Category

Texas

Mar 20 2023
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Meet CWA of Texas’ New State Director

By | Texas | No Comments

After 30 years of outstanding service as a leader for Concerned Women for America (CWA), with the last 17 years serving as CWA of Texas State Director, Ann Hettinger is retiring. Words cannot express the love and appreciation we have for Ann. Personally speaking, Ann has been a mentor in the faith and in my own leadership growth within CWA. We are grateful that Ann will continue to serve in an advisory role and wear the title of State Director Emerita.

 

I am very pleased to introduce to you Jana Long, who will be stepping into the role of CWA’s new Texas State Director. Jana joined the CWA of Texas leadership team in 2021 as a Prayer/Action Chapter Leader and, with a core group of women, started the Prayer/Action Chapter in Dallas.

 

Jana was born, raised, and continues to live in Dallas with her husband of 41 years, Larry. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Texas at Arlington and spent 20 years in commercial real estate in the areas of development, accounting, and property management. Jana co-founded a wellness business, Ultimate Health Matters, where she developed wellness programs for small to mid-size businesses and their locations around Texas and other surrounding states. After 15 years in the health and wellness industry, Jana joined Larry in their interim lending business.    

 

A word from Jana:

“I am grateful for the mentorship of Ann Hettinger and all she has done to move the needle in Texas on the issues of life, family, religious freedom, and so much more. It’s a privilege to follow in her footsteps. I love the grassroots efforts of CWA and am excited to move into the State Director role to influence and impact important policy issues and to grow CWA’s Prayer/Action Chapter presence across the big state of Texas.”

 

Tanya Ditty
Vice President of Field Operations

Mar 10 2023
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Action Needed! Voting Monday! Texas Female Athletes Bill

By | Texas | No Comments

The future of collegiate female athletics is on the line in Texas. Women should not be forced to compete against men playing on women’s sports teams.  Period.

Physiological differences between the sexes give boys inherent advantages in athletics.  Female athletes are denied opportunities to excel in their own sports when male athletes identifying as girls are allowed to compete against them.

On Monday, March 13, the Senate State Affairs committee will hear SB15, a bill prohibiting biological men from competing on collegiate women’s sports teams and would ensure that women athletes will continue to be afforded the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

ACT TODAY! Please email, call, or tweet your State Senator through our Action Center HERE and urge them to protect collegiate female athletes and support SB 15. Women should not be forced to compete against men playing on women’s sports teams. 
 
Pray:

  • Pray that God’s design for both sexes will be upheld by Texas law. Genesis 1:27 says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
  • Pray that our women will again be provided the protection God initiated when He created the physical nature of women to be different from biological men.
  • Pray that our women will again be able to compete fairly with the body design God gave them to bring honor and glory to Him.

Sincerely, 
Ann Hettinger
State Director

Jana Long
Associate State Director

Feb 24 2023
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Texas flag

EVENT! Faith and Family Day at the State Capitol

By | Texas | No Comments

Join Concerned Women for America of Texas and our allies for Faith and Family Day at the State Capitol!

 

Each legislative session, we gather in Austin to let our legislators know what we expect from the biennial session. Monday, March 13, 2023, is that day—the Texas Faith and Family Day at the Capitol! 

 

Here are the activities:

9:00 – 11:45 a.m. – Briefing session in the Capitol Auditorium. You will hear from policy experts on important issues for the legislative session. Among the presenters is Doreen Denny, Concerned Women for America (CWA)’s Senior Policy Advisor. Doreen will educate on the prohibition of gender modification for minors.

 

Noon – Rally on the Capitol South Steps. Speakers include Riley Gaines and Doreen Denny, addressing keeping biological men out of women’s sports; Abby Johnson, addressing pro-life issues; Corey DeAngelis, addressing School Choice for Texans.

 

1:00 p.m. – Box lunches distributed.

 

Afternoon – Visits to legislators’ offices. Over the past year, CWA of Texas has gathered citizens’ names on petitions to ask legislators to pass CWA of Texas priority bills. We need your help distributing the petitions to the offices!

 

Register here for the morning and afternoon activities and the box lunch ($5).

 

Texas Faith and Family Day Dinner honoring our pro-life legislator warriors.

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: DoubleTree Hotel, 303 W. 15th Street, Austin. (Two blocks from the Capitol Campus.)

Guest speaker: Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-District 1), author of the 2021 Texas Heartbeat Bill

Honorary awards: We will award medals to all legislators who authored or sponsored the 2021 Texas Heartbeat Bill. The legislators have been invited. If you want to be sure your legislator is there, invite them personally and pick up the dinner reservation if you wish.

 

Purchase your dinner tickets here. Deadline for ticket purchase is Thursday, March 9.

 

You will not want to miss the evening event. 

 

Additional information:

  • Recommended hotel: Austin Southpark Hotel by Marriott
  • Buses are available from Houston and Dallas. However, they leave before the CWA of Texas dinner. Sign up to ride a bus here.

 

Action: Plan to be at the Capitol using your voice of influence.

Pray that our presence in the Capitol on March 13 brings the Spirit of God in such an unmistakable and powerful way that legislators pay attention.

 

Proverbs 24:12 says, “If you say, ‘See, we did not know this,’ Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?”

See you there!

Ann Hettinger
State Director

 

Jana Long
Associate State Director

Feb 15 2023
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Action Needed! Protect Texas Female Athletes

By | Texas | No Comments

Background: In 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott (Republican) signed a bill prohibiting the participation of biological boys in girls’ sports in Texas Public Schools. The bill protected our female athletes in UIL competitions through the high school years. However, it did nothing to protect the young women in our colleges and universities.

 

Good news! With the new Texas legislative session underway, HB 23 has been filed by Rep. Valoree Swanson (R-District 150) to extend protections for our collegiate female athletes.

 

It is imperative that HB 23 is passed and signed into law. Here’s why:

If no action is taken to protect women athletes, our college and university women will be required to share locker rooms, titles, and competition records with biological men whose innate physical capabilities give unfair advantages to them. If teams are to win, coaches will instinctively recruit players with these advantages. Women will be denied personal dignity, safety, titles, and records, without which many can suffer repairable financial and professional disadvantages and, in some cases, physical harm. What people believe about the body they occupy should never rule against the truth of God’s creation.

 

ACT TODAY! Please email, call, or tweet your State Representative through our Action Center HERE and urge them to protect collegiate female athletes and cosponsor and support HB 23. Women should not be forced to compete against men playing on women’s sports teams. 

 

Pray:

  • Pray that God’s design for both sexes will be upheld by Texas law. Genesis 1:27 says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
  • Pray that our women will again be provided the protection God initiated when He created the physical nature of women to be different from biological men.
  • Pray that our women will again be able to compete fairly with the body design God gave them to bring honor and glory to Him.

 

Ann Hettinger
State Director

Jana Long
Associate State Director

Feb 13 2023
0

CWA of Texas Faith and Faith Day Dinner – Register Today!

By | Texas | No Comments

FAITH AND FAMILY DAY DINNER
REGISTER TODAY!

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Texas invites you to the Faith and Family Day Dinner on Monday, March 13, 2023. Seventy-four legislators who valiantly gave us the 2021 Texas Heartbeat bill (SB 8) will be presented with the CWA of Texas Advocate for Life Award.

 

Here are the Faith and Family Day Dinner event details:

 

Date: Monday, March 13, 2023

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Double Tree Hotel, 303 W. 15th St., Austin, Texas

Cost per ticket: $75 (This is not tax deductible.)

Register here. The deadline for registration is Thursday, March 9.

Jan 19 2023
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CWA Takes Message Directly to the NCAA: Stop Discriminating Against Female Athletes

By | News and Events, Sexual Exploitation, Texas, Women's Sports | No Comments

Concerned Women for America (CWA) and Young Woman for America (YWA) joined allies in the fight to preserve a fair playing field for college female athletes by taking our message straight to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at their annual convention in San Antonio, Texas. The rally showcasing female champion athletes and women’s organizations representing the voices of Americans across the political spectrum received nationwide coverage and put the NCAA on notice for legal action should it continue its discriminatory policy allowing male athletes identifying as women to participate and compete in the women’s category of sport.   

 

A petition urging the NCAA to stop discriminating against female athletes was hand-delivered to NCAA officials with nearly 10,000 signatures.    

 

As reported by the Daily Signal, CWA Senior Advisor Doreen Denny, YWA Ambassador and current NCAA volleyball athlete Macy Petty, and CWA of Texas State Director Ann Hettinger spoke at the rally. They were joined by Deanna Drogan, CWA’s Digital Media Specialist, Cassidy Comer, basketball player from Midwestern State University in Texas, and other local CWA/YWA supporters.

 

Speakers also urged the Texas Legislature to pass a bill sponsored by Rep. Valoree Swanson (R-District 150, the Save Women’s Sports Act, which would protect female athletics at all levels, including college.

Watch Our Rally Recap

Play Video
Oct 29 2022
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Encourage-A-Legislator Prayer Project – Texas

By | Texas | No Comments

Encourage-A-Legislator Program

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – I Timothy 2:1-2

The Call to Prayer

I Timothy 2:1-2 instructs us to pray for our leaders. Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) program offers our members and friends the vehicle to do this in an easy and meaningful way. It ensures consistent prayer for each legislator, and it encourages and builds bridges with conservative legislators as well as those who do not normally agree with us.

 

Whether a legislator is a believer, non-believer, conservative, liberal, Democrat, Republican, independent, or other, they need our prayers. This next legislative session, CWA plans to deliver those prayers.

The Goal

The goal of the EAL program is to encourage each member of the State House and Senate by praying for them on a regular basis and sending them a postcard throughout the legislative session.

 

The EAL program is never used to lobby and, therefore, is never confrontational. It is simply a great way to lift up those in authority and encourage them in their responsibilities.

The Commitment

We provide the name and address of the assigned legislator(s) and the postcards, and you commit to praying for your assigned legislator(s) daily, if possible, while the legislature is in session, and then mail an EAL postcard weekly until the conclusion of the twenty-week session.

The Texas Legislature

The 2023 Texas Legislature is in session from January 10 till approximately May 29 and consists of 150 House members and 31 Senate members.

Answer the Call

Sign up today to be an encourager—it couldn’t be easier!

Sign up by contacting CWA of Texas at 972-658-4204 or by email at [email protected] and provide them with your name and physical mailing address. Be sure to specify how many legislators you would like to encourage. They will then enlist you as an encourager and send you a packet of postcards and instructions in early January.

Spread the Word!

Please encourage your friends and family to sign up.

 

Consider making this a family project by involving your children.

 

Print and distribute information about this great opportunity to pray and encourage your state legislators. Click here for a printable push card. Print them double-sided on cardstock or order them through the contact information above.  

Jul 21 2022
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CWA Representing You in the Senate

By | Dobbs, Louisiana, Missouri, News and Events, Sanctity of Life, Texas | No Comments

By Susanna Edgecomb, CWA’s Government Relations Summer Intern

 

Congress has returned from recess after the recent Supreme Court decision, Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization, which released us from the death grip of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and leaves the question of abortion policy to the people and their elected representatives. The U.S. Senate and House scheduled multiple hearings on Dobbs. Concerned Women for America (CWA) had front row seats to the hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee, the first of five congressional hearings in the first work week following Dobbs. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, House Oversight and Reform, House Judiciary and House Energy and Commerce committees also had hearings.

 

Concerned Women for America and Young Women for America (YWA) leaders from Iowa, Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas were there to represent the women back home who have prayed for years for a decision like Dobbs. The leaders had the opportunity to meet with Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to share their thanks for standing for the sanctity of life. This is only the tip of the iceberg of ways that CWA and YWA are championing the cause for life in their respective states.

 

Every CWA chapter has been engaged on the issue of life for decades. We recall some of their efforts with thanksgiving to Almighty God: CWA of Iowa lobbied for pro-life legislation on the state level. They also prayed outside abortion clinics. CWA of Louisiana prayed outside abortion clinics, lobbied on the state level for pro-life legislation, and participated in the Louisiana March for Life. CWA representatives in Texas prayed outside abortion clinics and lobbied on the state level for pro-life legislation. CWA of Missouri participated in the Missouri March for Life and 40 Days for Life. The Missouri Team also lobbied on the state level and prayed outside abortion clinics. A YWA chapter in Arkansas participated in the state March for Life and volunteered at a local pregnancy resource center. YWA in Arkansas hosted a pro-life conference and prayed outside abortion clinics as well.

 

There is so much work that goes unnoticed, and this is only a small sample of some of the work our leaders have done in select states across the country. We thank each of you for being part of the movement that brought about this great post-Roe era. You oversee the most important work for life—the work that happens at home. But there is much work to be done, and we will continue to equip you to fight for a day when abortion is not only illegal but unthinkable.

 

If you would like to join these efforts in your state, click here.

Jun 24 2022
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Roe vs. Wade is Overturned! CWA of Texas Responds

By | Texas | No Comments

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2022  

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ann Hettinger (972) 658-4204

 

Concerned Women for America of Texas

Applauds the SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

 

Rockwall, Texas – In America, after forty-nine years of living with the unjust United States Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, today it has been rightfully overturned. This decision by the Court reveals the incorruptibility of these Justices. They were unjustly targeted by the left, and they stood strong. We are thankful for them.

 

Texas has determined that children, still in the protection of their mother’s womb, will be safe from destruction. The 87th Legislature in 2021 passed HB 1280, authored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-District 98), sponsored by Sen. Angela Paxton (R-District 8), and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. This statute bans abortion in Texas, except if the continuation of the pregnancy would endanger the life of the mother. The act takes effect in 30 days, now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Also, because there was a ban in Texas statutes in 1973 when this decision was handed down, some believe the original ban can be immediately enforced.

 

Ann Hettinger, State Director of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Texas, has this to say concerning the Supreme Court decision:  

 

“CWA of Texas has worked diligently for years to do two things: First, support, with life-affirming services, women who find themselves in unplanned pregnancies. Second, we have worked to educate citizens on the value of every human life and the promise it brings to the future of Texas and our nation. 

 

“We have worked to elect officials who have stood fearlessly for these precepts and have undergirded women with functional governmental help. We are sincerely grateful to all the leaders who have served our State through the years, our Governors, our Lt. Governors, our State Senators and Representatives. They have faced hostility, ridicule, and opposition in every vote, and yet they have remained faithful to their commitment to life.

 

“We will continue to support all families when they are challenged with unplanned pregnancies. We believe every child deserves protection, provisions, and most of all, love. When public policy issues arise, we will stand for life!”

 

###

Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislation and advocacy arm of Concerned Women for America, the Nation’s largest public policy organization for women; we are dedicated to promoting Biblical values and Constitutional principles. More information is available at ConcernedWomen.org.

Apr 21 2022
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Texas: Help Us Ensure Election Integrity in 2022

By | Texas | No Comments

The 2022 elections are upon us, and we need your help to ensure that every eligible vote counts in Texas! Here are ways to engage:

  1. Serve as challengers and watchers during early voting and on Election Day. Download the Poll Watcher’s Guide to read about the basic rights and responsibilities of poll watchers.  (Poll watchers can be acting on behalf of a candidate, political party, or opponent or proponent of a ballot measure; must be a qualified elector from the jurisdiction; can’t be a felon, candidate, public official or related within the second degree of consanguinity to an election judge/clerk at the site; maximum of seven per early voting site and two per Election Day voting site. (V.T.C.A., Election Code §33.031))
  1. Serve as poll workers. Learn how to become a poll worker here. Register for the online poll worker training here. Use can also use the poll worker lookup tool to find information on being a poll worker in your community, including requirements, hours, pay, training, and more.
  1. Ensure Texans are registered to vote. We have made it easy for you. Download our Conducting a Voter Registration Drive: Instructions and helpful tips.
  1. Be an informed voter by checking out CWALAC Congressional Scorecard for the 114th Congress – First Session and iVoterGuide. 

Other helpful links:

Election Dates
Primary Election
March 1, 2022 – Election date

Primary Runoff Election
April 25, 2022 – Last Day to Register to Vote
May 13, 2022 – Last Day to Apply by Mail (Received, not Postmarked)
May 16, 2022 – First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance  
May 20, 2022 – Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance   
May 24, 2022 – Primary Runoff Election

General Election
October 11, 2022 – Last Day to Register to Vote
October 24, 2022 – First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance
October 28, 2022 – Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked)
November 4, 2022 – Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance
November 8, 2022 – Election Date

Additional information on election dates.

Thank you for making a difference in Texas!

Ann Hettinger
State Director

Feb 05 2022
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Dallas Prayer/Action Chapter to Launch!

By | Texas | No Comments

(Do you, or someone you know, live in Dallas? Either way, please read on.)

No doubt you are as concerned as I am about what is going on in our cities, in our state, and our nation these days. That is why I am excited to announce the launch of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Texas’ newest Prayer/Action Chapter in Dallas, Texas. To give people a voice in their communities, CWA’s chapters meet regularly to encourage informed prayer and action for our nation and its leaders. Our mission is to protect and promote Biblical values and Constitutional principles within all levels of government and within the culture around us.

Here are the details of the chapter meeting:

Date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Farmers Branch (Meeting location information will be given after you RSVP.)
RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday, February 25
Contact Jody Fulton at [email protected] for more information. 

Make plans now to attend and be sure to invite a friend!

If you do not live in the Dallas area but would like information on how to start a chapter in your area, please contact me. I will be happy to talk with you about starting a chapter in your community.
  
Sincerely,

Ann Hettinger
State Director

Jan 21 2022
0

Drama at Supreme Court on Texas Abortion Law Case

By | LBB, Legal, News and Events, Texas | No Comments

If there is drama at the U.S. Supreme Court these days, you can rest assured that Justice Sonia Sotomayor is at the center of it. And when the issue in the case is protecting unborn babies, you already know the side for which she fights. So here is why you are hearing so much about her and what the U.S. Supreme Court did in the Texas abortion law case.

If you remember, last time, the Supreme Court dismissed most of the challenges against the law but left the one against the medical licensing officials to go on. That is the case the Fifth Circuit was to consider when Texas asked that the question of whether the medical licensing official can enforce the law if it is violated be sent to the Texas State Supreme Court for clarification as to what the state law allows. The Fifth Circuit allowed that to proceed. This makes sense because the case deals with state law, not federal law.

The pro-abortion side objected to this because it would cause a delay in the proceedings while the law is still in effect. So, they went back to the U.S. Supreme Court and asked it to intervene to stop the case from going to the Texas Supreme Court. The Supreme Court denied the request, making no judgment, but simply allowing the proceedings to continue.

That’s where the pro-abortion advocates at the Supreme Court led by Justice Sonia Sotomayor lost it. They dissented with much fanfare, saying, “The Fifth Circuit should have immediately remanded this case to the District Court, allowing it to consider whether to issue preliminary relief.” Imagine all these babies being born in Texas. Preposterous, in their view. It is a disaster as far as Justice Sotomayor is concerned. She wrote, “This case is a disaster for the rule of law and a grave disservice to women in Texas, who have a right to control their own bodies. I will not stand by silently as a State continues to nullify this constitutional guarantee.”

Aside from the forceful pro-abortion advocacy of Justice Sotomayor, supported by Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan, not a lot has happened in the case. It is still ongoing. Texas may still lose in the end. The ruckus you read about in the media is the early signs of desperation from the pro-abortion side.

It is a preview of what we can expect when the Dobbs decision is handed down if it does not live up to their abortion on demand for any reason up to birth dreamland.

Nov 05 2021
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Texas Abortion Law Cases at the Supreme Court—What was it All About?

By | Case Vault, Legal, News and Events, Texas | No Comments

On Monday (November 1, 2021), the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments in two cases (Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson, and United States v. Texas) challenging the Texas Heartbeat Act (S.B. 8). The law prohibits most abortions after a heartbeat can be detected through an ultrasound.

Other laws around the country have tried to do this only to run afoul of SCOTUS’ arbitrary viability line which makes a law unconstitutional in the Court’s view.

The Texas Heartbeat Act is unique because it explicitly prohibits any state law enforcement from enforcing the law. Instead, it allows any private citizen to bring a civil suit against anyone who performs or helps someone obtain an illegal abortion.

Because of this, abortionists cannot simply sue state officials, as they usually do to prevent the implementation of this law. And that is the question before the Court in Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson, “whether a State can insulate from federal-court review a law that prohibits the exercise of a constitutional right by delegating to the general public the authority to enforce that prohibition through civil actions.”

This has confused many people because popular media outlets love to fixate on the “war on women” and the abortion narrative. But I hope you can see by the question presented how the issue before the Court is not really about abortion. We have a fundamental disagreement about abortion being a “constitutional right,” obviously. It is not. Still, the legal question, as presented, could be about any other constitutional right.

This is why even some of the more constitutionally faithful justices expressed concerns about the law. Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked about an amicus brief filed by the Firearms Policy Coalition that argued that a similar law would be used against Second Amendment rights in liberal states. He said, “[I]t could be free speech rights. It could be free exercise of religion rights.  It could be Second Amendment rights. If this position is accepted here, the theory of the amicus brief is that it can be easily replicated in other states that disfavor other constitutional rights.”

Justice Clarence Thomas asked about the concern that those bringing the suit have apparently suffered no injury, even though they will be awarded monetary relief. “[U]sually, when you think of traditional torts, there is a duty, there’s an injury to the individual. It’s a private matter. There is no requirement here that there be an injury to the plaintiff.”  To this, the Texas Solicitor General Judd Stone rightfully answered that the Texas Supreme Court does, in fact, require an injury in fact, even if none is explicitly asserted in the text of the law. But Justice Thomas struggled to find the injury, “So what would that injury be in this — under S.B. 8, if it’s an injury in fact?”

Those attacking the law had serious difficulty making their case, too. SCOTUS has strong precedent which restricts a federal court’s power to enjoin state judges. That is why the pro-abortion side sought to enjoin state law clerks. However, this seemed artificial and unenforceable ultimately. Justice Samuel Alito expressed the skepticism this way:

“[A] clerk performs a ministerial function. Somebody shows up with a complaint, wants to file a complaint, and assuming the formal requirements are met, the clerk files the complaint. The clerk doesn’t have the authority to say, you can’t file this complaint because it’s a bad complaint. I mean, what if the judge, the presiding judge in a particular jurisdiction, said, okay, fine, you don’t want the clerks filing these things, if anybody shows up with an S.B. 8 complaint, call me and I’ll docket it myself? Then what?”

In United States v. Texas, the question was related, but it had to do with the federal government’s power to obtain injunctive or declaratory relief against state officials to stop the enforcement of a law, like the Texas Heartbeat Act. And if the effort of the Texas abortionists to obtain such a relief is difficult, this one seems even more problematic under the federalism principles embodied in the U.S. Constitution.

Justice Neil Gorsuch stressed the unprecedented nature of the United States’ request by pointing out it would be the first time in the nation’s history that the Court would grant such a request:

Justice Gorsuch: “General, are you aware of a precedent that permits an injunction against all persons in the country or the world, the cosmos, who bring suit?

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar: No, Justice Gorsuch.

There are novel legal concepts to consider in both these cases for sure, but ultimately this is a problem of SCOTUS’ own making by its underlying, unconstitutional overreach when it comes to abortion. Texas and other states simply continue to try to find ways to save babies within the limits imposed by law. The Texas Heartbeat Act is said to have been saving 150 babies a day, thousands by now. And that is a good thing, no matter how you look at it.

That is why Concerned Women for America (CWA) stood with the people of Texas and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has been a champion for life, on the steps of the Supreme Court on the day of oral arguments. And we will continue to do so until the day the Court acknowledges the error of its ways and restores justice for the unborn. We are praying that day is very close.

Oct 29 2021
0

AG Garland Defends Intimidation Actions

By | Legislative Updates, News and Events, Texas | No Comments

AG Garland Defiantly Defends Action to Intimidate Parents Speaking Out at School Board Meetings 

Attorney General Merrick Garland appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week for an “oversight hearing” of his leadership at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).  Out of the gate, Republican Senators took the opportunity to question him intensely on his October 4 memorandum to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in which he cites “a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation’s public schools.” When pressed, Garland admitted he had no evidence of these charges beyond news reports that he failed to investigate.

As a paper trail of communication has uncovered,  AG Garland’s memo was undeniably a coordinated response to a request for action from the National School Boards Association (NSBA) in a letter to President Biden that likens the actions of engaged parents as “the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.”

Lost on no experienced advocate is the chilling effect this threat from the nation’s most powerful law-enforcement apparatus will inflict on parents trying to stand up for their rights as taxpaying citizens and the safety and protection of their children in schools. Concerned Women for America immediately sent a letter to Attorney General Garland when he issued his directive, reminding him that parents are sovereign in raising and educating their children and their grievances are protected speech, not an excuse for federal investigation.

While he repeatedly identified “spirited debate” and disagreement over school policy and curriculum as a First Amendment right, Garland defiantly defended the tone and content of his memo to the FBI, refusing to recognize the rightful concern such a call for federal law enforcement engagement in local schools has raised.  Even in the aftermath of NSBA retracting the aggressive language in its letter—catalyzed by school boards in Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania making high-profile exits from the association—Garland doubled-down and rejected any call for withdrawing his decree.

AG Garland’s appearance before the Senate came on the heels of his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. During that hearing, Democrat Chairman Jerry Nadler refused a request from Republicans to air a revealing video compilation of courageous moms and dads speaking at school board meetings and pleading with local authorities to hear and respect their concerns. Censoring this video for a public hearing begs the question: Why are Democrats bent on suppressing the voices of parents? Perhaps they fear what this exposure really means about their morally destructive agenda.

Before the government-mandated closures of COVID-19, many parents had no idea what was being peddled in the classrooms. When parents were forced to become home-based substitute teachers, they were given an inside view into radical curricula promoting the left’s agenda for Critical Race Theory, deceptive gender ideology, and sexually explicit content. It was a needed wake-up call.

If there is anything positive to take away from Garland’s Senate appearance, it was his repeated acknowledgment that airing grievances and opposing school board policies are protected forms of speech under the Constitution.  What remains to be seen is how this Administration might weaponize law enforcement to intimidate parents from action if school officials do not like what they hear and want to threaten parents into silence.

Oct 27 2021
0

Girls’ Sports Bill Signed! Please say thanks.

By | Texas | No Comments

Have you said “thank you” yet?  You are only required to sit through one all-night committee hearing or watch a legislator stand for eleven hours on the chamber floor defending a bill to understand the burden legislators are willing to assume to give us laws to protect and defend us. In one of the floor debates, Rep. Matt Schaefer (R – District 6) read from the Bible to refute heresy from the opponent.

Ephesians 1:15-17 says, “For this reason, I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

Please Act:

  1. Go to Concerned Women for America of Texas’ legislative update page to review the assessment of the 87th Legislative Session and see the work of our elected warriors.
  2. Contact Gov. Greg Abbott and thank him for signing the Protect Girls Sports bill. Contact form | Mailing address: State Capitol, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, TX 78711
  3. Contact the elected officials below and thank them for serving their state well through a very long legislative session.

Email or write to these Texas Senators at: P.O. Box 12068, Austin, TX 78711

Email or write to these Texas Representatives at:  P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910

Please Pray:

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” I Timothy 2:1-3

Sincerely,
Ann Hettinger
State Director

Oct 21 2021
0
Texas flag

Sine Die for the Fourth Time This Year!

By | Texas | No Comments

On January 9, 2021, the 87th Texas Legislature began meeting. Concerned Women for America of Texas had several issues that we hope to see addressed.  The legislature finally adjourned on October 19, 2021, after three Special Sessions were added to the regular session. 7163 bills and requests for constitutional amendments were filed in the regular session. Many of these were refiled in the three Special Sessions.  2,157 have become law and 20 were vetoed. These are the results:

Sanctity of Life

Legislation that prohibited the distribution of abortifacients through the mail was filed.  The fraud and irregular use of this medication caused by this method of distribution threatened many innocent victims. Rep. Briscoe Cain, (R-District 128) filed HB 6 and Rep. Stephanie Klick, (R-District 91) filed HB 6, in the Second Special Session, but not until Sen. Eddie Lucio, (D-District 27) filed SB 4 in the second Special Session were we able to see the bill enacted.  It was signed by Gov. Greg  Abbott on September 17 and becomes law on December 2, 2021.

Legislation that prohibited abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat was widely supported by conservative legislators. Rep. Shelby Slawson, (R- District 59) filed HB 1165 that was identical to Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-District 1) SB 8.  Gov. Abbott signed SB 8 into law on May 19, and it became effective on September 1, 2021. This unique approach to regulation has never been enacted before. It creates a civil penalty for an infraction ($10,000 maximum per abortion) and that cause of action may be taken by any citizen against a medical technician who performs the abortion. No governmental entity is involved in the prosecution of the case. It appears that it may be called before the United States Supreme Court in the near future for adjudication. Right now, there is no injunction against it.

Defense of Family

During the last interim, multiple cases involving Texas Child Protective Services revealed a lack of control in the prosecution of families regarding child abuse.  Rep. James Frank, (R- District 69) filed HB 567 which establishes the procedures and grounds for terminating the parent-child relationship when governmental agencies are contending for the possession of a child. The legislation was allowed to become law without the governor’s signature and was effective September 1, 2021.

The issue of gender modification remains a disappointment for this 87th Legislature. Multiple bills were filed. HB 68 by Rep. Steve Toth, (R-District 15) and SB 1646 by Sen. Charles Perry, (R-District 28) would have prohibited parents of minor children from seeking life-altering gender transitioning surgeries and pharmaceuticals for their children. CWA has been convinced that this approach unduly burdens the rights of parents to make choices for their children.  Rep. Matt Krause, (R-District 93) filed HB 1399 and Sen. Bob Hall, (R-District 2) filed SB 1311 which denies insurance coverage for those providing these procedures for gender transition, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria for minors. This burdens the medical provider. These bills failed in the regular session and Gov. Abbott did not put them on the call for any of the three Special Sessions.

Education

For the last few sessions, homeschool families have worked to make UIL activities available for homeschooled students.  This session, HB 547, was again filed by Rep. James Frank. It passed and was signed by Governor Abbott on June 18, 2021, and effective on September 1, 2021.  As a result, these students are now are eligible to join teams in their local school district and participate in their competitions.

By law, every Independent School District in Texas is required to appoint a Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC) regarding sex-education curriculum for public schools.  However, the rules regarding the membership of the Council, the meeting forum, and the records of those meetings have been weak. SB 442 was filed by Sen. Bryan Hughes, (R-District 1) and a companion bill, HB 3872 by Rep. Harold Dutton, (D-District 142) fortified and clarified the responsibilities of that Council. SB 442 failed to pass, however, it was amended on to HB 1525 and became law. That was signed by Gov. Abbott on June 16, 2021, and was effective that day!

Every year some students fail to achieve satisfactory performance on final assessment tests.  Rather than leave them to an unproductive future, Rep. Harold Dutton, D-District 142) authored HB 4545 which created grants to be used for accelerated instruction for them.  It was signed by Gov. Abbott on June 16 and became effective that day.

In one of the most contentious battles of the session, Concerned Women for America of Texas took up the battle of protecting girls’ sports in UIL competitions in Texas.  The issue at the core was whether or not biological males could compete on sports teams. In hearing after hearing we heard examples of the displacement of girls by “transgendered females” who have physical advantages over biological females.  In an effort to preserve a fair and level playing field, Rep. Valoree Swanson, (R. District 150) authored HB 25 in the third Special Session after having authored and defended similar bills in all three prior sessions.  It finally passed on October 17, 2021, and Gov. Abbot has said he will sign it into law. Sen. Charles Perry, (R-District 28), and Rep. Cole Hefner, (R-Dist. 5) also filed similar bills. Some of these included protections for college and university level (NCAA).  That issue failed to achieve movement in the regular session and Gov. Abbott did not put that issue on the call for any of the Special Sessions.

Many parents have been concerned about the curriculum in Texas Public Schools containing materials promoting the Critical Race Theory.  Concerned Women for America of Texas supported the bill filed by Rep. Steve Toth, (R-District 15) which restricted all districts from allowing it.  Sen. Bryan Hughes, (R-District 1) filed SB 3 in the Second Special Session and it utilizes teacher training programs to affect the implementation. We feel this has weaknesses and that parents will be required to be more watchful.  SB 3 was passed and signed by Gov. Abbott on September 17, 2021.  It will be effective on December 2, 2021.

Sexual Exploitation

For the last two decades, our legislative body has increased awareness and restrictions on human trafficking. This year, HB 390, was authored by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, requiring annual human trafficking awareness and prevention training in commercial lodging establishments. SB 316 by Sen. Joan Huffman, (R-District 17), was an identical bill supported by CWA of Texas.  It was passed and Gov. Abbott signed it into law on May 18, 2021, and it became effective immediately.

Religious Liberty

During the recent pandemic, citizens came to understand how fleeting their religious liberties were.  Government entities unabashedly closed houses of worship across the state and enforced those closures with citations and arrests. Sen. Angela Paxton, (R-District 8) filed SB 251 similar in intent to one filed by Rep. Matt Shaheen, (R-District 66).  He filed HB 525 which “declared a religious organization is an essential business at all times in this state, including during a declared state of disaster, and the organization’s religious and other related activities are essential activities even if the activities are not listed as an essential in an order issued during the disaster.” And they cannot be ordered to close or otherwise alter the organization’s purposes or activities. The vote in the Senate was 27-3, and in the House, it was 127-10.   It was signed by Gov. Abbott on June 18 and became effective immediately. When a bill has a positive vote of 2/3 of each chamber, the bill is effective upon the governor’s signature.

In addition, HB 1239, authored by Rep. Scott Sanford, (R-District 70) which prohibits a government agency or public official “…may not issue an order that closes or has the effect of closing places of worship in this state or in a geographic area of this state.”  And, “in this section, ‘effect of closing’ includes any restriction on the occupancy or capacity of a place of worship.” This bill passed and was signed by Gov. Abbot on June 16, 2021, and became effective immediately.

 Citizens have been urging our legislative body to protect them from censorship by social media.  Rep. Briscoe Cain, (R-District 128) filed HB 20, which provides relief and protections for citizens being censored by social media outlets. SB 5 by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-District 1) addressed the issue as well.  While CWA of Texas chose to stay neutral on these bills, HB 20 was passed and signed by Gov. Abbott on September 9, 2021, and became effective on December 2, 2021.

National Sovereignty

After the General election of 2020, citizens were concerned that voter fraud should not compromise Texas elections.  Multiple bills were filed.  HB 574 by Rep. Greg Bonnen, (R-District 24) raised the penalties for fraud in the conduct of an election.  It was signed by Governor Abbott on June 3.  Also, Rep. Andrew Muir filed HB 3 in the second Special Session; Rep. Steve Allison filed HB 280 in the second Special Session; both asking for increased penalties for election fraud. Neither passed.

Rep. Steve Toth, (R-District 15) filed a bill asking for a forensic audit of the 2020 election results in certain counties.  It was not passed.

The omnibus Election Integrity Protection Act of 2021, SB 7, was filed by Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-District 1) which “seeks to address these issues by strengthening poll watcher protection, bringing about transparency by utilizing technology throughout the electoral process, limiting the most common fraudulent practices and opportunities for fraudulent practices, and providing better and more timely evidence in investigations into alleged voter fraud.”  (Taken from the bill analysis.) This seventy-five-page bill failed to pass in the regular session but passed as SB 1 by Sen. Hughes, in the second Special Session.  HB 6, by Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-District 128) was a very similar bill. Gov. Abbott signed SB 1 into law on September 7, 2021, and became effective that day.

Oct 08 2021
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Three calls this weekend to save girls’ sport

By | Texas | No Comments

We are in a David and Goliath moment. The Goliath of big businesses has sent an open letter to the state legislature urging legislators to “do nothing” on HB 25, a bill that will codify UIL rules in Texas law to ensure students play sports according to their sex assigned at birth. You can read more about Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Texas efforts on girls’ sport here and here.

The third Special Session of the Texas legislature is winding down, so it is critical that the House vote on SB 25 early next week. If our lawmakers don’t act quickly and effectively, their inaction will place approximately 300,000+ girl athletes in Texas public schools 7-12 at risk to compete against biological males.

Would you take time this weekend to make three calls?

  1. Contact Chairman Trent Ashby (R- District 57) and ask him to send the Constitutional Rights & Remedies committee report for HB 25 to the Calendar Committee immediately to ensure the clock doesn’t run out on the bill. Phone: (512) 463-0508 | E-mail
  2. Contact the office of Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and urge him to prioritize HB 25 on the House Calendar Committee. (512) 463-1000 | Online Form
  3. Contact your state representative and ask him or her to support HB 25 should the bill come to the full floor for a vote. Find your representative here.

 Please Pray: “Lord, we ask that You would fortify our Texas policymakers and to follow David’s example to have faith in God and stand up against the Goliath of big businesses. I Samuel 17:45 says: ‘You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock.’”

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up or quit.  Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10  (The Message)

Ann Hettinger
State Director

Sep 30 2021
0

Another opportunity to support girls’ sports in Texas

By | Texas | No Comments

On September 20, the Texas legislature began the Third Special Session, making it a total of four sessions for the 87th Legislature. Concerned Women for America of Texas has been in Austin for all four sessions working to pass legislation that aligns with CWA’s seven core issues.

This week, HB 25, a girls’ sports bill sponsored by State Rep. Valoree Swanson (R-Dist. 150), was assigned to the Select Constitutional Rights and Remedies Committee. Now it’s time to activate our prayer and action network to see that HB 25 is passed and signed into law.

A majority of Texans support protecting female athletes from physical harm and losing scholarships and endorsements.  A majority of Texas legislators support the right and opportunity of girls to compete in their own sports. Gov. Greg Abbott has put legislation to protect girls’ sports on the Special Session call three times for the 87th Legislature.  The Texas Senate has passed the girls’ sports bill four times. Now it’s time for the Texas House to pass the girls’ sports bill.

This issue affects Texans of all races, cultures, and backgrounds.  According to Texas Education Agency (TEA) statistics for the 2019-20 school year, there are approximately 862,137 females of African American, Hispanic, and other ethnicities and approximately 318,953 white females.1 Since the enactment of Title IX in 1972, national statistics show two in five girls (40%) now participate in school sports.2 So, school sports for grade 7-12 in Texas accounts for approximately 472,436 Texas girls. These statistics do not include private, parochial, or homeschool students.

The Third Session of the 87th Legislature ends on October 19, so it’s critical that you make your voice heard on this very important issue.

Please Act:

  1. Contact the office of Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and urge him to prioritize HB 25 on the House Calendar Committee. (512) 463-1000 | Online Form
  2. Contact the members of the Select Constitutional Rights and Remedies Committee and ask them to support HB 25.
  3. Contact your state representative and ask them to protect girls’ sports and support HB 25. Find who represents you in the Texas House by clicking here.
  4. Forward this email to family and friends.

Please Pray:

  1. Pray that our young women will not be denied benefits from their God-given talents and abilities.
  2. Pray that the forces of evil will be cut off.
  3. Pray that citizens will wake up to their role in righteousness in government.

“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  See that no one repays another with the evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”   I Thessalonians 5:14-15

Sincerely,
Ann Hettinger

I’d like to provide an example for you:  Alanna Smith is an African American high school athlete from Connecticut.  She is from a family of exceptionally gifted athletes and is on track to play professional sports unless her opportunity is stolen by an undeserving biological male. Alanna, now a high school sophomore, is a short-distance runner (100m, 200m, and 400m). She was a 3-peat 100 Meter Connecticut state champ in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Her freshman year she learned she would be racing at the Connecticut State Open against a male who identifies as a female.  No matter how many hours Alanna put into training or how hard she worked on speed, endurance, and strength, she had no chance to beat the physical strength of a biological male who previously ran in the men’s division. Alanna felt defeated before stepping onto the track.

In Connecticut alone, two biological boys have been running girls off the track since 2017. Between them, they have set seventeen individual state meet records—registering times that females have no hope of breaking. The sheer size and strength they bring to the track have resulted in more than eighty-five missed opportunities for girls to even qualify for the next level of competition.  As they have continued breaking records and beating biological girls, it is simply not fair for anyone born as a boy to compete against girls. That unfairness does not go away because of what someone believes about their gender identity. 4

We must work hard to protect the rights that women have gained since Title IX when only one in 27 girls participated in school sports.  When biological males are allowed to compete in girls-only sports, girls’ lives are permanently impacted.

1https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/enroll_2019-20.pdf

2https://concernedwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Protecting-Womens-Sports-CWA-fact-sheet-2021.pdf

3https://house.texas.gov/members/find-your-representative/

4https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-i-deserve-a-level-playing-field-20200304-zd36p3jlurfeddfdk6gmuzyv2i-story.html

Sep 15 2021
0

Ask Speaker Phelan to Pass “Save Girls’ Sports”

By | Texas | No Comments

For the last three sessions of the Texas legislature, Concerned Women for America of Texas has been on the front lines fighting for the passage of a bill that prohibits biological males from competing in girls’ sports.  Physical strength, stamina, size, and other abilities inherent in the male composition make it completely unfair for girls in sports to be required to overcome these advantages in order to play on girls’ teams. Girls are being denied placement on teams, championships, endorsements, and acknowledgments, which help them achieve scholarships and other benefits available to males on male sports teams. These advantages are going to biological males who are taking these positions, claiming to be “transgendered.”

  • In the Regular Session, SB, 29 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-District 8) was killed by the House Public Education Committee. 
  • In the First Special Session, SB 32 by Sen. Perry was not heard by the House Public Education Committee.  
  • In the Second special Session, SB 2 by Sen. Perry was left pending in the House Public Education Committee.  

If girls’ sports are to be protected in Texas, this bill must pass in this Third Special Session that begins Monday, September 20, 2021!

Take Action:

  • Contact the office of Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan and tell him you want to see Texas girls’ sports protected by passing HB 10 sponsored by State Rep. Valoree Swanson (R-Dist. 150) and that you want the bill assigned to a committee other than the House Public Education Committee.
    (512) 463-1000 | Contact Form
  • Urge your friends to make this call.
  • Urge young women athletes to make this call and be available to testify when it comes before the committee.

Please Pray:

  • Pray that our young women will not be denied benefits from their God-given talents and abilities.
  • Pray that the forces of evil will be cut off.
  • Pray that citizens will wake up to their role in righteousness in government.

“We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  See that no one repays another with the evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” I Thessalonians 5:14-15

Ann Hettinger
State Director

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