DOF Gains Momentum in Texas: ADAPT Nation Wants Community Choice

For Immediate Release:
March 8, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jennifer McPhail (512) 627-5869
Danny Saenz (512) 971-5311
http://adapt.adapt.org/

ADAPT's Defending Our Freedom Campaign Gains Momentum in Austin, Texas:
Local Communities Follow National Lead and Call for Community Choice

Austin, TX---Texas Independence Day Resolutions in support of the Community Choice Act and the "most integrated setting" mandate contained in the ADA were proposed on March 2 in several precinct caucuses. Introduction of these resolutions is especially important as they come on the heels of the passage of a Democratic National Committee resolution in support of community services.

"Barbara Jordan once gave a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention," said Jennifer McPhail, ADAPT organizer from Austin, Texas. "In that address she said of the Democratic Party, "We believe in equality for all and privileges for none. This is a belief-- this is a belief that each American, regardless of background, has equal standing in the public forum -- all of us. Because we believe this idea so firmly, we are an inclusive rather than an exclusive party. Let everybody come." So, the passage of these resolutions will make Barbara Jordan's declaration a reality for all of us who use community services in Travis County," emphasized McPhail.

Danny Saenz, another Austin organizer for ADAPT, added "I was inspired by President Obama's acceptance speech, particularly when he said, "I say to the people of America, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land: "Enough!" Well, I too, say enough - enough of the institutional bias! Pass the Community Choice Act now!"

The resolutions in support of the Community Choice Act and affirming the ADA's most integrated setting provision will be considered by members of the Travis County Delegation on March 20, 2010. If the resolutions are passed by the Travis County Delegation, they move on to the Texas Democratic Party Convention June 25-26, 2010. Local communities and political organizations across the country are encouraged to follow Austin's lead. For more information on the Defending Our Freedom campaign go to http://www.adapt.org/.