Posted on 05/19/2005 12:04:40 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
CorridorWatch.org MEMBER BULLETIN - May 19, 2005
SOME LIGHT STILL VISIBLE AT THE END OF THE HB2702 TUNNEL
> ANOTHER CorridorWatch.org CLARIFICATION
> HB2702 PLACED ON SENATE INTENT CALENDAR TODAY
> IT IS TIME TO CALL AND FAX AGAIN
> WHAT'S NEXT
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ANOTHER CorridorWatch.org CLARIFICATION
One of the down sides of being a brand new grassroots organization and Austin outsiders is that we don't have all of the experience and knowledge about the legislative process that we would like and need. We’re trying hard, but we don't always get it right.
That said, our last bulletin, "Senate Slams Door on HB 2702 Amendments" was premature and with any luck might even be flat out wrong.
We dislike, on general principle, suspending rules of public notice and input. We would have liked the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security to have considered HB2702 as it was sent to them from the House with the favorable amendments. We would have liked the opportunity for public input before that Committee. We now understand that the time may be better spent on the floor.
We were in error when we said that the Committee was sending their recommendation back to the House. Rather, it was reported out to the floor of the Senate where it can be debated and amended just as it was in the House.
What the Committee did do was send the bill out of Committee with a recommendation that the original language be struck and replaced with the language of Senator Staples transportation bill SB 1706. If that recommendation prevails on the floor every hard fought amendment to HB 2702 would indeed be struck.
The important thing is that they got it out of Committee. That puts it before the full Senate where the amendments can again be debated.
The fat lady is still behind the curtain.
HB2702 PLACED ON SENATE INTENT CALENDAR TODAY
Today, HB 2702 was placed on the Senate Intent Calendar.
Our Senators will have the opportunity to modify the bill reported out of committee. They could reinstate some or all of the House language, including favorable amendments. They could even go further adding more favorable amendments.
So far they have not slammed the door on HB 2702.
IT IS TIME TO CALL AND FAX AGAIN
I know that many of you are getting tired. But, we cannot expect our Senators to read our minds. And during the session their memories are sometimes short (there are lots of other important issues). We need to again communicate our serious concerns about toll conversion, the Trans-Texas Corridor, and the myriad of other nightmare issues created by HB3588 in 2003.
Key Issues:
Toll-conversion accountability.
TTC farm and ranch access (crossing).
Excessive TTC width.
TTC groundwater protections (prohibit marketing).
TTC non-compete agreements made by TxDOT.
Increased public disclosure during the TTC environmental impact process.
Limit TTC non-transportation and private enterprise ancillary facilities.
Protect private land owner development rights along the TTC.
Ensure toll projects are not required for access to mobility bond funds.
Please do not limit the opinions or concerns expressed to your Senator to our list.
WHAT'S NEXT
Unless the Senate passes HB 2702 with the House language restored it will still end up in Conference Committee. Through the remaining process there's still hope that the 79th legislature will address at least some of our serious toll conversion and the TTC issues.
STAY TUNED – - -
Support CorridorWatch.org and tell TxDOT the TTC is unwelcome on your land with a CorridorWatch.org "No TxDOT Trespassing" sign.
Fence Signs: http://www.corridorwatch.org/ttc/cw-signs.htm
David & Linda Stall
CorridorWatch.org
Trans-Texas Corridor PING!
thanks.
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