Let LIV un-confuse you.
Join us next Monday night's, March 13, at 7 pm for our forum "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Bills" in this legislative session. Bring 3 bills you love or hate. We'll give you 1-minute to pitch each of them. Sign up here to attend.
What's a Democrat, What's a Republican?
Dallas Democratic State Senator, Nathan Johnson, has boldly filed Senate Joint Resolution 25 (SJR25, a constitutional amendment giving Texans the right to petition for a public vote on statewide initiatives and referendums (I&R). The Texas Democratic Party has long opposed I&R, while the Texas GOP long supported it until 1994 with the election of Governor George W. Bush. That's when the GOP took I&R out of their platform.
LIV has THE scoop! More legislators need to step up with Johnson before the filing deadline on Friday, March 10th. Help us find good Dems and good Repubs to work together for all!
Then call your State Rep. and ask to speak to their Legislative Director or Chief of Staff, get their name, and make the ask. Ask your Rep to support SJR 25. Let us know how it went, please!
Setting More Confusion Straight:
On Saturday, the Texas GOP censored South Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-CD23) for his independence in representing his district., Gonzales made the cardinal sin of supporting new gun safety laws after the Uvalde shooting. The GOP censor frees the GOP to now "primary" him in 2024, targeting him for defeat. LIV PS: See Congressional District 23. There are more independents in this district than most anywhere in Texas. Map ===>
The Democratic Mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson, tried and failed as a State Senator to harm Texas voters' right to petition. Now, as Austin Mayor -- again -- he is on a tear to damage the petition rights passed by Austin voters in 2012. See KXAN report. LIV will be following this story.
Newly elected House District 17 Republican State Representative Stan Gerdes (R-Smithville) gave us a pleasant surprise. Gerdes filed House Bill 3398, which would allow citizens to petition for zoning options in high-growth counties! (more below)
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More on Groundbreaking Legislation -- HB 3398 -- introduced by Rep. Stan Gerdes!
Watch Carol Spencer pitch it to the Bastrop Commissioner's Court!
LIV is thrilled that this bill -- HB 3398 -- is in the Texas Legislative hopper. The bill was brought to Gerdes by Bastrop Republican activist Carol Spencer (see video). The bill has important implications for counties adjacent to municipalities of one million or more people by granting limited zoning power to county government! Please note the provision that each county's voters will have to petition for and then pass the legislation locally.
Additional LIV News Picks:
ICYM The Austin Bulldog: City Staff Fails to Stop Mayor from Misusing City Resources, we might add, leading to criminal complaints as Adler exits as Watson takes the helm.
What do Texans want in this session? See this excellent Texas 2036 poll.
LIV-Indy How To's
Remember, March 10th is the filing deadline for most bills. Make your calls immediately using Texas Legislature Online OR call LIV for directions at 512.213.4511.
Use Who Represents Me to find your elected officials in state and federal government.
LIV-Indy Calendar
Wednesday, March 8, 6 pm & March 21, 7 pm. Two Important Speak for the River Events, in Bastrop details here
Monday, March 13th, 7 to 8 pm, LIV-Indy Online Forum, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Bills"
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Lobby Days! details here
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
May 1, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Protect our Water Golf Tournament, Central Texas Water Coalition, The Hills Signature Course. More HERE
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