “YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL, I’M GOING TO TEXAS!”

As Crockett feared, the Indian Removal Act resulted in the atrocity known as The Trail of Tears. Over 10,000 native Americans, many who had assimilated into peaceful society, either died in the long journey or after arrival in Oklahoma Indian Territory. The movement was harsh, abrupt and poorly planned, just as Crockett feared. There was a better way.

The voucher vote will be a defining moment in Texas history. Some legislators honestly believe vouchers will increase competition and therefore improve overall education in Texas. In my opinion, It would not be a level playing field (fair competition), it would mostly be a huge vendor bonanza and would not benefit those students most in need of additional educational resources. To these “true believers” we can agree to disagree.

My main concern are not the “true believers”, but those who know deep down that this is bad policy, yet do not have the political courage to stand up to a tyrannical governor owned by pro voucher mega donors. Granted they risk an expensive primary filled with lies and unwarranted character assassination and vindictive vetoes by a petulant governor. Some might even lose their seats.

OR , the tide could turn. There is a growing grassroots opposition to Abbott, his out-of state mega donors and their underhanded tactics used to push an expensive voucher entitlement program. Conservatives are better understanding the threats not only to our constitutionally mandated public schools, but to the loss of home school and private school freedoms.

As President Teddy Roosevelt stated, the political arena is no place for “ cold and timid souls”. Today we need political courage, not only to beat back a horrible piece of legislation, but a restoration of true representative government in the Great State of Texas.

The tide will turn. It could start with House members who decide today to “WEAR NO MAN’S COLLAR”.

[Gina Hinojosa @GinaHinojosaTX]

The TX taxpayer-funded voucher will mostly go to families w/kids already in private school. 

In fact, TX taxpayers will be on the hook for the private school tuition of EVERY STUDENT ALREADY IN PRIVATE SCHOOL--leaving 5.5 million kids in neighborhood schools w/less $.

[Chris Tackett (aka See It Name It Fight It) @cjtackett]

Alabama Mom at her kitchen table responding to Katie Britt. It's good stuff.

[Lynn Boswell @LYNNforAISD]

This ⁦@TexasTribune⁩ piece is terrific interactive journalism with a memorable message. If you think your voice doesn’t matter in today’s primary election, please take a minute to read this. Then vote!

How a fraction of voters decide who runs Texas https://t.co/JoJxxOi8WB

[Evan Smith @evanasmith]

NEW + really important from @yuriko_a_s @MWatkinsTrib @TexasTribune: An incredibly small number of people decide the outcomes of elections in Texas — and the policies that affect all of us https://t.co/9mbG5VMUrE #txlege

[quorumreport @quorumreport]

HK: HB1 Fiscal note has startling numbers. Policy issues aside, LBB estimates 1st year costs $1.8B, 2nd year $5.7B, 5th year $11.5B. Lege counting on continuing budget surpluses #txlege https://t.co/9WMViHyJsR

[Poncho Nevárez @poncho_nevarez]

I’m never not impressed with how well James cuts to the quick and understands examination and logic. There are many lawyers in the legislature and James isn’t one of them but he does this better than most people who were actually trained to do it. Good stuff.

[Chris Tackett (aka See It Name It Fight It) @cjtackett]

This episode of Grapevine is a must listen if you want to get even a sense of what is behind the attacks on public schools and our democracy, no matter where you might live.

Fabulous work by ⁦@Mike_Hixenbaugh⁩, ⁦@ahylton26⁩, and team 👏
#txed https://t.co/XeFW5qxl5g

[Chris Tackett (aka See It Name It Fight It) @cjtackett]

The fight over vouchers in Texas is coming to a head. @RANewsTX and @HoustonChron collaborated to illustrate the narrative.

It is more than just Wilks and Dunn. Other billionaires are playing too.

Vouchers aren't about kids. It's about money, religion, & race.
#txed #txlege

[Chris Tackett (aka See It Name It Fight It) @cjtackett]

On September 1, HB900 becomes law in Texas, and books will be banned.
In October, the #txlege will start the voucher special session.

Making parents fear their public schools, it’s been the plan all along.

This is me, calling it out in Granbury on 1/24/22.
#txed

[Chris Tackett (aka See It Name It Fight It) @cjtackett]

They aren’t being secretive on what the strategy is for vouchers.

“We have to get passed what we can sell and then build”

Vouchers are core for today’s Republicans. All they want is their foot in the door.

If you don’t want vouchers, vote for Democrats.
#txed #txlege

[Gina Hinojosa @GinaHinojosaTX]

$2 Million retreat property was only ever used for the charter school’s “staff meetings.”

“Defendant admits that the wife of a former IDEA Board member was used as the real estate broker for the purchase, for which she received a commission..”
#txlege
https://t.co/BlUVcBO6FJ

[Lynn Boswell @LYNNforAISD]

Important &timely reporting ⁦⁦⁦by @TexasMonthly⁩
“What, exactly, does the state expect us to do? What more do our children need to be deprived of? At what point does our community break?”

TX Officials Are Letting Public Schools Slide into Crisis https://t.co/zbrTGT5bXp

[Coach Driggs @CoachDriggs]

I am gonna go ahead and say it. Vouchers=Segregation

90%of Private Schools in Texas costs more than $9,000. Those Schools that are less are subsidized by churches.

Vouchers do not provide for Transportation or Meals for Low Income Students, something public schools do provide.

Call it what it is and quit hiding behind the idea of school choice.

[Monty Exter @ATPE_MontyE]

In responding to @RoyceWestTX questions during the Senate’s layout of the final biennial budget proposal, Sen. Creighton makes clear that #txed educators will get NO pay raise from the Texas Senate w/o also passing a voucher. @OfficialATPE @Texans4E #txlege

[Amy Ingram 🦁🏀 @CoachIngram10]

This could’ve been your moment @GovAbbott to show support for teachers and fully fund our schools. You could’ve brought all Texans together on this issue but instead you’re demeaning a great profession that is much needed. As a teacher I want to know WHY do you hate us?

[Austin ISD @AustinISD]

Austin ISD is closely monitoring the weather as a wintry mix and freezing conditions reach the area. District leaders are meeting with city and county officials to decide further actions and give families and staff as much notice as possible on any schedule change.

[Edna Butts @EdnaButtsATX]

@nicolekConley @MyABJ @KirkPWatson @DonnaHowardTX @christiantova @AnnRichardsStar @AnnRichardsSF @tasbo @teainfo @tasanet @tasbnews Congrats, girlfriend! So well deserved!