The nation’s first Wrongful Conviction Summit sponsored by Senator Ellis with the support of Senator Whitmire, was held at the Capitol on May 8^th.   Texas is leading the nation in wrongful convictions; hundreds of stakeholders attended the summit to understand what is causing our justice system to fail. 

The Innocence Project of Texas selected 40 cases to investigate in Dallas County.  Of those cases, 17 Texans have been exonerated on DNA evidence alone.  This is a wrongful conviction rate over 40 percent.

Efforts are underway to break a longstanding stalemate in Congress and reauthorize a package of incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency before Memorial Day. Existing incentives have helped drive the development of Texas’ wind industry, which is now the largest in the nation, and have helped Texans save money and energy while also contributing to cleaner air in our state.

Other forms of energy such as coal, oil and nuclear power have long enjoyed tax subsidies to keep prices down and spur investment. At a time when the US is considering regulating carbon emissions, gas and electricity costs are spiking for consumers and fossil fuel supplies are diminishing, Congress should invest in the development of a wide range of clean, safe, renewable energy options and encourage consumers to make smart energy choices. Prudent investment now will pay off in good jobs, clear skies and affordable, reliable energy.

Please contact Texas Senators Hutchison and Cornyn and ask them to help pass the Clean Energy Tax Incentives before Memorial Day!

Contact information for Texas Senators

Watch a Three-Minute Video on Texas' Solar Potential!

Sponsored by the Amos Commission of the Austin District of the United Methodist Church, Texas Impact, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

Peter Storey, one of Methodism’s great preachers, returns to Austin Friday, May 30 for a half-day workshop open to clergy and laity of all denominations.

With eloquence and energy, Dr. Storey offers wisdom and inspiration for engaging in ministries that go beyond helping those who are hurting to working to do away with the causes of that pain. He will offer insights to help and inspiration to motivate us to become more effectively engaged in ministries that address the causes of need and pain – that is, ministries of justice.

Over the next several months, Texans will have the opportunity to participate in a full, public review of several of our state's key agencies through the "sunset review" process. This year's sunset review schedule includes a number of high profile agencies including the Texas Department of Insurance, the Texas Youth Commission, the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Sunset offers an unprecedented opportunity for citizen participation in the public policy debate, and unlike the legislative session the sunset process happens over the course of a year, with much of the public participation component taking place during the summer. Texas Impact is involved in the sunset reviews of several agencies. Want to get involved? Call or email us about attending meetings with legislators, hosting public forums, and other ways you can add your voice to the discussion!

Download the newest handout in our Faith in Texas series:

How To Participate in the Sunset Process

Texas' primary elections will be held Tuesday, March 4. After the polls close at 7pm, voters will return to their polling places for precinct caucuses. The main agenda for the precinct caucuses will be to elect delegates to each precinct's county party conventions, but the caucuses also offer the opportunity to pass "precinct resolutions."

Texas Impact is promulgating three precinct resolutions, which you can download HERE.

We also have a helpful handout on how to introduce and pass a precinct resolution, which you can download HERE.

Don't see your issue on our list? Email bee@texasimpact.org if you have a resolution you'd like us to post.

Texas Impact is accepting applications for the position of Membership Coordinator.

If you are passionate about engaging people of faith on core social issues like health care, criminal justice, environmental stewardship and economic justice, consider joining our staff! Texas Impact works with local congregations, social action groups, denominational bodies and individual people of faith to help them engage the public policy debate and bring mainstream faith values to bear in the public square.

"Faith, Science, and Ethics"

Under the theme, “Faith, Science, and Ethics,” the 2008 statewide Christian Life Conference will provide helpful and hopeful insights regarding appropriate and constructive relationships between faith and science and critical ethical issues upon which these relationships weigh heavily. As the following program listing details, very able leadership will help us find our way through the challenging, but immensely rewarding conversation between faith, science, and ethics.