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Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick welcomed Austin TARA-EF members to their recent meeting and praised their advocacy work. To celebrate Earth Day, they heard from environmentalist Chris Searles on solutions to the climate crisis. Chapter President Glenn Scott shared the ARA 2015 Congressional Voting Records, followed by TARA-EF Secretary Tony Padilla who made a brief presentation about changing to positive messaging when talking about Social Security. He also reported on the ARA Southern Region Conference held recently in Orlando, where he joined other activists from Texas in making the Social Security presentation.

Membership chair Patricia Budak reported that their chapter had 10 new members join in March and April.  Austin TARA activists recently staffed information tables at the Travis County Democratic Convention and a Health Expo where they had 95 contacts who want more information on TARA.

President Scott also reported that members voted in March to oppose Proposition 1 on the May 7 Austin city ballot which would allow Uber and Lyft transportation companies to avoid basic safety standards like fingerprinting drivers for background checks.  These activists signed up and are doing phone banking for the Vote No on Prop 1 Campaign.