Wrap-up of Texas legislative session that ended June 1
The 140-day Texas legislative session ended on June 1 with mixed results for pro-lifers.Here are some of the successes: Funding for treatments and research involving umbilical cord adult stem cells will continue at $5 million for two years. Meanwhile, all attempts to fund or legitimize human cloning or embryonic stem cell research were defeated. The Alternatives to Abortion fund was increased from $5 million to $8 million for two years. All attempts to attack pro-life pregnancy resource centers and Gabriel Projects were defeated. Attempts to remove conscience protections for health care providers were defeated, as were attempts to limit the free speech rights of churches and issue organizations to educate the public about how candidates stand on issues.But there were disappointments: Despite overwhelming support in both chambers, the Choose Life license plate bill died on the last day along with the TxDOT reauthorization bill to which it had been amended. The ultrasound bill died near the end, a victim of a five-day filibuster, not related to the life issue, orchestrated by some members of the House Democratic Caucus. The bill to create the Texas Adult Stem Cell Research Consortium died in the House as time ran out in the final days, even though TAL's "Put Patients First" campaign helped to win unanimous support in the Senate. Planned Parenthood continued to be eligible for millions in tax funding for "family planning" services that include referrals for abortion.Pro-life bills received unprecedented support from citizens across the state. For example, nearly 15,000 people signed the Choose Life petition, while thousands made phone calls at key times and attended the Texas Rally for Life in January and the pro-life lobby day and rally in February.Governor Perry may call a special session to consider TxDOT reauthorization. If so, the Choose Life bill could also be considered. The next regular session will convene in January 2011 after elections in 2010.For more details and updates, visit www.TexasAllianceforLife.org. Look for our scorecard to be posted next week.
It's not too late to Walk 2009!
The first Texas Alliance for Life Walk 2009 is only three days away. Sign up to walk today, or pledge to sponsor an existing walker, at www.TexasAllianceforLife.org!
The Walk 2009 is a fun, easy way to raise funds for pro-life activities. It's a two-mile walk-a-thon in which walkers get pledges and TAL collects the money. (Last year, the average walker raised more than $500 in pledges!)
You can participate at three convenient locations:
- Austin on June 6 at The Quarries near 183 and Mopac
- Seguin on June 20 at the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center
- Georgetown on June 27 at Sun City
Or you can walk on your own for two miles!Visit www.TexasAllianceforLife.org today to register as a walker, pledge to sponsor an existing walker, or find useful tools to promote the Walk 2009 in your church or community!
And help us spread the word! Gianna Jessen, a woman whose life was radically transformed by surviving a failed abortion, will be joining TAL for our Annual Benefit Dinner on Thursday, October 22. You don't want to miss her story!
Visit www.TexasAllianceforLife.org for more information, or click on the image on the left.
