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LOCAL & CONSENT CALENDAR COMMITTEE: is keeping a list of callers to move the bill to the general calendar.

everyone must call them!

I just got off the phone with the office of the committee chairman, Charlie Howard (512-463-0710). The woman I spoke with said the committee is actively reviewing this issue in consideration of moving it. I was so pleased, I forgot to ask when a decision was likely to be made. I think later is better than sooner, as long as it goes our way.

I'd suggest calling/writing each committee member and respectfully encouraging them to "do the right thing". Kindly offer them your assistance and additional info if they are undecided.

I spoke with a smile, logged my opposition and said that when the bill was written and presented for public hearing it had a very different set of wording than it did when it came out of committee to move to the floor. And the public did not have a chance to speak on the revised wording in any public hearing, and this will present opposition.

I hope this thing gets filed in the deepest darkest hole they have.

I think I will find a wishing well and toss my best penny into it.

Lance

So far I've been sticking with the email, stamped letter approach . . . but once I get the cell from my wife and start calling . . . are you guys calling their Austin offices or their district offices?

Troy

I've called the Austin offices...plus the district offices of my local folks.

I'm calling both, but mainly Austin.

The Austin staff members will be better placed to network with the staff of other state politicians. More bang for the buck.

However, the "home office" staff will be more responsive to and aware of local interests. Definitely call the local offices of your personal reps, or reps for areas you frequent.

np

I was told, from Bohac's office, that it could take a week to make a decision. Was told to call the clerk, Carrie (sic) Nelson at (512)463-0800 to keep track of it. Was informed that it looked good about getting moved, due to the number of calls.

We all know about the "10 minutes of discussion to oppose" rule that will kick it back off the committee to the general calendar. But they can stand up and just ask questions and try to find answers, if we can get two or three House Reps to just ask some good questions on this at the right time it would kick it back. And I do not the impression that a few people asking legitimate questions is unethical like one person just standing up and burning ten minutes. That is why that loophole was installed after all, if opposition comes up at this point.

Maybe Gallego and Pickett can be part of that approach?