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Legislative Session Results

Last September TDCCA began a program for our grassroots to participate and influence legislation.  In addition to the voter ID bill, I outlined four areas of concern which were, TxDot, Dept. of Corrections, Community Colleges and state pension funds.
So here is an outline of your efforts on these issues.
 
Voter ID - Opposed
SB 362 brought out hundreds of people to testify against this bill.  Your letters, e-mails and phone calls helped our Democratic Legislators fight this bill.  The bill failed to make the House floor and died.
 
TxDot- Opposed
HB 300 the TxDot Sunset Bill (Transportation Bill) a bad bill became worse as it moved through the process.  TxDot is already in chaos and this would only have made things much worse.
 
Department of Corrections - Support
Supported pay increases to help retain correctional staff and cut down on the turnover of personnel.  The legislature provided for a 7 - 8% pay increase.
 
Community Colleges - Support
Community College budgets have been cut in the past and the legislature has not lived up to its commitment to properly fund based on proportionality. Money was given to the Community College for funding for this session, but failed to make it permanent, so will have to fight the battle again next session.
 
Pension Funds - Opposed
HB 1548, The Pension Review Board already exists, however this bill would have expanded the board and could have unintended consequences.  Possibly micro management of all state pension funds.
 
SB 10 - Opposed
This bill was to have a pilot program in creating a managed health care program for state and teacher retirees.  A clause in this bill would lend itself to "rationing" health care.  When this bill came up in the House Public Health Committee, Rep. McReynolds stated "I received 7,000 calls on this".  The bill did not get a single yes vote in the committee.
 
So, did you influence legislation? YOU BET!!!!!  Of the Six issues, you were six of six.
 
Since TxDot the Dept. of Insurance and a couple of other agencies did not make it through the session, there will likely be a special session and these issues will come up again.  Voter ID could also come up again, so stay vigilant.
 
I want to thank all of you for your participation in contacting your legislators and speaking out on these issues.  Your voice does count.
 Thanks again
Duane Olney, Legislative Advisor
Texas Democratic County Chair Assn.