Yesterday afternoon TSPS learned of two amendments to the House appropriations bill (HB1) that call for de-funding TBPLS. We are asking you to immediately write or call your representative and let them know that there may be an effort to amend HB1 so as to eliminate funding for TBPLS for the 2012-13 biennium. Ask your representative to vote against any such effort.
Find your Texas representative here: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
This action is separate and apart from other activities we are undertaking relating to consolidation of TBPLS with other agencies. That action is ongoing but need not be mentioned in your communications about these amendments.
Other steps we are taking today include:
A letter has been written (View Letter Here) that will be hand delivered to each member of the Texas House of Representative this afternoon. That way they will have it in hand before they begin deliberating on HB1 tomorrow.
Finally, an email has already gone to the Dallas and Houston chapters, home of the representatives who have filed the amendments, calling for a concerted effort to be directed to the amendment authors asking them to withdraw the amendments and let the TBPLS funding remain in HB1.
Awesome! First, we get consolidated with the whiniest of the surveying "cousins" then they jerk the funding.
I can't wait to see this train derail!
Oh, and I'm not writing or calling a single person. It does not good. The deed has been cut for a while.
I sent a short email to my Rep a few minutes ago.
I also sent an email and fax over to my rep. Even if this is set in stone, at least I can say I tried to make a difference.
I don't think this is set in stone. I have heard that one of the representatives is already considering withdrawing their amendment. I do think it is set that there will be changes, but defunding without an alternative is not an acceptable course.
Maybe next time (if there is a next time) we won't be as quick to put diversity symbols in leadership positions.
Yet more of the same cockamamie knee-jerk stuff from the right wing that's happening all across the board, to deregulate industry and defund government.
I hope so. This shouldn't even be a consideration, not in any State...