Category: 2015 – 84th Regular

Key Public Education Bills in the 84th

Bill Ames has reviewed some 200 bills that have been filed in the 84th Texas Legislature, relating to public education. We express our gratitude to Bill for his offering of 12 of the “Best” , and 10 of the “Worst” bills filed.

84th Texas Legislature – Key Public Education Recommendations
– created by Bill Ames for North Texas Citizens Lobby (NTCL)

Bill Content Description: State contractors (incl. school district contractors) must participate in E-Verify program.
Bill Number: HB88E-Verify
Author: James White (R)
NTCL Recommendation: Support
Justification: Contain employment of illegals

Bill Content Description: Course in U. S. Constitution in curriculum US_Constitution_2requirements for public school students
Bill Number: HB135
Author: Dan Flynn (R)  NTCL Recommendation: Support
Justification: Counters trend towards progressive curriculum in Texas public schools

Continue reading “Key Public Education Bills in the 84th”

Contact List – House – Texas 84th

Contact list for the House of Representatives of the Texas 84th legislative session (2015)

Licensed Open Carry – SB 348

open-carry-utah1Last week, Senator Estes introduced SB 348.  This legislation aims to create open carry laws from our existing concealed handgun license laws.  The result will provide the option for CHL holders to carry concealed or openly.  The ‘concealed’ will be dropped wherever currently used, so a Concealed Handgun License would become a Handgun License.

Many second amendment advocates believe requiring a license to carry a gun violates second amendment, and would like to do away with licensing.  This is commonly known as ‘Constitutional Carry’.  (for example Senator Huffines‘ bill SB 342)

Win Rates vs Liberal-Conservative Ranking

This chart shows the win rate of the Texas Representatives compared to their liberal-conservative score.  Blue lines are Democrats, red are Republicans, with green being people who voted for Scott Turner.  (source: Mark P. Jones on twitter)

IMG_20150114_205952

A few personal observations: Continue reading “Win Rates vs Liberal-Conservative Ranking”

Contact List – Senate – Texas 84th

Contact list for the Senate of the Texas 84th legislative session (2015)

 

Two Gun Nullification Bills Filed Today by DFW Representatives

Two DFW area representatives filed strong second-amendment protection bills today:

Matt Krause, (R-Ft. Worth) filed House Bill 422 (HB422).  This bill would require that Texas refuse to enforce almost all federal gun control measures enacted at anytime – past, present or future.

Craig Goldman (R-Ft. Worth) filed House Bill 413 (HB413).  This bill declares all federal restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms to be “invalid” and “not enforceable” within the state of Texas.

These bills will need strong grassroots support to pass.

read more at:

http://www.shallnot.org/two_texas_bills_seek_to_block_all_federal_gun_control_protect_2nd_amendment

 

A Coincidence? 3 of 5 Pledge Letters are Identical

When the 84th Texas House of Representatives opens for business at noon on Tuesday Straus_3January 13, 2015 the first order of business will be to elect one member (out of 150 members) to serve as the presiding officer of the Texas House; the House Speaker (a.k.a. the gatekeeper of legislation to be passed). A simple majority vote is required (76 of the 150 members).

Is it a coincidence that within the past week, 42 of the 98 Turner_1Republicans in the House have signed pledge letters to vote for 3-term incumbent Rep. Joe Straus as Speaker and not for Rep. Scott Turner? Turner announced his intent to run for Speaker against the incumbent Straus this summer. One could suppose these recent pledge letters are a coincidence.

But how much of a coincidence could it be that three of five pledge letters have identical sentences in the publicly released statements…: Continue reading “A Coincidence? 3 of 5 Pledge Letters are Identical”

Introduction to NTCL-Sat. Sept 6th (1-2pm)

Becoming MORE effective with your government

Mission Statement of the North Texas Citizens Lobby:
“Through education and active civic participation, restore limited government that benefits all and shows preference to none.”

Join us!
In 1 hour we will present an overview of what the North Texas Citizens Lobby did in the 83rd Texas Legislative Session, and what we’re planning for the 84th Session (begins Jan. 13, 2015)

We want to share our model with you and invite you to see where you can make a difference.

Join us!
Sat. Sept 6th (1:00pm – 2:00pm)
Spring Creek BBQ-McKinney
1993 North Central Expressway
(at Highway 380)
McKinney, TX 75070
Map:  http://springcreekbarbeque.com/mckinney.htm

NTCL networks with citizen lobbyists in 7 north Texas counties, working together to watch what government is doing, engaging with government, and reporting it when there is still a window of opportunity for US to do something about it – not after the fact (like the 5:00 news report).  We ARE the news!

Join us Saturday, Sept 6th, from 1:00-2:00pm in McKinney, and bring a friend!

We’ll stick around for an hour afterwards, to answer any questions.