Beto O’Rourke discusses voting rights and public education with African-American leaders in Dallas – CBS Dallas/Fort Worth
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The likely winner of the Democratic primary for Texas Governor Beto O’Rourke met with elected African-American leaders in Dallas on Feb. 7 to discuss their top priorities and concerns.
After the meeting at Paul Quinn College, O’Rourke emerged with State Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, State Representatives Rhetta, D-Garland and Carl Sherman Sr., D-Lancaster and various administrators, judges and members of the municipal council. .
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“I came to share my vision for the state,” O’Rourke said.
Public education and the right to vote were among the top priorities they discussed. They all criticized the state’s majority Republican-backed Election Integrity Act, which they say led to the rejection of mail-in ballot applications.
O’Rourke said if elected, he would facilitate registration to vote in Texas.
“It looks like online voter registration. We are one of the last states not to have done so. I want to implement this as governor. This means automatic voter registration when you turn 18 or naturalize as a citizen.
O’Rourke and the heads of state said they also discussed how to attract more people to become teachers. Some have left the profession due to the stress of teaching during the pandemic, and amid debate and controversy over mask mandates, and school library book content and course curriculum, including whether critical race theory is taught in classrooms.
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O’Rourke said, “We need to raise teachers’ salaries. We have to cancel the STAAR test this year because there is already enough pressure on these educators and the guys in front of them. And we need to listen to educators about the best possible solutions for the future.
Senator West said candidates should pay attention to black voters.
He challenged both O’Rourke and Gov. Greg Abbott, the presumptive Republican nominee, to hold a debate before the November election on campus.
“There should be a focus between the two candidates, the Democratic and Republican nominees, to come to Paul Quinn and have a debate and allow all Texans to hear their positions and see their records.”
O’Rourke accepted Senator West’s invitation to a debate at Paul Quinn College. A spokesperson for Governor Abbott’s campaign said they would consider all debate requests.
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