Good Morning all, it is morning now.
On Tuesday when HB 3 came to the Senate Floor for third reading and final passage Senator Mike Jackson, district 11, stunned top leaders by voting no on the motion to suspend the rules. Senator Jackson said he had heard from so many of his constituents in opposition to the Bill he had to vote no until their concerns were addressed. After holding up the vote all day while he negotiated safeguards he then voted yes and HB 3 passed as written.
We had a long talk with Mike today prior to the Finance Committee hearing. The concerns were the same as we have expressed at the capitol since this Special Session began. There would be a large, permanent tax increase to fund a property tax cut that would be gone within three years at most. After doing the figures on Austin homeowners their tax bill will be greater than last year due to the 12% increase in valuation just passed.
Mike made a deal that the senate will pass a Bill to limit the valuation increase to no more than 5% per year as well as the tax rate not being able to be raised more than three cents. It ain’t much but they were going to find a way to pass HB 3 and he got the best deal he could by holding up the passage for a few hours. That’s how it works in the capitol.
I made the Finance Committee hearing to testify against HB 5, the tobacco tax Bill. I removed my vest and spoke representing myself. I explained that this enormous tax increase was going to create a black market where there would be a lot of money made but it wasn’t going to be made by the state.
I explained that breaking a stupid law doesn’t make you a criminal. I told them I would consider buying cheap cigarettes and selling them at a reasonable price a public service rather than a crime. I am told I was shown on KVUE News during my testimony. I know several reporters came over to make sure they had the spelling of my name right. The reporter for the Associated came over and asked Mr. Strain I know they call you Sputnik but what is your real first name. I told him my name was now just Sputnik with no last name and he asked to see some identification. When I handed him my license he said it’s not that I didn’t believe you but I am required to verify names if I am going to print anything.
After a very long day none of the three Bills were acted on and I will be back in committee early in this morning.
