COUNTY LIFE
League of Women Voters challenges early cut-off of census count
Austin – The League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters of Texas, California, and Florida, filed an amicus brief in New York Immigrant Coalition v. Trump, a case which challenges President Trump’s executive order to block undocumented individuals from being counted in the U.S. Census. The Leagues join in support of the plaintiffs, the New York Immigrant Coalition, Make the Road New York, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, ADC Research Institute, and Fiel Houston, Inc.
“It is vital that every person is counted in the Census—that’s why it’s mandated in our Constitution,” said Celina Stewart, Senior Director of Advocacy and Litigation at the League of Women Voters of the United States. “Census data forms the basis for everything from federal funding for infrastructure to where businesses decide to build factories to how our Congressional and state legislative districts are drawn. Attempts to disrupt an accurate count threaten our very democracy and American livelihood.”
The states of Texas, Florida, and California are home to large immigrant populations who the Administration’s order may intimidate out of completing the Census, resulting in an under count in these states. The League argues in the brief that if permitted to go into effect, the Memorandum would unfairly and artificially reduce certain states’ representation in Congress, while improperly increasing the representation of other states. Accordingly, the impact of the Memorandum will be felt by not only undocumented immigrants, but all citizens in every state. And since one of the League’s primary goals is to promote government that is representative, accountable, responsive, and that assures opportunities for effective and inclusive voter participation in government decision-making, the League felt compelled to add their voices and perspective to the suit.
“Our communities depend on accurate Census data to ensure adequate funding for the institutions and programs that affect Texans’ everyday lives,” said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas. “The administration’s order strikes at the heart of our democracy—harming not just our immigrant communities, but every Texas resident who drives on a road, sends their kids to school, or seeks medical care.”
“Conducting a complete and accurate census is a critical component of the American democratic process. This unconstitutional directive would dramatically shift political representation nationwide and significantly impact distribution of federal funding to states, said Jennifer Altman, partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Pittman LLP, the law firm representing the League. “Though the memorandum may intend to target undocumented immigrant populations it would ultimately bring negative consequences for every lawful United States citizen, jeopardizing public health, public education and public safety, most acutely within communities of color.”
Bowie will begin dressing up downtown during the annual Hanging of the Greens starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16.
On Saturday morning volunteers will gather to hang lighted garland and wreaths on the nearly 100 lamp posts throughout downtown Bowie. These sparkling decorations will light up the area for the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Festival the weekend of Dec. 7, as well as throughout the holiday season.
Any citizen, family, student, civic group or club is invited to take part. Those with questions may call the BCDB office at 872-6246. Volunteers will meet at city hall across from the BCDB office at Pecan and Mason to receive their supplies. Please bring along a step ladder.
It’s going to be a “Candy Cane Christmas” in Bowie this year during the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Festival on Dec. 7.
Event host, the Bowie Community Development Board is planning a full weekend of activities to help launch the holiday season in Bowie.
The lighted parade is one of the weekend’s highlights and those wishing to enter should remember the deadline is Nov. 16.
Dec. 6
Festival weekend begins with Sip & Stroll With Me from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 6.
Throughout downtown participating merchants invite strollers to enjoy wine or other drinks, and other holiday munchies as they shop stores and meet retailers. There will be live music, a holiday photo booth, carriage rides and of course lots of shopping.
Wristbands may be purchased at any of the participating merchants for $15. Strollers will receive a wine glass with their wristband, but they also are welcome to use a previous glass. Proceeds go toward downtown beautification projects.
Dec. 7
Saturday offers a full array of family-fun activities to enjoy from pancakes to floats.
The City of Bowie Fire Department welcomes families to enjoy free Pancakes with Santa from 7 to 10 a.m. at the fire hall, 203 Walnut. Toy drive donations will be accepted and there will be photos with the Big Guy.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
Montague County celebrated its veterans Monday during a program at the courthouse annex in Montague.
The young men of the Trail Life Troop 1309 of Bowie posted the colors offering the American and Texas flags, followed by the American Heritage Girls Troop 1031 also from Bowie who gave the pledge of allegiance. Thad Murphy gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.
Jerry “Doc” Cody, Forestburg, was the guest speaker sharing a bit of his experience as a U.S. Army veteran. Cody is an active volunteer with the county veteran services office, which hosted Monday’s program.
After being drafted, he was inducted into the Army on June 13, 1967. After completing basic combat training, Cody went to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio where he trained as a combat medic.
After a 12-day leave he was sent to Vietnam where he served in the Central Highlands assigned to the 2/17th field artillery.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Top photo – speaker Jerry Cody.
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