Weekly Newsletter: March 4, 2011
March 4, 2011
Dear Friends,
This week the House of Representatives took up the several of the Governor’s emergency items in committee. The State Affairs Committee considered legislation regarding immigration and sonograms, while the Land and Resource Management Committee heard invited testimony on the topic of eminent domain.
On Wednesday, the House began debate on House Bill 15. This bill requires that a sonogram be conducted prior to an abortion. Debate on this bill spanned over the course of two days as there were over a dozen proposed amendments. The discussion was lively, and in the end the House successfully passed the bill 103 to 42. I voted to approve this bill.
With bills quickly moving through the legislative process, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the legislation that I am currently supporting. The following have my utmost support:
- Illegal Immigration Reform:
- HB 12: Prohibits “sanctuary cities” in Texas.
- Election Integrity:
- HB 250: Requires photo identification to vote.
- Gun Rights:
- HB 681: Prohibits employers from banning employees from legally storing a firearm in their vehicle.
- HB 750: Allows for concealed carry on college campuses.
- Protecting Life:
- HB 15: Requires that a sonogram is performed before abortions.
- HB 85: Prevents the state or any governmental entity from using tax dollars to fund abortions.
- Supporting Businesses:
- HB 198: Related to using private-sector procurement specialists for certain state agency contracts.
- HB 579: Helps small businesses by retaining the million total revenue exemption for the franchise tax.
A complete list of legislation I am supporting can be found at my House website.
I had a number of very special visitors in Austin this week. On Monday, I had the privilege of honoring Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried and Pastor Jeremiah Booker with a “Outstanding Community Leader Award”. I was also proud to present graduating senior, Aaron Shapiro, with a college scholarship through a legislative caucus affiliation.
Also among my many special guests were members of the Garland City Council and representatives of many of our local Republican Women’s Clubs, including ladies from the Northwood, Bentwood, and Lake Highlands affiliations. These ladies were in town to celebrate the Texas Federation of Republican Women’s Legislative Day in Austin.
As always, I appreciate your continued input and encourage you to stop by my office when you are in Austin. I’m honored to be your voice in Austin.
Sincerely,
Stefani Carter
