Conservative grassroots activists packed a room Monday night to celebrate Northeast Tarrant Tea Party’s 10-year anniversary and the politically influential organization’s plans for the future.

There is much to celebrate. Regular block walking, bus trips to Austin so activists can voice their concerns to their elected officials, and even winning a fight with the IRS have made NETTP a standard-bearer for grassroots leaders and involved citizens across the state. Its influence is so well-valued, even U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R–TX) sent a video address expressing his appreciation for their work.

NETTP is now looking to the future and building on their record of accomplishments.

“It’s truly concerning to me that the future of my generation may be marred by the consequences of prior generations spending money they didn’t have and letting people into our country that should not be here,” said keynote speaker Lizzy McCarty, the young daughter of NETTP President Julie McCarty.

Following the keynote, Julie had a special announcement.

“We, as of tonight, are no longer Northeast Tarrant Tea Party,” McCarty proclaimed to the audience. “We are now True Texas Project.”

With retiring State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R–Bedford), former Colleyville City Councilman Chris Putnam, and former Tarrant County GOP Chair Tim O’Hare joining as TTP’s advisory council, the group aims “to educate and motivate citizen engagement in all levels of government,” a Tuesday press release stated.

Their efforts will no longer be confined primarily to Tarrant County, but are expanding to a statewide focus in order to help inform grassroots Texans through educational seminars and working with conservative groups on college campuses.

When asked their thoughts about the new change, attendees were enthusiastic.

“I think it’s a positive thing—kind of opens it up, since we are a statewide influence,” said Mark Haynes. “I think, overall, it will be a good thing.”

“I think it’s awesome,” added Nancy Carson. “And I’m so glad that we’re going to be expanding and reaching more people, especially the college students.”

“I think it’s great,” said local activist Laura Oakley. “So, I think it’s definitely time; and I think if we want to grow and impact as many people as possible, this is the best way to do it.”

McCarty, now the CEO of TTP, summed up her feelings to Texas Scorecard. “They have been trying to tell us for 10 years that the tea party is dead,” she said. “We are not only alive, but we are ramping it up.”

Robert Montoya

Born in Houston, Robert Montoya is an investigative reporter for Texas Scorecard. He believes transparency is the obligation of government.

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