Well the session is underway with plenty of pomp, speeches and a carnival atmosphere as usual. Legislators were sworn in and then it was plenty of receptions with food and drink. We met with all the new legislators and welcomed them to Our House. We asked that they remember they are there as representatives for the will of the people.
Unlike other sessions I managed to make an enemy, or should I say solidified a poor relationship with a Senator. Stopped in Kim Brimer's office and was greeted warmly by his staff. He walked out and I started talking to him about our upcoming Helmet Bill. He very rudely and loudly said get out of my way Sputnik and pushed his way past me. I turned and told him "Get out of your way Hell, you're the one who is in the way up here. His entire staff cracked up laughing. Needless to say we can not expect any help from him but we didn't have support there anyhow. He is one of those Reps who decide they are God when they cross the aisle to the Senate.
There was a large Rally on the capitol steps in support of Rep. Vo who is being charged with voter fraud by Ex Rep Heflin who lost in the vote and the recount. The House will hold trial on the 27th to hear evidence by Rep. Hartnett who has been appointed to gather all information concerning the charges. The House will make one of three choices sometime in Feb. They must allow the election to stand, return the seat to Ex Rep. Heflin or call for a new election. Unfortunately either choice will cause dissension.
Today the House worked on new House rules for the coming session. The Senate introduced SB 2 the Education Funding Program. Gov. Perry says there won't be an increase in taxes but their Bill calls for a state property Tax, revamping the business Taxes, Taxes on Cigarettes, Tobacco and Alcohol Tax increase, increase the Sales Tax and several other Taxes but there won't be an increase in Taxes. Sounds like politician talk to me.
Tomorrow both Houses will be working on the Recorded Vote issue. That will be fun to watch. They will not be in session next week as many of them travel to DC for the Presidential Inaugural Parties and the Inauguration.
I will go home and attend the Houston COC meeting on Saturday and try to get to the D/FW COC meeting on Sunday. Only five people have volunteered to be Staff members on Legislative Day. We need way more than that.
We will have member applications, member shirts and Supporter shirts at the Travelodge on Sunday. We have set aside a room to be used as an office while we are there. Stop in and visit.
Have I done that which I can do to the best of my ability?
HELL NO !! - but I'm trying.
Sputnik
