On Thursday the House passed no bills on second reading. Today, they aren’t even finished with the local and consent calendar (which usually takes about an hour to get through). The Dems weren’t joking when they said they would do everything in their power to make sure voter ID doesn’t make it to the floor for debate. The voter ID bill (already passed by the Senate) is scheduled for debate tomorrow. However, at this rate, there will be so many other bills that have been put on hold they may not get to it until its too late.
Rep. Castro told me we would see all types of strategic moves today, otherwise known as “chubbing,” and apparently he wasn’t exaggerating.
9 responses so far ↓
joane // May 23rd 2009 at 9:31 am
pass the bill! we need ID s to fish and drive and let the state be responsible for furnishig picture ID if he voter cannot get one otherwise.JUST PASS THE DARN BILL and then go home.
Hoohah! // May 23rd 2009 at 10:37 am
Well…the battle lines have now hardened.
The House chair announced around 11 a.m. that 56 members have signed a statement saying they will vote NO on any motion to allow a bill to be considered out of order. Goodbye windstorm, goodbye Voter ID. Hello special session.
Hope no one has any summer plans…………..
Johann // May 24th 2009 at 9:17 am
The reason the Democrats don’t want a voter ID bill is because too many illegals would be turned away. Really, how many people do not have a photo ID?
Claudine // May 24th 2009 at 9:32 am
I don’t know what the politicans are afraid of? Virtually every legal American has some sort of ID. Even the elderly need to show their ID’s in order to cash their social security checks. We are all supposed to carry some sort of ID. The unlawful thing that is happening in Texas is all of these college students who go vote two or three times on campus voting stations every day during early voting.
Carroll Martin // May 24th 2009 at 1:18 pm
It would be an expensive cost ($2mil) for another session. Texas has made it without voter ID for all the past years! Either MOVE on or don’t expect the folks in Texas to pay this cost. This is kinda silly I think. They seem to pull this each year. DO THEY NEED THE $60,000 PER DAY?
Laurin Currie-Garcia // May 24th 2009 at 2:04 pm
Laurin Currie-Garcia
P. O. Box 110245
Carrollton, TX 75011-0245
May 23, 2009
OPEN LETTER
To All Hispanic/Mexican-American/Latino Representatives
Texas Legislature, House of Representatives, 2009
I respectfully suggest that your opposition to the Voter Identification Bill has the potential to harm the very constituents you desire to help.
Passage of the Voter ID Bill would provide a wonderful benefit to the Ethnic poor, the Senior Citizen poor, the Disabled poor, and to the just plain poor, because the Bill provides that a Photo ID (if requested for voting purposes) is to be provided by the State at no charge. I emphasize: FREE OF CHARGE!
Years ago, Photo IDs were only required for driving, but today Photo IDs have become an absolute necessity for much of routine living, such as making applications for loans on cars and homes; cashing checks; retaining doctors or hospitals for treatments; and so on. I EMPHASIZE: The ability to produce a Photo ID has become a very normal, as well as, in many cases, an essential part of everyday life.
With the passage of this Bill, you have the ability to provide, AT NO CHARGE, to the citizens who need them the most, the resulting productive benefits arising out of having a Photo ID.
If the Bill is defeated, it is the poor who will be hurt. Shame on those who oppose!!
While it may be true that insufficient evidence of voter fraud exists, there is, however, sufficient evidence of the existence of criminal “elected officials.” Many such officials have been caught, convicted and imprisoned; many are awaiting trial; but most will likely never be caught.
Dishonest “elected officials,” who face elections predicted to be close, must be deprived of the opportunity of utilizing voter fraud to win, especially since voter fraud is practically impossible to prove.
That the Voter ID Bill significantly diminishes the ability to employ voter fraud is reason enough, and justification enough, to pass it.
In closing, I speak from a unique combination of qualifications to render an opinion on this matter, as I am a “Hispanic” “Senior Citizen” providing support for my 100% “Disabled” wife who is also a “Senior Citizen.”
I urge all Hispanic/Mexican-American/Latino Representatives to support the Voter ID Bill. Don’t pass on this opportunity to honor the noble Hispanic Heritage we share.
Respectfully yours,
Laurin Currie-Garcia
Danny // May 24th 2009 at 10:32 pm
Jenny Huff,
I humbly ask you to please report on the issue regarding the House of Representative’s process on blocking the Disabled veterans bill (SB 469) from passage. As democrats continue to allow the “chubbing” and filibuster through the local and consent calendar in an attempt block SB 362 from passage, they are also costing a great deal of tax payer money (as KXAN reports). Republicans, on the other hand, will not let any other bill go through in front of the Voter ID bill. Therefore, both parties are not allowing other important bills to see light. An example of this would be the disabled veterans SB 469.
As a disabled veteran, I am very outraged that the House of Representatives has chosen to disrespect us (according to the VFW and American Legion, there are over 600,000 disabled veterans in Texas). Please understand that disabled veterans often deal with constant discrimination and minimization of disabilities and benefits. I can personally testify to you my own accord on this matter as it has always been an uphill battle to fight for the benefits I have earned.
From the moment we have become disabled veterans to the constant battle with bureaucracy and its constant red tape, it has been a constant hell to pay and a dreaded reminder of what we have to suffer from the rest my our lives. Just to gain a break in our tax exemption on our homesteads (what SB469 offers) would be very helpful (particularly in this economy) and a way for this state to show its gratitude. Please keep in mind, Texas voters approved this bill by 86% in 2007. Unfortunately, the 80th legislature failed us…and if this chubbing continues on, the 81st legislature shall fail us as well.
I humbly ask, as young 100% disabled veteran, that you report on this matter and inform all of the monstrosity that is currently taking place. Please honor our disabled veterans this Memorial day by covering this situation.
With that, I humbly thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you.
Anonymous // May 25th 2009 at 12:04 pm
The only politicians who would fear the ID are the ones who would benefit from undocumented voters or voter fraud. Stand up for honesy and integrity in government, quit wasting the taxpayers money and do the job that you were elected to do; unless of course, it undermines your own job
Richard // May 25th 2009 at 4:27 pm
our legislators are a disgrace in every way possible. we need TERM LIMITS, and send all these professional politicians home. do your part…….vote against ALL incumbents in the next election, regardless of political party. it’s the only way to get our state and country back.
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