Showing posts with label 2013 Texas Legislative Session. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 Texas Legislative Session. Show all posts

Monday, November 25, 2013

Texas Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dan Patrick Rated MOST CONSERVATIVE State Senator by Rice University's Mark P Jones

No Surprise here. State Senator Dan Patrick, candidate for Texas Lieutenant Governor, has been rated as the MOST conservative State Senator in all of Texas for the most recent 2013 legislative session.

Dan Patrick is vying in the March 2014 Republican Primary election to be the leader of the Texas State Senate, the LT Governor. In Texas, if you are going to run for statewide office, you have to at least be able to present yourself as super conservative. Dan Patrick does not have to just present himself as the most conservative in the Texas Senate. He IS the most conservative, at least that is according to Rice University's Mark P. Jones in his most recent ranking of Texas State Senators from the 2013 Texas Legislative Session.

Why are the conservative rankings of Mark P. Jones so important? Mark P. Jones does the most comprehensive, non partisan conservative/liberal ranking in all of Texas. His Lib-Con scores are based off of EVERY single vote and it shows the voting differences between candidates from the most liberal to the most conservative.

This ranking system is very different from other ranking systems like Empower Texans or Texas Eagle Forum or Texas Right to Life. Those ranking systems are GREAT if you are looking for rankings of candidates based off of specific issues and votes dealing with fiscal conservatism, social issues, or pro life issues. These are all very important ranking systems and Dan Patrick is very high, if not at the very top, in all of them. These other rankings do not cover every single vote or issue though. That is where Mark P. Jones is so valuable. His rankings allow people to see the entire overview of how every legislator compares with each other when it comes to every vote taken.

Again, this is no surprise to me. I already know how conservative Dan Patrick is. Now, even the top non partisan, most comprehensive, non issue, scientifically based ranking makes it clear that Dan Patrick is the top conservative leader.

The following graph is from Mark P. Jones and it shows Dan Patrick at the top of the chart as the most conservative Texas State Senator for the 2013 Texas Legislative Session:


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

One Step Closer: Texas House Passes New Abortion Limits

the following article is from The Blaze: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/07/10/one-step-closer-texas-house-passes-new-abortion-limits/


AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas House approved new abortion limits Wednesday in a second special session, less than two weeks after Senate Republicans failed to finish work on the bill amid a filibuster and raucous protests.
Texas House of Representatives Passes New Abortion Limits
Opponents of HB 2, an abortion bill, yell outside the Texas House after the bill is provisionally approved, Tuesday, July 9, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The bill passed a final, formal vote Wednesday. It requires doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, only allow abortions in surgical centers, dictate when abortion pills are taken and ban abortions after 20 weeks. (AP)
A final vote could be held as early as Friday in the Senate, where the measure died as the first special session expired. The House voted mostly along party lines on what has become signature GOP legislation.
Lawmakers spent more than 10 hours debating it Tuesday, and Republicans rejected every attempt to amend the bill. Throngs of protesters were missing for Wednesday’s mostly procedural vote after days of protests by supporters and opponents.
The bill requires doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, only allow abortions in surgical centers and ban abortions after 20 weeks.
The House gallery was largely empty Wednesday morning, with a smattering of the orange and blue T-shirts worn by opponents and supporters of the bill. This was in stark contrast to Tuesday night’s vote, when hundreds filled the Capitol rotunda chanting, “Shame on you!”
Planned Parenthood took their Stand With Texas Women campaign on the road Tuesday, rallying more than 1,100 supporters in downtown Houston to oppose the measure. The bus tour was expected in Dallas on Wednesday, with a speech by Fort Worth Sen. Wendy Davis, a rising Democratic star following her filibuster against the bill last month.
Texas House of Representatives Passes New Abortion Limits
Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, holds a sonogram showing his unborn son during final remarks before a final vote on HB 2, an abortion bill,Tuesday, July 9, 2013, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
No other issue in Texas has rallied Democratic voters, young activists and women’s right supporters in recent years like House Bill 2. The Texas Democratic Party has helped organize rallies opposing the bill and have used them to register new voters.
Gov. Rick Perry has made it a personal goal to end abortions in Texas, and voting for anti-abortion measures is a litmus test for Republican politicians. Conservative Christian groups keep scorecards on lawmaker’s voting records.
There is little Democrats can do to stop the measure in the Republican-controlled Legislature. But they have worked hard to enter into the legislative record testimony that opponents can use to convince a federal court to overturn the law before it can take effect.
They also say the Texas restrictions and those passed by other states conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established that a woman has the right to get an abortion until her fetus could viably survive outside of the womb, which is generally at 22 to 24 weeks of the pregnancy.
Texas House of Representatives Passes New Abortion Limits
A woman carries a sign as she marches with other pro-abortion rights supporters through downtown Austin, Texas on Monday evening, July 8, 2013. The Texas House began debating a bill on Tuesday that would impose tough new restrictions on abortions. (AP)
Texas House of Representatives Passes New Abortion Limits
Supports of an abortion bill cheer during an anti-abortion rally at the Texas Capitol, Monday, July 8, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The fight over access to abortion in Texas resumed Monday with thousands expected to attend a marathon Senate hearing and a nighttime anti-abortion rally at the Capitol. (AP)
It’s unclear if the Texas restrictions could survive a court challenge. Federal courts have suspended aspects of the bill enacted by other states. On Monday, a federal judge blocked enforcement of a Wisconsin abortion law requiring admitting privileges.
The Texas Medical Association, the Texas Hospital Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology oppose the bill, calling it unnecessary.
Democratic Rep. Ruth McClendon, of San Antonio, made one last attempt to amend the bill Wednesday to add funding for the Adoption Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to families that adopt children in the foster care system. Other Democrats said that if the bill passes, then the number of unintended pregnancies would increase and place greater demand on the foster system.
“If we don’t adopt this amendment, then we are saying that we don’t care about the children of Texas,” she said.
But the bill’s author Rep. Jody Laubenberg, R-Parker, said she opposed all amendments to her bill. She said the Legislature had appropriated enough money for foster children.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Straus Publicly Attacks Gov. Perry and Supports Pro-Abortion Wendy Davis

Joe Straus got a 100% pro abortion rating as a Rep.

Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus has attacked Pro-Life Governor Rick Perry and defended pro-abortion State Senator Wendy Davis.

After The filibuster from Wendy Davis and the unruly mob that shut down the Texas State Senate, you would think that any pro life leader in Texas would criticize either Davis or the mob. Not Joe Straus. Joe Straus Criticized Governor Perry simply because Governor Perry gave a compliment to Wendy Davis and then tied the compliment into a very reasonable, fair point about Wendy Davis. There was nothing out of line said, and certainly nothing that would warrant the Speaker having a public opinion about it and attacking Governor Perry. Oh wait, I guess it would make sense for Straus to attack Perry given the fact that Joe Straus killed all the pro-life bills in regular session and Straus didn't want pro life bills added to the special session either. Although he killed them in regular session, Straus cannot let the pro life bills die in the special sessions with so many Republican supporters, but he will not, and I have never seen him, speak up and promote or advocate for the need to pass this or ANY other pro life bills. If it happens it happens, but not with the help of the historically pro-abortion Joe Straus who has publicly stated that he believes abortion is a wedge issue and unimportant.

So What did Governor Perry Say that Got Davis and Straus Upset?

According to My Fox Austin, Perry had this to say at the National Right to Life Convention in Dallas:

"She was the daughter of a single woman. She was a teenage mother herself. She managed to graduate from Harvard Law School and served in the Texas Senate. It's just unfortunate she hasn't learned from her own example that every life must be given a chance to realize its full potential and every life matters," said Perry.

So first of all Governor Perry compliments Wendy Davis for being born into hard circumstances and then going on to be a young single mother and still managing to go to Harvard and become a Texas State Senator. Sounds like a compliment! He then went on to make a VERY valid and reasonable point that bad circumstances should not justify an abortion because, after all, Davis is a perfect example of having a baby as a young single mom and still becoming a success.

That was NOT an attack, but the Anti Abortion People Hate that Perry made such a good Point against Abortion

Wendy and Joe Straus could not stand the fact that Perry made a reasonable, fair point against abortion. So instead of trying to debate the point about whether or not abortions are needed to become a success, they try to do a little smoke and mirrors and distract people from the point by saying that Governor Perry personally attacked Wendy Davis.

That is outrageous! Perry did not attack Davis. He did not even dig up any personal info about Davis. All the info he said about Davis is info that Wendy Davis herself prances around bragging about. It is part of her public biography and part of her campaigning as a way to show that she is a fighter and an advocate for women. SHE brought her personal life  details into the public and political arena. She can't really thing that it is wrong for Perry to make a fair, reasonable point about her becoming a success even though she had a baby at a young age and not in the best circumstances?

Straus Says Perry's Comments Cross the Line and Damage the Republican Party:

Straus, briefly interviewed by The Texas Tribune as he was leaving the Texas Capitol for his home in San Antonio, said Perry's comments were not helpful to Republicans because they centered on Davis in personal terms and veered away from the conversation about abortion policy.

“Disagreements over policy are important and they’re healthy, but when he crosses the line into the personal, then he damages himself and he damages the Republican Party,” Straus said.

Wendy Davis Says Perry Attacked her and Demeans the Office of the Governor:

Davis comments from My Fox Austin: "I am saddened to learn that Governor Perry made the shameful decision today to personally attack me and my family. The governor's comments are without dignity and tarnish the high office that he holds. Texans deserve better than a governor who thinks the government should intrude on a family's most personal decisions. And Texans deserve better than a governor who tells women - including myself - how they should live their lives." 

Governor Perry Defended his Comments by saying this:

Appearing on the Laura Ingraham Show, Perry stressed that he had said he "was proud of what Wendy had accomplished," but asked rhetorically, "How many young men and women across this country didn't get to accomplish what Wendy Davis just accomplished because they weren't born?"

related articles:

Sen. Ted Cruz says Wendy Davis Does Not Represent Majority of Texans 

Surprise! Only one quarter of Wendy Davis' Twitter and online support came from Texas 

Governor Perry Calls Second Special Session for Abortion and other things. Mob DOES NOT Win!

Dewhurst Says Straus Did not get Pro Life Bill to TX Senate in Time 

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Texas Gov. Perry Vetoes 26 Bills - Defunds Drunk Travis DA, Protects School TEKS/SBOE, Redundant Lilly Ledbetter

Texas Governor Perry has vetoed 26 of the bills that passed out of the 2013 Texas Legislative
Session, and he also line item vetoed a couple of other bills. These bills range from defunding the Public Integrity Unit because the Travis County District Attorney is a convicted criminal and a drunk driver who brings discredit to the office, to protecting the integrity of the State Board of Education, to not allowing the Lilly Ledbetter bill to go forward because it is already federal law and it would be redundant and would end up keeping women from getting hired according to some experts. Then of course last month Governor Perry already vetoed SB 346 which many believed was a bill that Joe Straus was going to use to target conservative non-profits who speak out against him for such things as not being pro-life.

Click Here to see Full list of Governor Rick Perry Vetoes of 2013 Texas Legislative Session Bills



Click on the links below to read about some of the biggest bills that Governor Rick Perry has vetoed:


Texas Governor Perry Vetoes Funding of Drunk Travis DA Rosemary Lehmberg's Public Integrity Unit

TX Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 950 Lilly Ledbetter Women Pay Discrimination Bill Because it is Already Federal Law and Redundant

Governor Perry Vetoes HB 2824, would've allowed Texas schools to use CSCOPE and Obama Common Core Standards

Governor Perry Vetoes HB 2836, would've taken TEKS School Curriculum Standards from Elected State Board of Education (Texas SBOE)

Governor Perry stands for First Amendment and free speech of non-profit conservative organizations and has Vetoed Texas SB 346 - Justice Don Willett and Senator Dan Patrick Respond

Full list of Governor Rick Perry Vetoes of 2013 Texas Legislative Session Bills

 Scroll down for the full Veto List from Governor Rick Perry's website


related articles:

Texas Governor Perry Vetoes Funding of Drunk Travis DA Rosemary Lehmberg's Public Integrity Unit

TX Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 950 Lilly Ledbetter Women Pay Discrimination Bill Because it is Already Federal Law and Redundant

Governor Perry Vetoes HB 2824, would've allowed Texas schools to use CSCOPE and Obama Common Core Standards

Governor Perry Vetoes HB 2836, would've taken TEKS School Curriculum Standards from Elected State Board of Education (Texas SBOE)

Governor Perry stands for First Amendment and free speech of non-profit conservative organizations and has Vetoed Texas SB 346 - Justice Don Willett and Senator Dan Patrick Respond


below is the full Veto List from Governor Rick Perry's website: http://governor.state.tx.us/news/bills/veto/

Texas' 83rd Legislative Session Vetoes


  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 889
    Relating to the physician assistant board. Author: Uresti; Sponsor: Laubenberg
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 722
    Relating to eligibility to serve as an interpreter in an election. Author: Ellis; Sponsor: Johnson
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 1234
    Relating to the prevention of truancy and the offense of failure to attend school. Author: Whitmire; Sponsor: Price
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 504
    Relating to the requirement that certain schoolchildren be screened for abnormal spinal curvature. Author: Deuell; Sponsor: King, Susan
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 429
    Relating to the dismissal or nonsuit of a suit to terminate the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services. Author: Nelson; Sponsor: Raymond
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 227
    Relating to the dispensing of aesthetic pharmaceuticals by physicians and therapeutic optometrists; imposing fees. Author: Williams; Sponsor: Zerwas
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 219
    Relating to ethics of public servants, including the functions and duties of the Texas Ethics Commission; the regulation of political contributions, political advertising, lobbying, and conduct of public servants; and the reporting of political contributions and expenditures and personal financial information; providing civil and criminal penalties. Author: Huffman; Sponsor: Bonnen, Dennis | Johnson
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 17
    Relating to the training in school safety of certain educators of a school district or an open-enrollment charter school authorized to carry a concealed handgun on school premises. Author: Patrick | Estes; Sponsor: Fletcher
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 3509
    Relating to endangered species habitat conservation and to the creation of a board to oversee and guide the state's coordinated response to federal actions regarding endangered species. Author: Bonnen, Dennis | Villalba; Sponsor: Seliger
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 15
    Relating to the governance of public institutions of higher education in this state. Author: Seliger | Deuell | Duncan | Ellis | Eltife | Nelson | Watson | West | Whitmire | Zaffirini; Sponsor:Branch
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 3085
    Relating to the regulation of automotive wrecking and salvage yards in certain counties; increasing the civil penalty. Author: Walle; Sponsor: Garcia
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Line-Item Vetoes in SB 1
    General Appropriations Bill. Author: Williams; Sponsor: Pitts
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 3063
    Relating to defense base development authorities. Author: Menéndez; Sponsor: Van de Putte
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 1606
    Relating to ad valorem tax liens on personal property. Author: Zaffirini Sponsor: Strama
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2836
    Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the required public school curriculum and to certain state-adopted or state-developed assessment instruments for public school students. Author: Ratliff | Farney | King, Ken | Patrick, Diane | Huberty; Sponsor: Patrick
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2824
    Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium. Author: Ratliff | Branch | Simpson | Turner, Sylvester | Kacal; Sponsor: Paxton
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2590
    Relating to the foreclosure sale of property subject to an oil or gas lease. Author: Keffer; Sponsor: Eltife
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 2138
    Relating to the board of directors of the Near Northside Management District and to the district's boundaries and territory. Author: Dutton; Sponsor: Ellis
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1790
    Relating to certain procedures for defendants who successfully complete a period of state jail felony community supervision. Author: Longoria | Thompson, Senfronia | Burnam | Hughes | Rose; Sponsor: Hinojosa
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1511
    Relating to the rates of sales and use taxes imposed by municipalities; authorizing an increase or decrease in the rate of those taxes. Author: Larson; Sponsor: Eltife
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1160
    Relating to the transfer of a certificate of convenience and necessity in certain municipalities. Author: Geren; Sponsor: Nelson
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Line-Item Vetoes in HB 1025
    Relating to making supplemental appropriations and reductions in appropriations and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding appropriations. Author: Pitts; Sponsor: Williams
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 217
    Relating to the types of beverages that may be sold to students on public school campuses. Author: Alvarado | Zerwas | King, Susan | Lucio III | Cortez; Sponsor: Uresti
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1090
    Relating to the creation of Texas Task Force 1 Type 3 Rio Grande Valley and authorizing the creation of a Texas Task Force 2 by certain municipalities. Author: Martinez, "Mando" | Lucio III | Canales; Sponsor: Hinojosa
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 950
    Relating to unlawful employment practices regarding discrimination in payment of compensation. Author: Thompson, Senfronia | Collier | Davis, Sarah | Alvarado | Isaac; Sponsor: Davis
  • Friday, June 14, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 1982
    Relating to the enterprise zone program. Author: Murphy; Sponsor: Hinojosa
  • Saturday, May 25, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes SB 346
    Relating to reporting requirements of certain persons who do not meet the definition of political committee. Author: Seliger; Sponsor: Geren
  • Saturday, May 25, 2013 • Austin, Texas • Veto Statement
    Gov. Perry Vetoes HB 535
    Relating to the preference given by state agencies to goods offered by bidders in this state or manufactured, produced, or grown in this state or in the United States. Author: Davis, Yvonne | Reynolds | Keffer | Miles | Naishtat; Sponsor: Zaffirini

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

TX Dem. Reps Praise Speaker Straus for Blocking Abortion and Gun Bills this Legislative Session

Democrats tate Representatives praise Texas Speaker Joe Straus for blocking anti-abortion and pro-gun bills this session.

The following are quotes excerpts from an article in the Austin American Statesman:

Straus’ success came as he presided over a center-right coalition that included Democrats, Henson said. He also kept control by steering the greater debate away from guns and abortion, leaving the right wing of the Republican Party “understandably dissatisfied,” Henson said

State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, spent much of the legislative session two years ago fighting Straus and his lieutenants by using parliamentary maneuvers to derail the Republican proposals that defined that session.

This time around, Martinez Fischer and other Democrats were comparatively quiet. Part of it was the lack of divisive measures — like the 2011 efforts to ban sanctuary cities and demand sonograms before abortions — but just as much, it was Straus’ willingness to keep focused.

Rep. Van Taylor, a frequent critic of Straus, had a different take on the relative serenity of the 83rd legislative session. The Plano Republican said the calmness reflects an aversion to controversy.

“Republicans lost a golden opportunity to pass a lot of conservative legislation,” Taylor said, citing gun and abortion legislation that did not pass. He also said Straus should have ensured the chamber approved a more conservative budget that didn’t “raid the rainy day fund” and “lurch to the left,” Taylor said.


read the full article here: http://pushjunction.com/l/Coa

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Update: Governor Perry has Vetoed Texas SB 346 - Justice Don Willett and Senator Dan Patrick Respond

Update: Governor Perry has Vetoed Texas SB 346


Statement from Texas Governor Rick Perry:


“Freedom of association and freedom of speech are two of our most important rights enshrined in the Constitution. My fear is that SB 346 would have a chilling effect on both of those rights in our democratic political process. While regulation is necessary in the administration of Texas political finance laws, no regulation is tolerable that puts anyone’s participation at risk or that can be used by any government, organization or individual to intimidate those who choose to participate in our process through financial means.”

“At a time when our federal government is assaulting the rights of Americans by using the tools of government to squelch dissent it is unconscionable to expose more Texans to the risk of such harassment, regardless of political, organizational or party affiliation. I therefore veto SB 346.”


the following is a facebook post from Texas Senator Dan Patrick:

Gov just vetoed SB 346 That is the bill I recalled from the House that they refused to send back. It would impact 501 C 4 organizations including many conservative & pro-life groups as well as moderate or liberal groups. It was a clearly unconstitutional, but would have required a lengthy @ expensive court fight

the following is tweet from Texas State Supreme Court Justice Don Willett:

Don Willett @JusticeWillett 8m

@GovernorPerry's #SB346 veto msg: “Freedom of association & ... speech are two of our most important rights enshrined in the Constitution."




previous articles:


ACTION ALERT! Ask Texas Governor Perry to VETO SB 346 - it attacks conservative groups and churches like Obama's IRS

Friday, May 24, 2013

ACTION ALERT! Ask Texas Governor Perry to VETO SB 346 - it attacks conservative groups and churches like Obama's IRS

Update: Governor Perry has Vetoed Texas SB 346 - Justice Don Willett and Senator Dan Patrick Respond


ACTION ALERT! GOVERNOR RICK PERRY MUST VETO THIS BILL SB 346! 512-463-2000

One of the top Chairmen for Joe Straus, Charlie Geren, has pushed a bill (SB 346) through the Texas House that, like the recent Obama IRS scandal, would attack Texas conservative non-profit groups by demanding the groups reveal who gives money to the non-profit groups. 

This bill would even attack churches and religious groups who do not get involved in partisan politics and only stand for issues like pro-life and pro marriage! 

Interestingly enough, labor unions are specifically named in the bill as exempt from these requirements! Heck, what about newspapers? They get involved in EVERY election and endorse candidates and bash Republicans in issues, but they would not have to reveal their finances under this bill. So Unions and Newspapers get a pass, but if someone gives 25,000 to a church to buy pro-life signs then the church has to reveal their finances! THIS IS WORSE THAT WHAT OBAMA'S IRS IS DOING!

Also, how would you feel about having to register as a lobbyist simply because you go to the Courthouse in Austin with a group of Christians from your church and hold pro-life signs on the side of the road?

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY MUST VETO THIS BILL SB 346! Call his office at 512-463-2000

Call the Texas Governor NOW and ask that he veto this bill. Spread the word about this outrageous shakedown and attack on the first amendment!

The State Senate voted to pass this bill first before the house, but they did so with good intentions not knowing the major flaws in the bill. They tried to have a re-vote to recall this bill after they found out the flaws in the bill and found out that it was being pushed by Straus, but it was too late. The House conservatives were able to reveal this trickery before the bill was voted on, but the House Democrats teamed up with the house moderate Republicans and the House Conservative Republicans were not able to stop this bill from passing. Since it passed the House and Senate, it now goes to the Governor to be signed.

Governor Rick Perry MUST veto this bill!

This is a direct attack on the First Amendment. Non-Profits, like Pro Life groups and fiscal responsibility groups, are non-partisan and these groups promote their issues and support anyone who supports their issue. Because they are non-partisan and they are created to support an issue, they are not required to reveal private information about the non-profit in campaign finance reports. This is like how a church works. A church is a non profit and, like other non-profits, is protected by the First Amendment and does not have to reveal financial info or pay taxes. A church can promote Christian issues and encourage people to vote in support of these Christian issues. Well, Joe Straus does not like that because Straus has received negative attention from some of these groups because he is not personally pro-life and has had other fiscal responsibility issues. So what does Straus do? Straus attacks the first amendment and calls for a shakedown of these non profit groups. These groups are not supporting him, so he is wants to unconstitutionally target these groups. Can someone tell me how that is ANY different from the IRS targeting conservative non profit and Tea Party groups because they stand for conservative values and go against the liberal values of President Obama?

Texans Should be Outraged at this attack against the First Amendment from Joe Straus!


read more about this bill here:












Like IRS Scandal, Texas Speaker Straus Attacking Conservative Non-Profit Groups and even Churches!

Update: Governor Perry has Vetoed Texas SB 346 - Justice Don Willett and Senator Dan Patrick Respond


GOVERNOR RICK PERRY MUST VETO THIS BILL SB 346! 

One of the top Chairmen for Joe Straus, Charlie Geren, has pushed a bill (SB 346) through the Texas House that, like the recent Obama IRS scandal, would attack Texas conservative non-profit groups by demanding the groups reveal who gives money to the non-profit groups. 

This bill would even attack churches and religious groups who do not get involved in partisan politics and only stand for issues like pro-life and pro marriage! 

Interestingly enough, labor unions are specifically named in the bill as exempt from these requirements! Heck, what about newspapers? They get involved in EVERY election and endorse candidates and bash Republicans in issues, but they would not have to reveal their finances under this bill. So Unions and Newspapers get a pass, but if someone gives 25,000 to a church to buy pro-life signs then the church has to reveal their finances! THIS IS WORSE THAT WHAT OBAMA'S IRS IS DOING!

Also, how would you feel about having to register as a lobbyist simply because you go to the Courthouse in Austin with a group of Christians from your church and hold pro-life signs on the side of the road?

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY MUST VETO THIS BILL SB 346! call his office at 512-463-2000

Call the Texas Governor NOW and ask that he veto this bill. Spread the word about this outrageous shakedown and attack on the first amendment!

The State Senate voted to pass this bill first before the house, but they did so with good intentions not knowing the major flaws in the bill. They tried to have a re-vote to recall this bill after they found out the flaws in the bill and found out that it was being pushed by Straus, but it was too late. The House conservatives were able to reveal this trickery before the bill was voted on, but the House Democrats teamed up with the house moderate Republicans and the House Conservative Republicans were not able to stop this bill from passing. Since it passed the House and Senate, it now goes to the Governor to be signed.

Governor Rick Perry MUST veto this bill!

This is a direct attack on the First Amendment. Non-Profits, like Pro Life groups and fiscal responsibility groups, are non-partisan and these groups promote their issues and support anyone who supports their issue. Because they are non-partisan and they are created to support an issue, they are not required to reveal private information about the non-profit in campaign finance reports. This is like how a church works. A church is a non profit and, like other non-profits, is protected by the First Amendment and does not have to reveal financial info or pay taxes. A church can promote Christian issues and encourage people to vote in support of these Christian issues. Well, Joe Straus does not like that because Straus has received negative attention from some of these groups because he is not personally pro-life and has had other fiscal responsibility issues. So what does Straus do? Straus attacks the first amendment and calls for a shakedown of these non profit groups. These groups are not supporting him, so he is wants to unconstitutionally target these groups. Can someone tell me how that is ANY different from the IRS targeting conservative non profit and Tea Party groups because they stand for conservative values and go against the liberal values of President Obama?

Texans Should be Outraged at this attack against the First Amendment from Joe Straus!


read more about this bill here:

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20130522-michael-quinn-sullivan-dark-money-bill-threatens-small-social-issue-groups.ece

http://pushjunction.com/l/Cn_

http://www.chron.com/news/texas/article/House-sends-donor-disclosure-bill-to-Gov-Perry-4513388.php

http://www.agendawise.com/2013/05/charlie-geren-with-obamas-irs/

http://www.bigjollypolitics.com/2013/05/22/governor-perry-the-texas-democrat-party-official-who-threatened-to-kill-nra-members-is-behind-sb-346/

http://www.conservativehq.com/article/13553-emergency-call-action-ask-texas-governor-rick-perry-veto-sb-346-now

http://www.texasaction.com/bill/83r/sb346

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/15512-texas-conservatives-mobilize-ask-governor-to-veto-bill-expanding-the-definition-of-political-activity

http://www.redstate.com/2013/05/21/governor-perry-please-veto-sb-346/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324767004578489183521250950.html

http://wilcoconservative.blogspot.com/2013/05/wsj-conservatives-urge-veto-of-ill.html

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Texas Senate passes sweeping charter school bill expanding number of charter schools

from KFDM 6 News: http://www.kfdm.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/kfdm_vid_4444.shtml

By WILL WEISSERT
Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Senate has overwhelming approved a dramatic expansion of the number of charter schools allowed to operate in Texas.

But what passed wasn't nearly as ambitious as originally proposed.

Sen. Dan Patrick's bill would increase the cap on the number of licenses to operate charter schools statewide from the current 215 up to 305 by September 2019.

It passed 30-1 on Thursday with surprisingly little debate. Democrats and Republicans alike then congratulated Patrick.

The measure now heads to the House, where it faces a tougher road.

Patrick had originally pushed for lifting entirely the cap on licenses, and creating a special board to oversee a flood of new applications he expected would follow.

But Patrick said the bill that passed is "much, much better" than the original.

Nullify Obamacare Hearing - Texas Legislature - April 17th, 2013

the following is something that a friend posted on facebook:
HB 3785, a Texas House bill that nullifies Obamacare and interposes against the taxes established by it, has been scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, April 17th at 2pm or upon adjournment of the House, in room E2.036.

It is imperative that we get as many people as possible into that committee hearing to register FOR the bill, and if they are confident enough, to TESTIFY for the bill.

If you cannot be there in person, contact everyone listed below on the phone AND through email and ask them to please pass the bill out of committee.

Rep. Brandon Creighton, Chair, brandon.creighton@house.state.tx.us, 512-463-0726
Rep. Cindy Burkett, cindy.burkett@house.state.tx.us, 512-463-0464
Rep. Eddie Lucio, eddie.lucio@house.state.tx.us, 512-463-0606
Rep. Scott Turner, scott.turner@house.state.tx.us, 512-463-0484
Rep. Armando Walle, armando.walle@house.state.tx.us, 512-463-0924

Please help pass this alert around by sending it to YOUR email list of like minded friends/family and post it to all social networks you are a part of.

If you are tagged at the bottom of this post, it means you have a network you can tap into to possibly help get people to turn out to this hearing. Anything you can do will be much appreciated.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Texas Senate Approves Drug Testing for Welfare

from KFDM News: http://www.kfdm.com/shared/news/top-stories/stories/kfdm_vid_4423.shtml

By JIM VERTUNO
Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Senate has passed a bill to drug test some welfare applicants and cut off drug users from receiving money.

The bill by Sen. Jane Nelson, a Flower Mound Republican, covers adults applying to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides poor people with money for food, clothing, housing and other basic needs.

The bill passed Wednesday temporarily cuts off benefits to drug users, with a permanent ban after three failed drug tests. Money would still go to an applicant's minor children through a third party.

The program spends about $90 million on 100,000 Texans every year. Nelson says taxpayer money should not be used to support a drug habit.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.Senate approves drug testing for welfare

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Texas Rep Simpson's "Everyone's Savings Bill" Surpasses 110 Coauthors, Favorably Reported

From: David Simpson
Date: Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Subject: Release: Everyone's Savings Bill Surpasses 110 Coauthors, Favorably Reported
To:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 19, 2013
Contact – Kathi Seay, 512-463-0750512-463-0750
kathi.seay@house.state.tx.us

“EVERYONE’S SAVINGS” BILL SURPASSES BENCHMARK NUMBER OF COAUTHORS, FAVORABLY REPORTED

Measure to Expand Savings Opportunities for Low-Income Families Gains Over 110 Co-Authors, Favorably Reported Out of Ways and Means Committee


(Longview) – Representative David Simpson (R-Longview) announced today that HB 78, a bill that will expand savings opportunities for low and middle-income families, has surpassed 110 co-authors. The “Everyone’s Savings” bill removes the requirement to collect sales taxes on the purchase of gold and silver coins and bullion below $1000. Currently, purchases above $1000 are not taxed, allowing higher-income Texans to save and invest in precious metals without a tax penalty.

“This bill will remove a barrier to savings for low- and middle-income families,” said Rep. Simpson. “For a long time, higher-income families have been able to protect their earnings by investing in precious metals without a tax penalty. HB 78 will afford that same opportunity to everyone.”

HB 78 enjoys broad support in both parties and across all parts of the state. The bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee where it was last night reported favorably and unanimously to consideration by the full House.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman and bill joint-author Harvey Hilderbran also stated, “With HB 78, the Legislature has the chance to expand savings opportunities for all Texans, regardless of income or class. This is about basic fairness for all our citizens. I am glad to joint-author the bill and encourage my fellow legislators to help us pass this common sense measure.”

A nearly identical measure was adopted by the House through floor amendments last session but was not included in the final conference committee bill.

Representative Simpson, Republican from Longview, serves House District 7 which is comprised of Gregg and Upshur counties.

###


Friday, March 22, 2013

Tim Tebow – Collin Klein Bill Filed to Allow Home Schoolers to Participate in Texas UIL Sports

the following article is by Tim Lambert from the Homeschool Coalition website:

Tim Tebow – Collin Klein Bill Filed

UIL was created in 1913 for all Texas students. In 1915 eligibility was restricted to white, public school students. According to testimony in the Leeper vs. Arlington ISD case, at this time, 80% of the students in Texas were home schooled. Although minority students were allowed to participate in UIL beginning in 1967, home school students are still excluded.
We are referring to this legislation as the “Tim Tebow bill,” since he was a home schooled student who played with a public school team in Florida and later earned a scholarship to the University of Florida.  Once at the University of Florida, he won a Heisman Trophy in 2007 and now plays in the NFL.
Collin Klein, Heisman Trophy candidate last year from Kansas State in the Big 12, was also a home school student who played football on a public school team in Colorado.
We are very close to having a Senate sponsor for the same language as HB 1374 in the Texas Senate. While a bill has been filed in the Senate (SB 573) that would allow private schools to take part in UIL in a limited way, it does not specifically include home schools.
This bill is essentially the same language as the Arizona law that has been in place in that state for almost ten years. It states that students who live in the district can participate, but students cannot withdraw from a public school and compete as a home school student in the same school year. It also requires parents to assure each reporting period that the student is passing their classes.
This legislation is simply allowing home schoolers the option to compete in UIL activities. Home schoolers in highly populated areas who have access to a well-organized, successful home school league would have less of an incentive to join UIL. On the other hand, home schoolers in rural areas have limited opportunities to compete in athletic sporting events. The UIL legislation would enable such home schoolers to compete in athletic sports that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
We were very pleased with initial discussions with members of both the House Public Education Committee as well as members of the Education Committee in the Texas Senate. Stay tuned as we move forward on what could be a momentous decision by the Texas legislature. This is an issue that THSC has been working on for almost twenty years.
We continue to work diligently to preserve the freedom of Texas parents to home school. The only way we, as home schoolers, can truly keep ourselves free of regulation is to vigilantly oppose any regulation presented every time the Texas legislature is in session. Each legislative session, THSC leads the battle against any regulation of home schooling and parental rights. We would not support this bill if we believed for a moment that it would jeopardize our precious rights.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Sen. Patrick Bill Let Texans Decide the next Presidential Primary Winners by Moving TX Primary to February

I like this proposed bill from Texas State Senator Dan Patrick. Texas has NO say in picking the Presidential Nominees. By the time Texas votes in the Presidential Primaries, the race is usually over. Senator Dan Patrick has proposed a bill that will move the Texas Primary up to the beginning of February. This will give Texas a big say in who wins the Presidential race for the Democrat and Republican Parties. I argued for something like this during the last Presidential election, but many Republicans were too scared of the RNC getting mad at Texas so everyone settled with Texas having no say in the 2012 race. Florida, on the other hand, broke the RNC rules and had an early primary. Sure, the RNC got mad and penalized Florida, but Florida had a big say in the Presidential Primaries and changed the race. Texas should do the same. What is worse, getting the RNC mad at you or having no say in the next Presidential election?

Statement from Senator Dan Patrick:


Dan Patrick


Senator - District 7

For Immediate Release

February 8, 2013 Contact: Logan Spence, (512) 463-0107



SENATOR PATRICK MOVES TO MAKE TEXAS RELEVANT IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

AUSTIN - Today Senator Dan Patrick filed Senate Bill 452 that moves the primary date to the first Tuesday in February of even numbered years. The intent of the bill is to allow the people of Texas, in all parties, to have a stronger voice in the presidential election.

"I'm tired of other states, mostly smaller, picking the nominees for President," said Patrick. "Texas is the leading economic engine in the nation, has the second largest and fastest growing population in the country, and we reflect the broad spectrum of demographics in America," added Patrick.

"For far too long the race for President has been all but decided by the time Texans get a chance to cast their ballot," said Patrick. "SB 452 will ensure that Texas will now be a leading voice in determining who will lead our country," said Patrick.

If SB 452 passes, the filing deadline would move to the second week of November beginning with the 2014 elections. "I believe the people of Texas regardless of party affiliation will be in strong support of this legislation," stated Senator Patrick.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

REP. MATT KRAUSE FILES RELIGIOUS EQUAL ACCESS ACT: proposed by Ed Colbert

I was contacted a couple of months ago by Ed Colbert. He was working hard to get a bill passed to stop Texas Schools from allowing public school facilities to be used be non religious groups but not religious groups. Well, Ed got a State Representative to sponsor the bill. Thanks Rep. Matt Krause!


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Elliott Griffin, Chief of Staff February 20th, 2013 (512) 463-0562

REP. MATT KRAUSE FILES RELIGIOUS EQUAL ACCESS ACT

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Today, Rep. Matt Krause filed H.B. 1525, which prohibits the Board of Trustees of an independent school district from treating religious organizations differently than they treat non-religious organizations regarding access to school campuses during non-instructional time.
"The United States Supreme Court has made it clear that if a government-owned property is open to public expression and assembly, those citizens who would utilize the property may not be subject to viewpoint discrimination, specifically religious viewpoint discrimination," said Rep. Matt Krause. "H.B. 1525 takes the findings of the Supreme Court in cases like Good News Club v. Milford Central School and Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District, and codifies them in Texas law, ensuring that all speech is protected and allowed in government-owned properties in our state."
Rep. Matt Krause worked as a constitutional attorney for Liberty Counsel for nearly five years before becoming a state representative. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.
"During my time working as a constitutional attorney, I was able to help many people who faced viewpoint discrimination while trying to access public facilities," continued Rep. Matt Krause. "Texas needs to act strongly to protect folks who may not have the means to pursue litigation when their First Amendment rights are being infringed upon."


Text of Bill Filed be Matt Krause:

By:AAKrause H.B.ANo.A1525
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to prohibiting the board of trustees of an independent
school district from exercising disparate treatment in allowing
access to school campuses during non-instructional time based on
the religious nature of an organization.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTIONA1.AAThe legislature finds that a school district
that denies an organization access to its limited public forum on
the grounds that the organization is religious in nature, or that
the viewpoints expressed by the organization are religious in
nature, is violating the organization ’s free speech rights. To
protect those rights, this Act intends to codify the supporting
language of the United States Supreme Court in Good News Club v.
Milford Central School, 533 U.S. 98 (2001), and Lamb ’s Chapel v.
Center Moriches Union Free School District, 508 U.S. 384 (1993).
SECTIONA2.AASubchapter D, Chapter 11, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 11.1651 to read as follows:
Sec.A11.1651.AAPROHIBITION OF DISPARATE TREATMENT IN
ALLOWING ACCESS TO SCHOOL CAMPUSES DURING NON-INSTRUCTIONAL TIME
BASED ON RELIGIOUS NATURE OF ORGANIZATION. If the board of trustees
of an independent school district allows noncurricular community
organizations not organized or operated primarily by students
access to district school campuses during non-instructional time,
the district must provide religious organizations the same access
to school campuses during non-instructional time as is given to
other noncurricular organizations without discrimination based on
any religious nature of an organization or on an organization ’s
activities on campus, including expression of religious
viewpoints.
SECTIONA3.AAThis Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2013.

H.B.ANo.A1525

Friday, March 1, 2013

Sen. Campbell Files Bill to Stop Vote Poaching/Fraud and Stop Dead People Voting in San Antonio, TX

Texas has a Vote Poaching problem. Ballots and votes are being stolen. Voter Fraud is real. State Senator Donna Campbell has filed a bill (SB 554) to stop the voter fraud and to stop dead people from voting in San Antonio, TX.
San Antonio, TX seems to be ground zero for this problem. Texas Conservative Republican Hispanic Weston Martinez uncovered just the tip of an iceberg last year. Martinez discovered that dozens of ballots were being sent to the same location. A location that where no one even lives. The location was a cemetery in San Antonio.
Here are a few links to more information about this voter fraud scandal in San Antonio:

The good news is that there is a solution!
Texas State Senator Donna Campbell has introduced SB 554 which would strengthen voter fraud laws.

Here is the entire text of Senator Campbell’s bill:

 83(R) SB 554 –
Introduced version - Bill Text 83R5227 ATP-D
By: Campbell S.B. No. 554
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT relating to the penalty for theft of an official ballot or official carrier envelope for an election.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 31.03(e), Penal Code, is amended to read
as follows:
(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), an offense under
this section is:
(1) a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property
stolen is less than:
(A) $50; or
(B) $20 and the defendant obtained the property
by issuing or passing a check or similar sight order in a manner
described by Section 31.06;
(2) a Class B misdemeanor if:
(A) the value of the property stolen is:
(i) $50 or more but less than $500; or
(ii) $20 or more but less than $500 and the
defendant obtained the property by issuing or passing a check or
similar sight order in a manner described by Section 31.06;
(B) the value of the property stolen is less
than:
(i) $50 and the defendant has previously
been convicted of any grade of theft; or
(ii) $20, the defendant has previously been
convicted of any grade of theft, and the defendant obtained the
property by issuing or passing a check or similar sight order in a
manner described by Section 31.06; or
(C) the property stolen is a driver's license,
commercial driver's license, or personal identification
certificate issued by this state or another state;
(3) a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property
stolen is $500 or more but less than $1,500;
(4) a state jail felony if:
(A) the value of the property stolen is $1,500 or
more but less than $20,000, or the property is less than 10 head of
sheep, swine, or goats or any part thereof under the value of
$20,000;
(B) regardless of value, the property is stolen
from the person of another or from a human corpse or grave,
including property that is a military grave marker;
(C) the property stolen is a firearm, as defined
by Section 46.01;
(D) the value of the property stolen is less than
$1,500 and the defendant has been previously convicted two or more
times of any grade of theft; or
(E) [the property stolen is an official ballot or
official carrier envelope for an election; or
[(F)] the value of the property stolen is less
than $20,000 and the property stolen is:
(i) aluminum;
(ii) bronze;
(iii) copper; or
(iv) brass;
(5) a felony of the third degree if the value of the
property stolen is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, or the
property is:
(A) cattle, horses, or exotic livestock or exotic
fowl as defined by Section 142.001, Agriculture Code, stolen during
a single transaction and having an aggregate value of less than
$100,000; [or]
(B) 10 or more head of sheep, swine, or goats
stolen during a single transaction and having an aggregate value of
less than $100,000; or
(C) an official ballot or official carrier
envelope for an election;
(6) a felony of the second degree if:
(A) the value of the property stolen is $100,000
or more but less than $200,000; or
(B) the value of the property stolen is less than
$200,000 and the property stolen is an automated teller machine or
the contents or components of an automated teller machine; or
(7) a felony of the first degree if the value of the
property stolen is $200,000 or more.
SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act.
An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is
covered by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the
former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of
this section, an offense is committed before the effective date of
this Act if any element of the offense occurs before that date.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.