For Immediate Release
May 29, 2021
A conference committee report to reconcile House and Senate versions of voter-suppressing Senate Bill 7 in the Texas Legislature is now public —and the bill couldn’t be more dangerous for democracy in our state.
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Carisa Lopez issued the following statement:
“After a week of deliberation and deal-making in a backroom conference committee, Senate Bill 7 remains what it has always been: the worst assault on democracy in Texas since Jim Crow. Republicans know how unpopular this bill is. They know how disruptive this bill would be to our election systems, and they know that this bill is all based on a Big Lie from our former president. It’s wrong, it’s disgusting, and it’s un-American.
“This bill must not receive a vote on the Senate floor—especially considering it’s impossible for constituents to have reviewed a bill negotiated and finalized in secret. It’s sickening that Texas Republicans have introduced this blatant voter-suppressing legislation that specifically targets young, disabled, and Black and Brown Texans’ right to vote. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan should be ashamed to be leading such an effort.
“Let’s not forget that this voter suppression bill is hardly what the people of Texas have asked of their lawmakers this year. Texans continue to demand action to address our crumbling power grid and the COVID-19 pandemic, get our state’s economy back on track, and prioritize access to affordable health care, not this blatant attempt to further restrict access to the ballot box. There are real issues facing Texans today. Instead of fixing these issues, Texas Republicans decided to try to stop Texans from having the right to vote them out.
“Texans are counting on their elected representatives to see SB7 for what it really is: a shameful and unpopular assault on voting rights and democracy that must be halted at all costs. It’s time for those representatives to heed the calls of their constituents, and with less than 72 hours left in session, not bring SB7 up for a vote. This is it. Everything is on the line.”
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The Texas Freedom Network (tfn.org) is a grassroots organization of religious and community leaders and young Texans building an informed and effective movement for equality and social justice.
