Wendy Davis talks to the Lone Star Project

Many Americans first came to the realization of the oppressive policies being instituted in the state of Texas with the heroic filibuster effected by Texas State Senator Wendy Davis last Tuesday. That filibuster was just a continuation of an incessant fight by valiant Texas women  who refuse to capitulate to a Texas undemocratic Republican Party.

The first big March on the Texas Capitol on women issues in recent times was the War On Women Rally in April of 2012. It was successful in that it showed Austin that there was a building revolt which slowed down some of the oppressive legislations.

This was followed by the Blue Ribbon Lobby Day in April of 2013 that was put together by the Democratic Progressive Women of Texas. Senator Wendy Davis said then that April 9th was chosen because that is the date that a woman would finally have earned as much as a man had at the end of the previous year. Fair pay for Texas women is one of the top priorities of this group. The video below encapsulates the event.

After all the Lobbying, both the Texas Senate and The Texas House passed the Texas Fair Pay Act. Wendy Davis in the Senate and Senfronia Thompson in the House were instrumental in its passage. Sadly when it got to Rick Perry’s desk a few weeks ago he vetoed it. Representative Senfronia Thompson reacts below.

Texas women however are vibrant and resilient in nature.You knock them down and they get up stronger. Governor Perry has called another Special Session to attempt to undo Senator Wendy Davis’ successful filibuster.

That is why on Monday July  1st, 2013 Texas women (and men) will be rallying at the Texas State Capitol in Austin again. This time it will be even bigger. They intend to show that women will not allow a few middle aged Conservative men to dictate, define, and control their lives and their bodies.

What:    Stand Up For Women Rally
Where:  South Steps, Capitol
When:   12pm
Bring:   Hat, Signs, & Sunscreen
RSVP:   Stand Up Monday – Rally at Texas Capitol

The rally will immediately be followed by organizing opportunities in the Capitol including:

• Letter writing
• A Signing Book for Wendy Davis
• Citizen Lobby Training
• An area to share YOUR best local organizing ideas

Standing with Texas women is something we can do across the state. You can:

• Host a watch party of Senate and House proceedings
• Join a statewide phone bank to target key Legislators
• Write a letter to the editor explaining how clinic closures could affect your community or pointing out other critical issues facing the state such as education, water planning, and healthcare that our state government needs to address.
• Visit your Legislator’s district office

I’m looking forward to working with all of you through these next critical weeks. Please let us know if you have ideas about events or actions in your city or town.

All the best,
Lize Burr

This is what Democracy looks like, an engaged citizenry that keeps pushing forward. A loss is only an opportunity to build momentum for the winning day.