Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Life, Liberty, and Property Kicks off the 84th #TXLEGE


"and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel"
Ephesians 6:19

The Life, Liberty, and Property coalition held their first "First Amendment Tuesday" this morning prior to Greg Abbott's inauguration; it is a FANTASTIC primer for citizen lobbying:

Michael Quinn Sullivan (Empower Texans):



Highlights:
  • Learn the rules for petitioning government.



Highlights:
  • House rule 1; section 5
    • No signs or disruptive behavior (doesn't apply to Wendy Davis).
    • Our opponents will use failure to practice decorum to silence us.
  • Lobbying:
    • "A lobbyist is a hired gun."
    • There are rules about giving gifts.
  • In a couple of weeks, committees will be assigned.
  • How a bill moves out of the House (at least in theory): First reading -- > Committee -- > Calendars -- > Floor
  • "Points of Order" can cut both ways.
  • 2/3rds rule -- Senate is supposed to consider bills in the order they come out of committee.



Highlights:
  • Every pro-life victory is due to gubernatorial leadership and strong grassroots activism.\
  • Legislators care more about what constituents think than "lobbying" groups.
  • Remember, they work for us.
  • Be respectful.
  • Tell the what bills you support.
  • Before you leave the office, have them respond.
    • "Does this sound like a good bill to you?!?"
    • There's all kinds of stalling techniques elected officials use:
      • Office Tours
      • Life Stories
      • Asking a frillion questions about your life story.



Highlights:
  • Mostly parental rights stuff.
  • Tim Tebow bill - Allow homeschoolers to participate in extra-cirriculars
  • In laws can sue parents for "access" to children.



Highlights:
  • Tuesday 2/24 lobby day.
  • Plano bathroom bill got enough signatures.
  • Restoring SBOE authority.



Highlights:
  • American laws for American courts.
More Harmony schools popping up.
    • Defund
    • Put their checkbooks online.
    • Author's Note: Good grief, there are at least 5 in Austin alone.
  • CSCOPE: The whack-a-mole continues.



Highlights:
  • Interstate compacts for Border Enforcement.
  • With GOP control of Congress, forces them on record.
  • Interstate compacts bypass the President; only require congressional approval.
  • Start with the 25 states suing Obama over Executive Amnesty.
  • "The state of Texas spends too much, borrows too much, and relies too heavily on the Federal government."
  • Restore state spending to it's core functions.

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