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This is the issue that got my vote as the number one priority this legislative session.

Governor Perry will sign this, and a half-million CHL holders will thank him and all the legislators who made this happen.

And guess what? This “little interest group” was an active, instrumental part of the equation. Scores of us repeatedly called and faxed and emailed our Texas legislators.

We made a difference!

Thanks to all of you.

I prepped four faxes with different content. The message is the same, but I want it to be obvious that I'm not sending a "canned" fax, that I feel strongly about this issue.

The first went out this morning. I figure it won't do any good to send a fax May 2 while they're in session...

Charles L. Cotton wrote:It hasn't cleared the B&I Committee, but it means we have a very early hearing. The word I get from Austin is that the phones are ringing constantly and the fact that we have a hearing this quickly means our message is getting through.

Thanks for your efforts folks! Keep up the pressure by asking that it be voted favorably from committee during the hearing on Monday. We don't want it left pending; it's a delay tactic. When you call or write, thank the committee members for the early hearing.

Thanks for a job well done!
Chas.

Since Texas Legislature Online sent notification today that HB 681 had been scheduled for public hearing February 28, and since the House is adjourned until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, I took this as an opportunity to send all B&I Committee members a very short follow-up fax that thanked each of them for the expedient manner the bill was scheduled for public hearing. Just two paragraphs. I closed with: "Thank you again for all your work representing the voters of Texas, and for your 'A' rating by the NRA. With your continued support, and a favorable vote on HB 681 as filed and without amendments..." etc.

For those with an "A" rating, I make sure I reinforce its importance to me in each communication. Only takes a handful of words, and I think it goes a long way in subtly saying, "I vote gun rights, and I'm not alone."

I make a telephone call or two, but I like faxes. I feel like I can send those frequently without becoming annoying, and it keeps adding to a stack of "to be read" stuff that hopefully keeps growing taller. BTW, I send it in standard business letter format, not a fax coversheet thingy. And just below the recipient's address and above the salutation, I include: "Regarding: House Bill 681." I figure that even if no one bothers to read the text of the letter (since my return address shows I'm not in his district), at least with 5-second glance the Representative will know it's another communication about HB 681. The more the merrier!

Sent faxes to all committee members yesterday, as well as one to my Representative, who does not sit on the committee.

I received notification just minutes ago via Texas Legislature Online that HB681 has been scheduled for public hearing on February 28. Charles, does this mean it's actually cleared the Business & Industry Committee blockade, or do we need to plan on another round of follow-up faxes and calls next Monday?