71 Republicans issue statement on voter i.d.

In the wake of the chatter about the so-called voter i.d. compromise bill, the House Republican Caucus has reiterated their statement of principles on the issue:

Statement of Principles on Voter ID

"We are closely monitoring the Voter ID bill and are fervently committed to advancing a Voter ID bill.

Our principles concerning what the bill must contain are clear, this bill must:

• Ensure a valid photo identification is needed to vote
  
• Take effect at the next possible uniform election date
  
• Be free of any registration requirements such as same day voter registration that dilutes the intent of the bill, which is ensuring fair and accurate elections
  
• Increase criminal penalties for voter fraud 
  

We are all strongly encouraging Chairman Todd Smith and the other Representatives on the Elections Committee to present a bill which protects the integrity of the electoral process, is fully implemented at the next possible uniform election date and ensures a reasonable period of advanced registration to allow voter registrars the time to protect the integrity of the registration process as well."

Signators:

Charles "Doc" Anderson
Jimmie Don Aycock
Leo Berman
Dwayne Bohac
Dan Branch
Betty Brown
Fred Brown
Angie Chen Button
William A. Callegari
Warren Chisum
Wayne Christian
Byron Cook
Frank Corte
Joe Crabb
Tom Craddick
Brandon Creighton
Myra Crownover
Drew Darby
John Davis
Joe L. Driver
Rob Eissler
Gary Elkins
Allen Fletcher
Dan Flynn
Dan Gattis
Charlie L. Geren
Mike "Tuffy" Hamilton
Kelly G. Hancock
Patricia Harless
Rick Hardcastle
Linda Harper-Brown
Will Hartnett
Harvey Hilderbran
Charlie Howard
Bryan Hughes
Todd Hunter
Carl H. Isett
Jim L. Jackson
Jim Keffer
Phil King
Susan King
Tim Kleinschmidt
Lois Kolkhorst
Edmund Kuempel
Jodie Laubenberg
Ken Legler
Tryon D. Lewis
Jerry Madden
Brian McCall
Doug Miller
Sid Miller
Geanie W. Morrison
Rob D. Orr
John Otto
Tan Parker
Diane Patrick
Ken Paxton
Larry Phillips
Jim Pitts
Debbie Riddle
Ralph Sheffield
Mark M. Shelton
Wayne Smith
John Smithee
Burt R. Solomons
David A. Swinford
Larry Taylor
Vicki Truitt
Randy K. Weber
Beverly Woolley
John Zerwas

*Due to his position as Speaker, Joe Straus was not asked to sign on to this statement, but has previously stated his commitment to bringing a Voter ID bill to a vote on the House floor. Representative Dennis Bonnen, as a member of the House Elections Committee, has issued a principled statement explaning his position below:

"On Tuesday, many Texas House Republican Caucus members issued a statement calling for four principles to be included in the Voter ID bill. While I, too, stand strongly behind these key elements, I chose not to add my name to the statement.

As a member of the Elections Committee, my focus remains to advance this bill to the House floor. I will not sign a commitment that threatens to kill the bill by preventing it from being voted out of committee and which undermines the many long hours we have worked to send it to the floor so that my colleagues will then have the opportunity to cast votes for these important principles.

My fervent commitment to advancing a strong and effective Voter ID bill has not waivered. One can simply look at the Voter ID bill that I filed, HB 3556, to see where I stand on the issues. "

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Don't forget to vote!

I just got back from the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center, which serves as a dual early voting location for Travis and Williamson Counties.  The election clerks and judge at the Travis County location reported extremely slow activity today.  Now, I know, it's still the first week of early voting, and turnout is always lower for municipal elections.  But I urge you, if you are a registered voter, please go vote!  Do it early - voting locations are mostly open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday this week and next.  Election Day is May 9.

For a complete list of early voting locations in Travis County, click here.

Need to know what's on the ballot where you live in Travis County?  It will vary depending on whether you live in Austin or another municipality or MUD, and depending on which school district you live in.  Click here.  You may need to know which voting precinct you live in.  Not sure?  Check out this link from the Texas Secretary of State's website.  

Remember, in the May elections, just a few votes can make all the difference.  Your voice really does count in this election!

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Swine Flu

I'll be honest, my first reaction upon hearing about the swine flu "panic" (and when you start closing schools, like they are in Comal County, it's a panic) was to plan on pork chops for Sunday dinner (since pork prices are reportedly down) and to break out my well-worn copy of Stephen King's The Stand.  It's very hard to take this seriously with so much conflicting information out there.  But I admit, it is worrying enough to make me immediately wish to avoid germ hotbeds like public transportation.  

Doesn't seem like our federal government is taking this very seriously, either, since Napolitano has said they won't be closing the southern border (incidentally, Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled cruise stops to Mexican cities like Cozumel - nice to see someone is taking this seriously, if it's necessary to).  

Now, I don't think a declared state of emergency is necessary.  

I have one more, very personal reason to worry a little about this.  My mother was diagnosed last year with Lou Gehrig's disease.  Catching the common cold could put her in the hospital, and any strain of flu is a deadly concern.  She's had pneumonia in the past, which opens her up to easy infection anyway.  

This is no more worrisome than the usual flu season (influenza strains vary, and just getting a flu shot doesn't protect you from it everytime).  But that doesn't mean that caution is warranted.

I'm still thinking about organizing a group read of The Stand, though.  You in?

PS - A good FAQ about the swine flu and the current situation can be found here.

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Taxpayer protections taking a back seat?

Our lieutenant governor, David Dewhurst, is probably the most powerful elected official in Texas. So when I tell you he's ignoring taxpayer protections in favor of testifying for the smoking ban, you'll understand why it's such a bad thing.

The Voice of the Taxpayer spells it out for you, just in case:

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst testified on Tuesday, April 28 in favor of the anti-freedom, anti-property rights, pro-big-government statewide smoking ban legislation.

In the meantime, Dewhurst has allowed extremely important bills (the informed consent bill, the franchise tax exemption bill, and taxpayer protections for property tax payers) to linger indefinitely in committee.

We can see where the Lt. Governor has placed priorities this session, and it isn't in the taxpayers' best interests.

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Freddoso: Not GOP but PA voters stopped tolerating Specter

Not surprisingly, the conservative blogosphere erupted today after Specter's announcement, and the name of the game has mostly been, whose fault is it that the GOP has reached this sorry state?

David Freddoso at National Review Online has a good refutation of Specter's assertion that conservatives are to blame for the downfall of the GOP.  

I maintain that, especially when you drill down and look at the actual numbers, Republicans are losing because they have gone to the middle.  The country is not trending Democrat today because people are in favor of bigger government - polls bear that out - but because of personality politics and, again, because the GOP has utterly lost its way when it comes to message and principle.

Specter was a Democrat before he was a Republican, you know.  He switched parties once upon a time because he saw the writing on the Pennsylvanian wall, knew he couldn't win on a D ticket, and went another way.  Now polling shows that he's likely to lose a Republican primary - is that any wonder, when he no longer acts or votes like a Republican?  So he switches parties once again, in an effort to hold on even longer to his seat in the Senate.  

The Republican Party is loyal to its incumbents, often to a fault (don't get me wrong - this is the job of the party, and the job of grassroots groups is to weed out the problem children, as it were).  Specter is a perfect example of that.  His problem was not the party, but the voters.  A good number of voters wanted change when they supported Pat Toomey in his primary challenge of Specter, and poll numbers are proving that Arlen Specter, Republican would end up spending more money and doing more work than should be necessary to hold on to the seat in a primary challenge in 2010.  Arlen Specter, Democrat would at least be honest about who he is - and a clean general election challenge would be a better reflection of the voters in Pennsylvania than a messy primary.  Specter on some level must understand and realize that, but what he did today was as much a reaction to conservative criticism of his voting record (we call it "weenie crybaby want a bottle?") as it was a measured decision for the purposes of reelection.

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It's about time: Sen. Arlen Specter, Democrat

It's a crazy day on the federal level.  There's a hearing going on in Congress on the swine flu. The White House is trying to blame a Bush appointee for a photo shoot yesterday where Air Force One was flown low over Lower Manhattan near the WTC location (morons).  And as I type, Senator Arlen Specter is declaring his allegiance to the Democratic Party.

I'm morbidly amused by this.  Of course my first reaction was "good riddance."  It's about time he just declared his real allegiance and moved on.  We don't need "Republicans" who can't be bothered to actually act like Republicans.  Specter likes to think he's a moderate, but his voting record places him squarely in the liberal wing, and big tent or no, there is no room in the Republican Party for that. 

But the morbid amusement soon rose, when I thought about a comment I saw on one of the several networking sites that have sprung up in recent months.  It was in response to a thread about Pat Toomey's intentions to challenge Arlen Specter once more.  The argument in some Republican circles seems to be that it's better to go with the status quo and keep someone like Specter in the Senate, since Pennsylvania is turning blue and another Republican wouldn't have as good a shot as Specter does.  

Majority at any cost?  No thanks.  We've been there, done that.  

Now, I'm not saying that we need to go out and challenge every incumbent Republican.  Contrary to popular belief in some circles, we do have conservatives in Congress and down the ballot, and before challenging an incumbent Republican at any level, it's worth doing serious digging into voting records and, yes, rhetoric.  But some, even many, are very akin to Specter.  Voting with the Democrats more than with Republicans, taking active stands against Republican issues, and consistently misrepresenting conservative viewpoints.  

Some are already saying that Specter's defection (and let's face it, he was a Democrat in everything but name for a long time) is reason for Kay Bailey Hutchison to stay put.  There's this fear that should she opt to run for governor officially, and step down from her Senate seat, she will in essence be handing a majority to the Democrats.

Again, this is coming from Republicans as well as the media.  Are we really ready to say that we can't win an election, and that we need incumbents to stay where they are at all costs?

Thoughts to ponder.

UPDATE:  Sen. Cornyn released a statement on Specter's long-overdue defection. “Senator Specter’s decision today represents the height of political self-preservation. While this presents a short-term disappointment, voters next year will have a clear choice to cast their ballots for a potentially unbridled Democrat super-majority versus the system of checks-and-balances that Americans deserve," said Cornyn.  Full statement here.

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DNA database bill on House calendar Monday

HB 2932 by Rep. Allen Vaught (D-Dallas) will allow the Dept. of Public Safety to create a DNA database to use to determine past criminal history, regardless of whether a person was charged or convicted for a previous crime.  It's based on "high likelihood" of a DNA match.

Bad in so many ways....

And you know, it kills me to think that the voters in HD 107 were so upset that Bill Keffer was always in Austin that they ousted him in favor of Vaught.  Keffer would be down here right now fighting for property tax relief and changing the margins tax.  Vaught wants to create a DNA database.  Do you see what I mean?!

Anyway, please start calling your state reps. and urge them to vote no on this bill.  

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Property appraisal and tax season is upon us

 We got our property appraisal in the mail from the Travis CAD yesterday - luckily, only $3000 more than last year's (still more than we paid for the house, but whatever - I know others who are dealing with a lot worse).

If you are one of those whose appraisal seems just flat outrageous, or if you know there is no good reason for your house to have been appraised higher than what it was last year (hail damage, foundation issues, or you just haven't gotten around to painting that pea-green colored bedroom upstairs) - CLICK HERE.  The post was written in 2007 by a couple of Travis County real estate agents, and the information is still valid.

Remember, property appraisals are the surest way for local governments to raise taxes.  Even with the current 10% property tax cap on homesteads, your property taxes can double every 7 years.  There are efforts in the legislature to change that, but you can do something about it immediately.  Protesting your appraisal is the quickest way to a tax break.  

Other places for great information:

How to Effectively Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal - by Galveston County's Tax Assessor-Collector, Cheryl Johnson

Protesting Tips from Edd Hendee and the Lone Star Times crew

Stories about Travis County property tax protests, year one

Policy information on Texas property taxes:

Dr. Barry Poulson on Local Property Taxes and Economic Growth in Texas

Property Tax Revolts and Tax and Spending Limits by Poulson

TPPF's Talmadge Heflin:  The Case for Converting from Property Taxes to Sales Taxes

AFP:  Do you pay too much in property taxes?

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Ronnie Earle considering TX attorney general run?

Just when we thought we'd seen the last of Ronnie Earle, Travis County's ex-district attorney who had an axe to grind with every political enemy he ever made, it appears he's mulling over a run for higher office.  According to this article, he could be going for attorney general - or even governor.

The article really only touches briefly on this horrifying possibility, however, and spends a lot more time dwelling on the Travis County DA office's Public Integrity Unit, wherein lies all the power of prosecution against individuals, public and private, who attempt to defraud the state.

The Public Integrity Unit is granted $1.5 million every year by the State of Texas specifically to fund prosecution of crimes against the state.  The article mentions the many attempts there have been to move the Public Integrity Unit out of the Travis County DA's office and into the state attorney general's office, and the latest move by Rep. Wayne Christian (R-Center) to do it this session (HB 1400, left pending in committee on 4/14).

Back to Earle.  If he throws his hat in the ring for attorney general, the Democratic primary will certainly gain a lot of attention (right now, Barbara Radnofsky is the only Dem likely to enter the race).  The Texas attorney general's race is already garnering national attention (Republican candidate Ted Cruz was profiled in National Review last week, and the law blog Volokh Conspiracy has been very interested in Cruz as well), and Earle's very public profile would certainly add to the intrigue.  

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Economy slows, university presidents' salaries grow...

I wrote a lot more about this back in November, and the issue got some play in the media this weekend as it was revealed that not only did UNT President Gretchen Bataille receive over $96k in bonuses, she is also ridiculously overpaid from the beginning.  CBS News 11 in Dallas has a great article here.

Instead of making you click and read the whole thing to get what incensed me about Bataille, check it out below (bold emphasis mine):

The University of North Texas [UNT] employs Dr. Gretchen Bataille as its President. Bataille said, "Perks really are the things I need to get my job done."

Taxpayer funds pay Dr. Bataille's $10,000-per-year car allowance, even though she drives a donated Lexus luxury sedan. You also pay $300 per year for her American Airlines Admirals club membership. And tax dollars fund her $30,000-per-year salary supplement and a recent $45,000 bonus. You also pay her an additional $50,000 per year for a housing allowance.

Combine those allowances and bonuses with her $353,000 annual salary, and Bataille took home $488,000 in 2008.

Bataille feels the housing allowance is necessary because, in her words, "The University of North Texas does not provide a house, so I am expected to keep my house in order and keep the flowers in the garden and the house clean and entertain a lot of donors and university guests in my home."

Dr. Bataille owns the house and says she entertains a few times a month. But even with the $50,000 housing allowance, for housekeeping and gardening, Dr. Bataille says she comes up short. "Well, I have to pay a mortgage and utilities," she said. "In fact, the first two years I calculated my expenses and they are certainly way in excess of $50,000 a year."

Ridiculous.

There are serious problems with higher education spending in this state, as in, there is no accountability and there is no basic sense.  Bataille is a great example of how screwed up the system is.  UC Berkeley's president made about $20,000 less than Bataille last year.  

More from CBS 11:

(Americans for Prosperity director Peggy) Venable feels there is a life lesson to be learned by this situation. "Grow up and be a university president if you want to make a lot of money," she says. "It seems ludicrous when you add it all together. It really is amazing to think how many parents are selling their homes and thinking this is what their tuition is paying for. I'm not convinced we need to pay half a million to get a good university president."

Venable's frustration is echoed by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a non-partisan group that promotes limited government. In a recent newsletter it found Texas universities are passing increased administrative salaries on to students and parents. The group blames tuition increases on too much spending.

You can read what Liz Young, the TPPF Higher Education Policy Analyst, dug up about higher education costs here.

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Senate budget conferees announced

Now that both the House and the Senate have passed versions of the Texas budget, a conference committee will convene to work out a compromise between the two.  Lt. Gov. Dewhurst announced the Senate's conferees this morning:  Sen. Steve Ogden (R-Bryan), Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano), Sen. Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands), Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas), Sen. Chuy Hinojosa (D-Mission).

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The times they have a-changed

James Bernsen at Texas Republic News takes us back in time, a mere thirty-four years, to discover that Texas Democrats weren't always so adverse to the word "secession."

This article is a thing of beauty, calling out Texas Monthly (and Paul Burka) by using the magazine's January 1975 issue to prove that secession was considered a non-radical, perfectly legitimate possibility in those days gone by.  

A great part:

“When the courts deal with questions of constitutionality,” the Texas-Monthly-approved, non-radical Bob Gammage said in 1975 (you can just imagine his sideburns twitching with glee), “the unconstitutionality of just one part of a law doesn’t nullify the whole law – provided the law includes a ‘severability clause.’ If there is no severability clause, one unconstitutional part nullifies the whole subject.

“I find no severability clause in the Articles of Annexation. So under their own precedents, if they said the portion granting Texas the right to divide is unconstitutional, then the entire document would be unconstitutional. And Texas would revert automatically to the status of an independent republic under the Constitution of 1836.”

Of course, Gammage isn’t exactly a kook with no legal experience. After all, he served on the Texas Supreme Court. Texas Monthly writer Griffin Smith, Jr. concludes: “So oil-rich Texas may, it seems, have the United States over a barrel. Give us ten senators, or we join OPEC.”

There you have it. If Texas Monthly prints it, it must be a good idea.

Bernsen also had a good piece explaining how Governor Perry didn't actually advocate secession in his speech a week ago.

And speaking of the secession controversy, there is some polling information on the issue here.  I warn you, it's BOR, so you're treading into unfriendly territory.  

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All the things you need a photo i.d. to do in Texas

Last summer, my husband and I moved across Austin to the Wells Branch MUD. In selecting a neighborhood, one of the things taken into account was the fact that Austin was going to raise taxes next year to make up for the city spending $27 million more than they had the previous fiscal year. That is for another story, though.

Shortly after moving in, he called the post office to find out how to get our mailbox key for the community box at the corner. He was told to show up in person with a receipt of sale and valid photo identification. Valid photo identification! What a novel concept.

We have found we need valid photo identification to buy alcohol, adopt a pet, purchase a rifle, write a check at the grocery store, make a credit card purchase at Best Buy, apply for a loan to purchase anything, start a new bank account, get married and receive a marriage license, drive, close on a house, get medical care, and to pick up a mailbox key from the US Post Office.

We'll add to that: to get on a plane, to get insurance, to rent an apartment, to get a job, to get a hotel room, to rent a car, to get into Houston City Hall, and likely a myriad of other things.

But, no photo i.d. to vote, no, because that would leave people out. Given all of the above - which people? The people who don't drive, don't work, don't own or rent a place to live, don't travel ever, don't go to the bank, don't get married, don't need a mailbox key?

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?!

It is shocking that we are not required to show a photo i.d. in order to vote. The most fundamental right and privilege of being an American citizen is voting, yet we do not need to show photo identification to prove that we are who we say we are. What I find surprising and hypocritical is that the Texas Democratic Party opposes codifying a requirement to have even non-photo-i.d. to vote, but required photo i.d. to receive credentials at the Texas Democrat Convention.

Amazing.

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What kind of session has it been - for Republicans?

39 days until sine die, and already a dialogue has begun about what kind of session this has been.

I've heard two very different Republicans say in the last 48 hours that every session has its own personality, and that they weren't yet sure what to make of this one.  Looking at some of the stats so far (like the fact that about 75% of all the bills passed out of House Ways and Means so far have been written by Democrats - remember now, this is the committee that handles tax legislation), the brutal truth will out:  the 81st legislative session belonged to the Democrats.

Anecdotal evidence from the "outer circle," people who pay attention to politics in a very peripheral way (compared to us inside baseball types of all political stripes) have the impression that the Democrats have ruled this session from the get-go.  Republicans have a majority in both chambers, but of course, it's been hard to tell.  Republicans waited as long as possible to file a lot of significant legislation, when everyone was waiting for committee assignments and trying not to scare the leadership.  During that time, the Democrats were filing bills and taking stances, in some cases getting out in front of issues that really should have belonged to Republicans (transportation for instance).  Then when committee assignments did happen, conservative Republicans were marginalized and scattered to the winds.  Ever since, it has seemed like the Republicans are split into various camps, with the conservatives having the least organization of them all.  Shell-shock, definitely, but we're down to 39 days, and for many things, the horse is out of the barn and conservative Republicans have nary a vote to run on.

Take the budget debate in the House last week.  "Pursuing nothing, defending less" is a great description for what happened, and that post from Empower Texans' Michael Quinn Sullivan describes in great detail the Republican leadership's failure to, well, lead.

When stalwart conservatives like Larry Phillips, Ken Paxton and Phil King attempted to push amendments that would achieve sound policy objectives – teacher bonuses, spending limits, and property tax relief, respectively – the liberals assailed them without mercy, and Republicans fled for the high grass.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, etc.  All due credit to our stalwarts, but this isn't Thermopolyae and we can't win a battle with depleted numbers.  They can't win without institutional and guaranteed party support.  In politics, words matter, and silence matters more.

The one thing the Republicans have (mostly) come together on has been voter I.D.  Even that, though, is in peril as talk of compromise begins to heat up.  You have to love the irony (or hate it) - one of the ideas for compromise appears to be funneling money to counties to promote voter registration, something Appropriations Chairman Pitts appears to have assured Elections Chairman Smith would be available.  Other talk has focused on the compromise being to push back the effective date for requiring voter I.D. to 2012 (after the elections that are crucial for redistricting, mind you).  I'll refrain from going into a diatribe about how none of the legislation that has actually gotten somewhere requires photo identification - how the Democrats can consistently argue against people bringing a water bill to prove who they are is beyond me - though there is reason to believe we could at least get a record vote on it if photo i.d. is brought up as an amendment if/when voter i.d. legislation makes it to the House floor.

Voter i.d. is a hot political football for Republicans.  If it doesn't make it out of the House, the Senate and particularly Lt. Gov. Dewhurst will be able to take the moral high road come election season ("we played nice and got a bill passed, but those delinquents in the House couldn't get it done").  If it does make it out of the House, the version we get of it will be very indicative of what the ultimate intent was in Republican leadership ("of course we passed voter i.d. legislation!  never mind it doesn't require PHOTO i.d.!").

Finally, this isn't an electoral issue (forgive the pun) that conservative Republicans in increasingly marginal districts are going to be able to run on.  While there is a majority of public support for voter i.d., the economy is the pressing issue.  The Tower Institute did a survey recently that revealed that 55% of Texans do not approve of increased spending from the federal government, and more than 67% of Texans approve of the Governor's rejection of part of the stimulus funds.  Recent attempts by the Legislature to overturn that decision (with support from Republicans!  We can't even agree on this!!) will play badly in some key districts.  

And once again, disgruntled Republicans don't turn around and vote Democrat.  They simply stay home, which is more than enough to lose elections even when Democrats don't turn out huge numbers (as we learned to our detriment in Dallas County and HD 107 in 2006).

What does it all mean, I hear you impatiently demanding.  Quite frankly, my prediction is that Republicans are going to look back on this session and cringe, inwardly if nothing else.  After June 2, Republicans still have a majority, and will have a short window in which to ensure they keep it.  

I don't think it's too early to do the necessary navel-gazing, because it's definitely past time that we work on what 2010 will look like, and taking time to lick our wounds after June 2 will be a luxury we can ill afford.  It goes without saying that the other side is way ahead of us, and that anecdotal public perception will work in their favor, either by attracting voters or driving them away from the polls altogether.

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The case against student regent voting

Did you know the Statesman has a higher ed blog?  Ralph Haurwitz updates on things happening with the coordinating board, legislature, and news from individual universities.  It's nice to have this (just as it is wonderful to have a higher education policy analyst over at TPPF).  

Earlier this week, Haurwitz reported on a bill (SB 226 by Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas; the House version is HB 712 by Rep. Patrick Rose [Dripping Springs] and Rep. Elliott Naishtat [Austin], both Ds) that would give student members of boards of regents voting power on the board.  Ever since the measure passed to allow a student to be appointed to the board of regents in each university system, this particular issue has been hotly discussed in higher ed circles.  

In truth, without a vote, the student regent position is strictly ceremonial.  The idea of the position was to give students a voice on the board of regents, but like all things in university politics, in many cases the student regent (like the student body president) becomes part of the administrative problem instead of being an actual voice for students (there are, as in everything, exceptions).  Many feel that giving the student regent an actual vote, instead of just being there to give input, would increase the impact and representation students have.  

But let's face it - if the position is already politicized, imagine what it would be if the student regent had a vote.  The pressure to follow suit with the other regents would be enormous.  It's intimidating, being among adults who have far more experience and knowledge than you do as a student, and knowing that those people could be beneficial in a future career....you see where I'm going with this.

In many ways, I'm not convinced that the student regent position is a satisfactory form of representation for students.  The real problem is the lack of accountability in the university system, from having boards of regents appointed by the governor right down to a total lack of financial accountability under tuition deregulation.  The student regent position gives the appearance of representation, and if the regent is good at what he/she does, a voice where none is usually heard, but it doesn't address the issues facing universities, students, parents, and taxpayers to a satisfactory degree.  

There is a case to be made for why a vote for the student regent would change that, but my fear is that West and Rose, while well-intentioned, are really just perpetuating the appearance of representation without actually granting it.  

Like many things in Texas higher education legislation, this is half-assed, and does not address real issues and problems in the system.  It would be better that the effort go down and for higher education advocates to come back with real reforms in the next legislative session.

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Early voting for May elections begins Monday

I'll have a better idea of what I think about the Austin mayoral race next week, after having a chance to hear from the candidates (though I already know who I am definitely NOT supporting).  Since I'm not eligible to vote in any election other than Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees, however, my interest level is kind of low.  Forgive the lack of in-depth local coverage.

In the meantime, if you've been curious as to who is running, see the list below.  Also, early voting begins Monday.  Polling locations, etc. can be found here.

Candidates:

Mayor

Lee Leffingwell
Carole Keeton Strayhorn
Brewster McCracken
Josiah James Ingalls
David Buttross

Austin City Council
Place 2
Mike Martinez
Jose Quintero

Place 5
Bill Spelman

Place 6
Sheryl Cole
Sam Osemene

Place 1, Unexpired Term
Chris Riley
Perla Cavazos

Depending on where you live, there is more on the ballot in Travis County:

• City Council seats in Bee Cave, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Leander, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Round Rock, Sunset Valley, Village of the Hills, and Volente

• School board seats in Del Valle, Eanes, Lake Travis, Leander, Round Rock school districts

• Sales-tax authorizations in Bee Cave, Sunset Valley, and East Travis Gateway Library District

• Creation of the Anderson Mill Limited District

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Tower Institute survey says Texans support Gov. Perry on UI rejection

The Texas Senate passed SB 1569 by Eltife 19-11 yesterday.  The bill overturns Governor Perry's decision to reject $555 million in unemployment insurance funds in the federal stimulus package, and binds Texas to federal stipulations tied to that money.

The Tower Institute recently completed a survey revealing that 67% of Texans support the Governor's decision to reject part of the money, and 63% of Texans support specific rejection of the UI funds.

Read more from the Tower Institute here.

The record vote on SB 1569 is not yet available online, but I'll post the names/votes once it is.

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House State Affairs and Transportation ones to watch Tuesday

I've said before, it's hard to keep up with everything that happens in the Legislature, but there are a few big things happening tomorrow in the House that will be worth seeking out.

House State Affairs has a docket full of red meat, with sovereignty (HCR 50), informed consent for abortion (HB 36), and a slew of anti-illegal immigration bills set for public hearing.  Expect this hearing to be crowded, noisy, and tension-filled.  State Affairs Chairman Burt Solomons has a bill that has IRCOT and similar organizations in a righteous fit, and for good reason - HB 3949 (relating to the requirement that applicants for certain licenses be eligible for employment in the U.S.) Interestingly enough, there is an exemption for "racing" facilities in the bill (p.2, lines 5-7), and IRCOT is quick to point out that Speaker Straus has considerable interest in racing....

The best bill on illegal immigration this session, HB 276 by Rep. John Zerwas (R-Houston), is also up for hearing in State Affairs tomorrow.  HB 276 would require state agencies to report the cost of services and benefits to illegal aliens.  It sounds benign, and probably isn't as harsh a bill as some activists would like to see pass, but it would mean having hard evidence of the price Texas pays for illegal immigration.

House Transportation has the unfortunate privilege of taking up the transtaxportation legislation, HB 9, companion to SB 855.  It has been indicated that unlike the Senate Transportation committee, the House committee is still divided on the issue, and this could be where the legislation dies once and for all (if it doesn't, and it continues to go through the legislature, expect every obstacle possible thrown in its way, up to and including a possible veto on the Governor's desk).  Read more about it here, and here.

It was a busy day today, with hearings letting out after 10pm and all, and it's just going to get busier.  The countdown to sine die is on!

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Taxpayer protections get boost in TX Senate cmte

From The Voice of the Taxpayer:

Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston)’s SB 700 was voted out of committee today with bipartisan support and only one "no" vote (Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo). The bill basically requires a roll back election when local government revenues exceed 8% over the last year. There will be no onerous petition-gathering requirement.  The Texas Muncipal League is already attacking the bill (see the email below) and we need your help to fight back.

Please call your senator in support of Senate bill 700 that improves the transparency of the property tax system. SB 700 does three things: 1. requires appraisals be included in the notice along with the percentage increases for the last five years, 2. requires counties with at least 500,000 people to offer electronic appraisal protest and settlement; and 3. requires rollback elections when the 8% revenue mark is met or exceeded.

This is not a revenue cap, but a revenue disclosure. And though local government officials claim they should not need to hold a vote, they use the excuse that a vote is expensive. That’s an easy one – just don’t collect 8% more from your voters! They also oppose it on the grounds of “local control.” But what constitutes local control more than voters participating in government?

If you didn’t get a substantial property tax cut last year, it is because local governments devoured that school property tax cut. We need SB 700. To find your State Senator, click here: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Here is an example of your city tax dollars at work, The Texas Municipal League (funded by city tax dollars) opposing this basic taxpayer protection. The email below was sent to all TML members today.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Subject: TML Legislative Alert -- REVENUE CAP BILL PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE

SB 700 by Sen. Patrick was voted from the Senate Finance Committee today.
As voted from the committee, the bill would require a city to automatically conduct a property tax rate ratification election any time the city adopts a tax rate that exceeds the rollback rate (current law requires a petition from citizens to trigger a rollback election).

Mandatory tax rate elections are an expensive and unnecessary revenue cap on Texas cities.


***Concerned cities should contact their senators now and urge them to oppose SB 700.***


Legislative Services
Texas Municipal League

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Americans for Prosperity (and Blue Dot Blues) urges citizens to call their State Senators and ask them to SUPPORT SB 700 and call your city council members and ask that they pull out of TML.

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Tea Party Movement: To rally or not to rally

A lot of bloggers and various pundits have begun talking about "what's next" in terms of the Tea Party movement.  As of this morning, I've received four Facebook invites to events planned for July 4 and Sept. 12.  Rallies at state capitols, county courthouses, and of course, Washington D.C.

I love rallies, I admit.  They're great to boost morale, attract new blood, and for a little media attention (never count on media attention if you're a conservative - rule #1 of activism).  But rallies are a starting point, not a movement in and of themselves, so I'm rather disappointed that the thing I'm seeing most from local organizers is eagerness to plan another rally or two.  

One of the things we wanted to get across at our Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party was the idea that all of these things we're mad about can be acted upon.  Yes, 2000 people can show up at City Hall during lunch hour, and it will be amazing, but it won't have nearly the impact that those 2000 people could have by signing witness affirmations cards and testifying in House Ways and Means for bills that change the margins tax.  2000 people heading into the Capitol and knocking on the doors of members of the House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding would be overwhelming, and would get the point across.  

And that's just that one tea party!  Unconfirmed reports say we had about 100,000 people show up for tea parties total in Texas.  15,000 or more showed up at the Alamo.  Their next step should not only be planning another tea party for July 4.  Their next step should be calling their legislators to stop SB 855 and HB 9.  Their next step should be coming to the Capitol on Tuesday and showing support for HCR 50.  Their next step should be supporting local candidates who agree with their issues, by walking blocks, making phone calls, and donating a little extra money.

We have to turn what we did on Wednesday into real action.  If we're a "silent majority no more," then we can't afford to fade into silence.  In Texas especially, we have 45 days left of the 81st legislative session.  We have an immediate chance to make a difference, if we choose to do so.

I have more thoughts, mostly about the Republican-bashing happening in tea party circles.  I'm as fired up as anyone about keeping Republicans accountable and having nothing to do with squishes who only pretend to understand what it means to be conservative, as this blog proves if nothing else does.  But Travis County folks, listen up - we have entrenched Democrats and unabashed liberals everywhere we look.   With the amount of debt in the City of Austin alone, this should concern you!  At least two of our House districts oughta be represented by Republicans.  Your biggest problem, if you're a Travis County conservative, is not Congressman Michael McCaul.  Your biggest problem is Mark Strama.  Your biggest problem is Kirk Watson.  Your biggest problem, Travis County, is the Austin City Council, the Austin ISD board of trustees, the county commissioners court.  Quit trying to eat your own when there is ripe fruit to pick!  

That being said, it's good for tea party movement types to start challenging the Republicans who need to be challenged.  In Texas, I can think of 11 Republican House members who are in sore need of a good primary challenge.  If you live in those districts, if you're articulate and you've got some time to spare, now is a good time to start an exploratory committee.

The biggest thing I think we should take away from what happened on Wednesday is that we have been bottled up and silent for far too long.  The trouble with the so-called silent majority has always been that it is complacent until pushed, violently, into action.  It took Barack Obama's election before we were able to get the kind of momentum needed to accomplish this (not even Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid were frightening enough!).  You still have conservatives who are willing to play apologist for the spending of the Bush administration.  It is long past time to get our act together.  In Texas, we should never forget that we are less than fifteen years removed from a Democrat majority, and we are within two election cycles of having that happen again - and it's much scarier now than it used to be, because being a Democrat in Texas now mostly means the same as being a Democrat from the northeast.  Tax-and-spend, pro-government, anti-life, and anti-gun.  

If you are already involved somehow, great.  Start encouraging others to do the same.  Join me at Central Texas Republican Assembly meeting, or go to an Austin Republican Women's meeting, or start a neighborhood political club.  Get signed up for this mailing list, and this one, and when they send out an alert, be ready to take action.  We live in the seat of Texas goverment, Travis County.  We have no excuses.

The Tea Party movement must be about far more than the next rally, the next march.  It needs to be about taking action, doing instead of talking, and making a difference.  

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"Texans cannot be tamed like sheep, goats, or New Jerseyites."

Plenty of things were said this week that have merit, wit, and were memorable.  But this is my favorite:

"If you’ve never even considered Texas being independent – not even while defending your state in an alcohol-filled argument with other Americans in a bar in Prague – then you quite simply aren’t a real Texan. Sure, 90 percent of it is an in-cheek jest, but behind the idea lies the general belief that Texans cannot be tamed like sheep, goats or New Jerseyites." - James Bernsen, Texas Republic News

Read Bernsen's whole op-ed here.

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The House budget debate drags on....

Just now, on amendment 128, Rep. Solomons couldn't determine if the motion to table had failed or prevailed.  He said he was half-asleep.

And it's going to go all night, folks.  

Word is that Intern Olympics got broken up by DPS.  

Anyway, no way I'm going to try and seriously liveblog the budget debate, but if you'd like to follow what's going on without turning on the livefeed, I recommend checking out Twitter.  @CapitolAnnex, @longhornderek, and @elisewho / @eliselive are keeping it entertaining.  

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Round Rock ISD candidate meet and greet

You are cordially invited to attend a MEET AND GREET CANDIDATE RECEPTION in honor of

Gunnar Ristroph, candidate for RRISD Trustee, Place 2, (www.ristroph.com)

and

Bobby Seiferman, (www.bobbyseiferman.com) candidate for RRISD Trustee, Place 7,

When: MONDAY, APRIL 20th from 5-7 p.m.

Where: Brushy Creek Community Center Pavilion, 16318 Great Oaks Dr., Round Rock.

Light refreshments will be served.
Candidate materials will be available.
You are welcome to come and go. All ages are welcome.

Campaign contributions will be gratefully accepted.

Early voting is April 27-May 5.

Election Day is Sat., May 9th.

For Williamson County polling places and more info go to www.wilco.org and click on elections.   If you live in Travis County, click here.

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State Dept. lists Texas as a foreign country

When I was in high school, I had a penpal in Germany who asked for a Texas souvenir.  Thinking I'd be clever, I sent him a bumpersticker that read "Texas:  It's Like a Whole 'Nother Country."

I was trying to be funny.  It seems, though, that the State Department is being dead serious. (or they were - the designation has been fixed, but HuffPo has a screenshot)

Typo, joke, or brand-new designation?  You decide.

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Dunnam resolution swears fealty to U.S.

HR 1383, filed this week by House Democrat Caucus leader Rep. Jim Dunnam (D-Waco), looks innocuous.  We're all proud Americans, etc.  It is, however, really just a wack at Governor Perry for his remarks about secession the other day.

It's funny that no one wants to remember that Perry never actually said "Hey, guys, let's secede!" but then, I'm not surprised.  

I'm also amused that this "united we stand" rhetoric is eminating from the Dunnam Dunce Patrol to begin with.  It was Senate Democrats who ran away over redistricting, but House Democrats were in full support.

Our right, our God-given right, to self-government is a part of what makes us Americans to begin with.  We are "these" United States, after all, a group of independent states bound together by a contract.  I am tired of the left for many reasons, but this takes the cake.  Would any such resolution be written under a Republican president, I wonder?  (I have wondered if Perry's speech would have been made under a Republican president, just so we're clear).  Make no mistake, this is partisan wrangling at its worst.  I say again, it's clear the time is here for healthy debate about what secession means and what we could/should/would do if the question were called.  

Incidentally, a Rasmussen poll shows that about 30% of Texans believe we have a right to secede, though currently only about 25% think we should.  But I guarantee that number is up over what it would have been a year ago, and it's not a negligible number by any means.  Rep. Dunnam may not think he represents those people, but I almost guarantee he's wrong about that.

Here's a link to the Texas Declaration of Independence, written during our war of separation from Mexico.  I'd say quite a bit of it happens to apply today.

And, from Thomas Jefferson himself:

That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. - the Declaration of Independence

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On secession: "Can't" isn't the same as "shouldn't"

I'm well-versed in the arguments why no state can "legally" secede from the Union.  I grew up with my brother, after all, who is the world's biggest anti-secessionist.

And while the boys over at BOR are correct, that Texas was not given any special permission or "out" to secede if it chooses, they are wrong in simply stating that Texas "can't" secede.  They would be better off making a case for why Texas "shouldn't" secede - make a good case for why we should stay.  I'm not advocating secession, but since it came up, why not have a good intellectual debate over it?

I think it's important to remember that in 1776, when the colonists declared their independence from Great Britain, they were essentially seceding, it just wasn't the word that was used for it.  Secession itself is "the act of withdrawing from an organization, union, or especially a political entity."  Revolution is defined in the eye of the beholder.  A secessionist is called by those from whom he wishes to detach a "rebel."  While many of us may hold that term dear, it's not really supposed to be an endearment so much as an insult - I doubt, though, that many Americans consider "rebellion" a bad thing when applied to the American Revolution and our separation from Britain.  In the 1860s, the idea of secession was born of the same revolutionary attitude that spurred that earlier struggle (it had, in fact, been a common idea in the intermediary years - I'll spare you the history lesson and refer you to the Nullification Crisis).

Texas herself was able to be admitted into the United States because of a fight to secede from Mexico, and it's worth noting that those who fought to do so were primarily former American citizens (former governors and congressmen, even!).  Because they were Americans, they had this idea that centralized, tyrannical government was a bad thing, and when Mexico pressed her bootheel down, Texians (as they were called) fought back.  Stephen F. Austin went to Mexico City thinking negotiation would change their situation, and came back, to use the term again, a secessionist.

When the time came that Texas was to be annexed by the United States, the reasoning for Texans to want that was primarily protection.  There was the constant threat of war with Mexico, the continual battle with Indian tribes on the borders and throughout the state, and the fact that Texas had no money to sustain an army or a navy.  It was in Texas' best interest to avail itself of U.S. military protection, and Sam Houston knew this.  But had the U.S. wavered on protected Texas' southern border from Santa Anna's army, it's doubtful that many Texans would have agreed to annexation.  

Given their attitude about big government in 1836, it's not surprising that come 1861, many Texans supported secession.  Sam Houston was not among them, knowing full well that Texas would not be anymore able to sustain itself than it had been almost thirty years earlier.  But the reasoning is not the point of this debate - the question is whether or not Texas had a right to secede.

Secession is not in itself a legal act - it is an act of separation spurred by rebellion.  The United States are bound together by a contract.  Breaching that contract is enough to warrant separation if negotiation does not work.  And frequently the federal government has done exactly that, ignoring the points within the Constitution that bind us.  

I will say that I think Gov. Perry is playing to the crowd, because there's no way that someone in his position is ready to actually think about secession.  Yesterday was not the first time the Governor has been heard to talk like he did.  For at least several months, he has been talking about Texas' strength and sovereignty, almost but not quite saying that Texas could secede if she wished.  I know that various Democrat state officials and others believe that secession is not a topic at dinner tables, but I believe, being in the thick of a political movement that is growing and attracting many people who have never been political before in their lives, that the ideas that lead to secession are spreading.  

Texas is one of many states now asserting her rights under the 10th Amendment - sovereignty, the right of the states to assert all those powers not designated to the federal government.  Or at least, we're trying.   If the federal government continues it's encroachment, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to hear the secession talk grow louder (and let's face it, Obama as president or not, the federal government's tentacles are firmly and deeply attached, and nothing short of true rebellion would change that).

I doubt this will be my last post on the issue.  It seems like the topic is gaining some momentum (if the Texas left had to employ the likes of Austin's Rep. Eddie Rodriguez to denounce the Governor, I imagine the momentum may continue).  And I've got more thoughts on this besides.

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Anti-gun march at UT today severely misses the mark

I am an open proponent of the movement to open up our concealed-carry handgun laws to include college campuses.  While I respect the opinion of those who marched from UT to the Capitol today, and support their right to voice that opinion, I also believe they are desperately wrong.

1 - Concealed carry laws are for those 21 and up.  To get a permit, you have to be 21, you have to undergo classes, and you have to be able to afford the handgun to carry it.  The vast majority of college undergraduates are under 21 and not exactly swimming in cash.  Opening up the law to encompass college campuses will not increase the number of concealed weapons on campus very much.

2 - Public universities are taxpayer-funded and operate on public lands, protected by the US Constitution.  The 2nd Amendment applies there as easily as it applies anywhere.

3 - I have a right to protect myself.  This includes being able to do so on a college campus.

4 - VA Tech is only ONE reason why concealed carry laws should spread to college campuses.  The UT Tower shooting is another.  But no, school shootings aren't the only reason - they are only one of the kinds of danger that could happen on campus.

5 - Whether or not you have concealed carry on campus, there will be violence on campuses.  The VA Tech shooting proves that much.  Concealed carry simply means that some students (not even all of them!) will be able to protect themselves in the event of violence.

But what I think of today's march is really what I wanted to talk about.  According to a news report on KVUE, professors actually let the students who left class to attend this march grab notes online and the students went without any kind of penalty for doing this.  Was the same kind of thing granted to students who left or cut classes yesterday for the tea party protests?  And if not, why not - if the point is that the students were exercising their free speech and participating in the process, then why the heck not give them allowances to attend and participate in ALL FORMS of free speech, regardless of message?

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More video: Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party

Courtesy of Texas Insider

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Sovereignty bill scheduled for hearing in House State Affairs

YOU READ THAT RIGHT.

Spread the word.   HCR 50, the 10th Amendment sovereignty bill filed by Rep. Brandon Creighton, is being heard in the House State Affairs committee next Tuesday, April 21.

To be totally accurate, HCR 50 is being heard in committee on San Jacinto Day.

It's a big, big day in State Affairs next Tuesday.  They will also hear Rep. Corte's informed consent for abortion bill, HB 36.  There are a lot of bills on the schedule about illegal immigrant drivers' licenses (check out the full list here).

State Affairs meets at 2pm or upon adjournment of the floor session in the John H. Reagan building, Rm 140.

I don't think I have to express to you just how important this hearing is going to be.  

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Video from Austin Tea Party at City Hall

This is a clip from my speech to the Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party crowd at Austin City Hall today. Yes, I was talking fast (we were time-limited). Governor Perry was right after me!

(Thanks to Brianna Becker from YCT for shooting this!)

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2000 show up at Austin City Hall for Tea Party

I got a lot of pictures today, but can't find my camera cord to get them all uploaded to share.  But trust me, y'all.  We had over 2000 people at City Hall in Austin for the Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party, and over 3000 showed up at the Capitol this afternoon.  

The mainstream media (and the leftist part of the blogosphere) would have you believe that today was not significant, that there was no point to what we did, that it was corporate and paid for by Rupert Murdoch.  As an organizer for one of the events, I can tell you, it was none of those things.  I sent out an email to some grassroots leaders I happen to know back in early March, and we put our resources and time into planning a big event in Austin.  I know that the event at the Capitol was the same thing.  

I've seen questions about why this kind of thing didn't happen under Bush.  A perfectly fair question, because we all know, he was no saint when it came to domestic spending and growing government.  There is not much use now in saying that the rhetoric condemning Bush was there all those years, since there was no action like this to articulate it further.  I think what we witnessed today was the culmination of years of being fed up - it all came to a head because we now have a president who isn't talking one thing and doing another.  He's serious about increasing government spending, in a seriously misguided attempt to "fix" the economy.  He's serious about increasing taxes to pay for his new initiatives.  He's not kidding with the DHS' anti-rightwing proclamation.  One thing you have to appreciate about President Obama - he is serious about his beliefs and he will stick to them.  The trouble is, at least half the country doesn't agree with him.  Today's protests were the first real chance for everyday Americans to vent their frustration, and as we go forward, we need to remember the fire and excitement of today and funnel it into action.

I have more to say, but it has been a very long day, and I want to post pictures with my next post.  I'm stimulating the economy by buying a pizza and some beer tonight, and enjoying the fatigue that comes after a day of strong activism.  If y'all have tea party coverage, links to pictures or videos, or anything of the like, please post a comment below.

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Final reminder: Tea Party events in Austin area!

AUSTIN CITY HALL TEA PARTY

"Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party"

11:30am to 1:30pm

Speakers include:   Governor Rick Perry, Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, State Rep. Wayne Christian, Americans for Prosperity's Peggy Venable, Citizen Watchdog Jason Moore, Austin Young Republican president Scott Specht, YCT-UT chairman Dustin Matocha, Texas College Republicans chairman Lance Kennedy, Libertarian Party of Texas exec director Robert Butler, RPT state chairman Tina Benkiser, Torch of Freedom Foundation president Rick Green, TCRLC president Mike Barre, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility president Michael Quinn Sullivan, and Texas Republican Assembly National Committeewoman Michele Samuelson (me)

AUSTIN STATE CAPITOL TEA PARTY (South Steps)

"Austin Tax Day Tea Party"

4:00pm to 7:00pm

Speakers include:  State Senator Dan Patrick, Congressman Michael McCaul, Republican activist Joe Petronis, and Free Market Foundation's Jonathan Saenz.  After the rally at the steps, there will be a march to Lady Bird Lake for a ceremonial tea dumping.

ROUND ROCK TEA PARTY EVENT

Meet in the old HEB parking lot at US 79 and South Mays in Round Rock at 9:30 am. Speakers at the Round Rock/WilCo TEA include Jarrod Weaver from Congressman Carter's Office as well as Holly Hansen, President of the Williamson County Republican Women. 

GEORGETOWN TEA PARTY EVENT

Williamson County Courthouse lawn at 6pm. Contact David Schumacher at dschumac@hotmail.com

Want to go to both events in Downtown Austin but need something to fill your time in between?

Patronize one of Austin's fine eating establishments in the downtown area, and stimulate the economy in doing so!

Head to the Capitol for the House Ways and Means committee hearing and sign witness affirmation cards for bills relating to limiting and eliminating the franchise/margins tax.  

Drop by the offices of members of the House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, and let them know how you feel about the Governor's decision to reject the unemployment insurance funds, and about the use of stimulus funds in general.

Visit your state representative or state senator and let them know your stance on your issue of choice.  

At 3:00, join Galveston County Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson for her lesson on how to effectively protest your property tax appraisal.  

Not from Austin or central Texas, and still want to attend a Tea Party?

Click here for a list courtesy of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility!

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Liveblog: Empower Texans Townhall with Phil King, Dan Patrick, and Ken Paxton

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Taxes in Texas conference call happening now

Check out and listen in to the live townhall meeting being hosted by Empower Texans and featuring Reps. Phil King and Ken Paxton and State Sen. Dan Patrick.

http://www.empowertexans.com/live-townhall

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Kinky: "Ron Paul folks should be Democrats"

Oh really?

I'd love to know what your thoughts are on this, readers.

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Governor Perry and the 10th Amendment

The press conference was last week, and most Texans knew about it shortly thereafter, but Governor Perry's endorsement of the sovereignty legislation (HCR 50 by Creighton and SCR 35 by Nichols - the latter filed on Texas Independence Day!!!) has been spreading like wildfire over the web.  The video of the press conference below has been garnering particular attention (and toward the end, catch his slam on SB 855):

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Transportaxation bill passes Senate 21-9

Now it's time to start calling the House.  Urge your state representative to OPPOSE SB 855 and HB 9.

Statesman update here.

Senator Watson and Senator Wentworth both voted for it, and Senator Ogden voted against it (as he pledged he would, as he believes the bill is unconstitutional).

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Goldwater Institute: Are we there yet?

I reported briefly last night (well, I linked to the News8 video) about the Northwest Austin MUD Number One v. Holder, a case in the Supreme Court dealing with polling location restrictions stemming from the Voting Rights Act.  I got an email update from the Goldwater Institute in Arizona today, that dealt with an amicus brief the Institute filed in the case.

From the Goldwater Institute's Nick Dranias, Director of the Center for Constitutional Government:

Six years ago, a fractured Supreme Court upheld affirmative action with the forward-looking observation that all "race-conscious" policies must "have a termination point." Given the recent presidential election, it is only fair to ask: Are we there yet?

An amicus brief recently filed by the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation urges the Court to answer "yes" when it decides Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District v. Holder.

The case challenges "preclearance" under the Voting Rights Act. Preclearance requires Arizona, and a handful of other states, to seek approval from the federal government in order to change voting laws. When it was enacted a half-century ago, the racist "Old South" was using voting laws, such as the literacy test, to diminish minority political representation. The thinking was that by allowing the federal government to sign off on all voting related laws, these issues would be eliminated. Thankfully, those days are behind us.

Preclearance has now backfired against the ideals of color-blind government. Under preclearance, it is safer for states to deliberately gear voting laws to promote the presumed political interests of minorities than to enact truly color-blind laws. As a result, preclearance causes states to embrace reverse racial gerrymandering--drawing oddly-shaped voting districts to pull minorities from some locations and pack them into others--in order to maximize the electoral chances of minority representatives. Preclearance thus encases politics in the very divisions it was designed to prevent.

Just the fact that an Arizona think tank has seen fit to weigh in here tells us that what is happening in the Canyon Creek area, in the NW Austin MUD #1, isn't just a local issue.  Because it is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court, it is a constitutional question that will affect similar questions nationwide.  

It's clear where the Goldwater Institute stands.  Many of the reasons for the restrictions placed on polling locations are outdated; our society has moved beyond that need.  Let's hope the Supreme Court sees things the same way.

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Confirmed: DHS hit job on Tea Party activists

I kinda hated typing the words "hit job" in the subject line, but there's no sense beating around the bush.  The Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis issued a report this week entitled Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.

If this wasn't so serious, I'd make an apocryphal Orwellian analogy and move along for the evening.  But then I read things like this, from page 2 of the report (emphasis mine):

Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.

I need to leave the detailed analysis to Michelle Malkin, as I'm falling asleep after working on Tea Party stuff for the last two hours.  I encourage you, though, to spread the word about this.  Any way you can.

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Austin activist challenges Voting Rights Act restrictions

Check it out here.

Northwest Austin MUD challenges Voting Rights Act restrictions that keep a voting location in someone's garage instead of at an elementary school, and the case is now going to the US Supreme Court.  This one will make you scratch your head, folks.

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Austin Tea Party updates and more

First, a reminder:  there are TWO rallies in Austin, at different times, so that you (the hardworking taxpayer!) can choose what works best for you.  11:30 to 1:30 at Austin City Hall, and 4:00 to 7:00 at the South Steps of the Capitol.  These rallies were planned by different organizations and people but have the same goal - sending a message to Washington that we have been Taxed Enough Already!

So, what can you expect at these events?

AUSTIN CITY HALL TEA PARTY

"Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party"

11:30am to 1:30pm

Speakers include:   Governor Rick Perry, Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, State Rep. Wayne Christian, Americans for Prosperity's Peggy Venable, Citizen Watchdog Jason Moore, Austin Young Republican president Scott Specht, YCT-UT chairman Dustin Matocha, Texas College Republicans chairman Lance Kennedy, Libertarian Party of Texas exec director Robert Butler, RPT state chairman Tina Benkiser, Torch of Freedom Foundation president Rick Green, TCRLC president Mike Barre, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility president Michael Quinn Sullivan, and Texas Republican Assembly National Committeewoman Michele Samuelson (me)

AUSTIN STATE CAPITOL TEA PARTY (South Steps)

"Austin Tax Day Tea Party"

4:00pm to 7:00pm

Speakers include:  State Senator Dan Patrick, Congressman Michael McCaul, Republican activist Joe Petronis, and Free Market Foundation's Jonathan Saenz.  After the rally at the steps, there will be a march to Lady Bird Lake for a ceremonial tea dumping.

Want to go to both but need something to fill your time in between?

Patronize one of Austin's fine eating establishments in the downtown area, and stimulate the economy in doing so!

Head to the Capitol for the House Ways and Means committee hearing and sign witness affirmation cards for bills relating to limiting and eliminating the franchise/margins tax.  

Drop by the offices of members of the House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, and let them know how you feel about the Governor's decision to reject the unemployment insurance funds, and about the use of stimulus funds in general.

Visit your state representative or state senator and let them know your stance on your issue of choice.  

At 3:00, join Galveston County Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson for her lesson on how to effectively protest your property tax appraisal.  

Not from Austin or central Texas, and still want to attend a Tea Party?

Click here for a list courtesy of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility!

Also, you can sign the online petition and join the Texas Tea Party movement here!

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Round Rock, Georgetown home to Tea Parties, too

Information on Tea Party events in Round Rock and Georgetown, for those north of Austin who would like to avoid Austin traffic and parking:

Round Rock: Meet in the old HEB parking lot at US 79 and South Mays in Round Rock at 9:30 am. Speakers at the Round Rock/WilCo TEA include Jarrod Weaver from Congressman Carter's Office as well as Holly Hansen, President of the Williamson County Republican Women.

Georgetown: Williamson County Courthouse lawn at 6pm. Contact David Schumacher at dschumac@hotmail.com

Remember, you have two options in Austin proper as well. 11:30 at Austin City Hall, or 4:00pm on the South Steps of the Capitol.

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Beutler: How the Left underestimates Twitter

Interesting blog post on The Next Right about Twitter, the right in new media, and the Left's underestimation of both.

I have to jet, gotta go be a good lil Republican.  More on this later.

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SREC passes resolution against SB 855

The State Republican Executive Committee has passed a resolution opposing the local option transportaxation bills, SB 855 and HB 9 (SB 855, SJR 22, HB 9 and HJR 9 collectively make up the Texas Local Option Transportation Act).

After last week's press conference on sovereignty, during which Governor Perry was asked if he would veto SB 855, and he gave anyone listening a good indication that he would ultimately oppose it, I began to wonder what the Republican Party had to say about this effort to impose new taxes on Texans.  While there is nothing on the main pages of the party's website, it turns out that the SREC passed a resolution at their March 2009 meeting opposing the effort.

It is heartening to see the SREC giving some cover to the Republican legislators who are opposed to creating new taxes and expanding the gas tax (like the seven who voted against engrossment of SB 855 last week).   It's also good to know that the SREC is interested in holding Republican elected officials accountable to the platform and to our principles.

You can view a complete list of all SREC resolutions here.

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Go Galt - Send a book to legislators

Cutting-and-pasting from an email received earlier today:

In coordination with the April 15th Tea Party rallies, a Send-a-Book-to-Politicians Campaign has been launched to take the message of protest directly to the legislators so that its presence can be felt in Washington DC and Governors' offices across the county. The book selected to be sent
is Atlas Shrugged, because it demonstrates what comes when a government violates its citizens' individual rights instead of protecting them. Let the weight of the books received convey the measure of our displeasure with their policies.

Help get the word out that there is an organized effort to:

Be Counted ... by registering the number of books sent to the legislators.

Be Visible ... by sending these books to your politicians so that they can SEE that you do not support their current policies and proposals.

Be United ... in delivering the message that we want our individual rights and freedoms protected, not plundered.

Help insure that the April 15th protests are seen as more than just a "tempest in a teapot".


About go-galt.org:

Go-galt.org is a grassroots effort focused on protecting individual rights and freedoms. The Send-a-Book-to-Politicians-Campaign is running simultaneously with the Tea Party Tax Protests. Complete details can be found at go-galt.org.

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Effectively Protesting Your Property Tax Appraisal

Cheryl Johnson, Galveston County Tax Assessor-Collector, is giving a "how-to" lesson on protesting your property tax appraisal at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday afternoon in the Extension (E1.020), from 3pm to 5pm.

I'd say this is a great way to learn how to put your Tea Party energy into action!  Plus, great timing - if you can, you can attend the Don't Mess with Texas Tea Party at Austin City Hall from 11:30 to 1:30, and then go to the Capitol and register your position on tax bills in House Ways and Means.  Then, head to Cheryl Johnson's lesson, and when it's over, head out to the South Steps for a second rally and tea party!!

I can't think of a better way to spend Tax Day, y'all.

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Tea Parties in Texas, April 15

A few readers have emailed me asking about specific Tea Party information for their location in Texas. I've included below a list of known Tea Parties to date for April 15. If you know of one, are planning one, etc. and want to be listed here, comment on this post and I'll add it.

Please note that in some locations, there are some options available to you (Collin County, for instance, is home to several simultaneous rallies for awesome impact). Remember, having many different events is about making sure that the maximum number of people are able to participate. Join us where you can, when you can!


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City: Abilene
When: April 15, 5:30pm
Where: Post Office on Pine Street
Contact: heathhdgs@aol.com
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City: Allen
When: April 15, 5 – 7:00pm
Where: Allen City Hall
Contact: David Batson at d.bassbuster@verizon.net or Karen Quinn at
sparkysmom@sbcglobal.net for further information

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City: Alpine
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Railroad Park, E. Holland Ave
Contact: vickie@twinpeaksliquors.com

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City: Amarillo
1st Event: April 15, Noon @ County Courthouse
2nd Event:April 15, 6:00pm @ Post Office
Contact: amarilloteaparty@gmail.com

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City: Arlington
When: April 15, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Other Info: arlingtonteaparty.blogspot.com

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City: Austin
When: 11:30am to 1:30pm
Where: Austin City Hall
Contact: eliza@afptx.org
Other Info: http://americansforprosperity.org/032409-dont-mess-texas-tea-party

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City: Austin
When: 4:00pm
Where: South Steps of the State Capitol Building (march to the lake)
Contact: having.anaustinteaparty@gmail.com
Other Info: http://havinganaustinteaparty.com/

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City: Beaumont
When: April 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: US Post Office, Walden Road
Contact: SETXTEAPARTY@gmail.com

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City: Belton
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Confederate Park, Park & Ride, Interstate 35 Frontage Road on Nolan Creek.
Contact: BRADYJ1@MAC.COM
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City: Boerne
When: April 15, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Where: Main Plaza (corner of Main Street and West Blanco Street)
Contact: BoerneTXTeaParty@gmail.com
Other Info:www.theythinkyouarestupid.com

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City: Brownwood
When: April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Wendlee Broadcasting parking lot, 600 Fisk
Contact: mikecope@Wendlee.com

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City: Bryan / College Station
When: April 15, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Where: Tanglewood Park, 3900 Carter Creek Parkway
Contact: d.mchenault@verizon.net
Other Info: http://bcsteaparty.wordpress.com/

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County: Collin
When: April 15, 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Park & Preston/2201 Preston Rd. PLANO
Parker & Preston/3301 Preston Rd. PLANO
Gaylord & Preston/ 3100 Preston Rd. FRISCO
Lebanon & Preston/ 5049 Preston Rd. FRISCO
Eldorado & Craig/ 2950 Craig Dr. MCKINNEY
Contact: mdnusbaum@yahoo.com
972-693-7793

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City: Burleson
When: April 15, 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Across the street from Wal-Mart, 951 SW Wilshire Blvd.
Contact: pipercox@live.com
Other Info:www.burlesonteaparty.blogspot.com
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City: Copperas Cove
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Front of City Hall, 507 South Main
Contact: Marilyn Aponte, 254-547-1568 or marilyna@embarqmail.com
Sign making April 11, at 1 p.m. 1007 Jodi Ave., Copperas Cove
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City: Corpus Christi
When: April 15, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: TBA
Contact: corpuschristiteaparty@yahoo.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=71608714041
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City: Dallas
When: April 15, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Dallas City Hall
Contact: dallasteaparty@gmail.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=47165672254
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City: Denton
When: April 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Courthouse on the Square, 110 W Hickory
Contact: dentonteaparty@gmail.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=56463159646
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City: El Paso
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: State Line Restaurant, 1222 Sunland Park Dr.
Contact: elpasoteaparty@gmail.com
Other info: http://elpasoteaparty.blogspot.com/
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City: Floresville
When: April 15, 7:00pm
Where: Wilson County Courthouse
Contact: tpruski@hotmail.com
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City: Fort Worth
When: April 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: LaGrave Field, 301 NE 6th Street
Contact: fortworthteaparty@gmail.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=56178096157
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City: Gonzales
When: April 15, 11:45am - 12:45pm
Where: 820 St. Joseph Street, Gonzales
Contact: arlingreen@aol.com
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City: Granbury
When: April 15, 11:30pm - 1:30pm
Where: The Shanley Park, just off the square in downtown
Contact: sullivanj77375@yahoo.com or 817-964-2548
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City: Granbury
When: April 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Hood County, Gazebo on the square
Contact: sullivanj77375@yahoo.com
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City: Houston
When: April 15, 4:00pm
Where: Jones Plaza in downtown Houston
Contact: fcravens@houstontps.org
Other Info: www.houstontps.org
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=59596061956
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City: Huntsville
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: post office on 11th street
Contact: huntsvilleteaparty@gmail.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=60702081786&ref=ts
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City: Jacksonville
When: April 15, 5:30pm
Where: 526 E. Commerce
Contact: josie930@hotmail.com
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City: Kerrville
When: April 15, 11:00am
Where: Kerrville County Courthouse, 700 Main Street
Contact: tmorgan@ktc.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=75638352056
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City: Lockhart
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Lockhart Court House, 110 S. Main
Contact: lannlawson@gmail.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=62544936765
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City: Longview
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Gregg County Court House Lawn
Contact: info@greggcountygop.com
Other Info: http://www.greggcountygop.com
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City: Lubbock
When: April 15, 5:00pm
Where: Gazebo at the County Courthouse, Broadway and Texas Avenue
Contact: IreneHowell@suddenlink.net,
Other Info: www.afiig.com
Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=7e6230975697f681d7e45cd2224ecb0f&gid=595053229
16
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City: Marble Falls
When: April 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Rotary Flagpole in Lakeside Park
Contact: edgarfh@tstar.net
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City: McAllen
When: April 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Vacant lot across from the main Post Office in McAllen at the corner of Pecan and N.
McColl.
Contact: mcallenteaparty@yahoo.com
Other Info:http://www.mcallenteaparty.webs.com and http://mcallenteaparty.blogspot.com/
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City: Nacogdoches
When: April 15, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Square
Contact: etxteaparty@yahoo.com
Other Info:www.etxtaxparty.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=55594102685&ref=nf
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City: New Braunfels
When: April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: gather around our local plaza and down the main street into town
Contact: epharis@satx.rr.com
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City: Rockwall
When: April 15, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Rockwall City Hall
Contact: john@rockwallcontrols.com
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City: San Angelo
When: April 15, 5:30pm
Where: Tom Green County Courthouse
Contact: yia@suddenlinkmail.com
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City: San Antonio
When: April 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: TBA
Contact: SATexasTeaParty@aol.com
Other: http://www.theythinkyouarestupid.com/
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133867710499
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City: Seabrook
When: April 15, 6:00pm
Where: Clear Lake Park
Contact: clearlaketeaparty@gmail.com
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City:Sherman
When: April 15, 10:00am
Where: Grayson County Courthouse lawn
Contact: lanarideout@cableone.net
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City:Southlake
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Southlake Towne Square
Contact: eventmaster+flrodi=z@facebookmail.com
Facebook Group:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=145099770370
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City:Stephenville
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Erath County Courthouse
Contact: jspring@embargmail.com
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City: Sugar Land
When: April 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Sugar Land City Hall at Town Square
Contact: FortBendCounty.TeaParty@gmail.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=86171136368
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City: Sulphur Springs
When: April 15, 12 Noon
Where: Sugar Court House - Town Square
Other: www.teapartyday.com
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City: Houston-North (formerly The Woodlands)
When: April 15, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Village, 12200 Gosling Road
Contact: thewoodlands.teaparty@gmail.com
Other Info: www.thewoodlandsteaparty.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=67304103435
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City: Texarkana
When: April 15, TBA
Where: TBA
Contact: txkteaparty@aol.com
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City: Tyler
When: April 15, Noon - 1:30pm
Where: The Square (”TB Butler Plaza”) - just across from the Courthouse
Contact: stephwest.md@gmail.com
Other Info: Afterwards we’re having a Tx Tea party Tailgater, and caravan to the Dallas tea party
that night
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City: Waco
When: April 15, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Where: Heritage Square Park, The Freedom Fountain at 3rd St. & Austin Ave.
Contact: wacoteaparty@gmail.com
Other Info: http://www.wacoteaparty.com
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=57868363037

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Single-member districts bill in TX Senate

It really amazes me that so many people oppose single-member districts for city councils.  Who wants to be represented by someone who doesn't live in your neighborhood, has different concerns with regard to crime, commute, and a host of issues specific to very local geographical areas?  

Senator Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) has a bill filed this session that would require the city of Austin have six single-member districts, totally scrapping our current at-large system.  Now, frequently, the argument against single-member districts is that it would disenfranchise some voters (oh, let's say it - the other side thinks single-member districts are raaaacist).  But Wentworth has said that he was contacted by LULAC and the NAACP about changing Austin's elections.  

The bill only affects Austin because it references cities with populations of 500,000 or more, and other cities in Texas that size already have single-member districts or use a hybrid of both single-member and at-large districts.

City Council member and Austin mayoral candidate Brewster McCracken thinks that single-member districts might "diminish black representation."  

The Statesman has a full piece about this here.  You can check out SB 1618 here.  There is a good argument to be made that the people should have the opportunity to vote on this, and that having it forced down from the Legislature is wrong.  But at the same time, there is an argument to be made that city governments should expand in this way naturally with population growth, which this bill would ensure.  

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He is risen!

Taking a break from blogging and assorted other political activities for the weekend.  Y'all be good now, don't go and do anything too interesting.

The Day of Resurrection

1. The day of resurrection!
Earth, tell it out abroad;
the passover of gladness,
the passover of God.
From death to life eternal,
from earth unto the sky,
our Christ hath brought us over,
with hymns of victory.

2. Our hearts be pure from evil,
that we may see aright
the Lord in rays eternal
of resurrection light;
and listening to his accents,
may hear, so calm and plain,
his own "All hail!" and, hearing,
may raise the victor strain.

3. Now let the heavens be joyful!
Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph,
and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen
their notes in gladness blend,
for Christ the Lord hath risen,
our joy that hath no end.

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Sanford defends position on stimulus funds

Awesome.

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Statesman video from YCT convention

For those of you who know me, please remember, it was late afternoon, and it was a long day. And no, I have no idea why I didn't remember how I want DAN PATRICK for governor.

(Also, to a commenter on Postcards where this was originally posted - [I warn you now, this is ranty and unrelated to the post] I haven't been on my parents' insurance since I was 21 and I aged out because I wasn't in school, which I had trouble affording in part thanks to unnecessary spending and no accountability in higher education. While I'm thinking of it, no, I have no preexisting conditions, but how that would encourage me to want big government intruding on my health care decisions, I'll never know. We don't have a right to health insurance - and my disabled brother, and ALS-patient mother, happen to agree with me)

Just in case you can't tell, I always resented the liberal assumption that because I am a conservative and young, that my parents were rich and I had every advantage, that I drove an SUV to school and didn't have to accept federal financial aid just to afford books for class.  I spent all of college with no insurance, never once applied for food stamps, didn't have a car so I carpooled and walked everywhere - you get the point.  I'm conservative because I believe in working for everything I earn, that certain things are privileges and not rights, and in not distributing wealth just because I feel cheated out of something.  End rant, on to video:

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Rep. Creighton joined by Governor, other legislators in support of Texas sovereignty

I just happened to be at the Capitol today, and decided to stick around for Rep. Brandon Creighton's (R-Montgomery) press conference about HCR 50, also known as the Soveriegnty Resolution.  This is the bipartisan legislation that asserts Texas' rights under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution.

It was a great rally, really - a lot of folks showed up with flags, including the lady pictured here who had a Republic of Texas flag with her (I apologize for the crappy phototaking - I had to use my Blackberry).  Rep. Creighton said that the point of this legislation is to hold the federal government accountable to the Constitution, especially the 10th Amendment.  He said that Texas will "not stand idle" as the federal government continues to overstep its bounds and encroach on state governments.  "If the legislature does not take a stand," he said, "we would fall short" of their duties to Texans.

Over 30 states are considering similar resolutions, in varying degrees of severity.  Governor Perry stated that this movement, and Texas' resolution, are happening because the federal government has "eroded the notion of states' rights" and that such declarations of sovereignty under the 10th Amendment will ultimately "make the Union stronger."  

Rep. Creighton said it:  "Texas does it better than Washington," in economic terms.  He mentioned Texas' balanced budget, the new job growth (Texas was responsible for more than 50% of all new jobs created in the U.S. between 2007 and 2008), and our budget surplus, at a time when so many states are going under and are suffering from taxpayer-breaking deficits.   Washington keeps trying to get us to use "their playbook," said Creighton, "a playbook that clearly does not work."

Governor Perry encouraged everyone to go to a Tea Party in their communities next Wednesday, Tax Day, to help send a message to Washington (this got huge applause from the crowd).

And then there was this gem (H/T RickVsKay):

What we need now is a groundswell of support from the grassroots for HCR 50.  Call your state representative, encourage him/her to support the US Constitution and the balance of power protected therein.  Ask them to stand up for the 10th Amendment, for Texas' proven approach to the economy, and for Texas herself.  Then contact the House State Affairs committee and ask for this bill to get a hearing.

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Sovereignty resolution press conference at Capitol tomorrow

Via Rep. Creighton's office:

Affirming that the State of Texas claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates, and providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed.

1:00 P.M., Thursday, Apr. 9
South Steps of the Capitol (unless bad weather, then in the Governor's press conference room).

Info at Rep. Creighton's office - 463-0726

Both Brandon Creighton (author of the resolution) and Gov. Perry will attend the conference.

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Liveblog: Tele-townhall with Governor Perry

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Carona asking to postpone full consideration of SB 855

Sen. Carona, in the face of Ogden's constitutionality challenge, is suggesting that they go ahead and vote to pass 855 to engrossment today, but postpone full consideration until next Tuesday.

He thinks the "interest groups" (re: taxpayers, like myself - I'm hardly an "interest group") will have more opportunity to "turn up the heat," but he's willing to risk it.  Interesting.

The bill passed to engrossment fairly easily (note:  THIS IS A RATINGS VOTE). 

Well then.  Let's turn up the heat!  Start calling your senators NOW and encourage them to vote AGAINST SB 855!

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"Problem-solving Republican" John Carona

How does new rail solve our transportation problems?

How do new taxes solve our transportation problems?

How do new taxes and fees help our state as the economy worsens?

Read more about SB 855 and why it is BAD for Texas here.  We're talking about a tax bill - a revenue bill - that does not include taxpayer protections, no transparency in the spending.  Read more about how taxpayer protections were stripped from the bill here.

Senator Ogden is right now laying out why he believes SB 855 is unconstitutional in Texas.  

Lastly - in my experience, "problem-solving Republicans" are really just tax-and-spenders who happen to be pro-life.  Senator Carona, you may call yourself a Republican, but please do not toy with our intelligence by trying to make everyone believe that you are not attempting to pull off the biggest backdoor tax hike in Texas history.  Calling it "problem-solving" does not hide the truth - this is a tax bill, a revenue-raising bill, that will not actually solve any of the transportation issues facing Texans.

Here are some suggestions for what Texas legislators COULD do to help solve the problems facing our state:

First, end the gas-tax diversions. At the state level, more than a third of the gas tax goes to non-transportation items – public education, the arts commission, and so on. (The situation is probably just as bad or worse with the existing local fees -- there just isn't the transparency to know how bad it is.)

Second, force the existing transportation agencies to be completely transparent with their spending.

Third, end the practice of using tax dollars to fund lobbyists.

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SB 855's power expands as amendments are tacked on

SB 855, the Transportaxation Bill, now extends to Cameron and Nueces counties (Brownsville and Corpus Christi).

More to come, I'm sure.

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Radnofsky joins AG race

Barbara Radnofsky, who unsuccessfully challenged Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2004, has filed to run for Texas Attorney General.  She's the second official person in the race, after Republican and former solicitor general Ted Cruz.

Radnofsky (and Cruz) won't be the final contestants in this race.  Rumor still has it that Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas) and Justice Dale Wainwright will get in the mix, and that Sen. Kirk Watson (D- Austin)  hasn't ruled out a run.

H/T @karltm

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SB 855 debate happening on Senate floor

You can watch here.

Tax increase, folks.  Local "option" or not, it's a tax bill.  

Roll call vote to suspend the rules to take up 855 happening now:  24 ayes, 7 nays

Will not be setting up formal liveblog for this; I will just be updating this post as necessary.  You can follow @mqsullivan and @DavidGuenthner on Twitter for live info.

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Time Warner facing opposition to proposed usage caps

Did you ever see that movie P.C.U., with Jeremy Piven and David Spade?  The joke throughout the film was that at a university, there is an action group for or against every imaginable cause (and I went to UNT - trust me, the film wasn't that far-fetched on this point).  

Anyway, I thought of that when I saw that there will be a public meeting of the Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission at Austin City Hall tomorrow evening where citizens can voice their outrage.  6:30pm, Room 1101.  

More information here.  Also check out this and this.

Personally, I'll vote with my pocketbook.  If TWC imposes usage caps on Austin area users, I've heard good things about U-Verse.  

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House Elections taking public testimony on voter I.D.

Texas Monthly "tweeted" just now that voter I.D. is being heard in House Elections, and that the committee is expected to adjourn before sine die.

One may only hope.

It's true, though - today is Voter I.D. Day in House Elections, and despite the fact that many other things are happening in the Legislature that we should all be paying attention to (House Public Ed, for instance, will hear charter school legislation later today), politicos all over the state are riveted by the public testimony (invited and expert testimony was heard yesterday).

You can watch the committee hearing online.  Click here, and then look for "Committee on Elections" and click on the Livestream link.  You'll need RealMedia to watch it (easy to download for free here:  http://www.real.com).

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Nanny state politicians want to ban trans fats

You know all those 200 pound fifth-graders at your local elementary school?  State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh (D-El Paso) says he has the solution - banning trans fats from restaurants in Texas with SB 204.

The Texas Restaurant Association is backing him up, which is just further proof of that group's unwillingness to stand up for the free market (which you would think they'd be huge proponents of, since they operate within it and often at its mercy).  The association seems to be making the argument that restaurants are going in this direction anyway, so government intervention can't hurt (a particularly lame argument - if they're doing it anyway, why should government step in at all?), and that taste is not affected when trans fats are eliminated (an empty point for sure, since none of the opposition cite "taste" as a concern here).

Personally, I believe we could all stand to be healthier, but I do not believe it is ever the business of government to make it so.  If the government is going to do everything for us, if we're never going to actually learn to make decisions for ourselves, then we need to finally admit that liberty and freedom are concepts that died out in the 19th century.  And no, I'm not being alarmist or bombastic - it's a simple truth that government's ever-expanding nature is a direct threat to liberty.  Limiting our options under the guise of making us healthier or safer is a disgusting tactic, but one that even self-proclaimed conservatives have employed from time to time.

Shapleigh is wrong - the 200lb fifth-graders won't suddenly become trimmer and fitter because he succeeds in banning trans fats from restaurants.  What will eliminate this trend is pro-active parenting - a fancy way of saying that the television gets turned off, the video games denied this Christmas, and a good game of catch happens in the yard every other day.  

And on that note, I think I'll take my dog for a walk.

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Lone Star College, Tarrant County College awarded "Jefferson Muzzles" by group

Y'all will have to excuse just one more higher ed post.  It's late, so it'll be a short one.

The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, an organization dedicated to promoting free expression in all forms, has released the names of this year's Jefferson Muzzle "awards."  Included here are the administrations of Lone Star College and Tarrant County College.  The first for stopping the campus' YCT chapter from distributing tongue-in-cheek gun safety tip flyers, and the second for preventing students from participating in Students for Concealed Carry on Campus' empty holster protest.

There is no legitimate excuse for these things, and I'm glad to see the TJ Center making an example out of them and the other groups and individuals on their list.

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TPPF: Stimulus could cost Texas jobs

The Texas Public Policy Foundation released a study today showing that the federal stimulus package could cost Texas around 131,000 jobs and further hinder private sector growth.

“These findings show clearly that growth in government crowds out growth in the private sector,” said Talmadge Heflin, Director of the Foundation’s Center for Fiscal Policy and former chairman of the Texas House Appropriations Committee. “Texas taxpayers and workers will pay a high price if our legislators use this supposedly free, one-time federal money to expand state government programs.”

The research looks at historical patterns of economic growth and spending by federal, state, and local governments; implications for Texas unemployment payments and taxes; and estimated effects that the recently passed federal stimulus package will have on Texas private sector economic activity and employment.

The study is brief and you can read the entire thing online here (.pdf file).  You might also think about sending a copy to Rep. Jim Dunnam, who is heading up the Texas House Select Committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding.

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YCT Convention: Follow-up

Click here for video of former Solicitor General Ted Cruz addressing the Young Conservatives of Texas convention last Saturday.

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Public testimony against SB 1510 delivered by YCT members

YCT's Public Testimony on SB 1510: Renaming Part of I-20 The Obama Highway

Delivered by [Director of Legislative Research] Ed Oden:

I would like to thank Chairman Carona, Vice Chairman Watson, and all of the members of the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security.

My name is Ed Oden. I am the Director of Legislative Research for the Young Conservatives of Texas, and I am also a student at the University of Texas. I am here today to voice YCT’s opposition to this bill renaming a portion of I-20 after President Barack Obama.

Young Conservatives of Texas cannot support SB 1510 for three main reasons. Primarily, Barack Obama’s philosophy is incongruent with the majority of Texans. Secondly, we believe Texas memorials should honor the State’s history, and its many worthy Sons and Daughters. Finally, naming memorials for sitting politicians is not consistent with American traditions. We believe it represents the dangerous trend of Americans blindly worshiping politicians rather than diligently holding them accountable to the best interests of the nation.

Choosing this name for the freeway does not reflect the values of the Texans that will drive on it. President Obama did not carry the state of Texas. His extreme liberal views on the issues of Life, Taxes, and Global Government are not shared by the majority of Texans.

I think we can all agree Texas is the greatest state in the Union. We have so much to be proud of – our history, our principles, and our people. YCT believes there are enough worthy Texans to provide names for public infrastructure for years to come. Naming things after Texas historical figures increases knowledge of our history, and pride in our people.

Soviet Russia erected hundreds of statutes of Stalin while he ruled. In Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, one would drive down the Saddam Hussein Expressway to the Saddam Hussein Airport. You don’t find this in America. We honor our leaders that have served our country wholeheartedly. But we do so after they have completed this service, so we can give them sufficient due for their contributions.

For all of these reasons, Young Conservatives of Texas respectfully opposes this bill, and urges the Committee to reject it.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


Delivered by [Vice Chairman of Chapter Development] Brianna Becker:

Good morning. My name is Brianna Becker, I am a colleague of Mr. Oden, serving as Vice Chairman for Chapter Development for YCT. I am also a student at UT Austin, and speak in opposition of the bill.

I too would like to thank Chairman Carona, Vice Chairman Watson, and all of the members of the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security for listening to us this morning.

I second Mr. Oden’s testimony. However, in the spirit of compromise that so often characterizes this body, YCT is willing to support SB 1015 if it is altered to reflect Barack Obama's philosophy on government.

We suggest the following stipulations be added to the President Barack Obama highway:

Conditions for Supporting The President Barack Obama Highway Bill

1. A DART train runs down the middle of it

2. There are HOV lanes next to the DART tracks

3. The remaining lanes are congested

4. Tolls are placed on the road that increase or decrease based on a person’s income.

5. The mineral rights under the road are owned by the Sierra Club (i.e. no domestic drilling)

6. SUVs are banned

7. The tolls include carbon offsets and congestion pricing

8. Checkpoints are set up every three miles to insure tires are properly inflated and cars are getting optimal gas mileage

These changes would more appropriately reflect President Obama’s agenda, and would educate Texans on their President’s proposals.

Unless these stipulations on the bill are met, Young Conservatives of Texas respectfully opposes this bill, and urges the Committee to reject it.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

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Dallas highway could be renamed for Barack Obama

I really do believe that a great rule of thumb for naming things after people is to wait until the people are no longer living.  That way, you can assure that their reputation will not make you regret the decision.

SB 1510 is a bill that was heard in today's Senate Transportation committee.  Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) proposes in it that part of I-20 be renamed in honor of President Barack Obama.

Young Conservatives of Texas issued a press release opposing this bill this morning.  From the release:

While YCT is philosophically opposed to the bill, its leaders recognize that the Texas Senate is an institution built on compromise.

"Perhaps we could consider this bill if the highway reflected Barack Obama's philosophy of government," said [Senior Vice Chairman Laura] Morales. “We propose the following stipulations be added to the bill.”

1. A DART train running through the middle of the freeway
2. HOV lanes next to the DART tracks
3. The remaining lanes are congested
4. Tolls are placed on the road that increase with a person's income
5. The mineral rights under the road are owned by the Sierra Club (i.e. no domestic drilling)
6. SUVs and trucks are banned
7. The tolls include carbon offsets and congestion pricing
8. Checkpoints are set up every three miles to insure tires are properly inflated and cars are getting optimal gas mileage

Clever ideas.  Makes me think of how fitting it is that a tollway is named for former President George W. Bush, and that the worst highway in the Dallas area is named for LBJ.  

If you wish to hear YCT's side of this, you can catch Laura Morales on KRLD in Dallas at 7:30 this evening, Tony McDonald on KVRX 91.7 FM in Austin at 8:30 tonight, and Laura Morales again on KURV 710 AM in the Valley tomorrow at 7:00am.

(Oh, and just in case you thought this was just a Democrat stunt - SB 1510 is joint-authored by REPUBLICAN State Senator John Carona, also from Dallas.  One really has to wonder about Sen. Carona's ideology these days....)

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SB 855 placed on Tuesday's Senate intent calendar

You can tell the legislative session is really picking up speed as we head on the downhill slide, because it's getting more difficult to keep up with the many abominable pieces of legislation filed and going through the process.

While so many of us will be present for the hearing on voter I.D. in the House, the Senate will be taking up the Transportaxation Bill on the floor.  After this, should it pass (and it likely will - a bill must have 2/3 support in the Senate to be placed on the intent calendar), it will head to the House.

Please CALL YOUR SENATOR and urge him/her to VOTE NO on S.B. 855 by Carona.  Then call your Representative and do the same. 

(Found out that the "nay" votes in committee were Dan Patrick and Joan Huffman - hurray for conservative backbone!!)

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Daily Texan: At conference, Perry confirms re-election bid

As I reported during Saturday's liveblog of the Young Conservatives of Texas convention, Governor Perry did indeed kick off his speech that afternoon with confirmation that he is running for reelection.  The Daily Texan (among other sources) repeated this information.

I'm quoted in the above linked article as saying that this was the first speech I've heard where Perry really sounded like he was campaigning, and I still think that.  When you're an active Republican in the Austin area, it's easy enough to catch an event where the governor is speaking, and this was the fourth time since January I've heard him speak.  He is always enthusiastic, but there was a trace of the campaign stump speech in Saturday's appearance.  With only 52 days left in this legislative session, the time is coming for every real candidate to really turn up the volume.  Expect a lot of this from the governor in the coming months.

It does seem, too, that Governor Perry will run as the staunch conservative in the race (frankly, against Kay Bailey Hutchison, this won't be hard; a third candidate, or more, in this primary would have to do quite a bit of work to make him out to be anything else).  Saturday's speech confirmed that.  As stated, Governor Perry was the first sitting governor to ever address a YCT convention - and YCT's endorsements will be closely watched in the primary next year.

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Live online chat with Sen. Dan Patrick today at 5pm

At 5 PM this evening, Texas State Senator Dan Patrick will host a live online chat discussing the Ultrasound bill, Top Ten Percent legislation, Voter ID, business and property taxes, and immigration reform.

If you're interested in participating, check it out here.

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Still liveblogging the YCT State Convention!

Exciting and important information for conservatives today at YCT's convention.  Follow the liveblog here:

http://blue-dot-blues.blogspot.com/2009/04/yct-state-convention-liveblog.html

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YCT State Convention Liveblog

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The Online Texas Tea Party is LIVE

Sign this petition and send a message to Washington!

Then, check out the list of known tea parties happening on April 15 in Texas.

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Update on SB 855

Carona's transportaxation bill passed in Senate committee 7-2.  Now we're just waiting to see when it goes to the full Senate.  

No matter where you live, please start calling your state senator and urging him/her to oppose SB 855.  

We need to be making as much noise as possible to oppose this legislation.  SB 855 will do nothing but burden Texans with ever-higher taxes, while doing nothing to actually address the transportation problems of our state.  

Red County post here.  

Texas Magazine post here.

Previous BDB posts.

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Thompson's sin tax passes House, 141-1

Last session, lawmakers approved a $5 fee for strip clubs, creating a de facto sin tax. While that fee is being challenged in court, Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D) and Rep. Mike Hamilton (R) got together to repeal the fee and impose an occupations tax on the gross receipts of all sexually-oriented businesses.  HB 982 went through committee with no opposition, and passed the House yesterday 141-1 (Rep. Brandon Creighton, R, was the only dissenting vote).  Now, as it heads toward the Senate, we're looking at the creation of an actual sin tax.  

Reading the bill analysis, it sounds like the only reason for this legislation is that the intended recipients of the $5 fee from last session (sexual assault program fund or the Texas health opportunity pool) have not seen any of the money collected.  

I was pretty astonished to read the House record vote on HB 982; only one conservative Republican stood against the creation of a new tax.  That really blows my mind, though at this point, why should it?  

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Rick vs Kay, Kay vs Rick

Just in case you're interested in keeping up with some of the latest campaign bombs being lobbed back and forth (and bomb is probably two strong a word this early in the game - musket balls, maybe?), I recommend checking out the following blogs:

Rick vs Kay

and

Kay vs Rick

The first is, I believe, more of a Rick Perry blog, and the second is a Kay Hutchison blog.  Either way, both are covering the campaigns.  You can also find them on Twitter (@kayvsrick and @rickvskay - of course).

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First significant appraisal legislation passes TX House

A bill preventing appraisers from skipping over foreclosed property passed the House this week (CSHB 1038 by Paxton). This is a great move, as it helps ensure that all available information is being used in appraisals. From the committee analysis:

(CSHB 1038) ensures that local appraisal districts use all the available data on residential properties, regardless of the appraisal method, to determine a more accurate appraisal value.

You can read the full analysis here.

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Watson planning to vote "no" on the budget

But only because of a budget rider that will prevent state funds from being used for embryonic stem cell research.

Apparently, other Senate Dems have no intention of attempting to amend the budget, because the Senate is too nice and orderly for such dirty work.

H/T Quorum.

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