🧵While we're waiting for the #txlege #SB1 hearing to resume, here's some background on why some of the voters most affected by it can't provide testimony in person. #CripTheVote
People w/disabilities are more likely to get very sick if they get #COVID19. Cases of #COVID19 are high in Austin.
In fact, cases are so high that #txlege Senate requires people to test negative for #COVID19 before entering a hearing room.
In fact, cases are so high that #txlege Senate requires people to test negative for #COVID19 before entering a hearing room.
Unfortunately, this testing only at the Capitol isn't enough protection for disabled Texans w/ higher #COVID19 risks. It doesn't account for Texans who need to travel long distances, or rely on others for travel needs. Each move is potential exposure #txlege #CripTheVote
Texans w/disabilities care deeply about their #CivilRights, as proven by decades of activism for #DisabilityRights. That includes equitable access to participating in democracy #CripTheVote
Texans w/disabilities asked for the opportunity to participate in #SB1 hearings virtually, so they could participate in democracy while also staying safe #txlege #CripTheVote
@CarolforTexas @NathanForTexas @whitmire_john @TeamZaffirini @SenatorLucio @TxChuy @SenRoyceWest @BorrisLMiles @beverlypowelltx @sarah_eckhardt @RolandForTexas @CesarJBlanco supported their request for virtual testimony in a formal letter to Chair Hughes on Aug. 7
"As the Senate embarks on further hearings affecting the voting rights of Texas citizens, their right to be heard in these debates should be paramount. Yet, we face another COVID-19 surge impacting our state ... " the letter states. 
"Virtual testimony would not only be accommodating to these populations but prudent, considering the current stress on our health care system. ... " #txlege #CripTheVote #SB1
While we don't know if/how Hughes responded, we do know that virtual testimony has not been offered as an accommodation.
We are also unaware of any efforts made to elicit testimony from Texans w/disabilities, except for a verbally shared email address at the hearing this a.m.
We are also unaware of any efforts made to elicit testimony from Texans w/disabilities, except for a verbally shared email address at the hearing this a.m.
If you want to share testimony about #SB1 with the committee, you can send it via email to scstate.affairs@senate.texas.gov and the entire committee will get the email. It's unclear whether emailed testimony will be part of public record (like in-person testimony) #CripTheVote
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
