Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,
one state under God, one and indivisible.
At a time in our nation, where many are working to reawaken the principles that once range true for American ideals, Texas still maintains a semblance of the familiar American exceptionalism. The Texas’ pledge reminds us that we are a state of people who hold ultimate allegiance to God. As a result, our liberties come from Him and disseminate into our daily encounters. In order to maintain our liberties, we must keep a standard of living that pleases God.
In order to maintain our freedoms, it is also important that we understand what is taking place in our states and nation. On Thursday, March 3rd, Michele Samuelson spoke to the Legacy Republican Women on legislation and issues that the current Texas’ 82nd Legislature is targeting this session. The give primary areas she addressed included education, the sonogram bill, taxation on businesses, extending transparency legislation, and the Voter ID legislation. The following will provide an overview on the informative presentation she provided to the group.
Texas is experiencing a $27 billion shortfall in which the biggest problem areas entail education and healthcare. Hence, the outcries heard throughout the state from public school administrators, claiming that teacher jobs will suffer as a result of the budget shortage. Mrs. Samuelson relayed that if school administrators would consider taking a pay cut as well as tapping into their respective school’s rainy-day-type funds, then this could aid in maintaining teachers. Many, on the other hand, want to tap into the Rainy Day fund set aside for dire emergencies in Texas to address issues like hurricanes and fires.
Next, Texas continues to shine as a right to life state. Mrs. Samuelson relayed the progress in the sonogram bill and some of the details it entails.
The sonogram bill before the House, known as HB15, has differences from the Senate version known as SB16. One of the primary differences entails a change in code that the House version creates. In addition, HB15 has received more thorough debate and requires sonograms for women who are victims of rape and incest. On the other hand, SB16 placates to a diplomatic tone in the Senate where the senators tend to get along with each other more than intensely debating the bill as is done in the House. As a result, the provision that directs women who are victims of rape and incest to have a sonogram is not included. Once the House passes the bill, it will go to the Senate for their deliberations.
Side Note: At the time of Mrs. Samuelson’s talk, the House members were in the midst of debating and voting on the bill. As of today, March 7th, Twitter posts from @TexasAllianceforLife and @stefani_carter reiterate that HB 15 portion has passed and is on its way to the Senate.
Mrs. Samuelson proceeded to address taxation on businesses, extending transparency legislation, and the Voter ID legislation. She provided some additional input such as the current effort to halt Obamacare through House Bill 97 and House Joint Resolution 51.
Mrs. Samuelson concluded with implying that Texans need to remain vigilant to what some representatives may try to put on the legislative table while everyone remains intently focused on the budget and redistricting. Citizens may not realize that representatives have placed efforts such legalizing and taxing casinos before the Texas legislature.
Finally, Mrs. Samuelson relayed that odd number years are important in Texas. This is when the citizens vote on the Constitutional Amendment to the Texas State Constitution.
As we move forward to protecting the citizens in Texas, it remains paramount that her people know what is taking place in the legislative session. Knowledge is powerful if coupled with wisdom, allowing people to make informed decisions and protect our current liberties. The following links, will provide resources that will hopefully prove beneficial as you research the issues more thoroughly.
The Legacy Republican Women is a group dedicated to bringing speakers who provide information that keep constituents well informed on the issues and what they can do to get involved in maintaining Texas’ conservative values. To learn more about the group check out their website (link provided previously) as well as their Facebook page, which you can find when searching “Legacy Republican Women.”
Additional Resources
Texas House of Representatives: Live Broadcasts
The Texas Tribune by Matt Stiles: Search Texas School Superintendent Salaries
Texas House of Representatives: Find Your Representative by District or Member Name
82nd Legislature Regular Session: Texas Legislature Online
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