The Omicron variant surge in Texas – everything you need to know
By now, everyone probably knows someone who has had COVID-19 in the past few weeks. Following the holidays, we knew cases would surge, but few would have predicted that the omicron variant would push the United States past 1,000,000 case-per-day. 1 out of every 3 Texans is testing positive for COVID-19 and the numbers continue […]
All eyes on Texas as voting rights legislation showdown heats up
Texas politicians have left no stone unturned in their effort to determine if any irregularities occurred in the 2020 election. Recent election audits in Harris, Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties have returned very few discrepancies from the original vote counts – nothing even close to changing any election results. This comes on the heels of […]
One Year Later, The Big Lie Continues To Harm Our Democracy
One year ago today, violent right-wing extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol building in an attempted insurrection that former President Donald Trump incited. In their false belief of defending democracy, the mob very nearly destroyed our democracy, as they brutalized capitol police officers and desecrated our nations’ historic Capitol building in their effort to stop the […]
Sen. Manchin’s Opposes Build Back Better Legislation, Bill Isn’t Necessarily dead
Austin, Texas – On Sunday morning, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin went on Fox News to announce that he will not vote for the Build Back Better Act (BBB), dealing a major blow to President Joe Biden’s agenda. Without Manchin’s vote, the bill will not pass, and the American people will be denied the support […]
Latinos were denied political representation in Texas: Here’s How We Fight Back.
Written by Jolt Political Specialist Jen Ramos Austin, TX – When data was released for Texas in 2020’s census, there was much to celebrate for communities of color. In spite of a statewide government that has gone out of its way to silence the voices of Texans, data indicated that Latinos experience a 2 million […]
#CutMethane: The hidden danger lighting up Texas skies
If you were to fly into space above Texas at night and look down, you might see something surprising. You could look down and see clusters of light pollution and probably recognize the big cities: Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. You could even make guesses about other clusters on the fringes: Amarillo, El Paso, […]
Welcome to the Jolt Familia – November 2021
Jen Ramos Jen joins the Jolt Familia as a Political Specialist on the Political team. In this role, her responsibilities include conducting research and analysis of public policy relevant to our constituents. In addition, she will draft internal policy briefs, monitor and track development to aid Jolt’s youth leadership development and voter education efforts. “I’m […]
Early Voting is here – What You Need To Know!
Early Voting is upon us and Texas voters can now weigh in on potential changes to the state’s Constitution. With 8 amendments on the ballot including eligibility requirements for judges, religious services, county infrastructure, and more here is what you need to know ahead of early voting! Election day is Nov. 2, and early voting […]
Jolt Artist in Residence Applications Now Open – Apply Now!
Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative, the largest progressive Latino civic engagement organization in Texas, is searching for talented visual, graphic, multi-media artists to participate in Jolt’s Artist in Residence program. We are seeking an Artist in Residence (AiR) for each of the following programs: 1 – Jolt General/Fundraising AiR 1 – 5 Year Anniversary AiR […]
Submit Your Dia De Los Muertos Ofrenda
As a community we honor and commemorate our beloved departed in many ways. This year for the first time, JOLT has created a dedicated online space on our website for an Ofrenda/Virtual Alter to share our memories and offerings. Familia, no matter where you are, you are invited to create your own altar at home and share with the […]
Statement From Jolt’s Executive Director On The Senate Special Committee on Redistricting
AUSTIN, Texas — The following is a statement from Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative Executive Director Dr. Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia on the Senate Special Committee on Redistricting. “As the state Legislature begins its third special legislative season, Jolt will be closely watching the redistricting process to ensure Latinos throughout Texas are fairly represented. The 2020 U.S. Census found […]