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TEXAS AFT LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE--THURSDAY, JUNE 25,
2009 * Governor Calls Special Session for July 1; No
Education Items on Initial Agenda Governor Calls Special Session for July 1: Gov. Rick Perry today exercised his power to call the legislature into special session July 1. The governor gets to decide the agenda of any special session, and Perry's initial agenda for this one does not include any education items. The agenda announced today primarily concerns extending the existence of five state agencies that would be abolished next year under the "sunset review" process unless the legislature acts to adjust the agencies' "sunset" date. Also included are funding measures for transportation projects. Gov. Perry said today his call of the special session is "tightly crafted" to prevent "mischief" and enable the legislature to complete its limited tasks quickly. However, there's always a chance that the governor could expand the agenda while the session is in progress. A special session runs for a maximum of 30 days. The governor can call as many special sessions as he deems necessary. Health-Care Rally, Virtual Lobby Day Inundate Congress With Reform Messages: Thanks to all of you who have taken part today in the AFT Virtual Lobby Day, contacting Congress in support of comprehensive health-care reform now. Your calls and letters have reinforced the message conveyed by thousands of union members and allies who rallied in Washington, D.C., today for health-care reform. Every corner of the Upper Senate Park on Capitol Hill was filled this afternoon with union members, health-care advocates, and community activists from across the country, and they heard not only from members of Congress and union leaders, but also from nurses, small-business owners, workers, and parents who told compelling stories about why we can't wait any longer for fundamental health-care reform. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker spoke for everyone when she said: "Health care without cost control will not work. Health care without a quality public option to lower costs is totally unacceptable." AFT's Lobby Day message also stressed two other points: the importance of leaving hard-won, employer-provided health benefits untaxed and the need for strong health-care staffing standards to assure quality. It seems increasingly likely that something called health-care reform will be passed by Congress this year. The question is whether what passes will really be reform. That's why AFT members need to keep pressing for legislation that meets the definition of real reform outlined above. Visit http://www.aft.org/fight4america/ for more on the AFT campaign for comprehensive health-care reform, including the personal stories of AFT members like you. |
