Thread by @TheArcofTexas

🧵 Our member Courtney P. of the Dallas area wanted to provide her testimony in opposition fo #SB1 during Monday's committee hearing. She lives with paralysis due to a progressive health condition and wanted to share how important the democratic process is to her #txlege

People w/disabilities are at higher risk of contracting #COVID19 and facing severe illness. The surge of cases in Austin means it would be unsafe for Courtney to travel to Austin, which is why she requested to testify virtually. #txlege #SB1

Courtney's request to give virtual testimony to the committee wasn't granted, but allies like @beverlypowelltx & @TeamZaffirini made sure they received her printed testimony that day.

Even so, Courtney missed a chance to speak her own words in her own way. #txlege #SB1

Today, we appreciate that Courtney's words were given a voice when @CarolforTexas read Courtney's testimony aloud to senators on the floor of #txlege this evening #StandwithCarol #TxDemFilibuster #SB1

Courtney says:

"To vote in person, I need assistance. Finding a person who's willing to transport me, a wheelchair accessible vehicle, and someone to open doors to the voting location are just a few examples of this." #SB1 #txlege

"If the table that the voting apparatus is located on is too high or too low, I am not able to push my wheelchair close enough to be able to use pen and paper nor reach an electronic device."

"In situations where the height isn't optimal, but I am able to manage, my writing quality, therefore my signature, is extremely varied and may not reflect how it appears in other contexts."

"Under this bill, my vote could be discarded if my authentic signature is believed to be fraudulent.

Now, more than ever, it can be hard to find available assistance in this nurse and caregiver shortage."

"With the passage of #SB1, it will be even harder to find people willing to help me exercise my right to vote if they are risking a felony because a poll worker misjudges my supporter’s assistance as misconduct."

"This past presidential election I utilized drive thru voting for the first time, which this bill also affects in some vicinities." #SB1 #txlege

"I had the assistance of someone to drive, to help me take my identification out of my wallet, as well as to give me the stylus and hold the tablet device on which I voted." #SB1 #txlege

"As someone who loves this country-the daughter of a veteran-I plead with you all to consider the tangible effects of the bill as it stands today and thank you all for your time. God bless."

Courtney's testimony is her's alone, but millions of disabled Texans share her concerns

Thank you again @CarolforTexas for sharing Courtney's words this evening.

#StandWithCarol in the fight by sharing how this bill would affect YOU w/#TxDemFilibuster or via [e-mail] #CripTheVote