Labor NPC Campaigns thread

[OBD]

Ardmore, Oklahoma
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on OK Labor Website

Hello, Ardmore!

There are social wedge issues that politicians use to divide voter for partisan gain. And then, there are bread-and-butter economic issues that can actually change the lives of working-class Oklahomans for the better. And frankly, it's rather telling that Federalist politicians are lobbing attacks using the former, while your Labor representatives instead choose to support their constituents by focusing on the latter.

My good friend - and predecessor as Vice President - Scott has belabored this point much, but given how the Federalists have doubled down on their divisive rhetoric it bears repeating. The Federalists would like to lump all of Labor into a vague left-wing box, but that couldn't be further from the truth! I've spoken to your Labor candidates here in Ardmore, across Oklahoma, and even in other states, and there is a wide breadth of ideological diversity. We don't all believe the same things! For instance, Bob Taylor, a beloved teacher at Ardmore High School who's also your statehouse candidate, is a staunch supporter of the right to life and the right to bear arms. When the Federalists claim that Labor will attack values that many Oklahomans hold dear, it is simply not true - it seems they do not understand that a party can care for and cater to its constituents, instead of being a vague monolith surrounding a rigid set of ideals.

But enough of that - let's talk about one thing Labor can do for Oklahoma. Here on the Great Plains, oil is a major economic driver - but the potential for renewable energy growth is sky-high. And while oil will eventually run out as wells trickle to a dry, solar and wind energy will reap dividends for the people of Oklahoma as long as the sun shines and the Earth turns. If y'all elect Hank Boomhauer and a Labor-DA majority to the legislature, we will work tirelessly to expand renewable energy while also working to help oil workers transition to good, well-paying jobs in a rapidly booming industry. We can make towns like Ardmore the powerhouses of both Oklahoma and Atlasia at large, and ensure that failures in fossil fuel infrastructure cannot turn out the lights here in Oklahoma. As what happened in Texas earlier this year shows, improving energy infrastructure is a must as the climate becomes increasingly volatile and unpredictable - and you can trust Hank Boomhauer and Oklahoma Labor to get it done.

Thanks for coming out, y'all! Remember to mask up, stay safe, and VOTE LABOR this election!

[OBD]

Lincoln Memorial, Nyman
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on Nyman Labor Website

Good evening, Nyman.

I'm here today to talk about a difficult issue - race. The events of the past year - and for members of our minority communities, years and decades earlier - have revealed a painful reality that currently plagues both Nyman and Atlasia. From the heart-wrenching instances of police brutality of last summer to the senseless killing of Asian-Atlasians in Atlanta salons just days ago, it is clear that we have a long way to go to ensure that every Atlasian, regardless of their skin color, is equal in this country. Here in Nyman, and across the South, this is especially true - due to centuries of oppression and legislated inequality, people of color often lack the opportunities their white counterparts enjoy, from education to wealth.

That's why Labor is committed to fighting for Nyman's minority communities, to at last bring an end to the remnants of racist Jim Crow policy and ensure equality of opportunity regardless of wealth, race, or creed. Nyman Labor will follow the example set by Labor's urban development act and will fight to ensure that every student in Nyman has equal access to a quality public education. No longer will the wealthy white trust-fund baby have a massive leg up on the poor working-class African-Atlasian in Anacostia - by shoring up funding disparities, we can work to create the equality of opportunity that Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and countless other activists across the centuries fought to create. And, Nyman Labor won't hesitate to take on corruption in policing and continued legal discrimination against minority communities. We will fight against racially discriminatory housing policy, and work to reform the police from within through improved training and diversity programs, purging discrimination from law enforcement once and for all. Minority communities in Nyman and across Atlasia are crying out for change - it's time to elect a government that will step up to the plate and listen to the People.

Thank you, Nyman! Let's get out this weekend and vote for Labor candidates up and down the ballot, and let's work to consign Jim Crow and legislated discrimination to the past!

[OBD]

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
drive-in mega-rally held at Oklahoma City Airport with social distancing and mask mandate enforced, streamed live on OK Labor Website and televised on local news networks

Good evening, Oklahoma City! It’s a pleasure to be here with Hank Boomhauer, your next governor, and various other Labor dignitaries. This state is hosting of of Atlasia’s most competitive elections, and we hope the Labor-DA coalition of honest, hardworking Oklahomans will give us a strong mandate for a New South here in the Sooner State.

Here in Oklahoma, there is much to be done. Even before the pandemic, the public education system in this state has struggled with issues of inequity and disparity in curriculum quality, and with schools shut down by COVID thousands of students are running far behind their benchmarks. It’s unacceptable - children are our future, and they deserve to receive the best education that we can provide them. That’s why Hank Boomhauer and Oklahoma Labor are committed to fight for a better public education system, one that provides equal opportunity to learn and prosper for all students across this great state.

We will end the legislated neglect of inner-city and small-town schools that the rich, conservative upper crust has pushed during their years at the helm at the State Capitol, and will ensure that both the working parent in Oklahoma City and the struggling farmer in Woodward can trust their public education system to give their children the same caliber of education that rich suburbanites already receive. Smaller class sizes, academic support systems, and mental health counseling, among others, are sorely lacking in many of Oklahoma’s struggling schools, and you can count on Governor Boomhauer with a strong Labor-DA majority in the Statehouse to bring these essential services to all Sooner State students.

We will work with school districts and unions to ensure that teachers, who work tirelessly to pass their knowledge to younger generations, are compensated adequately for their great contributions to our society.

We will guarantee that every Oklahoman, regardless of wealth, color, or creed, will have access to the higher education that they need to pursue professional success.

And, as the COVID pandemic continues to threaten the public health, we will work both with local groups and across state lines to ensure that schools can reopen safely, with both teachers and students protected from the deadly coronavirus. Rather than recklessly do away with sensible, science-based regulation, an Oklahoma Labor government will work with doctors and schools to keep students and teachers happy, healthy, and learning in the classroom once more.

And, as we saw in Texas just the other month, creating a robust and reliable energy grid should be a crucial priority here. Last October, I campaigned with Texan Governor Ramsey Bryant on improving the Lone Star State’s renewable energy infrastructure, and when the state’s existing grid nearly failed, solar, wind, and geothermal energy helped to pick up the slack. Here in Oklahoma, things are obviously different, but for the sake of both future energy security and job growth,  the lessons we learned in Texas should be applied here fullheartedly.

Oklahoma has been, and is, an oil state - but that valuable resource will soon run dry. Thankfully, though, Oklahoma also has vast potential for renewable energy growth. Sunny days over Tulsa can be parlayed into a nearly unlimited source of power, and when the wind gusts over the vast plains of the Panhandle, thousands of rural homes and businesses can be powered. And, through responsibly researching and constructing nuclear power facilities, we can harness the power of the atom to ensure Oklahoma’s energy grid won’t skip a beat when the last oil well runs dry. And, renewable energy construction across this state will create thousands of new, good-paying jobs, all while greatly reducing the risk of a complete energy grid collapse here in the Sooner State. From Day One, a Labor-DA government here in Oklahoma City will not hesitate to get right to work on renewable energy, and it won’t take a superstorm for the workers of Oklahoma to begin reaping the rewards.

From education to energy, poverty, and countless other issues afflicting Sooners, there’s clearly no time to waste bringing our grassroots movement for a New South here to Oklahoma. That’s why we’re working with the Democratic Alliance. While our parties have had disagreements in the past, they share our commitment to provide for the common man through erasing inequalities in law and improving the infrastructure that all Oklahomans rely on. Both Labor and DA want to see a New Oklahoma, where opportunity is equal and plentiful, and the prairie lights never go off - so, we’re working together to help make this ambitious vision reality. Some people have called this an alliance for political expediency, but I prefer to see it as an alliance to advance the interests of the people of Oklahoma. And it’s really quite curious that these same people would rather agitate on settled, yet still divisive, social issues, rather than working on plans to directly improve the daily lives of all Oklahomans!

There’s a clear choice here - vote Labor-DA up and down the ballot for a government in Oklahoma City that will work tirelessly on the kitchen-table economic issues you care about, rather than a government that will fiddle and virtue-signal for reactionary mega-PACs as COVID exacerbates the financial struggles of the common Oklahoman.

There’s no time to waste, Oklahoma. Hank Boomhauer, Henry Edmondson, and your local Labor-DA candidates are all counting on your vote to provide a broad mandate for our progressive, people-based New South agenda. So let’s all get out this weekend and cast our ballots for a brighter future for the Sooner State!

And now, it’s my great honor to introduce one of Atlasia’s most tireless fighters for the little guy - and my predecessor as Vice President - Scott! Let’s give him a warm welcome!

[OBD]

Sidon, Mississippi
Televising, or any form of recording, this speech was prohibited, for fear that sober OBD would deeply regret this later on in the campaign

PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI! IT IS I, YOUR VICE PRESIDENT!

I bring tidings of a GREAT HORROR from the NORTH! The WALL STREET FAT CATS and the COLLEGE CABAL are coming for the values that all working MISSISIISPIPIPSIANS hold DEAR! THEY WANT TO RAISE YOUR TAXES, TAKE YOUR GUNS, and KILL YOUR BABIES! The FRAUDULENT LINCOLN COUNCIL wants to IMPERIALIZE the rest of their nation with their SALT TAXES, POVERTY OPPRESSION, and MCDONALDS BANNING! I AM HERE TO SHOW THAT FOR ALL ATLASIANS, WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS! WE WANT OUR FREEDOM FOR THE WORLD! WE WANT TO SQUASH LINCOLN OPPRESSION, EAT THE RICH, AND GET SOME F---ING GOOD BURGERS AND FRIES! ATLASIA F*-* YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *hic*

PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPI! THE LABOR PARTY BRINGS ITS TIDINGS! WE WILL FIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI, trust me, LIKE NO GOVERNMENT HAS EVER DONE FOR MISSISSIPPI BEFORE! WE WILL CUT AND SLASH THE POCKETBOOKS OF THE NORTHERN ROBBER BARONS! WE WILL BRING THE WORKING PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPI SO MUCH PORK THAT WHEN WE LEAVE OFFICE THERE WILL BE NARY A PIG IN ATLASIA! AND WE WILL DROWN THE EAST COAST ELITES IN THE COLLEGE CABAL
IN NUCLEAR HELLFIRE, FOR MISSISSIPPI SHALL NOT SUFFER THEIR OPPRESSION! Say it with me! FREE ATLASIA! FREE ATLASIA!!!11!!1!!

[OBD]

Lowell, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor website

Good afternoon! It's a pleasure to be here in historic Lowell.

Lowell was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution - the first place in Atlasia founded for and dedicated to the mass manufacture of goods. From locals to immigrants, thousands came to Lowell to work in search of a better life both for themselves and their loved ones - often putting in hours on the assembly line in atrocious conditions for meager pay.

While Lowell was where the economic power of industry was first displayed for all Atlasians to see, it was also where industry's cocktail of depravity - dirty, dangerous working conditions, paltry wages, and nonexistent advancement opportunities - first reared its ugly head. From the textile plants of the Northeast to the gray industrial behemoths of the Rust Belt, this suffering spread across Atlasia - while rich Wall Streeters and government officials enjoyed the new products reaped by an industrial economy, the folks who broke their backs to make this economy a reality were left behind, forgotten by the public officials who swore an oath to protect their interests.

Thus, it's no surprise that Lowell was home to the first union of working women. While outside observers admired the productive capacity of the Lowell mills, the long-suffering workers of said mills organized to fight for better working conditions. Despite having limited legal rights (not including the right to vote), these women were undaunted - they organized, they striked, and ultimately helped advance the cause of Atlasian Labor and gender equality both. Their work brought the ugly underbelly of the Industrial Revolution to light, and their cries for equality and rights for the worker are no less relevant today.

You can build statues and tell their story in the classroom, but the best way to preserve Lowell's long legacy of organized labor is to continue their fight for the working class of Massachusetts. While this state's economy is no longer based on heavy industry, many Massachusettsans still struggle in jobs that simply do not pay a living wage. That's why Governor Murphy and Massachusetts Labor is committed to fighting for the timeless ideals the Lowell women championed. Nationally, Labor has spearheaded the push for a $15 minimum wage, which will be a huge assist for poverty-stricken Massachusettsans , especially in the face of a pandemic. We will not hesitate to protect the rights of working folks here in Massachusetts, even if this means going toe-to-toe with the Lincoln Council - while Atlasia has come far since the first days of the Lowell mills, widespread poverty and continued mistreatment of workers by Wall Street conglomerates indicate that we still have a good ways to go. As the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be finally letting up, Massachusetts Labor will continue to champion a science-based approach to the pandemic - we'll reopen schools and commerce in a safe, healthy manner, while actively working to support small businesses and working-class Massachusettsans stricken by the pandemic. And, we will not hesitate to fight for racial justice - though previous Massachusetts governments have not been the worst on this issue, discriminatory housing and policing policy here have negatively affected minority communities regardless, and it is far past time to right these wrongs. You can count on Governor Murphy and the Massachusetts Legislature's incoming Labor majority () to continue fighting for you, the people of Massachusetts - they've been doing a great job, but their work for this state has only just begun!

Thanks for coming out, y'all! Remember to keep wearing those masks, and to get out this month and vote up and down the ballot for your Labor Party candidates!

[OBD]

Lawrence, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Good day, Lawrence! It's a pleasure to be here with Governor Murphy and Lawrence's own State Senator Gutierrez on the beautiful Merrimack River!

Atlasia was founded on the high ideals of ensuring that all within her borders had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - which, at the time, only applied to wealthy white males. And while we have made significant progress as a nation since then, folks here in Lawrence and across Massachusetts know that we have not gone far enough. From lingering effects of racist economic policy and xenophobic rhetoric to discriminatory profiling by the legal system created to protect, not oppress upon essential rights, Atlasia's minority communities have not received a fair shake.

It's the deep flaws of the system that motivated my friend - and your incumbent State Senator - Hercule Gutierrez to run for office. His experiences as the son of a struggling Andover restaurant owner who has been frequently profiled by police - even driving to and from the State Capitol! - exposed him to the pain that many working Atlasians feel when their government leaves them behind and treats them as second-class citizen. And, last September, he ran for office to advocate for folks like him at the State Capitol in Boston. If y'all re-elect Senator Gutierrez and return a Labor legislative majority to Boston for Governor Murphy to work with, y'all can send a clear message that Lawrence - and Massachusetts - is tired of the status quo, and is ready for a state government that will fight for the downtrodden and for systemic change across the board. Governor Murphy and Labor's legislative caucuses have done good work for Massachusetts fighting the social and economic effects of COVID-19, but with majorities in both houses we can do so much more for y'all.

So, Lawrence, the path forward is clear - help us elect a state government that will take on the issues that matter most to minority communities here in Massachusetts. We'll take on the epidemic of discriminatory behavior by the nation's police officers through rigorous regulations and training programs, while removing the legal barriers that often excuse them for even the most blatantly racially-motivated offenses. We'll work both here and in Nyman to ensure that every working-class Massachusettsan has the right to a fair wage and good healthcare. And, we'll make sure that this state's children all have access to a quality education, regardless of their wealth, color, or creed. We can make these ambitious plans reality, but we need your help - so this weekend, go to the polls and cast your ballot for Governor Murphy and your local Labor legislative candidates. Let's hold the governorship and elect a strong Labor majority to the statehouse! Thank you, Lawrence!

[OBD]

Pittsfield, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Hello, Pittsfield! Great to be here in beautiful West Massachusetts.

One of the things Labor prides itself upon is our ideological diversity. From Massachusetts to Montana, no state Labor party is the same, and we don't trot out an inflexible party line for every state candidate to follow. Instead, our candidates truly represent the communities that elect them, and can be trusted to fight for local issues that matter most to their constituents. Here in the Bay State, this means that Labor won't just rule from and for Boston - you can trust us to listen diligently to the concerns of Massachusettsans regardless of where they're from, instead of lazily ruling from an urban ivory tower.

One such local issue that your local Labor candidate - your esteemed Councillor Ricky Favre, who's running to represent Pittsfield in the statehouse - will prioritize in Boston is cleaning up pollution. Here in Pittsfield, pollution from industrial facilities has been a big issue - specifically, the Housatonic River, once a pristine mountain river, is now clogged with hazardous pollutants. Successive governments have promised to tackle this issue since the 1990s, but to no avail. However, as a party that stands for conservation and environmental stewardship, Massachusetts Labor is eager to get to work cleaning up the Housatonic River basin and similarly polluted areas across the state. In addition to making Massachusetts a leader in the fight against climate change, Favre and Labor representatives from across the state hope to clean up our existing natural resources for future generations to enjoy - and to protect the unique and diverse wildlife that has come under increasing threat from human interference.

Massachusetts Labor will also take care to protect the arts - a key fixture of life in Western Massachusetts. For decades, the Berkshires have been home to all kinds of arts, from orchestras and theaters to impressive collections of artwork, and Labor is committed to preserving Pittsfield's magical arts community as society transitions into a technological age. We've seen the decline of art primarily stem from a lack of music and arts education in our schools - without these programs, kids often don't have the opportunity to experience art in the classroom. Massachusetts Labor aims to change that - we'll encourage public schools to offer a comprehensive arts education, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts will have equal opportunity to access these programs. As we become increasingly digitally-oriented, it is more important than ever that we preserve the great artistical crafts of the past - and through better educational availability and continued supports for art programs in Western Massachusetts, we can ensure that this state remains a bastion of accessible, high-quality artistic culture.

Thanks for having me, Pittsfield! Remember to mask up, stay safe, and vote Labor up and down the ballot this weekend! Let's re-elect Governor Murphy and turn the state-house solidly red!

[OBD]

Springfield, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Good afternoon, Springfield!

Labor is, and has always been, the party of working Atlasians - it's in the name! And in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there is a lot a Labor government here in Massachusetts can do for this state's working class. Whether you're a small business owner or a minimum-wage worker, the pandemic has jeopardized both your safety and your salary, and while fat cat Wall Street billionaires have continued to enrich themselves, the average Atlasian has been forced to choose between keeping themselves and their families isolated from COVID, or working in (frequently dangerous) conditions for often-inadequate salary.

That's why Labor, both in Boston and in Nyman, has provided essential leadership to aid Massachusetts workers in this trying time. Under Presidents Pericles, MB, and Sestak, as well as Governor Murphy, Labor has championed a safe, science-based approach to curb the spread of COVID while also keeping businesses open and running safely. We've also supported a significant minimum wage increase - to $15. Since the Industrial Revolution, countless working folks have dedicated their entire lives to a job that doesn't even pay their costs of living, and it's past time that Atlasia had a minimum wage that folks can actually support themselves and their families with. Here in Massachusetts, you can count on Governor Murphy with a Labor legislative majority to continue delivering for working families here in the Bay State, whether it's through protecting and promoting unions, ensuring workplace safety as the COVID pandemic persists, or providing support for low-wage workers with children to feed.

Thank you, Springfield! Mask up, stay safe, and cast a ballot for Governor Murphy and your local Labor legislative candidates this weekend!

[OBD]

Worcester, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Greetings, Worcester!

I'm here today to talk about clean energy - a crucial element in our fight against climate change. While Massachusetts doesn't have the natural resources that many other states have, there is still plenty of opportunity for clean energy expansion. In addition to reducing emissions and decreasing dependence on crude oil, clean energy can also create thousands of good, well-paying jobs for folks here in Central Massachusetts. And, this is an opportunity to revamp and modernize Massachusetts's energy grids. As we have seen in recent years, the increasingly unpredictable climate can and will threaten power sources across Atlasia, and in New England's bitter winters, ensuring that every home can stay lit and well-heated is crucial as climate change continues to alter and worsen weather across the world.

In densely-populated states like Massachusetts, it's also important to consider nuclear power as a potent source for oil-free energy. Yes, nuclear energy has historically had a bad rap, but it has the capacity to safely power cities like Worcester and Boston if constructed correctly to exacting standards. As oil sources around the world run out, and as we come increasingly reliant on oppressive dictatorships for our massive oil craving, it is past time to transition away from fossil fuels - and nuclear power is a crucial stopgap as we continue to develop cleaner renewable energy sources.

Massachusetts Labor is ready and eager to build on the Green New Deal passed in Nyman to lead Massachusetts into a new era of clean energy. By funding construction and research projects, we'll help Massachusetts become a leader in Atlasian renewable energy, and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel power. We'll work to improve mass transit options that have been proven to reduce both carbon emissions and Massachusetts's infamous crippling traffic. We'll continue subsidies for electric cars, and create a subsidy for personal solar panel usage. We'll create a commission to research the potential for safe, potent nuclear energy construction that has the capability to power the entire state, year-round. And, we'll work to transition and upgrade our power grid to both connect to new renewable power sources and protect from increasingly unpredictable weather. While the prospect of climate change, and the effect it will have on both Atlasia and the world at large, is frightening, we can light up this potentially dark era with a strong, early push for clean energy. Let's do this, Massachusetts!

Thanks for coming out, Worcester! For comprehensive action on clean energy, cast your ballot for Governor Murphy and your local Labor legislative candidates! Mask up, stay safe, and get out and vote!

[OBD]

Barnstable, MA
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Howdy Barnstable!

It might not seem like it yet, but climate change will soon be a major threat to livelihoods on the Cape Cod Bay. Warming, even by a fraction of a degree, can threaten Barnstable's unique - and fragile - ecosystems, as well as their furry residents. Increasingly erratic weather patterns could wreck havoc on permanent residences and vacation homes alike - and could serve to drive away tourists, who help drive Barnstable's economy. And, sea level rise could threaten multiple wildlife sanctuaries and businesses up and down the Cape Cod peninsula. If action is not taken, runaway global warming could drastically alter life in Barnstable - and not for the better.

That's why Massachusetts Labor is committed to fighting against climate change, and ensuring that Massachusetts can set a positive example for Atlasia as a whole on this critical issue. Your Labor representatives down in Nyman made a bold first step on the road to sustainability by passing the Green New Deal, and it's past time for Massachusetts's government to build on this progress. Our climate approach here in the Bay State will be multifaceted. We'll work to improve green energy infrastructure and punish big Wall Street companies that dump toxins into our forests and waters.Reducing pollution is absolutely critical to slowing global warming, and we need a state government that will take leadership and ensure that no house is unlit or unwarmed in winter, and that no corporation continues to pollute to excess. We'll also communicate with local governments to help mitigate the effects of climate change - whether it's assisting homeowners in flood zones to move to higher ground, or to prepare towns in Eastern Massachusetts for extreme weather conditions, Governor Murphy and a Labor statehouse majority will work tirelessly to minimize the effects of climate change on the people of Massachusetts. As the climate clock down in New York shows, there's no time to waste - let's elect a government that will prioritize the fight against climate change and for sustainability!

Thank you, Barnstable! Always a pleasure to come down to beautiful Cape Cod. Remember to mask up, stay safe, and get out to the polls for Labor this weekend!

[OBD]

Mattapan, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Hello, Mattapan!

It's been a traditional interpretation of Atlasian history that the fight for African-Atlasian civil rights ended in 1964, when the Civil Rights Act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. However, due to mass incarceration and sustained legal discrimination, we still have not achieved equal rights for all in this country. Redlining policies dating back to the early 1900s concentrated minority populations into poorer, 'ghetto' regions, and these neighborhoods (Mattapan among them) have been constantly underfunded and neglected by state governments. Meanwhile, law enforcement has used petty drug violations as excuse to jail hundreds of African-American men, ripping families apart and promoting incredibly racist perceptions of these communities in the media and the public at large. The result has been devastating for minority communities in Massachusetts and across Atlasia - they have consistently lagged behind in average income and opportunity, of no fault of their own. Conservative commentators claim that folks here are at fault for their ill circumstances - but taking a closer look at history, how can that be true?

That's why Massachusetts Labor - and your local State House candidate, Ron Wayless - are committed to fighting to reform criminal justice and promote equality of opportunity. Mr. Wayless grew up in Mattapan, and saw friends and family succumb to the oppression of the system, whether this was through unjust drug convictions or suffering in dead-end, low-paying jobs. In the Statehouse, along with other Laborites from up and down the state, he'll be one of Massachusetts's loudest advocates for the interests of inner-city communities.

From Day 1, MA Labor will take these issues head-on. We'll work to scrub racially-charged housing and criminal justice statute off the books, and end legal loopholes that allow so-called peace officers to discriminate against marginalized communities. We'll retrain police officers to dispense the law in a fair and unbiased manner, and fire those who repeatedly commit sickening offenses against the people they were meant the protect. And, instead of neglecting urban communities, we will make an unprecedented investment in them. We'll improve essential services like water, infrastructure, and power. We'll ensure that working folks here have adequate access to affordable public transportation. And, we'll fix inner-city schooling by investing in education - for Massachusetts's young, education is tantamount to future opportunities, and it is our civic duty to give every child the education they deserve. Thanks to racist relics of a bygone era, not all communities in this metro area were created equal - but we can change that, and open opportunities that all Bostonians can reap the benefits of, regardless of their color or creed.

Massachusetts Labor has an ambitious, all-inclusive vision - but, we'll need your help to make it a reality. This weekend, get out and vote for Laborites up and down the ballot - Governor Murphy, future Representative Wayless, and countless other Laborites are all in competitive elections, and we need a resounding mandate - and legislative majority - from the people of Massachusetts to reach the full potential of the Bay State's government. So mask up, stay safe, and don't forget to VOTE LABOR here in Massachusetts!

Thank you, Mattapan! And now I'd like to introduce your Governor, Conor Murphy! ...

[OBD]

Cambridge, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Salutations, Cambridge! It's a pleasure to be here with Governor Murphy and Senator Mubrak on one of the final legs of Labor's Massachusetts tour!

Some of America's most renowned institutions of learning - Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Tufts, among others - are located right here in Cambridge. These universities are known across the world for being at the forefront of Atlasian higher education, and every year, countless aspiring high school apply for these hallowed institutions. But let's be realistic for a second here - getting an education at one of these institutions is far from the minds of most Massachusettsans.

It's not just the absurdly low acceptance rates (and waitlists) and exorbitant prices, and it's not just these schools - higher education, nay, education in general can often be inaccessible. For centuries, access to quality learning has been an elusive commodity in this nation. Rather than fund urban public schools with their vast resources, the Atlasian elite has consistently decided to send their children to rigorous, ridiculously priced private institutions while the remainder of Atlasians are left with schools that are the butt of jokes literally the world over. And, just as outrageously, not all public schools are created equal - while wealthy PTAs in rich suburban communities can equip schools there with bells, whistles, and expensive college counselors, less fortunate schools in urban and rural areas alike are left to die on the vine with massive class sizes, overworked teachers, and no support systems whatsoever. On top of it all, a toxic testing culture has reduced the value of a single student to one number - their SAT score. And, through expensive test prep courses, this system is gameable by the rich too.

It's time for a reckoning in education. We need to comprehensively overhaul the system so all Massachusettsans have the skills and opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their wealth. An aside - during my time in Fremont, I was proud to work with First Minister Truman to pass a comprehensive college reform package, and while such a solution is not yet being debated in Lincoln, we need ideas of similar breadth to repair the deep flaws in Atlasian public education. That's where Massachusetts Labor comes in. We'll end government support for exclusive, elitist private schools, and instead invest that money into marginalized, struggling public schools. We'll shrink class sizes, hire and train teachers, and redesign curriculums to ensure that every Massachusetts student has the right to receive an equally rigorous, engaging public school education. While the Bay State's public schools are already above-average, we can still put in work to bring every school in this state up to speed, whether it's in rural Belchertown or wealthy Brookline. And, by working with community colleges and public higher education institutions, we will make a Massachusetts promise - that every student with the drive and desire for a college education will be able to receive one, no matter their color, income, or immigration status. Let's make education the domain of all Massachusettsans, not just the wealthy and powerful. Let's re-elect Governor Murphy and a Labor majority in both statehouses to make this bold vision a reality.

Thank you, Cambridge! Remember to mask up, stay safe, and get out this weekend to cast a ballot for Massachusetts Labor - and better public education! Now, I'd like to introduce a lifelong educator, and your State Senator, who's been a crucial part of Massachusetts Labor's efforts to improve education in this great state - Senator Arni Mubrak!

[OBD]

Boston, Massachusetts
socially-distanced event, livestreamed on MA Labor Website

Hello, Boston!

It's been a great experience touring Massachusetts over the past few days. Meeting so many prospective Labor legislators, each with unique life stories and beliefs, has been inspiring. As this competitive election draws to a close, I am hopeful for the future of this state; when so many people, with so much drive come together - there is nothing we cannot do.

This election cycle, our Massachusetts campaign has promoted the extraordinary things the Labor Party can do for ordinary people. Unlike legislators bankrolled by wealthy Wall Street donors, Labor candidates are folks just like y'all - farmers, workers, educators who are determined to fight for the interests of their communities here in the State Capitol. And you can trust them to get quality legislative initiatives done for you. While other parties here in Lincoln have alternatively tried to cut taxes for the rich and tack on badly-written regulations to relitigate culture war issues, Labor has been staunch in actually supporting the working class through legislative action. Don't take my word for it, check our record - we've expanded social security and rural broadband access, we've passed a comprehensive climate change-fighitng bill in the Red-Green New Deal, and most recently, we're fighting for a living wage of $15 in Congress. Here in Massachusetts, meanwhile, Governor Murphy has used the power of his office to lead Massachusetts through the coronavirus pandemic with a steady hand, despite not having a legislative majority to work with. So, if y'all re-elect Governor Murphy and send a strong Labor legislative majority to the statehouse, there is no upper bound on the work we can get done for the working families of Massachusetts.

And there is a lot to get done, lots of crises to face down. To start with, there's COVID - the elephant in the room. Governor Murphy will continue to lead Massachusetts through the pandemic using a safe, science-based approach, and will work diligently with the legislature and town governments to reopen schools and businesses safely. Then, there's the continued issue of racial justice, put on display nationwide last summer with the shootings of Ahmuad Arbery and Jacob Blake. You can count on us to immediately take this issue on with comprehensive legislative reform that will train police officers to fairly, justly, and peacefully enforce the law, while also holding those who refuse to accountable. And, we will ensure that no Massachusettsan is left in the dark - both figuratively and literally. For too long, inner urban and rural areas alike have been ignored by the ruling elite - but, Massachusetts Labor will ensure that every voice across the state, from Pittsfield to Provincetown, is heard, and valued. We will be diligent in handling local issues, including long-polluted areas that no state government has yet bothered to clean up. We will work to ensure equality of opportunity in education, so inner-city and rural public school students have the same access to educational and mental health resources that their wealthy suburban counterparts currently enjoy. We will fight to protect and expand the rights of the historically downtrodden, for minority communities, for the LGBTQ+ community, for union workers struggling against corporate oppression and manipulation, and many more. And, we will make an investment in Massachusetts's poorer communities - through improving safety, infrastructure, and education, we can make it so the Atlasian Dream is once more possible to achieve in these historically struggling areas. Lastly, as Massachusetts looks to the future, Labor will make the Bay State a leader in the fight against climate change. Whether it's solar, wind, wave, or nuclear power, we will work to research and expand energy sources that will reduce Massachusetts's reliance on fossil fuels, all while diligently working to conserve this state's unique, beautiful ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

But ultimately, the first step in this fight for a cleaner, juster, greener, better Massachusetts will be made by you, the voters. Governor Murphy and your Labor legislative candidates are counting on you to give them a solid mandate, a solid majority, to pursue their ambitious plans for the state. Many parties have come to play in Massachusetts this month, but Massachusetts Labor is the only party that has shown the diligence or the drive to deliver the comprehensive change that the people of this state deserve. So, my friends, I implore you - vote this weekend. Go to the polls and vote up and down the ballot for your Labor candidates. Cast your ballot for a better future here in the Bay State, that Governor Murphy and a Labor legislative majority will deliver. There is no time to waste!

Thank you, Boston! Once more, it has been an honor and a pleasure to tour your great state! Remember to mask up, stay safe, and VOTE!

[OBD]

Lubbock, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Howdy, Lubbock! It's a pleasure to be back in the great state of Texas with former Vice President Scott and your excellent Governor, Ramsey Bryant!

A lot has changed since our rousing, people-powered victory last October, and not necessarily for the better. While Governor Bryant and your Labor representatives have been working hard in Austin to deliver on our bold plans for the future of the Lone Star State, obstructionist Rich Man Federalists have stood in the way at nearly every turn! And, their selfish bill-blocking knows no bounds. When we tried to respond to the Energy Crisis that took over a hundred lives and left thousands more Texans out in the cold, they chose to handicap our response instead of coming together with us to work towards fixing Texas's broken energy infrastructure. Last cycle, we warned Texas that a comprehensive upgrade to renewable energy was needed - and instead of heeding it, Federalists did the exact opposite. And if you re-elect them to the state legislature, they will obstruct and obstruct until the next dozen energy crises pass. Regular working Texans who don't have swanky mansions with personal power generators cannot afford this delay!

Last October, we made a promise to Texas - that if y'all elected a Labor government, that the state's energy grid would be entirely revamped. And, while we've been blocked at every turn by an obstructionist Rich Man Federalist legislature, that promise still stands. We will expand clean energy, like solar and wind power, across the state, bringing thousands of well-paying, sustainable jobs to rural Texas. We will research nuclear power and unlock the power of the atom to keep millions of Texan homes alight. We will comprehensively evaluate and upgrade the struggling Texan power grid, and work with local energy companies and neighboring states to ensure that even the most intense winter storm cannot leave millions of Texan households freezing in the cold. And, most importantly, we'll do all this while putting the people of Texas first - we'll invest in job retraining programs and ensure that former fossil fuel workers are first in line for new local energy jobs, and we will prioritize protecting the poor and the homeless from increasingly volatile weather cycles. This winter showed us that climate change, and critical problems within ERCOT, can no longer be ignored - so, let's not elect a state government and a Governor that will be content to fiddle as Texas freezes! Let's re-elect Governor Bryant and elect a strong Labor majority to the statehouse, and give us an overwhelming mandate to pursue the reforms that the Texan energy industry desperately needs!

Thank you, Lubbock! Once again, it's great to be back in Texas. And now, I'd like to introduce a good friend of mine and one of Atlasia's boldest advocates for the little guy - former Vice President Scott!

[OBD]

Plainview, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Good morning, Plainview!

There's no way to sugarcoat it - North Texas has been struggling. Jobs have been leaving - just recently, Plainview lost over two thousand jobs when Cargill jumped town when drought decimated the farming industry. And, these problems will only worsen - the Ogallala Aquifer, a lifeline for North Texas farmers since the inception of settlement here, is running dry, and if action is not taken thousands of households will be left without water, whether to plant crops or to drink. This is a catastrophe in the making, and it is past time for Austin to take action.

Labor's plan for North Texas is twofold - bring in jobs and energy independence through renewable energy expansion, and provide immediate assistance to increase environmental sustainability and maintain the Ogallala Aquifer's dwindling water supply.

Here on the Great Plains, the potential for wind and solar power is endless. Unlike in the cities, there's no shortage of open space, so it is very much possible to power every North Texan home with clean energy. And, just as important as the sharp decline in carbon emissions that would result is the new construction jobs that clean energy expansion will bring North Texas. Instead of jobs exiting due to drought or economic struggle, we can start bringing in well-paying employment opportunities with long-term stability to small towns like Plainview. Not to mention the benefits to energy stability in the wake of extreme weather like we saw this winter - by diversifying and expanding energy sources while working to repair and improve energy infrastructure across Texas, we can prevent mass blackouts while also maintaining energy independence as a state.

And, Texas Labor will also take on the issue of sustainability - which is increasingly important as nature becomes increasingly unforgiving due to climate change. As the people of Plainview know, droughts have been worsening here, and if scientists's warnings about the Ogallala Aquifer running dry in 20 years prove true, life on the plains will get extremely difficult, extremely quickly. That's why Texas Labor will advocate for a strong, science-based response to this impeding catastrophe. We'll work with local farmers, universities and researchers across state lines to develop a plan to sustainably utilize the resources of the Ogallala aquifer, and assist struggling small towns in drought mitigation techniques. Instead of electing a government for and by big cities, let's elect a government that will care about small towns and the little man. Let's elect a government that will actively help North Texas rebound, a government that actually cares when the wells begin running dry in small towns. Let's elect a Labor legislative majority to the Statehouse this month.

That's why I'm here today with your next State Representative, Ron Sedgewick. Ron's family has been farming here in Hale County for four generations, but with drought conditions worsening here their yield has become increasingly small, and their margins tighter and tighter. He knows that action must be taken to keep working families here in Plainview and North Texas afloat, and is tired of Rich Man Federalists obstructing good, necessary policy from their suburban mansions. If elected, Ron will be a tireless advocate for farmers here in North Texas that have been crunched between increasingly intense droughts and the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be a true fighter against Federalist obstructionists who seek to derail the people's agenda to protect their own pocketbooks. And now, I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome him to the stage!

Thank you, Plainview! Mask up, be well, and get out and vote for Governor Bryant, Ron Sedgewick, and Labor up and down the ballot this May!

[OBD]

Amarillo, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Good evening, Amarillo! Pleasure to be here with your local legislative candidates on my tour of the Lone Star State.

Here in one of the nation's largest centers for meatpacking and food processing, worker safety has never been more important. We've seen the consequences of big business neglect throughout the pandemic as food plants like those in Amarillo have become the epicenter of COVID outbreaks that endanger thousands of workers and their families. And, even before the coronavirus, working folks in the food industry have not gotten a fair shake - forced to work long hours in questionably clean facilities with wages barely enough to pay for half of basic living expenses.

Labor believes firmly that Texans deserve a government that'll prioritize the interests of the working class over Wall Street elitists - and under the principled governance of Governor Bryant, y'all are halfway there. However, Governor Bryant's initiatives to crack down on big business malfeasance and protect workers from unsafe, COVID-exposed workspaces have been blocked at every turn by the obstructionist Rich Man Federalists. It's a travesty, and amid an unprecedented global pandemic it truly reveals which side the Federalists are truly on. That's why it's absolutely essential that y'all here in Amarillo vote up and down the ballot for your Labor candidates. If given a solid legislative mandate, Governor Bryant and Labor Leader (Diana) Rossuelo will work from Day One to keep Texan families protected from the coronavirus as the pandemic at last begins to weaken, while also ensuring workers are guaranteed the right to safe conditions, good pay, and quality healthcare for their families during and after COVID. Working families across the state have been hit hardest by this pandemic, and we owe them a fair shake for the essential support they provide for Texas.

Texas Labor, if granted a legislative majority, will also make a historic investment in rural infrastructure here in North Texas, building upon the landmark rural broadband act pushed by National Labor that has already brought better connections to thousands of Texans. Our infrastructure package has, this legislative session, been another casualty of Rich Man Federalist obstruction and minority rule - which, given the good it can do for Texas, is a bloody shame. In addition to upgrading and diversifying Texas's aging energy grid - which will prevent this winter's events from ever repeating again - our infrastructure plan will help maintain and upgrade rural thoroughfares while also creating a historic link between North Texas and the Mexican border through the Interstate 27 expansion. Yes, it's an ambitious plan, but unlike the regressive, elitist social policy that the Rich Man Federalists are peddling, it will directly benefit the daily lives of regular folks here in Amarillo and North Texas, and will create new economic opportunities that will help reverse the recent decline in jobs here. Texas Labor is the party of the people, and we understand that it is untenable for a state government to rule from money-filled high castles - we will hear and heed the interests of rural communities, no matter their size, and we will work diligently to deliver for them every day. That's why it's essential that y'all vote up and down the ballot for Labor this election, deliver a strong Labor legislative majority to Austin, and relegate the regressive Federalist obstructionists to the dustbin of history!

Thank you, Amarillo! It's always exciting to tour the Lone Star State. And now, I'd like to introduce you to your next State Representative...

[OBD]

Labor Ad: Canary

airing high-intensity in all Texas media markets

Camera pans to a wheat farm, with a yellow canary sitting on a fencepost. The backdrop is a beautiful blue with nary a cloud in sight

Narrator: Last October, Labor advocated strongly for a complete revamp of Texas's energy infrastructure.

Vice President OBD (voiceover): "...by creating jobs in renewable energy and extending the grid across the state - not just to rich donors in cities - ...ensuring that no one gets left in the dark..."

A lone cloud passes in the background. The canary stirs and looks around nervously

Narrator: We proposed an ambitious plan to fix the broken energy grid and ensure energy security for every Texan, from Amarillo to Zapata.

State Representative Anthony Cuellar (Labor-Del Rio) (voiceover): "The Texan Energy Plan will reduce carbon emissions. The Texan Energy Plan will maintain Texan energy independence while providing jobs. And most importantly, it will ensure that every home in Texas can stay lit and warm, no matter the weather..."

The canary begins chirping alarmedly, and flies off. In the distance, rumbling can be heard

Narrator: But, obstructionist Rich Man Federalists didn't heed our warning. They thought that the status quo was good enough. They prioritized politics and pocketbooks over the safety and wellbeing of their constituents.

Suddenly, the weather turns completely. Storm clouds roll in. Rain is pouring. Lightning bolts strike at will.

Voiceover: "worst blackout in Texas history...over 100 dead...folks freezing in their homes..."

Narrator: And then, they fiddled while Texas froze.

Voiceover: "Governor Bryant's ambitious rescue package was rejected by the Federalist legislature in a a party-line vote...expected to greatly hamper his response plan for the energy crisis..."

As the torrential rain continues, the farm begins to flood...

Narrator: This crisis wasn't without warning. Labor was the canary in the coal mine. We recognized that comprehensive change was needed for Texas's energy grid. But the Rich Man Federalists refused to act...

...camera pan to the canary, now dead, lying in a pool of muddy water

Narrator: ...and working Texans paid the price.

cut to Labor logo, somber music plays

Narrator: Vote Labor this May. So this never happens again.

[OBD]

Wichita Falls, Texas

Good morning, Wichita Falls!

It is a sad day in government when one party's greedy self-interest results in the collapse of a state energy grid and over a hundred deaths. It is an even sadder day when the very same party attempts to politically weaponize the crisis they worsened through obstruction and inaction, attempting to pin blame on a Governor whose comprehensive rescue plan they blocked out of spite. But that's not even the saddest part - beyond the politics and rhetoric, it has been ordinary Texans that have paid the price for Federalist tactics. Working families across the state that cry out for direly-needed improvements to ERCOT - improvements that we proposed, improvements that have since been added to the massive pile of progress-oriented, pro-people legislation that the Rich Man Federalists have killed. Folks, they fiddled while Texas froze, and they are content to keep fiddling until a winter storm actually threatens the power of their suburban mansions.

If y'all actually want bold, lasting solutions for the Main Streets of Texas, you'd cast your ballot for Governor Bryant and your Labor legislative candidates this election. Even before the February energy crisis, we had plans to completely revamp and upgrade Texas's energy grid, and would have implemented them had we possessed a legislative majority. And now, with a damning indictment of the current state of said energy grid behind us, Governor Bryant and a Labor legislative majority would act with even greater speed to shore up energy security for every Texan. One crucial element of this plan is interstate cooperation. As folks here in Wichita Falls know, working with people and businesses across state lines is incredibly important for the economy - and with the energy crisis in large part caused by the isolation of Texas's power grid, it's past time we use that same logic to shore up ERCOT. A Labor legislative majority would reach out to and work closely with the federal government and neighboring states to both reconnect the Texan power grid to the national one - allowing increased ease in restoring power in the event of a mass blackout - and to develop renewable energy solutions to provide a new stream of clean, reliable power to Texan homes across the state. While Rich Man Federalists have cast blame on solar and wind power for the catastrophe, their lies have been laid bare in a recent study that shows natural gas failures are responsible for the brunt of the blackout - if anything, this crisis makes new energy development an even more logical solution.

So, friends, the choice is clear. Cast your ballot against the status quo, where wealthy legislators can stand by as their constituents are left without light or warmth. Vote for Governor Bryant and Labor for state senate and state house, so a united government in Austin free of obstructionist forces can govern actively and decisively for folks like you, and restore Texas's status as a leading state in energy production.

Thank you, Wichita Falls! Mask up, stay safe, and vote Labor up and down the ballot this election!
 

[OBD]

Denton, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Hello, Denton!

I know I've said my share about Rich Man Federalists obstructing the people's agenda here in Texas - but let's be real for a second, their decision to turn the worst energy crisis in state history affects their constituents, too. When the lights went out across Texas, they didn't just go out in the small towns and inner cities - no, they went out in the suburbs, too. And when the Federalists block Labor efforts to expand renewable energy, improve education, and comprehensively upgrade infrastructure, folks here in Denton are also losing out on a better quality of life. No, Rich Man Federalists might not notice a difference (besides slightly thicker pocketbooks) when they shoot down Labor's latest plan designed to assist working families, but said working families will notice a major one, whether they're here in the Metroplex or out west in Midland.

That's why we're campaigning across Texas this month - to win back the State Senate and State House. To win a mandate from the people of Texas to end obstructionism and take long-overdue action to fix Texas's broken energy grid, and so much more. Don't reward entitled Rich Man Federalists, who would put political gain over protecting the wellbeing of the vast majority of Texans. Instead, send them a message that playing political games with the power and heating systems of ordinary Texans will NOT be tolerated by their constituents!

I'm here today with two fine candidates seeking to represent Denton in the state capitol - your State Representative, Brandon Carrozo, and your State Senate candidate, Dr. Jill Moncrief, who is seeking to defeat an obstructionist Federalist that stood by while folks here in Denton went without electricity for days. Representative Carrozo has been one of the loudest advocates for a comprehensive energy solution down in Austin, working with fellow Laborites to draft our Texan Energy Plan while attempting to end Rich Man Federalist obstructionism. And, Dr. Moncrief, who has operated a family practice in Denton for years, will be a staunch advocate for kids in the Senate, whether that be through investing in K-12 education, assisting districts and students in safely transitioning to in-person school, or maintaining Texas's energy grid and natural resources for the next generation. I am fully confident that they will represent the people of Denton far better than an obstructionist Federalist who loves his bank balance more than his constituents, and they have my wholehearted endorsement!

Thank you, Denton! Before I hand over the mic to Representative Carrozo, I'd like to remind you - mask up, stay safe, and vote Labor up and down the ballot this election!

[OBD]

Irving, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Howdy, Irving!

Let's talk about transportation. As Atlasia prepares to face down climate change and resource depletion, it's more important than ever that we consider alternative means of getting from Point A to Point B. However, it is also crucial that we make green transport affordable for all. Many Texans don't have the wages or the means to buy expensive electric cars, and are often at the periphery of low-emissions public transportation networks. It is immoral - and against the basic philosophy of the Labor Party - to encourage sustainable living without making it accessible to all.

One way to make reducing one's fossil fuel consumption affordable is to address the issue at the source - or where the electricity that Texans use comes from. Here in urban areas, a key step we can take is by passing solar loans and subsidies (a flagship component of my Fremont energy bill). If we encourage folks to install solar panels on their residences - and pay them back through reduced energy costs by doing so - we can increase solar energy proliferation throughout the Lone Star State without making the cost too high to foot. And, by beginning safe nuclear power research and construction, we can unlock the power of the atom to tide us over until current clean energy production methods are streamlined for mass consumption. Nuclear power does have a bad rap, yes, but if done safely, it can power millions of homes with a bare fraction of the emissions similar fossil-fuel methods use. If y'all re-elect Governor Bryant and a Labor majority to the statehouse, we will begin to research nuclear energy construction as yet another power source to keep Texan households lit and warm even during cataclysmic weather events, while also imposing stringent safety regulations to ensure that no Texan -whether they be the suburban beneficiary of nuclear power or the plant technician - will ever be harmed by the power of the atom. And, in addition to safe, reliable power, nuclear will also provide thousands of well-paying job opportunities - and Texas Labor will ensure that former fossil fuel workers will have first choice of these jobs and paid participation in re-training programs.

Texas Labor will also make green transport methods more affordable and accessible. Here in Irving and across the state, we'll invest in public transportation - which is proven to have significantly lower environmental impact then car travel - to both electrify the bus network and expand environmentally transit options to all Texans, not just those with the money or means. And, we'll work to make owning an electric car a realistic possibility for all. We will expand Texas's fast charging network to make electric car roadtrips just as easy - and cleaner - than gas car ones, and we'll offer generous subsidies to working-class Texans to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. It's past time to dispel the narrative that green living is only for the rich and guilty - if we all band together, we can turn Texas into a leader in the fight against climate change.

So, let's send a message to Austin that we will NOT accept more Federalist obstructionism! Let's send a message in favor of a unified push against climate change that will leave no Texan behind! Let's re-elect Ramsey Bryant and elect a strong Labor legislative majority to the statehouse!

Now, I'd like to introduce your candidate for the state house - Robert Almeira! A lifelong educator and a leading voice in the IISD teacher's union, he will be a true fighter for the little man here in Irving!

[OBD]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
from the desk of the Labor Party Chair

Good evening.

Earlier today, we learned that Governor Eric Udall of Utah was likely guilty of attempting to cover up the deaths of elderly COVID victims through the gross mismanagement of Health Department resources. The Governor did not consult with Fremont regional officials or other state party members about these affairs, and we were all stunned to learn of his misdoings.

I just got off a conference call with Utah Labor Party officials and legislators, as well as First Minister Truman and Fmr. Vice President Scott, and we can say this - Governor Udall's behavior is unacceptable. He has betrayed our trust, and far more importantly, the trust of the people of Utah. His reckless acts directly endangered and misled the constituents he was elected to represent, an unforgivable offense.

His actions are antithetical to the principles of the Labor Party - and that of any legislator who believes in good government, for and by the people.

Today, our party is united in calling on Governor Udall to step down, immediately, and submit to a full criminal investigation led by a bipartisan legislative committee. And, if he refuses to step down, we urge the Utah legislature to pursue impeachment against him. The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious threat to the public health since the Cold War, and efforts to sweep critical information under the table are unforgivable in these trying times. Additionally, the Utah Labor Party has removed him from our gubernatorial ticket, and is currently debating a much-deserved expulsion motion. State Representative Amanda Young of Brigham City - who worked to develop Utah's concurrent legislation for Denver's vaccine distribution plan - has replaced him as our gubernatorial nominee this May.

As Party Chair, tonight, I am drawing a red line in the sand. Dishonesty to one's constituents - especially in life-or-death matters such as these - will not be tolerated by the Labor Party.

Thank you.

this statement was disseminated through press releases to all major Utah papers, Chair OBD's Twitter account, the Utah Labor state website, and other Labor media outlets

[OBD]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
from the desk of the Labor Party Chair

I was disappointed to learn just minutes ago that Governor Udall has refused to resign his post. Accordingly, I am now calling for the immediate initiation of the impeachment process against Governor Udall, and I expect the Fremont and Utah Labor Parties to follow suit shortly.

However, while I expect that the impeachment investigation will confirm the allegations against the Governor, I must also comment on another unsettling occurrence. Impeachment is necessary in this case, but it is no laughing affair -  all sides must respect the gravity of the occasion and must not co-opt this process for petty partisan politics. And sadly, we've already seen one side attempt to use the impeachment process as a political weapon - the Democratic Alliance. Party leaders have falsely claimed that the DA is "leading the charge" in calls for Udall's resignation, when in fact Utahns from across the political spectrum (including Laborites, Liberals, and Federalists) have all demanded that Udall step down with equal fervour - not to mention the man's own cousin, former Vice President Scott. And, while showboating DA representatives have introduced hastily written impeachment articles, Speaker Juliana MacRaven and Labor congressional leadership have prepared for a more detailed, legally airtight case against the Governor, and instead of claiming all the credit for political points, they're moving to appoint an investigative team that includes all parties represented in the Utah Statehouse. Laborites like Amanda Young, Liberals, and Federalists will all take part in prosecuting Governor Udall for his wrongdoings - not just DAers. That justice be served is not the DA interest - it is the Utah interest, and it is counterproductive for them to turn it into a political drama. To the leaders of the DA, I ask - let the Legislature and the soon-to-be-appointed multipartisan investigation committee do its job. Do not turn the grave process of impeachment into a circus.

this statement was disseminated through press releases to all major Utah papers, Chair OBD's Twitter account, the Utah Labor state website, and other Labor media outlets

[OBD]

Mesquite, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Morning, Mesquite! Great to be back on the campaign trail.

Mesquite and the Metroplex at-large are some of the fastest-growing regions in both the state and country. But, as new development radiates outward, it is more important than ever that government also focus inward - on the regions that have historically, and continue to, struggle for attention.

Low-income workers have long been ignored by political power players, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened existing inequalities. Redlining and other schemes aiming to segregate neighborhoods by both race and wealth have led to certain neighborhoods having drastically higher income, significantly better-funded schools, and noticeably superior infrastructure quality, while wealthy legislators from these areas have left the vast majority of poorer neighborhoods to fester, directing valuable resources away from those in need to pad their own pocketbooks.

Folks, we can't allow this to continue. We can't allow the wealthy and connected to continue enriching themselves with public institutions. And we must act to deliver working Texans relief, and ensure that every Texan has an equal opportunity to advance through life with strong educational opportunities, accessible housing and transportation, and a safe job that pays a fair living wage.

National Labor has already taken action on this issue, by pushing for a national living wage and a comprehensive plan to invest in stricken urban areas, and if y'all vote in Governor Bryant and a Labor congressional majority here in Texas, we have a comprehensive plan to go further and lift up struggling urban communities in Texas. We will invest in public education at both the K-12 and secondary level, to ensure that every Texan has access to the educational resources they need to pursue their desired careers. We will comprehensively review Texas law and ensure that future housing growth is accessible to all, not just the rich - every Texan family deserves to have a roof above their heads. And, we will eliminate tax loopholes to ensure that the rich pay their fair share.

When Labor won Texas last October, it was a new day for the Lone Star State - however, obstructionist Federalists have conspired to block every legislative initiative we've tried to pass. As the energy crisis displayed, thousands of lives could have been saved or improved if the Rich Man Federalists put the welfare of Texans over their own pocketbooks, so it is crucial that the people of Texas vote overwhelmingly to reject their selfish political games and give Governor Ramsay and a Labor legislative majority the mandate to act decisively for this state's working folks and families.

And now, I'd like to hand over the mic to your State Representative, Carl Mendoza. Before being elected to the state house last October, Carl was a social worker, and was horrified by the tragic conditions many of the folks he was working with were in. He ran for office to be a voice for them in Austin, and will continue to be a fierce advocate for working folks here in Mesquite. I urge y'all to give him - and Governor Ramsey - your vote.

Thank you, Mesquite! Mask up, stay safe, and vote Labor up and down the ballot this May!

[OBD]

Richardson, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Good day, Richardson!

Texas Labor is a party that looks to the future. And, as folks here know, a crucial part of that future is technological advancement. Whether it's blazing better virtual trails to better connect folks - an absolutely crucial endeavor in the coronavirus pandemic that has separated us all - or improving the efficiency of renewable energy technology to ease the transition from polluting fossil fuels, we must continue to support the pushing of technological boundaries for the public good.

We saw the consequences of falling behind technologically just hours ago with the recent pipeline failure that left thousands of gas stations across Texas and the South without gasoline. Just like the February power crisis, it's become abundantly clear that outdated energy systems are not good enough for the people of Texas. And as the effects of climate change continue, it is equally clear that there is no time to waste. While Rich Man Federalists and their backup power generators can fiddle while Texans freeze, ordinary working folks don't have that luxury - so we must act to prevent a repeat of last February, and quickly.

Texas Labor believes in the power of science and research. And, as we prepare to lead Texas into a historic renewable energy expansion, we believe that we must support them to continue making wind, solar, geothermal, and even nuclear power safer, more efficient, and more reliable.

The first step in our plan is shoring up public schools and their curriculums. For too long, public education has been extraordinarily uneven due to disparate funding, class sizes, and teacher training - and Texas Labor would work from Day One to ensure that every Texan student has an equally rigorous education and equal opportunities to pursue the careers of their dreams (including STEM careers), regardless of their wealth or what neighborhood they live in. To keep research institutions and initiatives in Texas strong, we need to start from the source and ensure this state's future scientists can all have access to a nourishing educational experience. And, we'll fight to make sure Texas teachers, who devote their lives to passing essential knowledge on to the next generation, get the compensation and benefits they deserve for their crucial work.

And, while Texas's future scientists and researchers learn their crafts in the classroom, we must continue to press the boundaries of green technology. Texas Labor will collaborate with universities, research institutions, and energy corporations to continue developing solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and other renewable energy sources, working to both increase output and prepare Texas's energy grid for the day when fossil fuels will run dry. We'll crack ground on new, safe, nuclear projects that will create thousands of energy jobs and light up thousands of Texan homes year-round. And, of course, we'll winterize and modernize the Texan energy grid with the assistance of this state's top scientists, to ensure that the power of Texas's working families is in the safe hands of trained professionals and the newest, top-of-the-line energy technology, some of which will be developed right here in Richardson!

If we had our way, these essential reforms would have already passed. But, as everyone knows, Rich Man Federalists bought and sold by Wall Street and Big Oil have obstructed our initiatives in the name of their pocketbooks and even wealthier puppetmasters. It's time to send a message - that this is not acceptable! That the people of Texas are tired of government inaction and neglect! Let's elect a strong Labor majority to Austin and re-elect Governor Bryant to usher in a new era of progress and innovation here in the Lone Star State!

Thank you, Richardson! Now, I'd like to hand over the mic to your state senate candidate, Professor Sean Duckworth of UT Dallas! He's been working in research and education for years, and is eager to get to work in Austin to make our ambitious energy expansion package reality!

[OBD]

DeSoto, Texas
socially-distanced, masks-mandatory event, livestreamed on TX Labor website

Howdy, y'all! Great to be back in DeSoto.

While instances of police brutality across the country have been perhaps the most visible instance of continued legal discrimination against minority groups, and is a glaring problem that cries out to be solved, offenses by law enforcement officials are not the only reason why minority Texans have not received a fair shake from their government and their legal system. For too long, the door of opportunity - including the ability to get a good education, a well-paying job, a stable roof, and food on the table - has been closed by greater society based on the color of one's skin. Wealthy conservative politicians have funneled taxpayer funds to their closed-door private schools, leaving the rest of us with shoddy, chronically underfunded public schools. They've withheld money from poverty-stricken inner-city areas, labelling them as crime-infested backwaters when their active ignorance is mostly responsible for the struggles folks here go through every day. The realtors and real-estate predators they send often greatly undervalue minority-owned homes, driving down house values and depriving folks here of rightful compensation for their property. And, they're more then content to leave places like DeSoto reliant on a broken energy grid - while folks here froze during the February energy crisis, they were high, dry, and warm in their suburban McMansions. As evidenced by their obstruction of Texas Labor's attempts to address these problems, the Rich Man Federalists have clearly aligned themselves with these forces of elitism and regression - and we can't allow them to block essential reforms for Texas's minority communities any longer.

If y'all elect a strong Labor majority to both the State House and State Senate, we'll be able to get to work for you and relegate the era of wealthy conservative rule to the history books. We'll invest in inner cities and education, to Build Back Better and ensure every Texan student, regardless of their skin color or their families's wealth, will have equal opportunity to succeed in life and pursue their dreams. We'll take on lingering discriminatory elements in the Texas lawbooks, crack down on blatantly racist behavior in law enforcement, and scrub discriminatory housing policy from the legal statue. We'll crack down on racial discrimination in the housing market to ensure that every prospective house seller receives the compensation they deserve. And, we will fight to repair and winterize the Texan energy grid, so every home in Desoto, Dallas, and Texas can stay warm and lit even through the darkest of winter storms. The Rich Man Federalists want to block our agenda in the name of status quo and their pocketbooks - and we must send them back home to their Porsches and port wines at the ballot box to advance the cause of progress and the People's Agenda. With Texas at a crossroads, there's no time to waste - re-elect Governor Bryant and elect a Labor majority to the statehouse to unlock the full potential of a Texas government committed to active governance and the wellbeing of working families here in the Lone Star State.

Now, I'd like to introduce your State Senator, Tate Brooks. Tate was born and raised and DeSoto, and ran for office to take on the wealthy elites that have long stifled growth and opportunity in majority-minority communities. She's ready to get back down to Austin and fight to end legalized discrimination and the era of Rich Man Federalist obstruction!

Thank you, DeSoto! Always a pleasure. Mask up, stay safe, and vote Labor up and down the ballot this May!