May 20, 2015
Come to Austin Chapter Meeting — Lots Happening!
The Austin Chapter of the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans invites everyone to Thursday’s meeting May 21:
- AUSTIN TARA CHAPTER MEETING
- 3rd THURSDAY every other month
- 10-11:30 AM Texas AFT Conference Room
- 3000 South IH 35 Suite 175
- Fountain Park Plaza III (four story building).
- Park in Back of the Building/Rear Entrance/Take first long hall to left. Conference Room is on the left in that hall. Austin, Texas 78704. Glenn Scott at 512 -657-0184
President Glenn Scott writes: “I was so inspired by Ed Sills’ reporting of the Disability Rights action at the Governor’s office that I raced over with a gallon of water and a message of solidarity last night. I met Brother Gilbert Paul, on far right in pix. He is retired Operating engineers local 564 out of Freeport. He was excited about TARA and wants to help start a Houston chapter!!” Contact Glenn Scott for info about the Austin Chapter.
The report from Texas AFL-CIO Communications Director Ed Sills follows:
Along the lines of low wages, our friends at ADAPT, a disability rights advocacy organization, today engaged in a sit-in at the Governor’s office to demand a $10/hour wage for Community Based Attendants. The attendants are currently receiving a base wage of $7.86 an hour in Texas, ADAPT reports.
From ADAPT’s statement:
Austin, TX, May 19th – At 10:30 am more than 40 disability rights activists began an occupation in the Governor’s reception room in the State Capitol to demand that Governor Abbott publicly support a $10 base wage for community attendants. Members of PACT and ADAPT of Texas are asking the Governor to support attendants who are the backbone of community based home-care services and Texas long term care…
Cathy Cranston, PACT Organizer and spokesperson, stated: “Attendants provide the hands on assistance that allows people with disabilities and older people to live with dignity and safety in their own homes. Without attendants and without people who need their help there are no long term services and supports. Yet they are treated as deserving only scraps and leftovers.”
Most community attendants in Texas earn less than fast food workers, often receiving a base wage of only $7.86 an hour. “This is an outrage and a slap in the face especially for us attendants who have been working in the field for years, and shows such a lack of support from the legislature about the importance of the jobs we do,” said Carrie Warner, an attendant who has worked in the community for 30 years.
For over a decade ADAPT, PACT and numerous attendant advocacy groups have advocated for a decent wage for attendants. A recent study showed Texas ranked 51st in a comparison of community attendant wages.
More Actions Coming Up
TARA activists statewide continue to prepare for our statewide conference in Austin at 4 PM July 16 at the downtown Sheraton. We continue raising money for activities to save Medicare from congressional schemes. Most of our activities will be around July 30, the 50oth anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.
–Gene Lantz, President
PLEASE contribute any amount, or make a monthly pledge, to Texas Alliance for Retired Americans by clicking here.
We’re also still gathering petitions for health care implementation in Texas. Sign that petition at:
http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/4055/c/1254/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4684
Contact Gene Lantz at labordallas@sbcglobal.net
Judy Bryant at 214-729-0063
facebook: Texas Alliance for Retired Americans
Twitter: @Tx4TARA