Fines Violate Civil Rights Act, Dems Say
By Byron LaMasters
From the Quorum Report:
Responding to early reports, Senate Democrat has warned he will use the Civil Rights Act to sue Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and any Republican senator that votes to fine him for non-attendance.
Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen) said that based on press reports, he might owe $32 million and the Senate Democratic Caucus $360 million in fines.
According to reports, Senate Republicans may this afternoon consider disciplining and fining absent Democrats, perhaps as much as $1,000 for the first day of absence, with the figure doubling for each successive day. Early reports indicate that the funds would simply be deducted from their office accounts beginning Friday.
Hinojosa said the alleged Republican plans have left the Democrats’ Capitol office staff anxious and afraid as to whether they will have jobs or a paycheck at the end of the week. He also said rumors were also flying about doors being locked and staff being told to leave the Capitol.
"This is going to be the black and brown tax imposed by the all-white senators," Hinojosa fumed. "It’s a crime and it is called official oppression. I plan to sue Dewhurst and any senator under the Civil Rights Act to protect my rights as a minority and my actions in defending the interests of my constituents."
Posted by Byron LaMasters at August 12, 2003 02:37 PM
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I knew this was coming. When Perry couldn't get that Writ of Mandamus from the Supreme Court, btw he appointed most of those judges, I knew this was next.
Dewhurst I think got this idea from the Greg Knapp wingnuts on KLIF in Dallas when he was being badgered by Greg on not being tough enough.
"This is going to be the black and brown tax imposed by the all-white senators," Hinojosa fumed.
Are you Democrats really not mortified by this mau-mauing, race card garbage?
This sort of racial victim posturing will not resonate with the voters of Texas, I can assure you that.
