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Chair: Ginger Blair
Deputy Chair: Kimberly Valdez
Secretary: Carmen McZeal
Treasurer: Natalie Ward
Sergeant At Arms: Marc Meyer
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Click on the Contribute button to help turn Montgomery County Blue!
Please consider becoming a sustaining member at $10 per month (or more!).
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson St. #195
Conroe, Texas 77301
936-703-5841
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters Hours
Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Monday through Friday
Due to the continuing spread of COVID, our policy now is for staff and visitors to comply with social distancing guidelines and masks are optional. To reach us, call MCDP headquarters at 936-703-5841 or email office@mcdptx.org. For urgent matters outside of office hours, please text 713-256-1420 or email chair@mcdptx.org.
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March 15, 2023 Newsletter
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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Please note: our newsletters contain a lot of links to make viewing the source easier - just click on images or linked text to explore
IN THIS ISSUE:
Women's History Month
Blood Drive - March 16th
Democratic Dames Dining for Democracy - March 23rd
Final Friday - Texas Impact and Fish Fry Fundraiser - March 31st
From TDC - Talking Points; Blue Ribbon Lobby Day; and more
Texas Legislative Black Caucus
Tamina Community Update
Time to Re-Register as a VDR
Volunteer to Help Your Precinct
May 6, 2023, Local Elections
County Non-Profit Spotlight - Community Assistance Center
Democratic Party Events Around the County
Legislative Update
Training, Education and Activism Resources for Democrats
Working Wednesday - Get Involved!
Looking for Cards!
Joe and Kamala's Corner (click on an image to open)
Tweets (click on an image to open)
Blue Store - Show Your Commitment to Democracy!
Democratic Party Calendar of Upcoming Events
Other Groups and Community Events
This newsletter is published on or about the 1st and the 15th of every month.
no later than 3 days before publication.
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We have a long and winding road ahead in the battle for women’s liberation – especially in a post-Roe world. Let’s use #WomensHistoryMonth to recognize and uplift all of the badass women that have made our state and country what it is today.
Spanish:
Tenemos un largo camino por delante en la lucha por la liberación de las mujeres – especialmente en el mundo post-Roe. Usemos el #WomensHistoryMonth para reconocer y amplificar todas las mujeres que han contribuido a la construcción de nuestro estado.
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Join other Democratic women in the Montgomery County, Texas area to discuss our shared Democratic ideas for organizing and volunteering.
Democratic Dames Dining for Democracy will be meeting for a meal once a month at different locations in the area to talk about Democratic ideas, values and just have a good time!
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Fundraiser
Don’t miss it! This month’s Final Friday Speakers Event is a combination Social, Fish Fry Fundraiser, and opportunity to learn all about the Texas Legislature and how to impact the decisions our representatives make.
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Scott Atnip
Engagement Director
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Katie Wang, MP
Community Mobilization Mgr
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Our guests for Final Friday in March will be Scott Atnip and Katie Wang from Texas Impact ( www.texasimpact.org). Their organization teaches its members how to use information and outreach tools to educate their communities and engage with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. Impact Texas recently made presentations at the Texas Legislature’s public hearings regarding redistricting and Mr. Atnip and Ms. Wang will be focusing their presentation to us on how to best respond to legislative alerts and prepare for public hearings in a way that will actually promote change.
Our Final Friday Social and Speaker Program is held the last Friday of the month at Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters, 704 N. Thompson St, Suite 195, Conroe, Texas, 77301.
The link to watch virtually is highlighted in blue below.
Topic: Final Friday Fish Fry Fundraiser
How to Impact Change at the Texas Legislature
Time: March 31, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Dial by your location +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
If you can’t come in person to the Final Friday Fish Fry and you enjoy our Final Friday Speaker’s program remotely, please help us by scanning the QR code and making a donation. We especially need sustaining members (monthly auto payments) to fund our internship program and keep the lights on at Headquarters.
Montgomery County is on a roll, thanks to you!
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Click on Images (including the white box) or Links to Open Full Content and Sign Petition |
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Texas Democratic Women 2023 Blue Ribbon Lobby Day
Tuesday April 18, 2023
The State Capitol
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@POTUS is working overtime to ensure that 40 million working class student loan borrowers get the relief they deserve. And despite the arguments from corporations and far-right extremists – we’re confident that providing this relief is not only legal but the right thing to do.
@POTUS está trabajando para asegurar que 40 millones de estudiantes de clase trabajadora con préstamos educativos reciban la ayuda que merecen. Y pese a los argumentos de las corporaciones y de los extremistas de ultraderecha, sabemos que proveer esta ayuda es legal y es lo correcto.
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Texas Republicans are considering increasing the penalty for honest mistakes while voting – from a misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. Our right to vote is the foundation of our democracy and we'll stop at nothing to defend that right. #txlege
Los Republicanos de Tejas están considerando aumentar la pena por errores honestos en la votación — de un delito menor a un crimen de segundo grado. Nuestro derecho al voto es la base de la democracia y nada nos detendrá en nuestra lucha por defenderlo. #txlege. #txlege
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About the Texas Legislative Black Caucus
Celebrating 50 years of Legislative Accomplishments
The Texas Legislative Black Caucus was formed in 1973 and consisted of eight members. These founding members were: Rep. Anthony Hall (Houston), Rep. Mickey Leland (Houston), Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Houston), Rep. Craig Washington (Houston), Rep. Sam Hudson (Dallas), Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Dallas), Rep. Paul Ragsdale (Dallas), and Rep. G.J. Sutton (San Antonio). The TxLBC is currently composed of 18 Members of the Texas House of Representatives and two Senators of the Texas Senate committed to addressing the issues African Americans face across the State of Texas. Rep. Ron Reynolds (Missouri City) currently serves as Chair of TxLBC for the 88th Texas Legislative Session.
The TxLBC is 50 years in the making - and we have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. As we mark this incredible milestone, we celebrate the accomplishments of our past, the fight of today, and the potential of our future. It is in this spirit that we cordially invite you to join our legislative summit, filled with fellowship and networking, incredible inspiring speakers, and important advocacy. You can register and get your tickets for the summit on the registration page, while also reserving your hotel room for the event on the Hotel Registration page.
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LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
TAMINA COMMUNITY WATER & WASTEWATER PROJECT
We are following the developments of the Shenandoah/Tamina water and waste water infrastructure project with great interest. While there is progress, there are also some matters that remain to be resolved within the community of Tamina. The residents have voiced their concerns regarding the inevitable changes that come with new construction and zoning. Community Impact has published a recent update. Read below.
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Shenandoah announces plans for community engagement with ...
Oh the heels of a March 8 decision to award a contract to Bleyl Engineering for extending water and sewer services to the Tamina community, the city of Shenandoah released a statement on March 10 outlining its plans to initiate community...
Read more
communityimpact.com
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It's time to Become a VDR or Re-Register
Here is What We Know
Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. And as Montgomery County grows, Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDR) work to turn new residents and the newly eligible into new voters through voter registration programs. For many years, the Montgomery County Democratic Party has been blessed with a strong Volunteer Deputy Registrar Program that has been able to help keep up with our amazing growth and to increase the percentage of registered voters each year. In 2010, for instance, our population was only 455,746 and 55% of those (or 248,605 persons) were registered voters. In 2020, the population of Montgomery County was 620,443 and 60% of those (or 370,731 persons) were registered to vote. We will be forever grateful for the strong Volunteer Deputy Registrars who developed and ran the program that made that growth possible.
But clearly, we still need more Democrats. So, if you were certified to be a Volunteer Deputy Registrar in Montgomery County in 2022, your certification expired on December 31, 2022, and according to the Secretary of State, you must be recertified by the County to begin to register folks to vote in 2023 and 2024. At the end of last year, Montgomery County had certified about 160 Volunteer Deputy Registrars but when we inquired this year, only about 20 volunteers had signed up so far!
Please email us at mcdpoffice@gmail.com or call 936-703-5841 to become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar to help us at all of our Democratic events. Visit the link below for information on becoming a new Volunteer Deputy Registrar or to be recertified for the next election cycle.
THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE
MAY 6, 2023, ELECTION IS
April 6, 2023
It has been said that there is a special crown in heaven for folks who register others to vote! We need you to help us register more Democrats if we are ever going to hope to turn Montgomery County BLUE.
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Volunteer to Help Your Precinct!
If you want more info about what is expected of a Precinct Chair go to the NDTC virtual training scheduled for Tuesday March 14, 2023 at noon Central called What is a Democratic Precinct Chair?
We know you have heard this request many times but maybe now you are ready! If you have ever thought you might be interested, now is the time to get more information.
Please contact us to talk about what is involved in being a Precinct Chair or in helping your Precinct Chair. There is a lot of support for Precinct Chairs and that support is getting stronger. You will not be going it alone; but you will make a huge difference in our County, State and Nation.
To talk with someone about how you can help, email office@mcdptx.org or call Headquarters at 936-703-5841.
If you are ready to apply for a Precinct Chair vacancy, please download, print, and complete this application form, and submit it to us by U.S. mail, email as an attachment to office@mcdptx.org, or drop it off in person at 704 N. Thompson St. #195, Conroe, TX 77301. If you have never visited Headquarters, it would be great to meet you!
You may find out whether your Precinct has a Chair and who your Precinct Chair is by going to the Secretary of State website. Or contact us and we'll let you know!
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May 6, 2023, Local Elections
Let’s Make a Difference
Let’s Make a Plan to VOTE!
April 6th – Last Day to Register to Vote
Check out the video of the new voting machines.
Request a Ballot by Mail
April 24th - Early Voting Begins
May 2nd - Early Voting Ends
Find Out What’s on Your Ballot and Where to Vote
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County Non-Profit Spotlight
Each month in 2023, we will share information about non-profit resources in Montgomery County in hopes that those in need receive assistance and to make everyone aware of the great resources in our county.
This month we feature:
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Community Assistance Center (CAC) has been "[p]roviding resources to meet basic needs and improve quality of life for our neighbors in Montgomery County" since 1981. Learn more about their great work and how you might help or receive assistance visit their website at https://cac-mctx.org/
From the CAC Website: At the Community Assistance Center, we build strong relationships with our clients and their families by doing an individualized assessment of their specific needs during a time of instability. We access community resources, establish recovery goals, and provide opportunities to learn valuable workforce skills to create a stronger foundation for our clients to support themselves and their families.
Community Assistance Center has proudly served Montgomery County since 1981. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) social services organization that provides basic needs services and long-term case management to individuals and families throughout Montgomery County who are struggling through times of financial hardships. Community Assistance Center relies on community partnerships and support to improve the lives of our neighbors in need. Life challenges can happen to any one of us, such as job loss, separation of households, medical issues and more. For some people, the financial impact of these events can hinder their ability to provide even basic care for themselves and their families. Community Assistance Center provides essential assistance programs, services and resources to help stabilize their situation during these difficult times by providing basic needs and long-term solutions which lead to happier, healthier lives.
The Unique Resale is open Tuesday through Friday and is located at 1022 McCall Ave., Conroe, TX 77301.
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Democratic Party Events Around the County
psst: you're missing a lot of fun if you aren't joining us!!
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Blue Magnolia
Monthly Evening Social
We had fun at Lone Pint Brewery in Magnolia! We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5-7. Venues change so visit our our Facebook page to keep up with local Magnolia events.
We are starting a morning monthly social - 4th Thursday of each month at 10 am. This month on Mar 23 at 5 de Mayo restaurant.
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Women of
Montgomery County Democratic Party
Monthly Meeting
On March 11th we were honored to have Sherrie Matula, President of Sisters United Alliance, talk with us about the structure and politics of the State school system and how to mobilize to impact the direction of our public schools.
Great turnout and discussion! We all left with plans, thoughts, and excitement!
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Legislative Update!
Meet Fritz Houston
MCDP Intern
Fritz has become a valuable member of the MCDP Team and regularly will be contributing to our newsletter about happenings in the Texas Legislature. Here is his first report.
As the deadline to file bills has caught up to us we can finally see the pictures that both the Democrats and the Republicans in the legislature wish to paint for the State. While Democrats focus on increasing voting access, making Medicaid more accessible, and improving the capabilities of legislators to better serve their districts, Republicans have pushed a more negative picture. Republican lawmakers have proposed bills that would restrict voting, attack the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, ban many people of foreign nationalities from owning land in our large and diverse state, and attempt to start a second civil war (I wish I was kidding).
Let’s begin with the progress Democrats propose. A bill filed would extend Medicaid to mothers of newborns for a year and remove sales taxes from female and baby hygiene products such as tampons, pads, and diapers. While this bill does not go as far as many would like, this is a start and one likely to pass, as Speaker of the House Dade Phelan has agreed to pass the bill. Another bill which is being proposed is a bill to give Texas lawmakers an increase in pay. Currently lawmakers aren’t paid a living wage and instead require a second job or a spouse or family to support them. This bill would allow lawmakers to work full time to serve their constituents. While the progress these bills propose is limited and constrained by the Republican majority, it shows that Democrats are fighting for just causes despite the challenges of red Texas.
Now let’s turn our attention to the Republican bills that were filed. First there are the attacks on voting and democracy. Republicans wish to ban polling locations on college campuses to prevent university students from voting. They wish to make voting mistakes such as voting in the wrong district or voting when you aren’t registered a felony. Republicans also wish to ban dual citizens of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia from owning land in Texas in a blatant xenophobic attack against citizens of authoritarian states. They want to de-transition transgender individuals by refusing gender affirming care and taking children away from parents who support their children’s decision to transition.
And Texit. The movement for an independent Texas is widely unpopular among both Republicans and Democrats. But Republicans have included Texas’ independence as a platform issue since 2020. This bill would call for a referendum for Texas independence during elections in November of 2023. If the referendum passes then Texas would immediately secede.
This legislative session has remained dominated by Republicans and there are many attempts to take away rights and support themselves to stay in power. But Democrats will continue to fight for what’s right and will do whatever is possible legally to prevent Republican madness from continuing to rule our great soon-to-be blue state.
Fritz Houston
MCDP Intern
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Training, Education and Activism Resources
Sign up now!!
Texas Freedom Network - The 2023 Texas Legislative Session is here! Join us in letting our state’s leadership know that we will continue fighting for our freedoms today, tomorrow, and forever. Click here to get in the fight!
Texas Impact Action Alert - Weekly summary of Texas Legislative actions and how to take action - Week of March 13th
National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC) has virtual training opportunities for all Democrats. Go to https://traindemocrats.org/events/ to sign up for any of their trainings.
Red Wine and Blue - NOT POLITICAL? NO PROBLEM. IN FACT, IT’S PERFECT. We are a sisterhood working to change the world together, one suburb at a time. Red Wine & Blue provides everything women need to successfully organize in their communities and beyond. Want to get stuff done and have fun along the way? Join us. https://redwine.blue/training/
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How in the World Can I really Make a Difference?
The news is awful. Prices are up. Your knees hurt. People aren’t kind. Our leaders don’t seem to understand what is really needed. The world is continually going downhill!
Don’t fret! Stop walking around in circles. No need to wring your hands! Volunteer with us at Headquarters every Wednesday and help make a difference!
We are looking for volunteers of all makes and models to join our “Working Wednesdays” crew. There are three shifts. Choose a time, chose a date. Come every Wednesday, once a month, or whenever you can drop in. We need your help, your camaraderie, your bright ideas and your willingness to pitch in with whatever is going on.
During the Legislative cycle we will be writing postcards to our legislators in support of positive legislation or to express our concerns about negative one. We can call, we can text, we can make signs, and buttons or crafts to sell. Update our databases. Write a letter to the editor. Attend a Commissioner’s Court hearing or a school board meeting and sit in the crowd to observe.
Would you like to help us? You can join us at a time below or we can try to find a program just for you at home, or as a quiet meeting observer. Call 936-703-5841 or email us at mcdpoffice@gmail.com and we will put the wheels in motion.
What: Working Wednesdays
Where: 704 N. Thompson Street #195, Conroe, Texas
When: Choose a shift:
- 10 am to 1 pm
- 1 pm to 4 pm
- Evenings for special projects
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Looking For Cards!
CARDS CARDS CARDS!
Do you have occasional cards you receive in the mail from non-profit organizations that you do not use?
WE CAN USE THEM to send to our legislators when we respond to important legislative alerts!
JUST BRING in your unwanted cards to our office and we will gladly put them to good use! (Or just call Headquarters at 936-703-5841 and we will try to arrange a pick-up!)
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JOE and KAMALA'S CORNER !
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Lots of new and great items to show your commitment to Democracy and support MCDPTX!
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Event Calendar - For more details, click on the image and follow link to the MCDPTX.org website; click on the date to view event.
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Other Groups & Community Events: |
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IMMIGRATION CLINIC REOPENED- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! - Lorena Perez McGill |
Can you help?
- Legal consultation
- Set up, clean up, organize
- Speaker
Third Thursdays
5:00 to 9:00pm
24803 Oakhurst Dr. 77386
Questions and Information:
contact Lorena Perez McGill at
email or 202-294-4473.
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Democrats and Progressives of Montgomery County
Wednesday Evening Meetup
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6:00 PM
3091 College Park Dr #290 · The Woodlands, TX
Morning Breakfast MEETUP
Saturday, April 8, 9:00 am
Start the New Year right - with friends and breakfast!
11133 Interstate 45 S · Conroe, TX
Hosted by Karen Cavanagh
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Monthly business meeting Mar. 29, 6:30 pm at 2235 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands |
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Paid for by the Montgomery County Texas Democratic Party, www.mcdptx.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. |
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