Texas State Rep. Drew Springer embraces freedom. Even for plastic bags. The Republican from Muenster recently filed "The Shopping Bag Freedom Act," a bill intended to block plastic-bag bans in Austin and other Texas cities. Such bans are designed to push customers into buying reusable bags at the checkout stand or bringing some to the store. Supporters praise the bans as a boost for the environment. Critics deride them as unwarranted government intrusion that could increase costs for consumers. "At a time of economic recession and with food prices at an all-time high, this hidden social tax on the poor...