Who Showed Up Day One At The Texas Lege?

​Progress Texas was invited to opening day at the Texas Legislative Session by Representative Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos and the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus! We were joined by our familiar progressive friends and allies, but not before fighting swathes of irate people wearing red shirts with the phrase "BAN DEMOCRATIC CHAIRS!"

Beyond the infuriatingly boisterous MAGA hats, scarves, sweaters, patches, stickers and other cheap memorabilia, it was the complete lack of physical awareness that the crowd showed that was most baffling as they tried to silence thousands of Texans (like you) that voted for Democratic representation. Blustering and bullying people just trying to get down the hallway, spouting the occasional Fox News nonsense and bewildering social commentary like what our Executive Director Kathleen Thompson heard moments before entering the capitol building.

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There was even an appearance by (descriptions redacted by editor) and right-wing hero Kyle Rittenhouse, taking pictures with the red clad crowd as if he were some sort of folk hero and not a (descriptions redacted by editor).

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The Good News: The red mob didn't get their way. Rep. Dustin Burrows was voted Texas House speaker over Rep. David Cook, who had vowed to strip power from Democrats in the House.

The Bad News: The extreme right showed up that day by the bus load, ready to disrupt, fight and argue their case to silence progressive Texans.

The Better News: Progress Texas showed up to represent YOU! Visiting representatives' offices to offer messaging help and support, advocating for abortion rights, climate justice and voting access, and proudly wearing our blue name tags in the same crowd that prayed we should not have a voice.

Seriously, they did some praying...

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I don't know if we're the proverbial "jezebel spirits," but we are here to stay nonetheless. As we always say, campaigns come and go, but Progress Texas is the permanent home for progressive messaging in Texas.

But that does not happen without your help. We understand that everyday life gets in the way of your ability to fight all the injustice that is going on in Texas: so allow us to do so.

Your donations allow us to keep the pressure on in the legislature, provide daily podcasts that keep you in the know, and advocate for the policies you believe in, day in and day out.

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Be sure to follow us on ALL forms of social media (even the ones that might be gone soon!) and we'll keep you updated on the happenings of the Texas legislative session!