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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson St. #195
Conroe, Texas 77301
936-703-5841
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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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September 1, 2023
Newsletter
Happy Labor Day!
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Office Closure for Labor Day Holiday
The MCDP office will be closed Friday September 1st and Monday September 4th for Labor Day. We hope you and yours have a safe and restful holiday!
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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:
- Labor Solidarity
- Fiestas Patrias - Why should you and your family attend?
- Fiestas Patrias - Festival Details - It's Free!
- CEC Report
- TDP Talking Points - Memo from Chair re Vouchers; Paxton Trial
- Commissioners' Court Report
- Legislative Update - Constitutional Amendments 1 - 3 (of 14)
- August Final Friday Recap
- Democratic Party Events Around the County
- Non-profit Spotlight - Mosaics of Mercy
- 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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Working families are the backbone of our state, and Texas Democrats will continue to stand in solidarity with workers, unions and activists until every single Texan gains livable wages, safe workplace protections and 21st century benefits. #LaborDay2023
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Why should you and your family attend Fiestas Patrias?
Check out these videos to answer that question!
Thanks to Diane Whiteley our awesome Social Media Chair and her wonderful team of actors, contributors and consultants!!
English actors - Charli Stiver and Gordon Lopez
Spanish actors - Cheetah Castro and Peter Ponce de Leon
And special thanks to Giovanny Castro for consulting, filming and editing!
This is MCDP's first foray into video creation and there is much more to come. Watch for our Tik Tok channel which is coming soon and click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
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County Executive Committee (CEC) Report
August 24, 2023
By Ginger Blair, County Chair
The CEC Meeting this August was on or near the beginning of the school year for most of our school districts, the departure for college for many of our volunteer interns who help us immensely this summer, and the continuation of the 100-degree weather that has been weighing heavily on all of us for most of the month. Nevertheless, we were able to pull ourselves together long enough to have a healthy quorum in attendance and a lively meeting.
Our first discussion centered around the impeachment of Ken Paxton and an alert from the Texas Democratic Party Leadership asking us to write the 18 Republican Senators who will be voting on whether to remove Paxton from office. The 12 Democratic Senators have already shown their willingness to have Paxton removed but it will take at least 9 of the 18 Republicans to vote for his removal. If Paxton were to be removed, it would give a Democratic Attorney General reasonable chance of defeating the Republican candidate in 2024 and strengthen the races at the top of the ballot to bring Democrats out to the polls. The trial begins on September 5th, so there is still time to quickly email the Republican Senators who will be voting on Paxton’s removal.
We also welcomed Azan Natar, Diana Walker, and Mariah Missihoun to the meeting as new Precinct Chairs. Andy Natar, who had been confirmed as precinct chair for Precinct 35 at the last SAC meeting, resigned in the interim, in favor of his son, Azan Natar. Azan was affirmed as the new Precinct 35 chair, becoming our youngest Chair. Diana Walker and Mariah Missihoun had been affirmed at previous meetings of the SAC. At that, Azan Natar (via Zoom), Diana Walker, and Mariah Missihoun (in person) were all sworn in to become the Precinct Chairs for precincts, 35, 91, and 24, respectively.
Old Business included reports by Natalie Ward and Randall Cade regarding the recent fundraisers and the continuing need to increase the number of sustaining members to support the regular needs of the party. If you are a precinct chair, a volunteer, or a voter and you are not giving at least $10 - $20 per month to the Party as a sustaining member, please know that your contributions are critical. We cannot go forward without you! If you can help us with our upcoming Sustaining Donor Drive and our future fundraisers, please contact us at office@mcdptx.org.
Charlotte Riser Harris and Chris Powell each reported on their new initiatives to streamline and support our office operations and precinct chairs. Watch for more information regarding these important programs. Our Outreach Committee chairs gave their reports as part of new business, as well. We are actively recruiting for a new LGBTQ Chair as Jay Stittleburg has had to resign because of new job responsibilities. Thank you to Jay for his service in this role.
We hope you all plan to participate in the Fiestas Patrias event on September 17. This is a massive effort to reach one of our largest groups and we need help.
And please, please, please, scan QR code below.
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TO: Texas Democratic County Party Chairs, Texas Democratic Precinct Chairs, Texas SDEC/DNC Members, and Interested Parties
FROM: Gilberto Hinojosa, Chairman, Texas Democratic Party
DATE: September 1, 2023
RE: Official Texas Democratic Party Position on Republican Voucher Legislation
Fellow Texas Democrat,
I wanted to send you an important update about recent, official action taken by the State Democratic Executive Committee, the elected governing body of the Texas Democratic Party.
On August 26, during the State Democratic Executive Committee’s third quarterly meeting, the State Democratic Executive Committee addressed the looming existential threat of Greg Abbott’s private school voucher scheme by adopting a formal position of opposition to any private school voucher bill proposed during this upcoming special legislative session.
Adelante,
Gilberto Hinojosa
Chair, Texas Democratic Party
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Enough is enough. #KenPaxton has lost the public's trust, disgraced his office, and brought shame to the State of Texas. The time has come for him to be removed from office -- before he embarrasses all of us any further.
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COMMISSIONERS COURT REPORT
By Ginger Blair, Chair
The County Commissioners meeting on August 24, was lengthy, with many important items to discuss, including a report on homelessness in Montgomery County and preliminary considerations regarding the adoption of the 2024 Budget and Tax Rate to be held at a Special meeting of the Commissioners on August 30, 2023. Watch this spot for more information on these important topics in our next issue.
One item that was discussed is of particular interest to us and our Precinct Chairs. Because of continued growth in our County, the Montgomery County Elections website reports a total of 420,986 registered voters as of August 31, 2023. Consequently, at their meeting of August 24, 2023, the Montgomery County Commissioners took action to modify the boundaries of 25 precincts to comply with Section 42.006 of the Texas Election Code, stipulating that a county election precinct must not contain more than 5,000 registered voters.
The resulting changes resulted in the creation of two new voting precincts, Voting Precinct 112, and Voting Precinct 113, both in Commissioner Charlie Riley’s County Commissioners Precinct 2. In fact, 11 of the 25 boundary adjustments occurred in Commissioners Precinct 2. Seven precincts changed in Commissioners Precinct 4, five in Commissioners Precinct 1, and only four in Commissioners Precinct 3, once again confirming the shift in the direction of growth in Montgomery County.
We have obtained preliminary copies of the precinct boundary changes here at headquarters that we can send you, but the official changes have not been posted on the County website yet. Email office@mcdptx.org if you would like a preliminary map. We will be talking to our folks at the Texas State Democratic Party right away, to see when we can expect the changes to be reflected in VAN, our special “Votebuilder” software.
So heads up if you live in one of the following precincts or if you are an election worker or precinct chair. You may find yourself in a new precinct and voting in a new location.
Commissioners Precinct 1 – 43, 01, 102, 22, 50
Commissioners Precinct 2 – 11, 28, 113, 39, 112, 89, 97, 91, 30, 90, 106
Commissioners Precinct 3 – 100, 87, 88, 103
Commissioners Precinct 4 – 14, 26, 41, 43, 54, 96, and 56
Residents have until Oct. 10 to register to vote in the Nov. 7 general election. Early voting begins Oct. 23. Go to www.montgomeryvotes.org to make sure your voter registration is in order and your voting location has not changed.
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CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ELECTION
On November 7, 2023, registered voters in Texas will vote on 14 constitutional amendments. Since the legislature only meets in odd numbered years, any constitutional amendments they pass must be voted on by citizens in November of that year. Over the next few newsletters, I will be providing additional information on each of these amendments in the same order they appear on the ballot.
Texas Proposition 1, Right to Farming, Ranching, Timber Production, Horticulture, and Wildlife Management Amendment (2023)
The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.
This amendment adds a section specifying under what circumstances the legislature or other body can place limits on those activities to protect the resources or residents of the area. It also specifies the body may obtain land by eminent domain.
Texas Proposition 2, Property Tax Exemption for Childcare Facilities Amendment (2023)
The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real estate used to operate a child-care facility.
The governing body can opt for a percentage appraised value which cannot be less than 50%. The legislature in general law defines child-care facilities and may provide additional eligibility requirements.
Texas Proposition 3, Prohibit Taxes on Wealth or Net Worth Amendment (2023)
The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.
Submitted by
Betty McInturff
Chair, Precinct 12
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FINAL FRIDAY RECAP
August’s Final Friday Outreach program was a presentation on the CISD bond issue that is going to be on the ballot for a large part of the County this coming November. Our speakers were Sarah Blakelock, the CISD Director of Communications and Brent Veazey, a citizen member of the CISD Bond Committee.
And yes, the message was that Conroe ISD is growing and is expected to continue to grow at the rate of 3,000 students per year for the foreseeable future. There are already 71,000 students enrolled in the district, on 70 campuses, with 10,000 employees. But, according to the information presented, the district tax rate has declined $.16 in the last four years and stands to continue that trend, notwithstanding the need for the bond package that was presented.
There were more than 30 folks at headquarters to hear our speakers in person and another 20 or so who joined us via Zoom. A lively discussion followed the presentation with the group again and again focusing on the need for a strong public school system for the future of our communities, our citizens, and our country as a whole. There was a strong consensus in support of the Bond proposal as presented and an eagerness to begin working to ensure its passage.
Because of the Texas Democratic Party’s strong commitment to public education and the recent comments of our Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa in his recent news release the issue of public education and a county wide strategy for supporting our schools will be considered at our next Senior Advisory Committee and County Executive Committee meetings.
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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 Supports MISD Life Skills Teachers and Students
Local Democrats Donate Needed Supplies
Blue Magnolia, a coalition of the 10 Magnolia Democratic Precinct Chairs, collected and donated items to the Magnolia West High School Life Skills classes. Ernie Halsell, Precinct 18 Chair and grandfather of a MWHS student, organized and promoted the collection for Blue Magnolia. As Halsell stated “the Life Skills teachers and students are often overlooked during school supply donation drives.” These students and teachers often can use specialty items outside those needed for a regular classroom and this donation drive focused on collecting those items.
After reaching out to determine what was most needed for the students, Blue Magnolia collected many items on the teachers’ wish list, including headphones and noise-cancelling headphones. The donations will be shared among the six Life Skills classes at MWHS.
Life Skills classes are taught by dedicated teachers who are committed to their special needs students from preschool through high school. Magnolia ISD has 235 students in their Life Skills and Able classes. They have approximately 2,300 students in Special Services, with almost another 200 referrals for this year. While the district receives funding from the state and federal government, donations to these programs are always appreciated!
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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 spotlight Mosaics of Mercy who is committed to:
Helping members of our community navigate mental health and substance use recovery resources
According to their website: Our vision is a united community mobilized to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others through a renewed and compassionate mindset toward mental well-being. Mosaics of Mercy is using Education and Connection to build a bridge over the gaps in our community.
Please reach out to Mosaics of Mercy if you or anyone you know is need of help navigating available resources. And see below for information about their Fun Run in October.
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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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Recurring meetings, and related events
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Democratic Club of The Woodlands Meeting
TBA ,2023
7:00 pm
South Community Center
2235 Lake Robbins Dr. 77380
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Democrats and Progressives of Montgomery County
Morning Breakfast MEETUP
Saturday, September 9, 9:00 am
11133 Interstate 45 S · Conroe, TX
Hosted by Karen Cavanagh
Dog Days of Summer MEETUP
Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6:00 PM
3091 College Park Dr Ste 290 · The Woodlands, TX
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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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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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