TX State Legislative Educational Forum


This site will include information relevant to a free, non-partisan series that David Kobierowski is hosting during the 81st TX State Legislative Session (Jan. 25th 2009 to May 31st, 2009). Our forum is held every Sunday, 4pm-6pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1300 Lavaca, Austin, TX.
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Sunday, March 22nd: Rep. Dawnna Dukes!

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What:   You’re invited to join us in-person.  We’ll meet every Sunday starting Sun., Jan. 25th 2009 to Sun., May 31st 2009 to present and discuss the top issues/policies expected during our 81st TX Legislative session!  Learn about the issues/policies, get involved, meet others, become more empowered on the issues facing our great state, and have fun!  This is a non-partisan event and will include Democratic, Republican, Independents, as well as many non-partisan educational and policy organizations.  Our speaker for Sun., March 22nd, TX State Representative Dawnna Dukes will cover the top issues and bills her office is tracking at the TX State Legislature.

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When:    Sun., March 22nd, 4:00pm-6:00pm.  

(This series will run every Sunday from Jan. 25th to May 31st).
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Where:  First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  The Family Life Center is located diagonally across from the First United Methodist Church, 1300 Lavaca Street, at the corner of 13th/Lavaca, 1st Floor Assembly Room (next door to TX Capitol). 

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Cost:    FREE   (and lots of free parking available). 
See you there!!
David Kobierowski

Previous Speakers:

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Sun., Jan. 25th, Former TX State Legislator Sherri Greenberg.  Topic was "Top Issues for 81st Legislative Session"

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Sun., Feb. 1st - no forum (Super Bowl Sunday)

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Sun., Feb. 8th, TX State Legislator Donna Howard.  Topic was State Board of Education (SBOE) Non-Partisan bill (HB420) and other Bills Rep. Howard is sponsoring related to SBOE.

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Sun., Feb. 15th, Former TX State Legislator Ann Kitchen and Rep. Elliott Naishtat Staff Member Nancy Walker on the topic of Health Care.

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Sun., Feb. 22nd, TX State Representative Mark Strama on the topics of Technology, Renewable Energy, and Green Jobs.

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Sun., March 1st, Deece Eckstein, Sr. Advisor to Gov. Ann Richards and Chief of Staff to Sen. Rodney Ellis for 6 years on "Citizen Lobbying Training".

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Sun., March 8th, Former TX State Senator Carl Parker shared stories from his over 32 years serving as a TX Legislator!

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Sun., March 15th, no forum.

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Upcoming Speakers:

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Sun., March 22nd, TX State Representative Dawnna Dukes (confirmed).

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Sun., March 29th, TX State Representative Rafael Anchia, topic is Voter ID (confirmed).

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Sun., April 5th, TX for Stem Cell Research President Dave Bales (Dave is working to confirm a TX Legislator to join him in this preso, possibly Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Rep. Mark Homer, or Rep. Beverly Woolley).  (in the works)

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Sun., April 12th, is Easter Sunday,  NO FORUM.

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Sun., April 19th, Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (tentative)

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I'm in conversation with Rep. Elliott Naishtat,  Rep. Patrick Rose, Rep. Richard Raymond, and former Rep. DeWitt Hale.

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MINUTES OF “DAVID HAS ISSUES” MEETING ON MARCH 8

  

David opened the meeting by reiterating the purpose/goals of the group

 

·        Identify the top issues for which we should be lobbying the Legislature.

·        Build teams to address these issues.

·        Take action.

 

Upcoming meeting speakers:

 

·        March 15 – Rep. Eddie Rodriguez

·        March 22 – Rep. Dawnna Dukes

·        March 29 – Rep.Rafael Anchia

·        April 5    – Speaker on Texas stem cell research

 

Lobby days:

 

·        March 9 – Voter suppression act (debate starts on March 10 at 9 a.m.)

·        March 24 – Death penalty

·        April 2 – Humane Society

 

The speaker was former Sen Carl Parker. He related many anecdotes about the Texas Legislature and his years as a Senator.  Other comments and issues that he feels need addressing:

 

·        Insurance companies and their policies on providing benefits.

·        Legal issues and loopholes related to Workers Comp.

·        Education – There is a need to improve the funding for education/teachers, the whole system is under funded – how do we measure good teachers and “quality” education – teachers should be more involved in the political process.

·        Criminal Justice System – Stricter enforcement and increasing sentences are not an answer to crime prevention. More emphasis should be placed on rehab.

 

Other comments:

 

·        David is upgrading his website. See: www.davidhasissues.com for more details on meetings, upcoming events etc.

·        www.capital.state.tx.us is the best website for following politics and the Legislature.

·        There is an excellent documentary on voter I.D. developed by the ACLU. Go online and google ACLU Freedom Files.

     

 

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