Great meeting yesterday (THR, 10 OCT 2018) with Senator Judith Zaffirini’s Legislative Aide, Andrew Hendrickson about HB3742, our bill to Eliminate Property Tax.
We now have both a Texas Senator and a Representative interested in discussing our solution.
Zaffirini is a former Senate Finance Committee member. Springer is on the House Ways & Means. This is an amazing outcome for us. Both are from different sides of the Legislature, from different parties and from different political viewpoints. Yet both want to Eliminate Property Tax. They also understand State finances, the issues and the people (i.e. politics) involved in these committees.
Here’s how it happened.
Before leaving yesterday morning, I sent Jonathan Mather (Rep. Springer’s Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor) a brief email letting him know I was driving to Austin for a meeting that afternoon with Senator Zaffirini’s staff. If time permitted, I’d drop by to say hello.
I arrived around noon and decided to cruise by Springer’s office. I could see Jonathan was at his desk. I walked in, apologizing for the “cold call.” But Jonathan welcomed me with the assurance, “Yes, Rep. Springer does want to meet.” We settled tentatively on the first week of December.
We continued having a good conversation. I thought to ask, “Do you happen to know anything about Senator Zaffirini?”
Unbelievable. Jonathan was one of her former staff members. Great insights. Great recommendations. Great respect. “Expect a highly competent staff.” (He was right about everything.)
Final comment: “She’s the one I’d go after in the Senate.” Wow!
I began my meeting with Andrew by asking, “How do you think Senator Zaffirini feels about eliminating property tax?” He had already reviewed HB3742 and immediately started his feedback. It ranged from concerns about the impacts, issues that could occur, recommendations on who we should involve as well as the approach that could safely implement such a plan.
Again, I did not expect the depth of interest, questions or recommendations from this guy. He wanted to listen to the recorded Springer meeting and wanted to participate in the next one.
Honestly, I could not believe my ears. They are looking for a solution. Apparently, they are starting to get the message from constituents.
No Relief. No Reform. #EliminatePropertyTax