One For All E-Newsletter: August 26, 2021 Edition

Dear Friends,

The decisions state and local elected leaders make today have lasting effects on future generations. Our responsibility to youth and the health and safety of our communities obligates us to follow the guidance of public health experts and weigh all the long-term impacts of the decisions we make.

As COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths rise due to the spread of the delta variant coupled with the fact that many more residents need to be vaccinated, our state officials in Austin continue to interfere with Harris County guidance for people to wear masks. This is occurring despite overwhelming proof that masks are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

As school begins this week, children in Texas are being hospitalized at the highest rate since any point during the pandemic. I continue to support Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II’s decision to put the health of our children first by requiring masks for all students, staff and visitors. I commend Mr. House’s commitment to protecting our future generations, especially children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated.

We must continue to urge our state leaders to follow the advice of public health experts. The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that the mask mandate can remain in effect while local jurisdictions’ lawsuits to implement mandates to protect residents’ health continue in lower courts around the state.

On state legislative matters, every eligible Texas voter should be grateful to the courageous state lawmakers who walked out on two special sessions to prevent their colleagues from voting on voter suppression bills, redistricting and other items that would limit the ability for future generations to exercise their right to vote.

From firsthand experience, I know how difficult it is to leave your family to go to another state in a last-ditch effort to stop legislation that will damage our democracy. The past few years has made it obvious how much voting matters and that elections have consequences.

Together, we must continue to fight against these and other measures that unfairly impact the poor and people of color.

This month, Commissioners Court approved the passage of two programs designed to reduce crime and increase community safety in our Harris County neighborhoods. These programs have the ability to change the way future generations realize safer communities for everyone.

The first, the Harris County Gun Violence Interruption Program, will reduce shootings and stop the spread of further violence. Programs like this have a proven track record of reducing violent crime.

The second program, Holistic Assistance Response Teams (HART), will send trained mental health and medical responders to address 911 calls related to behavioral health, homelessness, substance use, and other social welfare issues. That will allow peace officers to focus on solving crimes. Learn more about both programs.

To continue securing a brighter future for our youth, we must stay engaged and healthy. I urge you to wear your mask, get vaccinated if you have not already and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Sincerely,

FREEDOM RIDERS MOVING MONUMENT

In 1961, the original Freedom Riders traveled across the United States breaking down barriers, fighting for equality, and demanding justice. Despite facing extreme violence, hatred, and multiple arrests, their crusade continued from May to December.
Celebrating the courage of the Freedom Riders is especially poignant now as federal leaders consider passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act since the late U.S. Representative John Lewis was one of the original Freedom Riders. The Freedom Riders Moving Monument reminds us that together we have come so far but still have more victories in the future.

360 Video: Freedom Riders Bus

Freedom Riders 1961 Route

Moving Monuments Fleet

GREENS BAYOU FLOOD RISK REDUCTION PROJECT TO BEGINS PHASE TWO IN SEPTEMBER

Equitable flood risk reduction must prioritize areas with the highest risk, not the highest property value. With Harris County's new equitable flood risk reduction guidelines, the neighborhoods adjacent to Greens Bayou, which have been experiencing chronic flooding for decades, are finally getting some of the relief they need.

Phase Two construction on the Aldine Westfield Stormwater Detention Basin on Greens Bayou, which will reduce the risk of flooding in the mid-reach stretch of Greens Bayou by taking in excess stormwater during heavy rain events and then releasing it slowly back to the channel when the threat of flooding has passed, is expected to begin in September.

DON'T LET HEAVY TRASH WEIGH YOU DOWN

If you are a resident of unincorporated (not in City of Houston) Harris County, you may drop-off your heavy trash, including old tires, furniture, appliances and other waste on Saturday, September 18 from 8 am to 1pm at both the Hardy Service Center - 11901 West Hardy and Miller Road Service Center - 15530 Miller Road 1.

Questions? Call 346-286-2125

Items accepted from unincorporated areas include:

Old tires (less than 5, less than 20" diameter)
Furniture, mattresses, and old appliances
Wood fencing (no nails or screws)
Yard waste (less than 6')
Non-commercial/residential construction waste, including shingles, carpet, lumber, and sheetrock
Only one load per household is allowed monthly
Single axle trailers only

Recycling for paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum cans, and glass is accepted. This program is available the third Saturday every month.