Recent Articles
Civic Engagement
Press Release: Texas Impact Sues State of Texas
For Immediate Release September 3, 2021 Contact: Oliver Bernstein, 512.289.8618 Faith-based powerhouse Texas Impact joins lawsuit challenging restrictive voting legislation AUSTIN, TEX. -- One of the leading advocacy groups representing Texans of faith...
Legislative Update: Voting Rights, Voting Restrictions
The 87th Texas Legislature is now convened in its second special session, and election reform remains at the forefront of state leaders’ agendas. Texas Impact opposes omnibus election reform legislation that has been introduced in the 87th Regular; 1st Called; and now...
Voting by Mail Works in Texas
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many Texas Impact members wondered if it would be safe to vote in-person, and if voting by mail might be a viable alternative. Before we were able to provide our members with a recommendation regarding voting by mail, Texas Impact...
Climate Justice
Climate and Migration at COP28 UAE
It is day three of Texas Impact’s witness of COP28 in Dubai, UAE. As this is my second COP I am coming into the event with a bit more preparation and perspective, yet, once again I am struck by the intersectionality of the climate negotiations. COP continues to be the...
VP Al Gore Introduces New Climate Data Tool
At COP28 Sunday morning, former Vice President Al Gore told us about a new scientific tool, Climate TRACE, which promises to improve the way we measure and understand greenhouse gas emissions around the world. This means a better understanding of the source of GHG...
Global Stocktake Negotiations at COP28
The Global Stock Take (GST) is the process called for in the 2015 Paris Agreement in which each party assesses the progress it has made toward its emissions reduction and adaptation goals. The first GST is happening this year at COP28. The preliminary report of the...
Economic Justice
Policy Primer: Public Utilities and Public Health
Light and Life: Using the Public Utility Commission of Texas Sunset Review to Safeguard Texans' Health and Wellbeing a primer by Texas Impact sponsored by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. OVERVIEW When Texans think about health and health equity,...
Cyrus Reed on Climate Change and Winter Storm Uri
Cyrus Reed, Ph.D. Conservation Director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, explains the connections between climate change; the failure of the Texas electric grid during Winter Storm Uri; and the upcoming sunset review of the Public Utility Commission of...
After 2021’s Winter Storm, Grid Uncertainty Continues
In February 2021, the Texas electric grid experienced one of its biggest reliability challenges from the impact of Winter Storm Uri. This storm left millions of Texans without power and water for several days, imposing physical, emotional, and financial trauma on the...
Human Rights
FAITH COMMUNITIES: HEED YOUR CALL TO EQUIP FOR SB4
After a year of managing our Courts & Ports Faithful Witness immersive program in the Rio Grande Valley, a common question that never failed to be asked was, “what can we do to help?” Today, I have a concrete answer. Right now, it is essential that faith...
BORDER VIGIL HELD UNDER SURVEILLANCE OF OPERATION LONE STAR
Have you ever had to ask Texas Army National Guard Soldiers permission to enter a public park so that you can have the liberty to hold a vigil, pray, and sing worship songs in a public outdoor space? Last weekend, I was in Shelby Park in the city of Eagle Pass...
IMMEDIATE WINTER NEEDS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Today and for the next couple of days in the Rio Grande Valley area, The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory: “dangerously cold wind chills would result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken.” The cold weather conditions are a real...