Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced this week that he will lift the state's mask mandates and roll back many COVID-19 health mandates, just one day after the CDC warned states about complacency in the face of emerging coronavirus variants.

He said his new executive order would rescind "most" of his prior COVID-19 executive orders, and that all businesses would be allowed to open "100 percent," effective March 10. The end of the mask mandate makes Texas, population 29 million, the largest state to end a rule aimed to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

And then there's Abbott's "leadership" during recent Winter Storm Uri:

Abbott's response to the storm could not have been worse. He could’ve deployed the National Guard, talked with big-city mayors, activated the Emergency Broadcast System to keep people informed. He could’ve requested more federal aid as he did with Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Aid that would provide military assistance, disaster unemployment insurance, money for local governments and hazard mitigation for damaged homes, and even basic services like food and water. Abbott asked only for direct financial assistance for individuals and help to keep emergency services going until the storm passed. Why? Because he doesn’t want to be seen asking Washington for help. It might damage his “fiery independent” image among Republicans and ruin his chance of running for President.

Abbott wants to keep power in Austin by refusing to allow cities to do what’s best for them (like implement mandatory mask-wearing or ban plastic bags or fracking), yet he doesn’t give help from Austin when local communities need it most. He could push state aid facilities to hand out water or food or provide emergency assistance to repair water infrastructure. He’s done none of these things. Remind your Republican friends of these facts!

Texas voters think the state spends too little on mental health, and public education, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.

Voting by mail is safe, secure, and easy. That's why we want to put a vote by mail application in the hands of every eligible Democratic voter in Collin County.

You can help Democrats vote this year by dropping off vote by mail info packets for Democratic voters near you. Wherever you are in Collin County, you can join this weekend of action on March 6 and 7.

When people vote, the people win. Help people vote safely and securely this year by providing them the vote by mail applications they need. Sign up now!

Saturday, March 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (CST)

Sunday, March 7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (CST)

Collin County Commissioner’s Court: There’s been no expansion of vaccine delivery, sign-ups for the waiting list were halted, there’s no dedicated phone line for people to have their questions answered. County Judge Chris Hill just rescinded the disaster declaration for a public health emergency with less than 4% of Collin County citizens vaccinated. The county had 458 new cases and 4 deaths from Covid on the same day he rescinded the declaration.

Stupid and risky decisions rarely faze Hill. In order to receive his newsletter that includes daily COVID stats, people are forced to subscribe to receive his campaign email. One constituent let him know she was unsubscribing from his newsletter: “Perhaps if Chris Hill becomes a deserving representative that cares for the county’s collective health then I may be interested in following again. My mother almost died because of derisive egos like his. Do better.” His response? “You are a liar and a moron, and you’re dangerously close to libel, so keep it up.”

Allen City Council: Gary Caplinger, Mayor Pro Tem, was arrested one week after his indictment by a grand jury on two counts of possession of child pornography with intent to promote. The City of Allen released a statement saying it was shocked noting (oddly) that charges did not originate with the Allen Police Department. Not a good spin. Either Allen PD doesn’t know what’s going on in its own backyard or it doesn’t want to be seen applying the law to those in power. The council voted unanimously to accept Caplinger’s resignation. The lone Democratic member on the council, Lauren Doherty, was the only one to speak up for his victims.

The council authorized the City Manager to apply for a state grant to hire a Mental Health Coordinator to work with Allen PD. This is a good start. Hopefully, this is not just for show and the department will use the mental health professional appropriately. In a discussion about a senior living development, Mayor Ken Fulk mentioned his concern about too many multi-family developments in Allen. He said he heard lots of complaints about this during his campaign. Affordable housing is a highly charged issue infused with racism and classism.

North Texas is quickly becoming a place where even people who earn a decent living can’t afford housing in the city where they work. In some places, 60% of residents spend more than a third of their income on rent (the federal barometer of what’s “affordable”). If elected, the three super-conservative Republicans running for three of the open seats on the Allen City Council can be expected to only make matters worse.

Want to help report on our local government? Join Liberal Women's Action Network (also open to men, of course!) on Facebook!

With another election season, we’re restarting the Running Blue newsletter focusing on Collin County Democratic candidates and campaigns. This timely and informative newsletter is sent out on Tuesdays. The first issue of this season will be next week, March 9.

If you are on the distribution list for The Rally, no worries; you’ll get Running Blue. If you are a candidate or campaign staffer and want to run a story about your campaign or candidate, please use the CCDP Publicity Request form to submit notices and articles. The deadline for Running Blue is Saturday at 5 p.m. (Texas Time!) Check out the Running Blue archives from last year!”

Let’s talk about ENERGY in Texas! Chrysta Castañeda will join Richardson Democrats to give her insight into the subject based on years of being both an engineer and an oil and gas litigation attorney who ran for Railroad Commissioner in 2020. Let’s keep the energy up around this subject and demand change in Texas!

When: Friday, March 5, 7 p.m.

Where: Virtual via Zoom. RSVP to get the Zoom link.

District 104 (Dallas) and Vice Chair, Elections Committee

Learn more, provide your input, and ask your questions.

When: Monday, March 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom--participate using your phone or computer.

Contact: disabilitydemocrats@gmail.com or 307-314-ABLE (2253)

The Texas Legislature is currently in its 87th session. Have you wondered how you can effect real change during this brief time? Learn how to use and lift the power of your voice to lobby and advocate for a cause that you care about!

In an informational session during our March 18 General Member Meeting, we’ll teach you:

Where do you fall? Maybe you’re a casual change maker, or perhaps you’re finally ready to make some big waves? Either way, you're welcome to join us at this informational session.

Our service project will be the Douglass Visions Committee, Inc. a non-profit community development organization that started in 1990 to assist and enhance the Douglass Community of Plano.

Join us before the meeting for a mixer from 6:45-7 p.m. so members can speak with candidates on the May 1 ballot.

The CCDP physical office is closed until further notice for safety. Our office staff are, however, working for you from home and available by telephone at 972-578-1483 or contact us on the web at collindemocrats.org