Friday, SB29 (Eliminate Taxpayer-Funded Lobbyists) was scheduled for a vote in the House. But Dade Phelan, State Affairs Committee Chair, went onto the floor that morning, and made a motion to withdraw it back to his committee for the stated reason of “improving” it to avoid a “fatal point of order.” Really?
The revised bill is now out. It’s been rescheduled for Monday. But what they changed now only restricts lobbying related to:
1) taxation, including the implementation, rates, and administration of taxes;
2) bond elections;
3) tax-supported debt; and
4) ethics and transparency of public servants.
So,… instead of completely removing this “tumor,” we’re going to get a treatment that, in effect, sustains it.
Riddle me this: How many ways will the cities and counties find to circumvent this “reform?” What are the consequences if they violate it? And who is responsible to “enforce” it?
Well, guess what, citizen? If a local organization is caught coloring outside the lines, it’s you and I that gets the privilege of filing a civil lawsuit to stop them. Great constraint.
First, we have to catch them in a violation. Then we have to spend all our money, time and effort while they get paid (by us) to use all our money (from taxes) necessary to delay, fight and who knows, win the lawsuit. (Will citizens be at risk of having to pay all the legal fees? Will these organizations be allowed to counter-sue?) But if we win, all they have to do is go back to following the rules?
Some are saying this an incremental step. It’s a reform that moves us in the right direction. Really? Well, this is what I have to say about that.
“Get Used to Disappointment.” – The Man in Black, “Princess Bride”
No Relief. No Reform. #EliminatePropertyTax
SB2 – Prior Version
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/SB00029E.htm
SB2 – House Committee Report Version (18 MAY)
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/SB00029H.htm
Here is the reply I got from my Facebook Private Message to Senator Bob Hall over the weekend.
Sen. Bob needs the House Legislators to add Amendments to return SB29 to full strength.
3:42 PM, SAT, 18 MAY
Russell:
Senator Hall. Is there anything we can do to rescue SB29 from the
damage just done to it by the House State Affairs Committee? Our
activist members in our group Eliminate Property Tax want to know what
if anything can be done to ensure it will Eliminate Taxpayer-Funded
Lobbyists.
9:14 AM, MON, 20 MAY
Sen. Bob: Thank you for the
question. The House would need to vote and accept amendments to the bill
to strengthen it back. My fear is if they do not change to something
that is acceptable in a way that I may concur with the House changes, it
may died due to the lack of time left in session.
9:20 AM, MON, 20 MAY
Russell:
Thank you for the prompt reply and especially SB29. I’ll share your
feedback with our group Eliminate Property Tax. We’ve challenged our
House Legislators to restore SB29 to your original intent. We’ll wait
and watch with you for the outcome.
No Relief. No Reform. #EliminatePropertyTax