Opinion

Legislation can help reduce urban-rural cancer disparities in Texas

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Cancer is a relentless enemy. Even with recent advances we have seen in oncology treatments, over 600,000 Americans will die of it this year. And more than 41,000 of those deaths – more than double the population of Plainview, to put it in perspective – will occur in Texas. The evidence tells us that cancer is not an equal opportunity killer. Cancer patients in the rural parts of our state, for example, are significantly more likely to die than those in urban and suburban areas.

Protect First Amendment rights

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No legislation does more to advance Texans’ First Amendment rights than the 2011 Texas Citizens Participation Act right now. The act quickly dismisses unmeritorious claims attacking speech, association and petition rights; stays discovery until appellate courts decide claims are sufficiently supported; and awards attorney’s fees and costs to successful movements. The act particularly addresses situations where resource-rich Goliath sues to silence David, armed with a slingshot and a pro bono attorney.