Politically Fit: Recent Episodes
Gina Calanni
Politics affects every aspect of your life. Whether it's the pothole you encounter on the way to work, the extra surcharge on your electricity bill, or your right to pass out water to people in the line to vote. Politics is all around you. Every day. This podcast will help you to be politically fit, provide some behind-the-scenes secrets of what happens behind the doors of power, and how you can make your voice heard whether you are in the room or not.
Bills have begun to be filed for the 88th Legislative Session.
What happens after they are filed?
What bills have been filed?
What bills are being filed and why?
Further Your Knowledge:Read: Law 101Watch: Law Abiding CitizenWear: Women in Law :)Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the showBe sure to like and subscribe to Politically Fit.
Learn more about it at https://www.politicallyfit.com
Election Night Recap 2022
Texas House Makeup in last three election cycles:
86th Session: 67 Democrats to 83 Republicans
87th Session: 67 Democrats to 82 Republicans
88th Session: 64 Democrats to 86 Republicans
What happens after the election?
We go to Caucus with other Democratic Members
We talk about what we are going to accomplish this session.
Why we failed in 2020 and why that mattered even more in 2022.
What we can and must do going forward.
Further Your Knowledge:Read: Straight From the HeartWatch: Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly IvinsWear: RichardsHosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the showBe sure to like and subscribe to Politically Fit.
Learn more about it at https://www.politicallyfit.com
In this episode we will discuss what a quorum break is and why there is so much hypocrisy in Texas regarding it.
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Quorum
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Hypocrisy (Do as I say not as I do)
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Funding (defunding the police vs. defunding public education)
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Voting (Elected Officials have to be present to vote)
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Republicans vs Democrats (as they break quorum)
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Crime vs no crime
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Why is the County Judge race so heated? (money)
Further Your Knowledge:Read: Lines in the Sand: Congressional Redistricting in Texas and the Downfall of Tom DeLayWatch: Watch Whose Vote CountsWear: GerryHosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the showBe sure to like and subscribe to Politically Fit.
Learn more about it at https://www.politicallyfit.com
In this episode, we will talk about political campaign signs.
Signs, that read "Tired of Crime? Vote for Republican Judges." This discussion will include why this is a fallacy and why it is being solicited as a possibility to change the levels of crime in Harris County.
We will talk about the Harris County Judicial Races.
Why are people being released on bail?
Can you politick from the pulpit if you are a church that receives a non-profit tax status from the IRS?
Further Your Knowledge:Read: Get Bail, Leave JailWatch: When They See Us Wear: Judge Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the showBe sure to like and subscribe to Politically Fit.
Learn more about it at https://www.politicallyfit.com
In this episode we talk about what vendor bills are and how they cost you money.
Vendor bills are legislation that is filed with either the Texas House or Texas Senate that create a fee in some form or fashion.
This fee might be an added tax or it might be a fee for a parenting class that is mandated in order for you to have your divorce finalized.
We discuss what they look like, how they effect you, and further thoughts for you to consider on the this matter.
Further Your Knowledge:Read: How Money Works Watch: In Debt We TrustWear: Money in Calling Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
In this episode we talk about the current talking points of in exchange for a total Abortion Ban, Governor Abbott amongst other Republican Elected officials have offered up the idea of providing diapers and pamphlets in exchange to those seeking abortion.
Alternatives to Abortion News
Diapers
"This may be one of the saddest facts you read in a while: One in three moms in the U.S. struggle to afford diapers for their babies. One in three. And although more than five million U.S. babies and toddlers live in poor and low-income families, no government programs provide diapers or funding to purchase them.
In order to get diapers from charity groups you have to follow the following the guidelines:"
Diapers
- Must have photo ID
- Must be receiving Medicaid
- Present a Medicaid Award Letter
- Attend an in-person appointment
- Produce a birth certificate for your child
- only 6 months
Houston Diaper Bank
How will a rapist in Texas pay for child support while in prison?
Child Support Via the Court System
Prison Systems that Provide Paid Labor
How can a single mom find housing in Texas?
Vouchers, Affordable Housing Wait Times, and Information
Why hasn't the Texas Department of Human Health Services released their annual report?
Late Report
Research
Research 1
Research 2
Research 3
Research 4
Research 5
Research 6
Research 7
Research 8
Further Your Knowledge:
Read: Love You Forever
Watch: Look Who's Talking
Wear: Baby Mama
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
What does the Attorney General of Texas Do?
Duties & Responsibilities
Why was Attorney Ken Paxton indicted?
Seven years in the making.
Why he doesn't want to be served?
Taxpayer funded defense for AG Ken Paxton due to his attempts to overthrow the 2020 election.
Texas does not have enough homes for children in foster care and sends these kids to other states.
Further Your Knowledge:
Read: Holding the Line
Watch: Lincoln
Wear: Garza Style
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
Join former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni as she guides you on how to be Politically Fit, in a world that wants you to be disengaged and disenfranchised. Get an inside scoop of what happens behind the doors of power and how to use your voice whether you are in the room or not.
Feel politically comfortable discussing issues and understand why your vote matters in every single election every single time
Support the show
School Choice Creates Poverty
In this episode we are going to discuss what “school choice” is and how it directly correlates to poverty.
School Choice is about school funding, and the unconstitutional idea of having the "money" follow the student versus the "money" going into the public education system.
We will talk about what happens when you take public school money out of public schools.
It is imperative to understand that public education is not failing because of what is coming out, public education is failing because of what we are putting in.
Let’s “stop the steal” of public education dollars for for-profit schools.
Highlights:
- School funding
- Government assistance
- High school diplomas
- Education ranking
- Education spending
- Accountability
Read more:
Texas Constitutional Amendments May 2022 Election
Most educated states
Welfare assistance per state ranking
Texas lags in per-student funding : $9,606 per student
We rank 38th in the nation on student spending.
49th in the nation with high school diplomas.
We rank 39th in education as a whole.
TANF: Temporary Assistance Needy Families
In Hasidic Enclaves, Failing Schools Flush with Public Money
“But in 2019, the school, the Central United Talmudical Academy, agreed to give state standardized tests in reading and math to more than 1,000 students.
Every one of them failed.”
Katy Tax Rate Election
“The November ballot would ask voters to ratify the M&O Tax Rate. The ballot language is set by state law and is unfortunately confusing. Because the state has mandated that school districts reduce their M&O tax rates, Katy ISD would be asking its community to sustain the current tax rate. The ballot would read as follows:
- “Would you vote for or against ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.3517 for Katy ISD for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 14.7% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $65,281,305?”
- WHAT THIS MEANS: A vote “FOR” means you are voting to sustain the current school district tax rate of $1.3517.”
Further your knowledge:
Read: San Antonio v. Rodriguez and the Pursuit of Equal Education
Watch: Good Will Hunting
Wear: Public Education is a Civil Right
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
In this episode we will discuss what the midterms are and how you can research the candidates on the ballot.
What are the midterms?
https://www.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/analyses/the-2022-midterm-elections-what-the-historical-data-suggest
Why are they important?
Read more: Abortion Rights
What is on the ballot?
Are you registered to vote?
Why each race matters?
Each race effects your life one way or another
How to research the candidates?
Check out the candidates websites, their endorsements, how much money they have raised and who donated to them. Research how they voted on certain bills and what legislation they have filed.
You can check out who is endorsed by which groups under these organizations:
Teacher Groups:
Texas AFT
Association of Texas Professional Educators
Union Groups:
Texas AFL/CIO
Gun Safety Groups
Moms Demand Action
Pro-Choice/Pro-Body Autonomy Groups
Emily's List
Annie's List
Planned Parenthood
Naral
League of Women Voters
Do you want term limits?
Who is funding the candidates?
Follow the money
Open Secrets
Further your knowledge:
Read: Midterm Economics
Watch: Primary Colors
Wear: Your Voice Matters
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
A fantastic interview with Daniel Lee as we discuss his run for the Texas House of Representatives-District 26.
Bio: Daniel is a lawyer that has been fighting for Texans for over a decade. He brings his experience, education, and legal career to help Texans have a strong and compassionate voice as their Representative. As a proud native Texan, Daniel has been discouraged by the amount of vitriol that has been spewed in both state and national politics. It's time for a voice that cares about everyone, not just big money donors.
Family is at the forefront of every decision he makes. Being raised in a hardworking family, his parents instilled the values of the American dream at an early age. They taught him important business skills in both their restaurant and real estate firm. Daniel learned it didn't matter how much money there was to count if the dishes were not washed. "Always finish what you start." Was one of his mother's most important pieces of advice.
As a graduate of The University of Texas, he developed a keen understanding of the Economy. While earning his Bachelor’s degree in Economics, he worked for various Texas State House Representatives organizing bills and responding to constituents at the Capitol. Daniel advanced his education at Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
In 2007 he began his career as a lawyer and has been fighting for families, children, single mothers, and fathers’ rights for over a decade. He has handled thousands of trials, hearings, and contested matters for many Texans and specifically for his neighbors in the Katy, Richmond, Pecan Grove, and Richmond areas of Fort Bend County, Texas.
With the support of his family: Vanessa, Kayla, Kolton, Ithica, their four cats, and dog-Daniel is running to represent you and your family in the Texas House!
Further your knowledge:
Read: Exposure
Watch: Dark Waters
Wear: Support Daniel Lee
Abbott injury
Abbott lawsuit
"Abbott Disability's Worst Advocate"
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
The HOA (Home Owner's Association), what can they do, what have they done, and what you can do in response to an HOA that has gone rogue.
New HOA Legislation from the 87th Session via Texas Realtors Association
Fair Housing Act
HOA news: What?
Further Your Knowledge:
Read it: HOA Books
Watch it: Neighbors
Wear it: Be Friendly
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Support the show
In this episode, we learn what motivated Robin Fulford to get Politically Fit.
What steps she took to become an organizer and how her path changed along the way.
Her steps to become a Precinct Chair. To level up and create the Democratic Club of the Woodlands, to now running for Texas Congressional District 2 against Dan Crenshaw.
Join us as we discuss her difficult journey not only as a woman, but as a Democratic candidate in Texas.
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.
Find Robin here:
Fulford for Congress
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Donate!
Further Your Knowledge:
Read: She Will Rise
Watch: Long Shot
Wear: Robin Gear
Support the show
Let's discuss the juxtaposition of the the political allegory in The Wizard of Oz and of today's political themes.
In this episode, we will talk about Constitutional Amendments, why they matter and how we should vote for them.
- Pinpoint the Lies and misinformation that is often presented with Constitutional Amendments
- Identify the Tyranny that has taken place recently in our government
- Highlight the Bullies in the Legislature and why we have to make our voices heard
We will have a little deep dive into our most recent Constitutional Amendments and what changes will come due to the these Amendments.
Finally discuss the battle women have been fighting to overturn the Tampon Tax and to help others overcome period poverty.
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
Links:
86th Session Constitutional Amendments
87th Session Constitutional Amendments (mentioned)
Period Poverty
Tampon Tax
Yay! It's our first interview! With politico operative Christopher Busby, a former Houston Young Republican President and former Log Cabin President.
Christopher is a current medical student and provides his insight on politics, how things have changed over the last several decades in Texas and why.
We will discuss what being a politico means, how he got into politics, why he left the Republican party and why so many others are as leaving the Republican Party as well.
Finally, why we should stay in our own lane when we are voting in the primary election and why you should vote for who you want as the candidate, not necessarily who you think will win.
Let's dive in!
President Reagan vs Bush Immigration
President Reagan Abortion
National Democrats investing in Republican Primaries
2018 Primary Race Texas House District 132
The Sociopath Next Door
I am adopted. As an adult, I am unable to get a copy of my original birth certificate in Texas, because of politics.
Everything in your life is affected by politics. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history of adoption records in the state of Texas and the nation. I will provide a little behind the scenes of being adopted, carrying this legislation, and how bills are assigned to certain committees. And most importantly, we will talk about political coin.
Big thank you to Texas Adoptee Rights group for their help with this episode!
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
Links on the topics:
https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HR680/2019
https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB2725/id/1936745
https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB1386/2021
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00036988.htm
https://txarc.org/texas-seal-obc/
http://isogg.org/wiki/Utilizing_DNA_testing_to_break_through_adoption_roadblocks
http://www.adoptionbirthmothers.com/how-to-use-social-media-for-an-adoption-search/
Let's discuss money.
Campaign money.
How do you raise it?
The difference between Democratic campaign fundraising vs Republican campaign fundraising.
What is the money for?
Why do you need it?
Who are the big political donors in Texas?
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
Links on the topics:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/24/politics/texas-far-right-politics-invs/index.html
https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Soros
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Human-Rights-Watch
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a40706999/texas-cradle-of-american-theocracy/
https://www.texasobserver.org/meet-farris-wilks-kingmaker-of-the-texas-gop/
https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-guardians-who-slumbereth-not/
https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/power-issue-tim-dunn-pushing-republican-party-arms-god/
https://www.mediaite.com/tv/two-texas-billionaires-pushing-state-to-the-far-right-contributed-about-two-thirds-of-the-funding-for-ted-cruzs-2016-superpacs-report
https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/
https://www.texastribune.org/2022/03/03/texas-conservatives-pac-house-primary/
https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/resources/FAQs/2020election_faqs.php
https://www.fec.gov/updates/fec-announces-2021-2022-campaign-cycle-contribution-limits/
Let's talk about your health and how it is tied to your wealth. How? With the overturning of Roe v. Wade via the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson, our healthcare prices are going to go up.
Guns, let's discuss the famous "Come and Take It" and how it equates to reproductive rights.
We will marinate about dating apps and what your life could look like in nine months.
Finally, we will give an additional exercise to help you get fit in your political journey!
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
https://twitter.com/RonnyJacksonTX/status/1548803270696640512?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/Texas-revolution-Come-and-Take-It-flag-Gonzales-13275757.php
https://www.statista.com/statistics/232524/forcible-rape-cases-in-the-us-by-state/
https://www.dps.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/crimereports/17/citch7.pdf
https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/09/08/greg-abbott-rape-statistics-texas-abortion-law/5769709001/
https://repustar.com/fact-briefs/are-most-rapes-and-sexual-assaults-in-texas-reported-and-do-most-perpetrators-get-arrested#:~:text=Out%20of%2014%2C656%20rapes%20reported,reported%20sexual%20assaulters%20were%20convicted
https://fundtexaschoice.org/our-team/
https://www.prochoiceamerica.org/fight-back-for-our-freedom/
https://avowtexas.org/
https://txabortionaccessnetwork.org/
https://abortionfunds.org/
Let's serve up reproductive rights at the ballgame and discuss the levels of "pro-life" and "freedom" within the Texas Legislature.
The beginning of this podcast is recorded after the overturning of Roe v. Wade with the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health.
The second part of this podcast is about a conversation I had with an IVF doctor at the ballgame about reproductive rights.
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
You can check out all these strikes and balls below:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf
https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/410/113
https://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/13/texas-ivf-treatments/
https://www.pfcla.com/blog/history-of-ivf#:~:text=1978%3A%20First%20Human%20Born%20Through,Brown%20on%20July%2025%2C%201978.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716#:~:text=During%20IVF%20%2C%20mature%20eggs%20are,the%20process%20can%20take%20longer.
https://www.forbes.com/health/family/how-much-does-ivf-cost/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/07/14/texas-sues-biden-emergency-abortion/
https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/texas-gop-group-warns-sidley-partners-could-be-prosecuted-if-the-firm-pays-abortion-travel-costs
https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2022-07-06/attorneys-say-resurrection-of-1925-abortion-law-is-a-rollback-of-civil-liberties
https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/Foster_Care/Litigation.asp
https://www.kxan.com/investigations/report-more-children-abused-or-revictimized-after-entering-texas-foster-care/
https://abc13.com/children-living-in-cps-offices-texas-care-unlicensed-facility-for-kids-foster/11454345/
https://www.hbo.com/movies/the-janes
In this episode, we are discussing the recent Supreme Court rulings that completely ignored the separation of church and state.
We will talk about why these rulings are so important and what we can do about them.
Here is a list of the rulings we will discuss:
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-418_i425.pdf
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-1088_dbfi.pdf
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf
https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/usrep/usrep410/usrep410113/usrep410113.pdf
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/roe-supreme-court-justices-1378046/
Pomp and Circumstance
Have you ever seen a bunch of elected officials at a press conference and wondered what the point was of their speech?
Have you questioned if the speech had a purpose or if it was just for show?
Todays' episode is for you! We are going to dive into the behind the scenes of Pomp and Circumstance.
Are you into politics or does politics make you want to swipe left? Now, is the time to change your frame of mind. Let's reinvest in our outlook and create a healthy relationship with politics.
What does that mean?
It means getting to understand the mechanics of politics and how it affects every aspect of your life. From the moment you wake up in the morning, until the moment you lie your head down to go to sleep politics has been a part of your day, whether you knew it or not.
Politics shows up every day without fail. It’s time to empower yourself. Refuse to be a passerby of politics.
Listen along and let's figure out a way to learn about how politics affects your life and what you can do to ensure your voice is heard.
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
Oh How the Tides Have Changed
This episode is to highlight the many "rights" women fought for and won- less than 50 years ago. Yet, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we need to be on high alert. All rights are at risk and we cannot put our heads in the sand.
It is imperative to take action now. To be loud. To voice your concern.
If we do not have autonomy over our own body, then what do we have?
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni
Welcome to Politically Fit! Today's episode is called Slow Ride into Politics, where we will help get you warmed up to become Politically Fit. Whether you are a political passerby or a political policy wonk, we hope you will join us on this journey!
Politics affects every aspect of your life. Whether it's the pothole you encounter on the way to work, the extra surcharge on your electricity bill, or your right to pass out water to people in the line to vote.
Politics is all around you. Every day. This podcast will help you to be politically fit, provide some behind-the-scenes secrets of what happens behind the doors of power, and how you can make your voice heard whether you are in the room or not.
Hosted by Former Texas State Representative Gina Calanni.