Dem presidential nomination Hunger Games | We hate on hate crimes | Can you pass my bills, can you pass my telephone bills

On Episode 3 of The Rabble, we explore our love-hate relationship with The Hunger Games-like presidential primary process. The shutdown was called off shortly after we recorded, but we discuss some shocking ways government workers were affected (and probably will be again in two weeks when the zombie of the shutdown comes back from the dead). Plus, we look at actions we can take to support the LGBTQ+ community in Texas. This week’s guest is long-time TX lege staffer and “Over the Lege” comedy show creator Stephanie Chiarello, who teaches us all about the bills and the bees (AKA where TX laws come from).

THIS WEEK’S GUEST:

Stephanie Chiarello, longtime TX legislative staffer and creator of political comedy show “Over the Lege”

https://www.facebook.com/overthelege/

SH*T TO DO:

Create an account on the Texas Legislature Online site and set up “alerts” to follow bills related to issues you care about:

https://capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspx

How to track bills using the TLO site:

http://txlege.indivisible.blue/2017/03/16/how-to-track-bills-in-the-texas-legislature/

Follow @txlegebills on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TXLegeBills

Follow #TXlege on Twitter and Instagram

FOLLOW ROUSER:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RouserTX


• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rousertx/


• Friday newsletter T-GIF: https://www.rousertx.com/tgif/

LINKS WE MENTIONED:

How agencies like the FBI are affected by the shutdown:

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/22/fbi-shutdown-report-1119526

Shutdowns reveal income inequality in government service:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/23/politics/the-shutdown-is-hurting-some-federal-workers/index.html

Where to donate resources for workers affected by the shutdown:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/

http://www.texasdiaperbank.org/

Find your local Indivisible group:

https://indivisible.org/

Senator John Cornyn’s district offices:

https://www.txdirectory.com/online/person/?id=17288&office=16865

Senator Ted Cruz’s district offices:

https://www.txdirectory.com/online/person/?id=44949&office=24898

“Stop Stupidity” Act to end government shutdowns:

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/426459-senate-dem-introduces-stop-stupidity-act-to-end-government-shutdowns

Who is running for president so far?

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/1/28/18187024/2020-us-presidential-election-who-is-running-democratic-primary

The Hunger Games (if you just emerged from a bunker):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games

Austin police looking for men suspected of brutally beating gay couple:

https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/austin-police-looking-men-suspected-brutally-beating-gay-couple-n961616

Where to find information on joining a City of Austin board or commission (such as the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Board):

http://www.austintexas.gov/department/more-about-boards-and-commissions

What the Supreme Court’s transgender military ban means for trans people who want to serve:

https://www.vox.com/first-person/2019/1/24/18195975/trump-trans-military-ban-supreme-court-decision

“I fought for your right to hate me”:

https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/11/09/this-veterans-selfie-sends-a-pretty-powerful-message/

Texas Democrats line up pro-LGBT bills:

https://outinsa.com/texas-democrats-line-up-pro-lgbt-bills-as-state-legislature-opening-day-arrives/

Rep. Joe Moody in his Biggie tie:

https://www.facebook.com/RouserTX/photos/a.950382661830330/1033109386890990/?type=3&theater

Stats on bills passed in TX lege:

https://lrl.texas.gov/sessions/billStatistics.cfm

"Over the Lege" political comedy show:

https://www.facebook.com/overthelege/

Texas legislature online website:

https://capitol.texas.gov/Home.aspx

How to track bills using the TLO site:

http://txlege.indivisible.blue/2017/03/16/how-to-track-bills-in-the-texas-legislature/

A great tool to see how a bill becomes a law; make sure to allow Adobe Flash to work (you click on each square and it gives more information) https://tlc.texas.gov/BillToLaw

Dawnna Dukes advocating for smoking:

http://tlchouse.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=38&clip_id=9606.

(It's at 3hrs 32 minutes in; amendment 27 is the amendment prohibiting smoking, her amendment is 28 saying no alcohol, etc.)

The bill that gives tax exemptions to feminine hygiene products for a limited period (bahahaha):

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB232

Hot air balloon hunting law:

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=85R&Bill=HB3535

Major bills from the last legislative session:

https://apps.texastribune.org/85th-texas-legislature-major-bills/