Our first report covered the critically important state budget issues and CTD’s advocacy for increased funding for services. There were many other issues and CTD testified, visited legislators, supplied/reviewed bill language, and wrote/distributed position papers on them. CTD held two rallies at the Capitol, sponsored the national Road to Freedom ADA bus tour and held a press conference on the Capitol steps. We implemented Raise Your Voice! a web-based tool, via which CTD members contacted their legislators. In non-traditional advocacy, CTD organized the Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas, a 25-day public awareness event to draw attention to pressing legislative issues. CTD member Mikail Davenport handcycled from El Paso to Beaumont, attracting national, state and local media coverage. The rallies, the Raise Your Voice! contacts and broad media coverage make for a huge impact, because legislators see these as constituent viewpoints.
With our partners, CTD successfully fought bills to water down or eliminate accessible voting rights gained under the Help America Vote Act. CTD worked closely with the election committees, expressing the will of Texans with disabilities to never return to the days of disenfranchisement. And we fought an influx of “voter ID” bills; if passed, they would have harmed voting participation of people with disabilities, elders and minorities.
CTD was actively involved in over 21 bills, while two were filed at CTD’s request. HB2216 passed, ensuring availability of structurally modified vehicles. CTD also advanced the ADA bill, passing it through House Civil Practices and raising awareness of the State’s offensive practice of claiming immunity for its acts of disability discrimination. CTD was a primary advocate for successful bills on consumer directed services, workers comp extended coverage, judicial review of Medicaid decisions, property tax cuts for homeowners with disabilities and more. A favorite topic of the tabloid media, HB 308 legalized the use of laser sighting devices for hunters with blindness. Not a joke, CTD supported this “Texan” example of reasonable accommodation and community inclusion.
Thanks to everyone who contacted their legislator and the various organizations, legislators and staffers who helped us. Special recognition to our priniciple partners: ADAPT, Advocacy Inc., Texas Center for Disability Studies and AARP. To see CTD’s detailed Legislative Report, including state budget results: www.cotwd.org/2007_legislative_report.html.
CTD/Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is presenting a teleconference training on legislative advocacy during the interim before the 2009 Texas Legislative Session at 2 pm CT on Tuesday August 14. Impact public policy, yourselves and others! Examine the accomplishments gained at the recent 2007 Texas Legislature. If we don’t continue raising our voices, by January 2009 our message will get lost! The conference call procedure is easy and there’ll be no charge to you or your group! At 2 pm CT on 8-14, simply call 888-346-3659 and punch in code number 3235. For more information and advance materials please contact Bryson Smith at 512-478-3366 or bsmith@cotwd.org The teleconference will last approx. 45 minutes.
Robert Rodgers, a member of CTD’s Team Everest Trek, passed away this June. Rob happily joined his brother, CTD member Gene Rodgers, on the trek up Mt Everest in 2003. Said Robert of his journey up the mountain:
I am not an athlete, climber, or hiker – I am only a musician… how could I have known what I would find out there– I only knew there had to be something better… they all became my brothers and sisters – every last person on that team would do anything for me. I felt total peace and tranquility… The brave souls of CTD’s Team Everest Expedition and that wonderful country gave me another chance at life, and for that I shall be eternally grateful... I promise that I will not waste this new life of mine.
CTD would like to extend our sympathy to Rob’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
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