Thank you for Allowing Me to Serve You
Steve Ruiz with TDP Chair Gilberto Hinojosa, Former SD16 SDEC Committeeman David Griggs, TX Land Commissioner Candidate Jay Kleberg
For those of you serving as attendees, guests, and delegates at this year's Texas Democratic Party Convention I hope you have a wonderful convention. My wife, Heather, and I have recently moved out of SD9 and so I am no longer your SD9 SDEC Committeeman but it has been a privilege and honor to have served you in this capacity to further grow Democratic values and principles throughout Texas.
We need to rally around Beto, Mike Collier, Rochelle Garza, and all of our statewide candidates this November to not just register Democrats but to get every Democrat in the state out to vote.
We need strong, ethical leadership that represents the rich diversity of Texas. That is why I am endorsing Gilberto Hinojosa as State Party Chair and Shay Wyrick Cathey as Vice-Chair of the Texas Democratic Party.
As part of the SDEC, I have worked with Chair Hinojosa and I know the passion and conviction he has for Democratic principles. He has demonstrated complete support of our Democratic lawmakers as they continue to fight against extremist Republican legislation. Further, Hinojosa has been a true champion for ensuring that we begin organizing many of our different constituency groups and ensuring staffing and representation reflect the diversity of our state. Under his stead, TDP staff was able to successfully collectively bargain for fair wages and work hours and should be a model of how an organization can support the unionization of its workforce. In light of all of this, I have never had to question Gilberto's ethics.
If you don't know Shay, she has been involved in transforming North Texas Democratic politics. She was the longest serving African American member of the State Democratic Executive Committee in SD23 having served since 2006. She was appointed to chair the Legislative Committee (2006-2008) and appointed by current TDP Chair Gilberto Hinojosa to chair Convention Committee (2012-2014) and the Nominations Committee since 2016. She served on the 2020 Election Review Committee.
My other endorsements include Karroll Parker for SD9 Committeeman. Now that SD9 is wholly in Tarrant County, it needs representation that carries with it the experience ad knowledge that spans across Tarrant. Of all the candidates for SD9 SDEC Committeeman, Karroll Parker has served Tarrant County in so many capacities. From running county conventions for many years under former Chair Deborah Peoples to being interim Comptroller under current Chair Allison Campolo his experience is second to none. Also having run for political office before as County Clerk, Karroll has unique candidate and campaign experience that he can bring to the SDEC.
For SD10 Committeewoman, I endorse Cindy Rocha. Cindy resides out of Johnson County and has been a member of CWA. Cindy has been very much involved in Johnson County Democratic politics and with the Texas Democratic Women. In my tenure as Chair of COPE (Committee on Political Education (COPE) & Legislation Committee) with the Tarrant County Central Labor Council, I had the privilege of working with Cindy on the interviews and screening of candidates for union endorsements. We also research local legislation and identify political leaders that support or enact bad legislation.
Please join me in supporting these candidates and have a great time at Convention.
Sincerely,
Steve Ruiz
SD9 SDEC Committeeman
SDEC Report, Redistricting, and Representation
SDEC SD9 Committeeman, Steve Ruiz, testifies on the Senate Floor at the Senate Special Committee on Redistricting on September 24th
The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity for Texas Democratic politics and the State Democratic Executive Committee. We spent most of 2020 and into the early part of 2021 navigating the pandemic while also defending Democracy. The SDEC convened on September 18, 2021, and you can view the SDEC report for that meeting here! We will also talk in-depth about Redistricting and the effects on SD9, upcoming elections, and what’s happening in my world.
Brief Recap of the September SDEC Meeting
There’s a renewed effort towards voter registration, candidate recruitment, and relational organizing by the Texas Democratic Party. In the Legislative Affairs committee, a lot of the focus was on SB1 - the anti-voting rights legislation. State House Republicans made a courageous effort during the quorum break to get much-needed federal legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights act passed to protect voting rights for people of color and people with disabilities. The general session was mainly voting on rule changes and some rules changes proposed by the 2020 Elections Review Committee.
Rule changes are as follows:
Rule Proposal 11-v2-SDEC Rule Proposal on SDEC Quarterly Financial Reporting - PASSED
Rule Proposal 12-SDEC Rule Date and time of County and SDEC Conventions - PASSED
Rule Proposal 13-SDEC Rule on County Chair Vacancies - PASSED
Rule Proposal 14- Creation of a Quadrennial Strategic Plan - POSTPONED
Rule Proposal 15- Biennial Financial Audit - FAILED
Read details here!
Redistricting and the call for Fair Maps
As of this writing, the Texas Senate and State Board of Education Maps have all passed the Senate where they will go to the House chamber before heading to Abbott’s desk. The Congressional and House Maps have all passed out of committee. For Senate District 9, I testified in front of the Texas Senate Committee on Redistricting on September 24th against the proposed map for Senate District 9. You can read my full testimony here!
“Currently SD9 has grown to 61.5% people of color (POC) based on the 2020 census, and yet they have been redrawn to only 49.5% POC. There was a 22% increase in Latino population that closely matched the white population in this year’s census even while there was an 8.38% decrease in white population. The African American population grew by 43% and AAPI grew by 50%. The new maps should reflect the growth of communities of color and not split up and erase our voices, district by district with these new maps.”
The current Senate District 9 Map is in both Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
The proposed SD9 Map is now a majority Anglo district and is entirely in Tarrant County
The need for testimonials cannot be overstated. It is critical to the legal challenges that members of specialty constituency groups speak up and document their opinions of the impacts the proposed district lines have on their community. Republican attempts to solidify power in the upper chamber meant eliminating Democratic power in neighboring SD10 by breaking up that Senate district and extending it into Rural communities. I’ve attached a flyer that explains more of why testimonials are important, another with some talking points from our partners at Texas Civil Rights Project and Lone Star Project. Their discussion points are centered around SD10 but those changes are what’s causing a domino effect in SD9.
Please encourage your membership and our community to write and submit respectful but strong testimony regarding the overt attacks on our ability to elect candidates of our choosing. https://senate.texas.gov/redistrictingcomment/
Sharing resources from our friends at Texas Civils Rights Project and Lone Star Project on preparing your Redistricting Testimony focused on the Senate map proposal!
TX Redistricting from the Texas Democratic Party: https://txdem.co/Redistricting-TP
DON’T FORGET! Redistricting is not just at the Legislative level. County, City and ISD’s are all drawing new maps. This is your opportunity to get involved. Check out your local municipality to see if they are redistricting.
Upcoming Elections
November 2, 2021 - Municipal elections, Bond elections, and the proposed constitutional election.
In-person early voting starts Monday, October 18
The last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) is Friday, October 22
The last day of in-person early voting is Friday, October 29
ELECTION DAY! (Ballot by mail must be received by 7 PM) Tuesday, November 2
Steve’s World
I am an SDEC member but I am also on the executive board for the AFL-CIO Tarrant County Central Labor Council that represents 15% of the total Union population in Texas. We were proud to host our annual Labor Day Picnic at Splash Dayz in White Settlement.
We kicked off Hispanic Heritage month on September 15th by attending the City of Grand Prairie and Grand Prairie ISD’s Hispanic Heritage celebration.
I testified to the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday, September 21 in opposition of the non-transparent tax abatement with Rivian LLC on behalf of the Texas Climate Jobs Project, the coalition formed in part by the National and Texas AFL-CIO to ensure that all tax-funded projects provide good-paying jobs that are safe for the environment and bring benefits to lift the surrounding communities.
On Thursday, September 23rd I went to the Mid-Cities Democratic Forum for SD9 showcasing our two candidates for State Senate, Salman Bhojani and Gwenn Burud to a packed house.
Friday, September 24th I testified against the proposed Senate Maps at the Texas State Capitol on the Senate floor and had a meeting with Rick Levy, President of the Texas AFL-CIO, our partners in Labor regarding current legislative efforts affecting Texas Working Families.
Saturday, September 25th I attended the LULAC Council 22262 Grand Prairie meeting where I spoke about redistricting and the importance of testifying on behalf of the constituency groups. That night I attended Fort Worth City Councilmember in District 8, Chris Nettle’s Black Tie Celebration and Fundraiser.
I’m also proud to announce I am a founding member of the new Tarrant County Tejano Democrats whose mission is to seek “full representation of Hispanics at all levels and in all activities of the Democratic Party.” I am also a State Executive Board Member of the State Tejano Democrats. You don’t have to be Latino/Hispanic to join. Come be a part of the movement. State dues are $10 and you can request an application by contacting me at stevethelaborguy@gmail.com or request one at tejanodemstarrant@gmail.com. In 24 hours we got 60 new dues-paying members. We are gearing up for the State Convention happening on October 29 and 30, 2021.
The Fort Worth Women’s March and Rally was on Saturday, October 2nd where I was part of a crowd of a few thousand protesting the state’s Abortion ban bill also known as SB8.
Myself, John Medrano- Treasurer and Heather Buen with the Tarrant County Tejano Democrats banner
Just a reminder that October 11 is Indigenous Peoples Day.
In solidarity,
Steve
Texas Democrats' Precinct Chair and Volunteer Leader VAN Training & Texas Dems News
June is the start of Pride Month and it is a month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. This community has endured centuries of torment, targeting and rejection by society and sadly the hatred and abuse continue today. I along with fellow Texas Democrats stand in solidarity with everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. Very thankful that the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus was able to defend against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Summer canvassing for municipal elections in Fort Worth for Labor endorsed candidates
2021 Municipal and Runoff Elections & County Party News
City elections were held across the state in May with runoff elections in June. Congratulations to the Dem leaning and progressives re-elected and newly elected in the Senate District 9 Footprint. Congratulations to the following elected officials: Barbara Odom-Wesley in Arlington, Tika Paudel in Euless, Junior Ezeonu and Kurt Johnson in Grand Prairie, Dennis Webb in Irving, Gyna Bivens and Chris Nettles in Fort Worth. Also I want to give a huge congratulations to Tarrant County Central Labor Council endorsed candidates Elizabeth Beck and Dr Jared Williams for Fort Worth City Council. I spent a lot of time knocking on doors from North Fort Worth to South Fort Worth and all the way in Grand Prairie for local elections. Though we came up short in the Fort Worth mayor's race, I appreciate the leadership of Deborah Peoples in taking the courage to run. I also want to congratulate Kristy Noble for her election as the new Dallas County Democratic Party Chair.
VAN Training for Precinct Chairs and Volunteer Leaders
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 7pm CT/6pm MT
Via Zoom
This training is for you if you are: A Precinct Chair or Volunteer Leader who might set up/lead a block walk
In this training you will learn how to use VAN to:
Create a list using existing targets
Cut turf
Create a canvass (including selecting a pre-created script) in MiniVAN
To make this training most effective, you should have some experience with VAN, including:
You have a VAN account currently and can log in
You have used VAN before and are familiar with the interface and basic anatomy of a voter’s record
You have used MiniVAN before to block walk (even if it was 5 years ago)
Sign Up Now - txdem.co/VAN-June-9-Zoom
Or if you're interested in learning more about VAN but this training doesn't seem quite right for you, we have on-demand VAN training available anytime, anywhere.
New to our on-demand trainings? Go to txdem.co/training and Select the VAN Learning Pathway, then follow the prompts to create your account (you'll have to "check out" but it's all free!)
If you've done on-demand training with the Texas Democrats before: Go to mytexaslearns.com, log in, and then find the VAN Learning Pathway in the Course Library to get started.
Project Texas: The Texas Democratic Party 2022 Voter Registration Priorities Plan
It is clear based upon 2020 results that Texas Democrats have prioritized registering voters. There are about 2 million Democrats NOT registered in Texas and we are going to register them. A little more than half are Latino. This plan will be tailored to Latino communities and weaving a strong Spanish-language component throughout our outreach.
The numbers also show that within our target group of unregistered likely Democrats, ⅕ are Black and ¼ are 25 years of age or younger -- so outreach to Black communities and young people will be a key part of the Project Texas programming.
This plan will include: digital ads, apartment voter registration, direct mail, site based voter registration in high traffic areas, RegisterTexas door to door canvassing tool, and relational voter registration. Want to learn more about the plan to register more Texas Democratic voters? Find more information at txdem.co/ProjectTexas.
The resurrection of SB7 in a Special Session
The close of the regular legislative session of the 87th legislature does not mean this fight is not over. SB7, the so-called Election Integrity bill "is part of a much larger national Republican effort through the state legislatures to make it harder for citizens (particularly Democrats) to vote" per SD10 Committeewoman Libby Willis' email sent out on June 3rd. We need to be prepared to contact our constituents to educate our voters and to contact their legislators to oppose this bill. If you are interested in organizing this effort in SD9, please contact me at stevethelaborguy@gmail.com or contact SD9 Committeewoman Vickie Moore at vicki.moore@gmail.com
That's it for this month's newsletter. If you have a special request or would like more information about the Texas Democratic Party's Senate District Executive Committee. You can read my previous emails at my website: stevethelaborguy.com
A few reminders, the Tarrant County Democratic Party will be electing a new chair at their CEC Meeting on July 17th at 9 am.
Contact me at stevethelaborguy@gmail.com or 469-774-3904 if you have any questions
Sincerely,
Steve Ruiz
SD9 Committeeman
Steve "The Labor" Guy!
Now is your chance to testify at a Senate Redistricting Committee Virtual Hearing
One of the most important things our state legislature will do this year is create our new congressional and state legislative districts. These decisions will influence who our representatives are and how well they represent us for the next decade. And we have an opportunity in the coming weeks to share our community’s perspective with these decisionmakers.
The Texas Senate’s Special Committee on Redistricting has called snap regional hearings to seek community members’ input on the redistricting process. The hearing focused on our area is scheduled for:
DATE: February 4, 2021
TIME: 9 AM
SIGN UP TO TESTIFY LIVE ONLINE
However, if you would like to testify but can’t make that hearing, you can join any of the other hearings, as the committee will hear testimony about any part of the state at any hearing. You must register to testify 24 hours in advance, and you will receive a link that you will use to provide your testimony via videoconference.
If you would like more information or training in preparing your testimony, a few resources that may be of interest are:
Fair Maps Texas Testimony Guide
Testimony Guide from the Texas Civil Rights Project
Redistricting Training Camp with MOVE Texas, Texas Rising, and Texas Civil Rights Project any Tuesday or Thursday at 3pm CT. You can sign up here.
Testimony resources from the TX AAPI Redistricting Coalition
If you would like to watch the hearing but not testify, you can do that at: https://senate.texas.gov/events.php
If you would like to comment on the redistricting process in writing, you can submit a public comment at: https://senate.texas.gov/redistrictingcomment/
Ted Cruz and Complicit Texas Republicans Must Resign
On Sunday, January 17, 2021 - the SDEC met in a special meeting to pass a resolution asking for the resignation of Ted Cruz as well as other Texas Republican elected officials that were complicit in spearheading or participating in efforts to block the certification of the 2020 presidential election results and subsequently continuing to repeat false accusations of election fraud. As you know, the January 6th, 2021 riot, and storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters will go down in history as a very dark day for American democracy. Leaving 5 dead, including a Capitol police officer, and over 200+ charged, it is very important that the SDEC and the Texas Democratic Party take a stand with a few resolutions.
SD10 SDEC Committeewoman, Libby Willis, brought forth the resolution to the Resolutions Committee to ask for Ted Cruz to resign. Then Andre’ Treiber - DNC Youth brought forth an additional resolution asking for the resignation of additional Republican officials that continued to either 1) Continue to Vote to block the electoral college certification and/or 2) aid and abetting Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.
Both Resolutions can be seen here:
Resolution January 2021 CRUZ Resign or be expelled-Passed Committee
Word Doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZE8WbqI6qLfzfr-mPcpGlo92aBx2wEU8/view?usp=sharing
Resolution Condemning Texas Republicans-Passed Committee
Word Doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E4Ogd37difoQkksRtg1Hmmm0P-0OaW4_/view?usp=sharin
The SDEC voted and approved the motion to pass both resolutions. Thank you to the Resolutions Committee Members for getting this out quickly and for holding a meeting to get this approved.
Texas SDEC Legislative Committee Updates
I have spent the last few months in Georgia for work. When COVID hit last year, my job in Texas ended up getting cut. I navigated the Texas Workforce Commission website to file unemployment claims and I waited until I couldn’t wait anymore and went to travel for work. Now that meetings have gone online, I want to talk about what we are discussing at the SDEC member committees that I am a part of. I am the second vice chair of the Legislative Committee and a member of the Campaign Committee. To see a complete list of committees and the SDEC members that are a part of each committee, please review them here!
It should not come as a surprise to anyone that our elections have become a high priority issue for both the Democratic and Republican Parties. For this year’s Legislative Committee our purpose is to review and make recommendations on legislation, rules, and regulations focused on issues connected with elections, party affairs, and voting rights at the state and county level. The 87th Texas State Legislative Session officially opens tomorrow, January 12th. Some of the bills filed so far for the upcoming session are included here!
Legislative Preview
As the 87th Legislative session draws near, members of the House and Senate have already begun filing bills to be heard. Listed below are the types of election bills that have already been filed or are likely to be filed that are either a TDP priority or likely to garner public support.
Filed:
Voter ID expansion (student IDs, tribal IDs, medicaid ID, etc)
VBM ballot acceptance deadline extension
Online VBM App
Joint VR and VBM app (two separate applications abled to be filed together)
VBM available for any voter who requests one
17 year olds can vote in primary, register at 17
Voting rights for formerly incarcerated persons
Online voter registration
Registering to vote when getting driver’s license (multiple bills, one is an opt-out bill which would automatically register voters with a state ID or TX driver’s license and allow them to opt out)
SOS distributing voter applications to high schools
Same day voter registration during early voting
Not yet filed:
Crystal Mason omnibus; another bill changing what counts as intent to defraud when voting provisionally
Extend VBM app hand delivery deadline from last day before Early Voting to the general vote by mail application deadline
VBM by email if out of county
VBM Cure options
VBM rejection notification requirement
Hand delivery of ballot to different locations; ability to hand deliver ballot prior to Election Day
2 year VBM App (instead of yearly application)
Statewide VBM Tracker
Statewide VDR certification; renewal of VDR certification without training
Caretaker/Occupational reason for VBM (trucker out of town, nurse, caretaker for their elderly parent)
This is not an exhaustive list of bills. When the final compilation is put together, I will be sending out a list of those bills and how we will be working on putting forth bills for public support.
My Statement regarding SDEC Meeting of December 5, 2020
Rather than just report minutes from this meeting, I wanted to issue a statement about my candid thoughts and position regarding last month’s calls for the resignation of Gilberto Hinojosa and the firing of some of his staff members including Manny Garcia, Executive Director and Cliff Walker, Deputy Executive Director. I want to make my position clear that I do not agree with that position. I had issued a statement at the time here! I want to give a recap and some transparency surrounding what happened and give you the chance to decide for yourselves. The business of the executive committee is voted on and decided by your elected SDEC members. The following links have a lot of information but provides context on developments.
SDEC Meeting of December 5, 2020 Agenda
2020 Wrap Up on General Election Programs
Letter to the Chairman from SDEC Members Dated December 3
Chairman’s Response to the Letter
Texas Democratic Party Staff Response to the Open Letter
To recap the meeting, there was a long discussion whereby every member of the SDEC had the opportunity to express their grievances and concerns. I applaud Chairman Hinojosa’s efforts to ensure that everyone was heard. The outcome of the meeting was the creation of an SDEC Elections Review Committee.
There are 23 members on this committee and one paid staff. The committee shall oversee a deep dive analysis of what happened in the 2020 Election in Texas. They should present their findings at the second quarter SDEC meeting in 2021.
Texas SDEC Meeting Recap 9/12
Hello Everyone! You can read the complete SDEC Meeting Recap here!
As promised, The SDEC General Body and the Texas Democratic Party catapulted their organizing efforts immediately following the conclusion of the State Convention earlier this summer! We are actively working towards the three key areas I campaigned on and MORE:
Vote By Mail outreach and promotion
2M voters statewide contacted for VBM efforts in this cycle.
Training for outreach and organizing
Connect Texas, TDP has on-boarded 7,000 Field staff and volunteers
Daily Phone bank training and even using auto dialers on Virtual Phone Bank Tuesdays
Fundraising efforts and development of a program for use in our communities
Currently, all fundraising efforts are being put toward November elections with a field level "Train the Trainer" program being rolled out after November Elections
The $2.8M raised for the election was a great rollout and the model will be pared down and available for SD Representatives to take advantage of.
In the report linked out here, you'll find details surrounding these results under Staff Reports. There is also a detailed list of topics discussed for areas of focus. A copy
The singular theme resonating from the SDEC and all of the staff was: "Texas is ALL IN. Democrats are flipping seats left and right. Our Opposition is scared and we have Data to support why we are winning!". Be PROUD! You are witnessing history folks! Keep up the great work and let's redouble our efforts! Note, Texas Democratic Party is making the largest Digital Media buy in the history of the party this cycle!
Despite all of the great energy, momentum and results so far, it is essential that we kick it up a notch. We must push even harder to get out the vote, register/update voter files and encourage everyone we come in contact with to have their voice heard at the polls. This is not the time to quit or slow down. Our opponents aren't resting and neither should we.
Registered Texas Voters will have increased by almost 2 Million net registrations since November 2016 to November 2020. Here's how they voted so far and we should be excited!
45.1% Voted Democrat
34.3% Voted Republican
Here's a few things we can do to help push this election even further along.
In September…
Host phonebanks, text banks, debate watch parties, and trainings to build an army of volunteers, poll watchers, election workers, and volunteer leaders for GOTV or your favorite candidate - find events here at texasdemocrats.org/events
Treat Every weekend as a weekend of action
In October and November…use mobilize.us to:
Join and promote Virtual Debate Watch Parties (or check with your county party office)
Join a Voter Registration Deadline blitz (Vote-a-Palooza) leading up to October 5th
Signup for GOTV events October 13th – November 3rd
Join Candidate literature drops
Remind VBM Application recipients of October 23rd deadline
October 31 – Election Day: GOTV shifts from 9AM to 9PM - Become a poll watcher here!
Biden/Harris + TDP Voter Contact Volunteer Events everyday until Election Day
on your browser go to : Mobilize.us/TDPOrganizing
Sign up for one of the Highest Priority Biden/Harris Events or
Click on Filter and Narrow to Biden/Harris Events near your ZIP Code
Voter Protection: Help Us Recruit
Poll Watchers & Volunteers for recruitment phone banks
Spread the word through your personal network via email and Social Media
Signup link: txdem.co/VoProVol
Sample recruitment language at txdem.co/kv7
Please feel free to contact me at 469-774-3904 if you have any questions about the meeting or would like me to discuss with any grassroots organizations!
Sincerely
Steve Ruiz
Inspired by the Convention? Get Active!
This week’s speeches and stories from every day Americans, elected Democrats, and our next President and Vice President has inspired me so much. I hope it also inspires you. If you don’t know yet my activism is inspired by the millions of hard working Americans that should have a fair shot to provide for their families and have a good quality of life. President Trump and the Republicans that have enabled him, continuously erode the hopes for economic prosperity and the right to that quality of life. I took my family on a road trip along I-30 to Memphis. Just a short vacation because our summer vacation plans fell through due to COVID19. After having spent six months at home, my children began school - ONLINE and I could see frustrated teachers, administrators and students try to juggle school life, family life and working from home.
It didn’t have to be this way . . . .
I know that there are families out there going back to work in the midst of a pandemic. Governor Greg Abbott, rolling over for Trump and Republican attitudes about this virus being a hoax. The lack of leadership at the top and the failure to communicate at all levels leading to political partisanship about dealing with a pandemic has been dangerous to health and public safety. It has been so dangerous, that 10,000 Texans paid for it with their lives. These are tens of thousands of family members that lost a loved one over something that we could have been better prepared for.
Now I ask, what will you say to your children or grandchildren when they ask about what you did you during these difficult times. I’m asking you today to join with me and help get voters out to the polls by phonebanking, texting and joining with other Tarrant County area groups and Democratic clubs to help get Democrats out to vote.
How are we doing?
In the last 30 days Senate District 9 has positively identified 5,387 voters and made on average 1,000 calls per day. In a few short months since being elected to serve as your SD9 SDEC Committeeman, our volunteers have made over 2,000 calls.
How do I get involved?
Sign up for a phonebank. We are doing phonebanks in Senate District 9 every Saturday morning at 10 AM and Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. Please sign up for our newsletter to get notified about upcoming volunteer events.
Important Upcoming Events You Should Be Aware Of
The Texas Democrats Johnson-Jordan Dinner
Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 6 PM for VIP Cocktail Hour | 6:30 PM Reception
Where: Online Via Zoom
RSVP for tickets here!
Help us Phonebank for Candace Valenzuela
Join us on Wednesday, August 12th at 6:00 PM for a phonebank to elect Candace Valenzuela to Congress. We will be joined by members of Candace’s team as well as volunteers in both Dallas and Tarrant County. You can RSVP here!
Polls are showing a close race between Candace and her GOP opponent Beth Van Duyne. Cook Political has this race ranked as a tossup. Candace Valenzuela leads Beth Van Duyne 47% to 41% and this district also shows Biden leading Trump 49% to 44%. This is why it will be critically important to get every Democratic voter out to vote.
This is why I will be co-hosting candidate phonebanks in addition to our regularly scheduled phonebanks in SD9. It was a promise I made when I got elected to be your SD9 SDEC Committeeman and I will continue to be much more visible than my predecessor in every part of the Senate District. SD9 is surrounded by Democratic Senate Districts and has a great shot at flipping in 2022 - Be part of a winning team that sets up that foundation. We will be defending hard fought Democratic districts within SD9 and winning over new ones.
Phone Bank for Candace Valenzuela for Congress with Steve Ruiz, SD9 SDEC Committeeman
When: Wednesday, August 12th at 6 PM - Virtual Event
We will be meeting by Zoom initially to talk about the phonebank and train individuals. Then we will begin making calls. I will be on the Zoom the whole time to answer any questions. RSVP here!
Reaching out to voters during a pandemic is not easy but our phonebanks are very straight forward. We just contact Democrats. If you would like us to help set up a phonebank in your neighborhood or if you would like to see us host a phonebank with a candidate in your district, please let us know. As long as it is in SD9, I am here to help.
Contact me at stevethelaborguy@gmail.com or 469-774-3904
Sincerely,
Steve Ruiz
First round of Phone banks Set up to Update Voter Registration Address
We have an election coming up on July 14th for the Primary Runoff but our long term goal is November of 2020. That is why I have partnered up with ConnectTexas and the Texas Democratic Party to set up phonebanks that target voters in Senate District. The first couple of phonebanks that have been set up as part of a series of phonebanks will focus on Round 1 - Updating Voter Registration Addresses.
These are the current phonebanks that ConnectTexas is working on with us. We will be contacting Democratic voters and ensuring they have updated their voter registration. Many of these are intrastate or intracounty moves into or out of Senate District 9. If we speak to a live voter on the phone, we are verifying their partisan lean and then referring them to head to registertexas.com to update their voter registration.
RegisterTexas.com is the official site of the Texas Democratic Party that will take a voter’s information and then send them an updated and pre-filled voter registration form in the mail. Then the voter can mail the form back in a postage paid envelope.
I did a few phonebanks with ConnectTexas by signing up for events at mobilize.us/tdporganizing throughout North Texas and DFW. I am also glad to be working with Amanda Harris and Yasmeen Kaboud from the Texas Democratic Party to make this happen.
Official Dates of the first phonebanks are:
June 20th at 10 AM and June 24th at 6 PM - You can sign up for those phonebanks here! Amanda Harris will be leading those phonebanks for us and I will also be on the phone with y’all.
The SD9 90 Day Plan
Win or lose - I will work to make sure that all Democratic activists, volunteers and organizers will have the tools that we need to get voters out to the polls in November. Ballots are due on 6/2 at 5 PM. I am very proud of the campaign that I have run. A campaign built on honesty, integrity, hard work, dedication and above all - service to the community. My 90 day plan as your SDEC Committeeman includes:
Increasing Vote by Mail Turnout for the July Primary Runoff and for November
The development of a lean, modular and localized Precinct Chair & Volunteer Training that can be tailored to our constituency groups
Fundraising Development and training for our communities that include soft skills training
If we plan on beating Trump in November it will require us to be united and focused towards electing common sense back into the White House. I have already reached out to all the delegates at SD9 to communicate the process of voting for our delegates and representatives to the DNC. Moving forward, I plan to reach out to Democrats, voters, community groups, partners, county chairs, and elected officials that make up this Senate District. There is a lot of work that still needs to get done. I would be honored to have your support and your vote.
Steve Ruiz endorsed by TCCLC AFL-CIO
Photo credit: Ralph Torres
I am proud to have the first ever endorsement from the Tarrant County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO in my candidacy for Texas SDEC SD9 Committeeman. Please check out my website at stevethelaborguy.com to learn more about my qualifications to serve on the SDEC and my service to the community. I am also proud to have the endorsement of the Executive Vice Chair and Executive Chair of the SDEC Labor Caucus #TDP20
E-ballots for the SDEC Committeeman/Committeewoman position will get sent out on May 31st - check your inboxes on that date for an email from: conventionchair@texasdemocrats.org
Legislative Advocacy
I have experience speaking up for Texans in various capacities on the state and local level.
I went down to Austin to the 86th Texas State Legislature on behalf of Plumbers and Pipefitters statewide regarding Senate Bill 621 that would abolish the State Plumbers Examining Board.
While in Austin in 2019, I spoke against Tarrant Area State House Rep Craig Goldman’s bill (HD97) and Rep Brandon Creighton’s bill that would remove local control and pre-empt paid sick leave mandates by municipalities.
Helped gather 1600 signatures in the City of Euless for Unite Here Local 23, airline catering workers to pass a ballot measure regarding fair overtime law. Testified at the Euless City Council on behalf of UniteHere Local 23 resulting in the Euless City Council approving to put it up for a public vote in November 2020.
Gave public testimony at the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court in March supporting a countywide stay at home order to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
I have the experience needed to advocate on your behalf. Please elect me to be your SD9 Committeeman.
Community Engagement & Labor Relations
in 2018, I had the vision of elevating the moral, intellectual, social, and economic conditions of ALL Working Texans and bringing that message to a broader audience. This vision was rooted in the objects of my labor union’s constitution. I helped form the Community Engagement Committee under the Tarrant County Central Labor Council with a fellow alumni from the Ruth Ellinger Labor Leaders School. The purpose of this committee was to educate the public through community service, providing education about labor unions to students in high school and college, and serving the community through projects. My civic service includes:
Tarrant County Democratic Party State House District Coordinator for HD93
Democratic Neighborhood leader for precinct 1197 and 1701
Sponsor of LatinX Vote Outreach Committee formed in 2019
Sponsor and Co-Chair of Labor Relations Advisory Committee Founded Aug 2019
Member of Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA)
Trustee and Member of Coalition Labor Union Women (CLUW)
Some of those activities I helped organize as part of the Labor Relations Committee include:
During the Federal Government Shutdown during December 2018 and early 2019, the Community Engagement Committee made the push for all ISDs in North Texas to ensure every child had access to food. We worked with the United Way of Tarrant County to send truckloads of food to the airport and gas cards to cover the 800+ parents that were still working without pay for months. We worked with attorneys to ensure the federal employees were protected when they were threatened with lawsuits for accepting help from the public. We did this for both Union members and Non Union members alike. The outcome of this initiative highlighted the need for a formal advisory committee.
Tarrant County Democratic Party Labor Relations committee was created to centralize advocacy efforts across progressive community organizations and Democratic clubs. This is the second labor committee created under a County Democratic Party in the United States.
When the GM strikes happened at the Tarrant and Denton plants, the Tarrant County Democratic Party Labor Relations team took shifts to ensure we had people organized and fed for the entire duration of the strike. The strike lasted 45 days. Due to our earlier work we were ready with fundraising infrastructure and able to provide thousands of meals to striking workers on the front lines of a labor dispute almost unheard of in Tarrant County. We also organized a legal advisory team to help striking workers with eviction proceedings and repossession orders, worked with financial partners for low interest loan programs and gathered food for families. We supported both union and non-union contractors at that plant.
My team was called when Fort Worth ISD decided to move forward with a vendor contract replacing 900 cafeteria workers including limiting their current retirement benefits they spent decades earning, eliminating their health insurance and removing federal employment protections. By organizing a public education campaign on the negative long term implications of this new contract, we effectively reversed the decision to award the contract by a unanimous vote of the Fort Worth ISD School Board.
We organize every opportunity to assist in the community including food drives, community cleanups, citizenship drives, clothing and food assistance to the homeless, community revitalization projects such as Habitat for Humanity, and and assisting with labor issues affecting working families outside the Union organizations I represent.
In 2020, I spoke about the history of the labor union movement and the importance of organizing at Collin County Community College for their Texas Working Class conference,the Cesar Chavez- Dolores Huerta Day of Action with Fort Worth ISD and Peaster ISD in their common sense economics class for their AP student body.
In 2019, I helped organize the first joint Labor Day Picnic for Tarrant County where an estimated 1,000 people showed up with music, food, and speeches from elected officials and candidates.
In February of 2020, I organized a panel of about 10 Young Latino Activists in North Texas to speak to an international reporter about how the current political situation affects their daily lives.
Activism
There were many demonstrations, job actions and strikes happening across North Texas that I was a part of.
The Unite Here Local 23 has had a series of job actions and community activism associated with the Fair Overtime initiative
Hunger Strike in February 2020
City of Euless ordinance in December 2019 - January 2020
Civil Disobedience Demonstration at the American Airlines Headquarters in Fort Worth
The TWU Mechanics Union has held a public awareness campaign demonstrating at DFW Airport with an open ended permit regarding unfair labor practices
Civil Rights Demonstrations and Community rallies supporting the family of Atatiana Jefferson, unlawfully shot through the window of her residence by a Fort Worth police officer
Community rally in support of Kevin Battles, shot by his neighbor while holding his 5 yr old grandson’s hand
Created a Covid-19 Resource Guide that encompasses workplace rights, employer responsibilities, common safety practices, public resources, legal advice and industry specific recommended safety procedures