The

Bluebonnet
The Newsletter of Texas College Democrats January 2013 Students and the 2012 Election
Guest Column by Garry Jones
Just last week, America again saw Barack Obama take the oath of office. There are many ways to look at this; it could be said that America reaffirmed the beliefs of an economy from the middle class out, and a health care system that cares for all. Though, from a policy perspective, this election can be debated as to the mandate that was made last fall, but from the perspective of an employee on the Obama campaign, this victory means so much more. Being on the front lines in the battleground state of Ohio, I saw firsthand the impact that Democrats have on the future of politics and in the end, polices that are enacted in Washington. Though I was not on a college campus, I worked closely with organizers who dedicated their lives to turning out students to vote, and proved that college students can impact an election in the same way as they did in 2008. For example, at the small school of Ohio Wesleyan in Delaware, Ohio, hundreds of students came out on a fall day to collectively knock on every targeted door in the city, something I have never heard of in all my years working on campaigns. I partook in a voter registration drive at Ohio State that ensured that the largest school in the country would turn out to support the President. In the end, these efforts lead to students voting in the Buckeye state at record levels. This would not have been possible without the commitment of students across Ohio. When we look back on the 2012 election, we will remember big bird and the 47% comments. However, do not forget the power of college students to change the outcome of an election. If it was not for the turnout of students in Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, and other battleground states, who knows what the outcome would have been. The work we put in through College Democrats and our local chapters does matter, and because of our collective efforts this past year, Barack Obama is once again President. Garry Jones is the TCD Political Affairs Director and a former Neighborhood Team Leader with Organizing for America, majoring in political science at Texas Wesleyan.

TCD Presidents Call

Next month, on February 10th, Texas College Democrats from around the state will hold their first presidents call Numerous bills have already been filed in the Texas of the new year! Our presidents calls emphasize state Legislature this session. One authored by Republican unity and coordinating efforts between leaders from Sarah Davis would encourage community colleges to give chapters all over Texas. out 4-year bachelors degrees. Conservative Allen Fletcher has also filed a bill aimed at reducing funds Because of possible overload on the call, we are only enavailable for student financial assistance. couraging chapter leaders and presidents to call in. We would like to at least have one representative from each It appears conservative Republicans are more than willing chapter on the line. to sacrifice educational quality in order to cut funding for students. The call will take place at 9:00 pm CST on February 10, 2013. Please dial 610-214-0200 and use the access code On a lighter note, Rep. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City 140419# when prompted. See yall then! has filed a bill requiring UT Austin and Texas A&M to play an annual football game. Guillen, an Aggie, believes that the people of Texas want to see the game every Thanksgiving, and that hes doing his part to make it work.

Interesting Bills from the Legislature

Chapter leaders: join us for our upcoming presidents call! Republican legislators say public education is important, but continue to cut funding in the classroom.

University Days in Austin

The legislative session has started in Austin! Many universities have gathered from around the state to show their support for strong funding for higher education. Among the schools that plan on spending a day at the capitol this year to let their voices be heard are Texas A&M (2/5), Texas Tech (2/20), UT Austin (2/5) and UTSA (2/28). See if your school offers one of these fine programs!

Guns on Campus is Back

The issue that rocked Texas newspapers last legislative session is back. Republican legislators Capriglione, Leach, Klick and Laubenberg introduced HB 706 on January 24th, a bill forcing college campuses to allow guns into their buildings, classrooms, walkways and areas of business. Despite wide protest from students everywhere, the issue is back. Sign up for email updates on the Texas Legislatures website to keep abreast on the issue!

Students had their voice heard last year.

Be sure to visit the House of Representatives and Senate in Austin this legislative session!

HB 706 brings back the unwanted guns on campus issue.