Posted on 01/12/2011 6:59:38 AM PST by laotzu
Governor Perry opened the 2011 Legislative session this afternoon by making two measures which are very important to majority Republicans 'emergencies,' meaning lawmakers can discuss them in the first thirty days of the session.
"Legislation to protect private property rights and address eminent domain issues, and legislation to abolish 'sanctuary cities' in Texas," are the governor's two emergencies, as read by the clerk of the Senate immediately after Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst gaveled the 82nd Legislative session to order.
A 'sanctuary city,' is a city where police and other officers are ordered not to cooperate with federal immigration officials, and where illegal immigrants are not asked by police about their status.
Even though the definition of a 'sanctuary city' is in doubt, the issue is a key item among conservative lawmakers.
"We must abolish sanctuary cities in Texas," Perry said to applause from Senators.
"We need to free up police officers to do their job, of keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe, Perry said. "Immigration laws and their enforcement are the responsibility of the federal government, but we can't compound their failures by preventing Texas peace officers from doing their jobs."
Perry said 'Sanctuary Cities' tie the hands of police, and make Texas less safe.
Perry addressed the stunning projected $27 billion budget shortfall by promising to balance the budget without raising taxes.
He cited the 2003 session, where lawmakers overcame another projected shortfall.
"We'll balance the budget this time too, setting priorities, making tough decisions, and not raising taxes," Perry said. "Together we can make government run leaner, smarter, set the stage for Texas to emerge even stronger in the areas of job creation, education achievement, and public safety."
The session has a load of items to discuss in the coming 140 days, including the redrawing of Congressional districts to conform to the 2010 Census, discussing several immigration issues, considering legalization of casino gambling, and discussing several items which the 101 member super-majority in the House have had on their wish list for years, including tougher restrictions on immigration.
Gov Good Hair got beat up pretty bad for his push for the TTC, even by Elmer Fudd. I think he "gets it" now.
Talk is cheap. Let’s see what he does now that we hold the house.
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