Legislative Update From State Rep. Betty Brown

[Legislative Update from State REp. Betty Brown (R-Terrell)]

The last few weeks in Austin have been filled with behind the scenes work in the form of committee meetings and floor action.  As the first month of the 80th Session comes to an end, the business of Texas is now at the forefront of most discussions in Austin.  Issues of concern to all Texans, such as property taxes, budget, water concerns, and the Governor’s HPV mandate have filled the Capitol corridors with much debate.

On Thursday, Republicans moved forward on a legislative resolution designed to accommodate the $14 billion property tax shift that lightens the burden on local taxpayers.

The House Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member, adopted a resolution Thursday that would allow lawmakers to exceed the state’s constitutional spending limit only to provide property tax relief. This will allow a vote on the measure on Tuesday by the full chamber, according to Appropriations Committee Chairman Warren Chisum (R-Pampa). The measure passed along party lines with 18 Republicans voting yes, two Democrats voting no and nine Democrats registering as present but not voting.

There was minor debate, but the measure passed with ease.  I have made a promise to the citizens of House District 4 that I would vote to lower property taxes and this is essential to provide a vehicle that passes the funds brought in by the new revised franchise tax onto the school districts and replace the taxes previously levied on the taxpayers.

Or, as Chairman Chisum explained to a reporter this morning, “We’re about get ‘er done.”

Today I filed House Bill 1588, which would end the practice of contingency fees for anyone who lobbies an executive officer of our government.  As you may know, currently, only the legislature is subject to this provision.

A majority of legislators agree that government action should be prompted solely from considerations of the public good, and agreements for compensation contingent upon success suggest the use of corrupt means for accomplishing the desired end and undermine the public confidence in government.  Lobbying plays an important role in the legislative process, but should not be done in secret.  This legislation would shed light on the process while providing the necessary safeguards to ensure the integrity of our government and the State of Texas.

The United States Supreme Court expressed concern as early as 1853 with paid lobbying activities and undue influence, finding that a secret contingency contract for lobbying was void and unenforceable as a matter of public policy because it “tends to corrupt or contaminate, by improper influences, the integrity of our … political institutions” by “creat[ing] and bring[ing] into operation undue influences” by those “stimulated to active partisanship by the strong lure of high profit.” Marshall v. Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, 57 U.S. 314, 333-334 (1853).

Other legislation I have filed this session include bills that would require proof of identification to vote, increase penalties for the destruction of mailboxes and 911 address identifiers, end the practice of “marriage for hire” to provide citizenship, and make illegal the use of text messages for committing sexual offenses against minors or students.  Other bills I have authored, in addition to those filed by my colleagues in the House can be reviewed by visiting The Texas Legislature Online at http://www.legis.state.tx.us/.  Already this session, over 1500 bills have been filed.  Legislators will begin laying out their bills before committees next week.

My staff and I are available to you throughout the week, and I can be reached by email at Betty.Brown@House.State.TX.US.  Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the Texas State Legislature.  I encourage you to voice your opinion on issues that are important to you.  Please contact me or my staff if we can be of assistance.  If you know someone on our list with a new email address, please suggest that they send us their new address in order to continue receiving “Updates,” and always feel free to “forward.”

Sincerely,

Betty Brown