FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2021
AUSTIN – Senate Bill 7, a massive voter suppression bill, was defeated today when Democrats in the Texas House walked out and broke quorum, effectively blocking a vote. To become law, the bill had to clear the chamber before a midnight deadline.
Texas Freedom Network President Val Benavidez released the following statement:
“Our Democratic House lawmakers are heroes. Texans have organized for months to tell their lawmakers that Senate Bill 7 has no place in our state and no place in our democracy, yet Texas Republican officials still moved forward—adamant about restricting voting rights for young, disabled, and Black and Brown Texans. This heinous bill was stopped due to the grassroots organizing of Texans and Democratic lawmakers who saw these proposed voter suppression bills as the worst attack on democracy since Jim Crow.
“As the fight for a fair and free democracy continues in our state, Texas Freedom Network and Texas Rising Action are taking action to ensure Texans’ voices are heard. We will soon be making announcements in response to this and any future assault on our democratic values.
“As a group that registered voters before the 2020 election, TFN is no stranger to massive statewide efforts that engage Texans in our democratic process. Last year alone, we’re proud to have reached every single young voter of color in the state of Texas in our largest voter registration effort to date.
“We’re gearing up for the next fight. To every Texas Democrat who fought the brave fight to stop Texas Republicans from stealing elections and stopping Black and Brown voters from voting, thank you. Our work and our fight is just beginning.”
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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.
