Petition Statement:

I urge lawmakers in Texas and across the United States to recognize the importance of implementing mandatory co-parenting classes for divorcing parents with children under 18 years of age. It is essential to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of our children during this challenging life transition.

Who is Impacted?

Every year, thousands of children in Texas and across the United States experience the emotional turmoil of their parents' divorce. These young individuals face heightened risks of emotional distress, academic struggles, and social challenges. I have witnessed firsthand how divorce can deeply affect children, leading to long-lasting consequences. As a parent, I understand the difficulties of managing my own emotional upheaval while trying to maintain a nurturing environment for my children. Without proper guidance, the family unit can suffer long-lasting adverse effects.

What is at Stake?

If we implement mandatory co-parenting classes, we can significantly mitigate the negative impacts of divorce on children and their families. These classes equip parents with the tools to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts amicably, and prioritize the well-being of their children. I believe that by fostering better communication and cooperation between parents, we can create more stable and supportive environments for our children. Conversely, if no action is taken, children may continue to suffer the consequences of unresolved parental conflict, which can extend into their adult lives, perpetuating cycles of emotional distress and relationship challenges.

Petition Statement:

As a concerned parent, I believe that the safety and well-being of our children should be the top priority in any family arrangement, especially following a divorce. I urge lawmakers to mandate that divorced parents must submit a background check of their new partner if children are involved.

Why This Matters:

Children are vulnerable and deserve to be protected, especially during the turbulent times following their parents' divorce. When a divorced parent introduces a new partner into their children's lives, it's crucial to ensure that this person does not pose any risk to their safety or well-being. Children need a secure and stable environment to thrive, and introducing an unvetted partner can jeopardize that security. The mental, emotional, and physical health of our children is paramount, and it is our duty to provide the highest level of protection for them.

The Problem:

Currently, there are no legal requirements for divorced parents to vet their new partners before bringing them into their children's lives. This lack of oversight can lead to dangerous situations where children may be exposed to individuals with harmful backgrounds, such as a history of violence, abuse, or criminal activity. Without mandatory background checks, children are at risk of encountering individuals who may have a detrimental impact on their development and safety. This oversight can lead to severe consequences, including psychological trauma and physical harm, which could have been prevented with proper precautionary measures.

Petition Statement:

As a concerned parent, I am calling upon the State of Texas to ensure equal rights for fathers in the family court system. It is imperative that Texas family courts recognize the vital role that fathers play in their children's lives and provide them with the same rights and considerations as mothers.

Why This Matters:

Children thrive when both parents are actively involved in their lives. However, current family court practices in Texas often marginalize fathers, leading to unequal custody arrangements and limited parental rights. This not only undermines the relationship between fathers and their children but also perpetuates gender bias within the legal system. As a parent, I have seen firsthand the struggles that fathers face in the family court system and the negative impact this has on their children.

The Problem:

Fathers in Texas frequently face an uphill battle in family courts, where outdated stereotypes and biases can result in unfair treatment.

This includes:

Unequal Custody Decisions: Fathers are often granted less time with their children, despite being equally capable and loving parents.

Limited Parental Rights: Fathers may struggle to gain joint custody or even regular visitation, impacting their ability to contribute to their children's upbringing.

Bias and Discrimination: Family courts sometimes operate under the assumption that mothers are inherently better caregivers, ignoring the unique and valuable contributions of fathers.

Petition Statement:

I urge lawmakers, healthcare providers, and the public to recognize the importance of seeking medical advice when smoking marijuana during and after pregnancy, especially for mothers who have given birth to premature children. It is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the infant during this critical period.

Why This Matters:

The prenatal and postpartum periods are vulnerable times for both mothers and their newborns, particularly for those who have given birth to premature infants. Premature babies often face numerous health challenges and require special care to ensure their development and well-being. As mothers, we need support and guidance to navigate the complexities of pregnancy and postpartum recovery. The use of marijuana during and after pregnancy can pose significant risks, and it is essential to seek medical advice to make informed decisions.

Petition Statement:

To: Governor of Texas

I, as a Texas teacher, call upon Governor Abbott to join me for a week-long tour of public schools across Houston, the surrounding areas, and maybe even Texas. I believe that firsthand experience is essential for understanding the challenges facing our education system and advocating for meaningful change.

Petition Description:

Dear Governor Abbott,

As a teacher deeply invested in the future of Texas's education system, I invite you to join me in a week-long tour of public schools across Houston, the surrounding areas, and maybe even Texas. Our public schools are the backbone of our communities, providing essential education and support to our children. However, chronic underfunding has placed immense strain on these institutions, compromising the quality of education and limiting opportunities for our students.

Instead of diverting resources through school choice vouchers, I believe that adequately funding our public schools is the key to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Texans. By touring these schools together, we can witness the impact of funding decisions firsthand and engage directly with students, teachers, and administrators to comprehensively understand their needs and aspirations.

Your participation in this tour would demonstrate your commitment to prioritizing public education and provide valuable insights that can inform policy decisions and drive positive change in our state. By experiencing the dedication and innovation of our public school communities, I am confident that you will share my conviction that investing in our public schools is the most effective way to build a brighter future for Texas.

I urge you to accept my invitation and join me, a Texas teacher, in touring Texas public schools. Together, let's work towards ensuring that every child in Texas has access to a high-quality education.

Sincerely,

Louis Evans IV

A Texas Teacher

We, the undersigned, call on the State of Texas to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the misuse of taxpayer funds from the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) vocational job training programs involving special needs students by Klein ISD, other school districts, and businesses such as Walgreens.

There is growing concern and evidence that these entities are exploiting special needs students by using them as unpaid labor (they are paid through TWC but are free labor to the businesses) to fulfill tasks without providing any genuine employment opportunities, while taxpayers cover the costs of these programs. Furthermore, we demand an investigation into job counselors and those under them who may be enriching themselves and taking advantage of the system and the students.

Background:

Special needs students are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and they deserve genuine opportunities for job training and employment that can help them lead independent and fulfilling lives. The Texas Workforce Commission's vocational job training programs are designed to provide these students with the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce. However, it has come to our attention that these programs are being misused.

Specific Instances:

Klein ISD: The Klein ISD warehouse has been observed using special needs students to fill school supply packets with a strict quota, effectively using them as a supplementary workforce rather than providing them with meaningful job training. This practice exploits these students and undermines the purpose of the job training program.

Walgreens: Walgreens has been reported to use special needs students to stock shelves and clean stores. Despite the valuable work these students perform, there appears to be no intention of hiring them as paid employees. Instead, they are being used as free labor while the taxpayers foot the bill for these programs.

Job Counselors and Administrators: There are allegations that job counselors and people under them within these programs are enriching themselves by taking advantage of the system and the students, further exacerbating the misuse of these vocational programs.