WE NEED TO RECRUIT TEXAS REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS TO PERSONALLY AND PUBLICLY REQUEST A VETO AND SPECIAL SESSION.
A staffer from the Governor’s office called me today. She was very pleasant and professional. Despite being very busy, she took the time to speak with me at length and asked a number of questions. She was particularly interested in the "safety" and "conservation" issues. I politely (and hopefully convincingly) explained that these weren't really issues and certainly weren't addressed by any of the HB 2414 language. She listened attentively and seemed to accept my points. I strongly suggested that the Governor correct this abuse and send a message by vetoing HB 12 and calling a special session to correct and resubmit HB 12 without 2414 or 1309 language (or at least giving said language a full, fair, and public hearing).
Unfortunately, the Governor and his staff are in a very difficult position on this. I think they agree with us (but obviously they can't just come out and say that, at least not until they determine their course of action). The certainly seem upset about how this was handled in Conference Committee (i.e. Hilderbran and Estes). However, a veto (especially a post session veto that would likely create the need to call a special session) is an extreme action. We could make it more politically acceptable for Perry to veto this and call a special session by getting as many reps and senators as possible to personally and publicly request it.
I should note that the staffer did not suggest this (or any) action. As is proper, she was open minded remained neutral.
