Chris Turner and Wendy Davis Voted 'Freshman of the Year' by Texas Watch

by: Todd Hill

Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 02:02 PM CDT

The director of Texas Watch had this to say about Representative Turner:

"Rep. Chris Turner is a tireless advocate for the interests of Texas families, consumers, and workers.  During his first term in the Texas House, Rep. Turner showed that he is not afraid to stand up for the needs of homeowners and small businesses," said Alex Winslow, Texas Watch's Executive Director.  "The people of Tarrant County and all of Texas are better off because Chris Turner is fighting on their behalf."

During the 81st legislative session, Senator Davis and Representative Turner worked together and authored a number of pieces of legislation, much of which passed, on consumer protection issues and homeowner's insurance reform---key issues that mainstream Texans demanded action on and that Davis and Turner delivered on.  

There is no doubt that in 2010 Republicans will be targeting Chris Turner, with Republican Bill Zedler potentially taking aim at his old seat.  Tarrant Democrats will have our hands full in defending a real leader who advocates on behalf of not only the people of his district, but Texans in whole.  Senator Davis will not be up for re-election until 2012.    

A Look at Incumbent House Democratic Fundraising

by: David Mauro

Sat Jul 18, 2009 at 01:48 PM CDT

With the recent release of campaign finance reports, it is a good time to take a look at how some of the incumbent House Democrats likely to be targeted by the Republicans faired in fundraising. 

There are many months ahead, but here is the current financial outlook for 10 incumbent House Democrats likely to face comeptitive races next year.

House District 2 

Mark Homer raised $4,699 and ended the reporting period with $5,982 on hand. His campaign spent $20,676 during that time.

House District 11

Chuck Hopson raised only $5,750 but has an impressive $66,563 on hand, with expenditures of slightly over $22,900 for the reporting period. 

House District 47

Valinda Bolton reported raising $14,800 and ended with $23,532 on hand. Two years ago at this time, Bolton had $13,704 on hand, so the two-term incumbent has almost $10k more than she did at this same point last election cycle.

House District 52

Diana Maldonado raised $18,950 and ended the reporting period with $35,817 in the bank. The Williamson County Democrat and TexBlog PAC endorsed candidate spent a little over $18,000 during that time.

House District 78 

Joe Moody of El Paso reported raising $16,950 to end the reporting period with $27,955.82 on hand. Moody, a TexBlog PAC endorsed candidate, won by just over 3200 votes in 2008.

House District 96 

Chris Turner reported raising $45,251.24 and had slightly over $102,000 on hand.  Great to see huge numbers from a TexBlog PAC endorsed candidate.

House District 101

Robert Miklos, a freshman House member from Mesquite and another TexBlog PAC endorsed candidate, raised $18,340 and has $20,656 on hand. 

House District 102 

Carol Kent, who defeated incumbent Tony Goolsby in 2008, raised $32,170 and ended the filing period with just over $51,000 on hand. 

House District 107

Although he raised only $1,157 during the reporting period and spent more than $60,000, incumbent Democrat Allen Vaught has more than $86,000 currently on hand. 

House District 133 

Kristi Thibaut, who defeated Republican incumbent Jim Murphy by 497 votes in 2008, has $45,655 on hand. At this point two years ago, as she prepared for a rematch with Murphy after losing in 2006, Thibaut only had $6,851 on hand. 

Tarrant Legislators Deliver Electricity Legislation to Consumers

by: Todd Hill

Sun May 31, 2009 at 09:39 AM CDT

Passage of this legislation are seen as key campaign victories for Davis and Turner, who campaigned rigorously in House District 96 and Senate District 10 respectively throughout Tarrant County articulating the problems and identifying potential solutions for escalating utility costs to Texas consumers.

From Senator Davis:

"It has been an uphill battle with some powerful interests, but we succeeded in passing legislation that will have a very real, very positive impact on Texas families and their pocketbooks," Senator Wendy Davis said. "This is a common-sense measure that will give people an opportunity to shop around and secure the best electricity rates available, taking advantage of the competition among electricity retailers."

From Representative Turner:

"This legislation is a major victory for Texas families. It will provide more transparency for consumers by preventing unexpected, dramatic utility rate hikes," said State Representative Chris Turner. "I applaud Senator Wendy Davis for her hard work in getting these provisions into the bill and for her strong leadership on consumer issues."

Tarrant County is not only proud of Davis and Turner, but Representatives Veasey, Pierson, and Burnam as well.  You each represented our county, and your districts, well throughout the 81st legislative session.

Head of Economic Crimes to be Tarrant District Attorney

by: Todd Hill

Tue May 05, 2009 at 08:55 PM CDT

Well-placed sources in Tarrant County confirm that Joe Shannon, Head of Economic Crimes, will be Perry's safe choice to fill the remainder of Curry's term with assurances that he will not run for his own term in 2010.  If that is the case--Shannon not seeking his own term--then it is a safe bet that the Republican powers-that-be in Tarrant County will line up behind Robert K. Gill in what will likely turn out to be a nasty GOP primary.  Perry appointing Shannon will ensure he does not alienate key GOP leaders in Tarrant County when he will need all the Republican strength and support he can muster to fend off Kay Bailey Hutchison.  Gill has been the odds on favorite amongst Tarrant Republican leaders to eventually replace Curry for several years.    

Speculation now turns toward who the Democrats will field against the Republicans in the 2010 District Attorney race.  Much of the chatter has centered on Terri Moore, a former federal prosecutor, two-time Democratic candidate for Tarrant County District Attorney, and currently Assistant District Attorney to Craig Watkins in Dallas.  However, Moore is considered to be a top candidate for U.S. attorney in the North Texas region by the Obama Administration.  

Moore first ran for Tarrant County District Attorney against Curry in 2002, nabbing 46% of the vote in a county that voted 58% straight Republican.  Moore ran once more in 2006 picking up 47% of the vote in a year, again, with 58% straight Republican voting.  Terri is arguably the best candidate that Democrats could field in 2010, and with no entrenched incumbent in the field, would likely be the odds-on favorite to win the race.  She has incredible crossover appeal and has been the only Democrat in more than a decade to come close to winning a countywide election in Tarrant.  Having said that, and considering Moore is likely to take the U.S. attorney job if offered, any other Democrat who considers a countywide race in Tarrant has an uphill climb ahead of them.  The name heard most frequently outside of Terri's is Fort Worth attorney Larry Moore (no relation).  

March 25, 2009: Texas House Calendar - Day 1

by: Phillip Martin

Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 11:05 AM CDT

Ed. Note: To see a quick overview of the bills the Texas House considered today -- along with a policy overview of each bill -- read the Texas Legislative Study Group's floor report.

Here is a look at today's calendar in the Texas House -- the first of the session. The hyperlink over the bill number will take you directly to the Texas Legislature Online page for that bill, wherein you can look at the actual text of the bill, the bill analysis, etc.

We hope to do this, as much as possible, every day there is a calendar on the floor of the Texas House. The Texas Legislative Study Group puts out an analysis for each day's Calendar. I'll be linking to them atop the page every day because, well (See Update below.) They do outstanding work and it would be foolish not to highlight their efforts. Their reports are made by a large group of staffers that track the bills through the Committee process, speak to lobbyists about the bill, and work with the individual Member to make sure they understand the bill. Their work is just incredible.

And yes, I used to be Chief of Staff for Rep. Garnet Coleman, who chairs the Legislative Study Group. There's a reason I write so much about policy on BOR -- he taught me about how to talk about policy, and he helped develop my belief that if you focus on the policy, the politics will take care of itself. Anyone should be so lucky to have the opportunity to work for him; I did, and I want to share some of the excellent work he and the LSG produce because I think it will better inform all Texans about the actual laws that our Representatives are working on at the Capitol.

 Finally -- I'd link to the conservatives' version of their floor report, but it just says "yes/no" and gives no actual policy analysis. You know -- lock step and all.

Here's today's calendar -- and I promise, future posts won't have the long and winding introduction:

• HB 873 by Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D) - Film incentives bill. Want to have more movies made in the state of Texas? This bill will make that easier to happen by allowing grants to be awarded to digital media producers, and it will increase incentives for those who spend more money in the state.
  
  This bill is a lot bigger deal than some of Rep. Dukes critics give her credit for; it's an easy way to bring money to communities while simultaneously encouraging the arts as an important subject. Art/movie/film communities are non-existant in public schools, and this bill at least brings the real deal to town -- so those who want can learn from experience and have the opportunity to see and work in a field of industry they can't gain knowledge about in school.
  
  
• HB 394 by Rep. Patrick Rose (D) -  Allows small businesses to qualify for the Texas Economic Development Fund. First two bills -- Democrats working to improve the the economic issues of the day. I am proud to be a Democrat.
  
  
• HB 1822 by Rep. Burt Solomons (R) - Gives rulemaking authority to the PUC to unify language on electric bills, thereby creating transparency in the process. freshman Rep. Diana Maldonado (D - Round Rock) is a co-author of the bill.
  
  
• HB 782 by Rep. Joe Pickett (D) - I'm going to quote from the LSG on this one:
  

HB 313 was enacted in 2007 to rectify the abuse of NAFTA in which individuals buy a truck or trailer in another state and use it outside border commercial zones. The unintended consequences of this legislation required Mexican truck operators to obtain Texas registration plates every time they crossed into border commercial zones, even if they were not owners of the vehicle.

HB 782 allows truck drivers passage to and from border commercial zones without having to obtain new registration plates for Texas. The vehicle must have registered plates indicating a reciprocity agreement and must also be registered in the country that the owner of the ehicle is a citizen in or resides in. Canadian provinces that exempt currently registered vehicles owned by nonresidents are also effective in a border commercial zone.

• HB 38 by Rep. Franke Corte (R) - Allows for veterans and their families to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of their residency status.
  
  
• HB 693 by Rep. Vicki Truitt (R) - "Exempts falconers from having to hold a pest control license." For the record, that was two economic development bills, a utility rate bill, a transportation bill, a veterans & higher education bill...then that other big issue, Falcon licensing. Republican State Rep. Vicki Truitt, everyone -- FTL.
  
  
• HB 968 by Rep. Mark Homer (D) - "Removes the restrictions on hunting with crossbows during bow hunting season." And right behind Rep. Truitt we have Democrat Rep. Mark Homer! Who says good things don't come in pairs!
  
  (I joke around, but I worked for a rural State Rep. for nearly two years, from 2005 through summer of 2006, and these are absolutely the bills that constiuents will write in and demand action on the loudest. So while I joke about their relative importance to state business, both Rep. Truitt and Rep. Homer are still serving their constiuents. If you can survive the crossfire of the bow-hunter shooting down the falcons, you can see a certain amount of democratic beauty in that.)
  
  
• HB 1695 by Rep. Sylvester Turner (D) - Allows the PUC to require for utilities that experience severe outages due to weather to consider a disaster preparation/management kind of plan. Though it doesn't outright require them, it lays the groundwork for the creation of those plans -- and when it comes to the PUC and utilities, sometimes you need the small moves to set up the big ones.
  
  
• HB 1637 by Rep. Chris Turner (D) - And now, the real winner of the batch, from State Rep. Chris Turner (again, here's the LSG report):

HB 1637 would improve benefits under the shared work unemployment compensation program for underserved workers and industries by adding greater work schedule flexibility in determining benefits. Currently, benefits are granted based on a consistent 40-hour workweek, which many businesses and employees do not follow, especially in the manufacturing industry.

In manufacturing, for example, facilities operate on a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week basis, so it makes sense to employ workers on a schedule alternating 3 and 4 day weeks. However, under current statute, workers on an alternating biweekly schedule that averages 40 hours per week would be eligible for less benefits than workers who work consistent 40-hour work weeks.

This bill gives affected businesses greater flexibility in retaining their workers, thus preventing layoffs. In this economic climate, this bill is needed to make the shared work unemployment compensation program more effective and equitable when it’s needed most. This bill is favored by a broad array of business and labor groups.

I'm very proud to see two of our freshman members, Rep. Diana Maldonado and Rep. Chris Turner, with legislation on the first day's calendar. Rep. Maldonado and Rep. Chris Turner were the first two candidates that TexBlog PAC endorsed. For everyone who donated to TexBlog PAC and helped us support these candidates -- this is your investment paying off for you.

Update: I forgot that the LSG Floor Reports are subscription-only, and it is the other reports -- their higher ed reports, state school reports, etc. -- that are open to everyone. I should have remembered this since I worked with them so much, but I think I just got excited at reading the first Calendar of the session and their first Floor Report of the Session. And yes, I'm a policy dork that gets excited about stuff like that -- why do you think I'm spending my Spring Break posting on BOR? Deal with it.

Since they sell subscriptions -- a la Quorum Report & Texas Weekly -- I won't be able to link directly to it every day. Though, like I do with QR, I will crib from my subscription if/when it is necessary and appropriate, and I will still use their excellent research to form and shape these calendar posts.

Bottom line: you'll still be able to come to BOR for coverage of what is happening at the Capitol. So keep reading!

Committee Assignments: Gang of 11 Wins Big, Democrats Given Little Respect

by: Matt Glazer

Thu Feb 12, 2009 at 04:00 PM CST

Republicans control the House so there should be a Republican slant in the committees and with Republican chairs.  Seems logical.

Texas Insider has a story outlining exactly where the Gang of 11 were put:

• District 7: Rep. Tommy Merritt - Chair of Public Safety
• District 10: Rep. Jim Pitts - Chair of Appropriations
• District 15: Rep. Rob Eissler - Chair of Public Education
• District 17: Rep. Byron Cook - Chair of Environmental Regulation
• District 44: Rep. Edmund Kuempel - Chair of Licensing & Administrative Procecures
• District 60: Rep. Jim Keffer - Chair of Energy Resources
• District 65: Rep. Burt Solomons - Chair of State Affairs
• District 66: Rep. Brian McCall - Chair of Calendars
• District 83: Rep. Delwin Jones - Chair of Redistricting
• District 99: Rep. Charlie Geren - Chair of House Administration
• District 121: Rep. Joe Straus - Speaker of the House

That means the gang of 11 control the three most important committee's Calendars, Appropriations, and State Affairs.
Texas Insider aptly describes the committees as:

Calendars - controls the order and placement of bills on appropriate calendars.

State Affairs - oversees bills on hot button social issues such as abortion rights and Voter ID.

Appropriations - jurisdiction over all bills that request money to or from the state treasury.

That makes sense, the Gang of 11 chose Straus and with the Democrats, pushed Straus to victory.  What doesn't make sense are the hyper partisan committee creations Straus made.

The best example is Criminal Jurisprudence which is filled with conservative Republicans who pushed for tort reform.  Another committee that signaled how dismissive Straus was to Democrats is the Elections committee. As one lobbyist pointed out, the Elections committee under Todd Smith could produce some very scary legislation.  

Phi has already aptly pointed out the structure of the Elections Committee virtually guarantees voter ID legislation gets to the floor.

Straus has marginalized key House Democratic leaders too.

After Rep Jim Dunnam secured nearly 70 votes for anyone to challenge Tom Craddick, he is placed on Environmental Regulation and Transportation.  Dunnam did get a nice megaphone to attack Rick Perry's refusal to accept federal aide as Chair of the select committee on Federal Economic Stabilization Funding, but it comes with out a natural base of support unlike State Affairs or Regulated Industries.

Another good example is Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Thompson was a candidate for Speaker and an early endorser of Straus.  She is currently serving her 17th term.  What committee assignments did she receive? Insurance, Licensing & Administrative Procedures (Vice Chair), and Local & Consent Calendars (Chair).  The Local and Consent Calendar Committee is were non-controversial bills go if they have received unanimous support in committee.  This is a thankless job and is one of the weakest chair positions Straus could give out.  Rep. Thompson is too good to be chair of this thankless committee.

Straus also showed that he was willing to be as partisan as past Republicans.  He painted a nice target on freshmen Democrats giving them lower weaker committees.  Democrats like Kristi Thibaut, Robert Miklos, Chris Turner and others will do incredible work in smaller committees. One Democratic freshman got some solid committee assignments-Diana Maldonado.

Maldonado was placed on the powerful State Affairs committee and Defense & Veterans' Affairs.

As the same lobbyist put it, this is because Williamson County is trending too rapidly to the Democratic Party.  Maldonado won a tough election in an open race.  Now she is an incumbent and Annie's List incumbent at that. With work from WilCo and Travis County Democrats, Diana should be fine.

On the other hand, Todd Hunter is being propped up.  

After winning a close election against Juan Garcia, Hunter was given three committee assignments and one chairmanship. Hunter will be on the General Investigating & Ethics and Insurance Committees and will chair Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence.  This is a double slap to Democrats. Garcia campaigns on reforming the Insurance Commissioner's office and making that an elected position and was backed by the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

Now we know how Straus feels about both of those things.

Straus is better than Craddick.  That is absolutely true.  However, Straus as Speaker shows how important it is for us to take back the House.  If we want to really stop Voter ID, reregulate tuition, or provide insurance for all of Texas' children, a Democrat needs to hold the House gavel.  

Chris Turner Files "Utility Transparency for Families" Act

by: Phillip Martin

Tue Feb 03, 2009 at 00:45 PM CST

Democrat State Rep. Chris Turner (HD 96) filed legislation to require electric companies to inform customers of rate changes. The legislation, HB 995, addresses one of the most important issues of the session, one that Rep. Turner and Democrats across Texas have campaigned on, but has been regularly ignored by Republicans.

From the press release:

When passed, the law will require residential retail electric providers to give customers with fixed priced contracts a minimum of 60 days notice that their contract is expiring. The bill would also require providers notify customers what the rate change will be once their contract expires. House Bill 995 is the first bill Turner has filed.

"For the past year, I have heard story after story of one and two-year fixed price contracts expiring, and residential utility bills doubling and tripling as a result," said Turner. "Texas families don't deserve unexpected rate hikes, especially in these challenging economic times. The utility companies need to be upfront with their customers and let them know when their rates may go up and by how much."

The bill also requires residential retail electric providers to inform customers with expiring contracts about the Public Utility Commission of Texas website -- www.powertochoose.org -- which gives consumers the tools to compare providers and utility prices.

If we're going to have a competitive utility market, then consumers need to know their options. This legislation simply helps consumers make informed decisions, which will only lead to a more competitive marketplace. A great idea to help Texas families, and a strong embrace of practical economic principles.

Ed. note: Rep. Chris Turner was one of TexBlog PAC's endorsed candidates last cycle.

Turner Praises and Challenges Perry

by: Todd Hill

Tue Jan 27, 2009 at 01:55 PM CST

Democratic State Representative Chris Turner (HD 96) struck a nice balance of praise for what Perry did mention coupled with issuing challenges for what Perry neglected:

"I support Governor Perry's initiative to add additional border security to combat gang violence and drug trafficking, and agree with him that we should exempt more small businesses from the margins tax by raising the exemption to $1 million.

"However, I was disappointed that at a time when middle class families are struggling in this difficult economic climate, the Governor said nothing about the need to rein in high utility and insurance rates which unfairly hurt families and businesses.  I was also surprised and disappointed that the Governor failed to mention the need to revamp our current school funding scheme, which has put many school districts in a financial crisis and is hurting the quality of instruction for Texas school children.  I am hopeful that the Legislature, working on a bipartisan basis, will address these issues in the weeks ahead."

Turner made excellent observations from today's speech.  Small business owners in Texas can not be expected to carry the weight of a business income tax in this type of economic recession.  We'll see far more businesses shut down and more Texans out of work if the margin tax stays as is.  A sensible increase in the exemption will help; however, the margin tax was created as an additional taxation system to help alleviate the burden of property taxes and assist with education funding.  That's unfair to small business owners to say the least, but what alternatives can the legislature propose?

Turner's second observation regarding public education was also good.  Perry made no substantial mention of public education solutions to address a growing problem for our state.  The health of Texas, and her economy, rests on our ability to properly educate a new generation of suppliers and demanders.    

Straus' Ascendance Signals Shift in Texas GOP

by: Todd Hill

Mon Jan 05, 2009 at 07:00 AM CST

The Tarrant County Democratic delegation signaled clear support for Straus.  Talking with Representative-elect Chris Turner, he came away very impressed with a weekend meeting with Straus:

There are a number of reasons why he will be a good speaker, but the most important to me is his commitment to run the House in a fair and bipartisan manner.  If we have a fair process, I am hopeful we can get some meaningful things accomplished for the people of Texas.

Representative Paula Pierson echoed some of the same sentiments on Straus:

He [Straus] is bright but he is fair.  He is not a bully.  I believe he wants what is best for Texas and not himself.

Representative Marc Veasey added the following in a phone call last night:

Straus is a pragmatic, down to earth, good guy who gets along with Democrats and Republicans.  I'm confident the Democratic agenda will be heard, that all sides will be heard, and although we might not always agree that we will find more common ground then we have since I've been in Austin.

The Star-Telegram quoted Representative Burnam as having highly favorable opinions of the new incoming Speaker of the 81st Legislative session as well.  For the first time in six years a heavy hand on the gavel will give way to a pragmatic one.

One thing is for certain, a fight for the soul of the Republican Party has boiled into the public domain with the more extreme wing versus the more moderate wing jockeying for leadership of the Texas GOP.  It remains to be seen whether Straus has the backbone to withstand a withering fire from the more extreme wing or be forced to do more dealing with moderate Republicans and Democrats in order to pass legislation that is good for Texas.  If the latter is the case, the more extreme wing will be boxed into an irrelevant corner.  That signals a new day in politics in Texas.    

Considering that Representative Straus appears to have majority support amongst the House, he deserves an opportunity to restore bi-partisanship and pragmatism to Texas politics in order to set a more constructive tone to the upcoming legislative session.      

The Hutchison Effect vs. The Obama Effect

by: Todd Hill

Fri Nov 14, 2008 at 08:45 AM CST

Nonetheless, because of what the Star-Telegram wrote about the likes of Republicans Joe Barton, Jeb Hensarling, and Kay Granger making a run for the senate, and the one Democratic name of John Sharp mentioned, coupled with the lively and hopeful discussion around the recent L.A. Times article about Texas being a battleground state in 2012, I think it is important to take a deep breath and really analyze some things here.