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Texas Legislature 101. Presented to: AAOMPT October 7, 2010. Key Elements of the Legislative Process. Structure/Political Standings The Interim Session Our Strategy. Legislature Political Make Up. Legislative Process : The Interim. November 8. Session Begins January 11.
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Texas Legislature 101 Presented to: AAOMPT October 7, 2010
Key Elements of the Legislative Process • Structure/Political Standings • The Interim • Session • Our Strategy
Legislative Process: The Interim November 8 Session Begins January 11 November 2 Spring - Fall Winter
✓ Legislative Process: Interim Checklist 1 Know your stakeholders 2 Identify your legislative advocates 3 Consult executive branch: Governor, Regs. 4 Develop your policy arguments and counter arguments
Legislative Process: The Regular Session • Begins January of odd-numbered years • Lasts 140 days • Veto period is 20 days following end of session [No opportunity to override veto made post-session] • Governor may call special sessions
Legislation: Putting It In Context A lot of legislation is filed each session. Last session, in 2009: 4836 House Bills were filed [867passed] 2583 Senate Bills were filed [592passed] 4000+ House and Senate Resolutions were filed
Legislation: The Process Bill Introduced Governor House Committee Process Enrolled Conference Senate Floor Debate House Floor Debate Committee Process Engrossed House Bill Introduced Senate
Legislation: The Process • Referred by Speaker/Lt. Gov. • Public hearings • Testimony • Amendment • Substitute • Vote • Amendment • Substitute • Vote Opportunities for Amendment: Committee, Floor, Conf. Cmte., Governor, Speaker, Lt. Gov.
The 82nd Legislature: What to Expect Big Initiatives = Limited Bandwidth Budget • Current 2010-2011 Budget: $189 billion; $14 billion in stimulus • 2012-2013 Budget: Projected $18 - $21 billion shortfall Stimulus? Rainy Day Fund: ~$9 billion Redistricting Every 10 years following census Sunset Review PUC, TXDOT, RR Commission, TDI, + over 20 others
Getting Active: Grassroots & Grasstops • House Public Health Chair: Sen. Jane Nelson, R-LewisvilleVice Chair: Sen. Bob Deuell, R-GreenvilleMembers: Sen. Joan Huffman, R-HoustonSen. Robert Nichols, R-JacksonvilleSen. Dan Patrick, R-HoustonSen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El PasoSen. Carlos Uresti, D-San AntonioSen. Royce West, D-DallasSen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo Senate Health & Human Services Chair: Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham Vice Chair: Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-AustinMembers: Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-HoustonRep. John Davis, R-HoustonRep. Veronica Gonzales, D-McAllenRep. Chuck Hopson, R-JacksonvilleRep. Susan King, R-AbileneRep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-RockwallRep. Jim McReynolds, D-LufkinRep. Vicki Truitt, R-SouthlakeRep. John Zerwas, R-Katy
Getting Active: Grassroots & Grasstops Build Relationships & Create Advocates • Communicate with Legislators’ offices • Invite Legislator to speak at public forum • Attend forums/town hall meetings • Volunteer for campaigns! • Attend TPTA advocacy days during legislative session • Letters to the editor • Contribute (any amount) directly or to TPTA PAC
919 Congress, Suite 1100Austin, Texas 78701 512-499-8826 (O)512-478-7788 (F) gregg@knaupegr.com www.KnaupeGR.com