Ramping up pressure to defeat bad bail bill HB 20

HB 20, a similar bill to horrible bail bill SB 21, will be heard by the Texas House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence this afternoon.

More than 60% of people in Texas jails – nearly 40,000 people – have not been convicted of an offense and are stuck there simply because they cannot afford bail. HB 20 will result in even more people held in jail pre-trial.  In addition, the bill would largely take away a judge’s discretion to release people on personal recognizance bond, and would require discriminatory risk assessment tools to be used for all who can not afford to purchase their release.

Share this Facebook graphic and call (512) 883-8959 to demand your state representative oppose HB 20!

For more information, call or text Laquita Garcia at (972) 342-5116.

Calling for a road to citizenship for undocumented essential workers

The March to Victory: Relay Across America continued in San Antonio yesterday as part of a nationwide effort to demand a roadmap to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants. As we continue to grapple with this pandemic, inclusive COVID recovery for all is necessary to ensure all get through the crisis.

In observance, TOP immigration campaign members marched “11 Miles for 11 Million” yesterday to raise their voices in support of the millions of undocumented essential workers risking their lives each and every day to keep us fed and sustain our nation’s economy during this pandemic. TOP believes it is long overdue that these essential workers receive not only added protections on the job, but a straightforward path to citizenship.

The Relay Across America consists of community-led efforts across the country, made up of in-person and virtual events, and kicked-off in Washington on March 17, with subsequent events planned in nearly 30 states through May 1. The relay aims to unite communities throughout the nation in calling for a humane immigration system that protects our 11 millions undocumented immigrants, including essential workers, DACA and TPS holders, and those who don’t currently have a pathway to citizenship.

Watch a news clip talking about the event here.

For more information, call or text Cristian Esparza at (210) 952-1096.

Celebrating Women’s History Month at TOP

Women are the heartbeat of the world: setting the agenda, driving change, building and flexing power for the common good, and achieving what was once the unimaginable.

As a group founded and led by women across the organization, TOP this month and every month channels the indomitable spirit of freedom-fighting women who came before us, with special focus on revolutionary women of color who, through, vision, immense struggle and sacrifice, have made countless contributions that have brought us closer to our collective liberation.

We are not asking for a ‘seat at the table’; we are unapologetically building our own while redefining what is possible every day through our very existence, and women of color are leading the way.

Throughout the month of March on TOP’s social media, we will be highlighting the contributions of women icons in the movement, as well as uplifting the work of TOP members and staff.

Check out our Women’s History Month playlist on Spotify.

Follow TOP’s official Spotify account.

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Ramping up our calls for Medicaid expansion in Texas

Join TOP and #SickOfItTX coalition allies virtually this Friday, March 5, for #MedEx4TX Advocacy Day — a day of action calling on our elected officials in the Texas Legislature to #ExpandMedicaid now!

Texas can’t recover while Texans aren’t covered, and our state continues to have the highest uninsured rate in the nation. Last year, more than 1.6 million Texans lost a job, and with it, their health insurance.

Healthcare is a human right. Texans need coverage and Texas leaders can do something about it. Over 2.2 million Texans could gain coverage if our state expands Medicaid.

Sign up to be a part of a #MedEx4TX Advocacy Day and make your voice heard Friday.

Share the Facebook event here.

For more information, call or text Sofia Sepulveda at (210) 202-8678.

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Learn about state bills that will lift up our communities

The Texas Legislature is now in full swing, and the stakes are high for Black and Latino families.

Join us Thursday, March 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a virtual town hall on Facebook Live, where we will hear from some members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus who are introducing House and Senate bills on the critical issues of police reform, bail reform, second chances for people previously incarcerated, juvenile justice, and more.

During the livestream, you’ll also have a chance to learn more about our Justice Can’t Wait 2021 Legislative Platform.

RSVP on Facebook here and share the event.

For more information, call or text Koretta Brown at (713) 418-0251.

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Stepping up to assist Texans still recovering from Winter Storm Uri

Public hearings on Gov. Abbott’s ERCOT are done for now, and as much as our governor tries to escape blame, Texans know he’s responsible for our state’s horrible preparation and response to Winter Storm Uri.

The winter storm was brutal for all across Texas, but once again, Black and Latino families endured the worst of Gov. Abbott’s incompetence, with many still struggling through hardship right now as a result.

In response, TOP has teamed up on the ground with partners Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio to ensure our communities continue to receive the resources they need to recover, including clean water, food, and some immediate direct cash assistance for relief.

Donate to the Power Up Texas Fund to support families still recovering from the devastating winter storm.

We appreciate all who have already donated to the fund. TOP is committed to holding Gov. Abbott accountable for this massive, avoidable disaster, while making sure Black and Latino communities are not left struggling due to his failures.

Also, if you’re a San Antonio resident, you’re invited to be part of a winter storm recovery virtual meeting we’re hosting TODAY, March 2, at 6 p.m. — RSVP ON FACEBOOK HERE.

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Strengthening our movement through the power of music

Through our celebrations, struggles, and just everyday life, music plays a vital role in how we connect with one another, as well as how we see the world around us. It’s also a powerful tool for collective expression and a driving force for societal change.

That’s why for all you fellow music lovers out there, TOP now has its own Spotify account! Follow us on Spotify here.

In the weeks and months to come, expect us to share curated playlists that complement our issue-based campaigns and our fight for justice.

Listen to TOP’s first Spotify playlist here!

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

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Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Our state lawmakers need to hear from us. Submit your winter storm story!

This Thursday, February 25, the Texas House of Representatives will hold a public hearing in Austin to address ERCOT’s lack of preparedness for this winter storm, but Gov. Abbott doesn’t want to testify about his administration’s failures that led to power outages and impacted water supplies across the state. To make matters worse, only invited guests will be allowed to speak.

TOP and our allies want to make sure these legislators know how the freezing temperatures, power outages, and water shortages have impacted you and your family. So we’re inviting you to share your written and video testimony as we demand answers for Texans.

Your powerful stories will be shared publicly with Gov. Abbott, ERCOT, and the hearing officials on the day of the hearing so that your voice can be heard. #AbbottBlackout

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE.

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Providing critical aid to Black and Latino Texans hit hard by Winter Storm Uri

Gov. Abbott and state government officials have failed us once again, this time through their complete lack of preparation leading up to and gross negligence during Winter Storm Uri’s tear through Texas last week. TOP is now working to make sure our communities are getting ample resources to recover, as we hold Abbott accountable for choosing deregulation and corporate profits over our lives.

Since last week, TOP has made nearly 5,000 calls to our members and supporters across the state in partnership with the Movement for Black Lives to complete wellness checks and provide some direct cash assistance for immediate relief. Our staff has also been on the ground in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio assisting with mutual aid fund efforts to make sure our communities’ most vulnerable have adequate shelter, water, and food. No matter the challenge, we’re here for making sure our Black and Latino communities recover from this mess to the fullest extent.

To help TOP and our statewide partners widen our reach to help more families in dire need, make a donation to the Power Up Texas Fund.

Also, it was announced today that 31 more Texas counties have been added to the federal major disaster declaration. That’s in addition to the 77 counties approved late last week. Learn more here how you can apply for disaster relief from FEMA.

This winter storm was brutal for all Texans affected, but even more so for low-income and Black and Latino communities already marginalized by Gov. Abbott and his right-wing allies. These are households that have been struggling to make ends meet because of Abbott’s failed pandemic response that has left many financially struggling.

As the overseer of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT (Energy Reliability Council of Texas), Abbott must take full responsibility and answer for this failure that has since caused millions to suffer and has already cost the lives of dozens.

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Plug in to our Right2Justice meetings this week

Live in Bexar or Dallas counties and want to transform our legal system? Join our online campaign meetings this week!

During these meetings, we’ll share with you the progress of our justice reform efforts at the local level and strategize on our work for the months ahead, from fighting mass incarceration, to enacting bail reform, to ending police brutality.

Bexar County Right2Justice meeting
Tuesday, February 9, at 5 p.m.
Facebook event with more info
For more information, call or text Dan Stanford at (210) 765-8435.

Dallas County Right2Justice meeting
Thursday, February 11, at 6 p.m.
Facebook event with more info
For more information, call or text Carvell Bowens at (214) 934-8558.

TOP in the news

Raw Story: Democrats are ‘clearly poised’ for a Georgia-like victory in Texas: journalist

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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