Oppose new attempts to 'FIX' transportation issues

Why should your rep oppose SB792?

Because HB1892, with moratorium language attached, calls for a 2 year study on the privatization of our roads. We don't need hastily done legislation like SB792. We need time to study our options. Late night fixes and compromises with the Governor and TXDOT are not what the public wants. We want a halt to this privatization madness and the time to study our needs more in depth.

All the noise now about 'problems' with HB1892 is being blown out of proportion for political gain. It was quick, hastily voted on, middle of the night legislation that got us to where we are today. During debate on HB1892 on the senate floor senators expressed concerns with passing legislation in a hasty fashion. That is exactly what is going on right now. We don't need it again. Let me tell you how this will play out.

This can play out three ways...two of them bad
Script 1: BAD

• Perry and TXDOT complain that HB1892 has 'problems'


• Legislature (Carona, Krusee and company) come up with hasty 'fixes' in large bill, SB792.


• Legislature hastily approves legislation and sends to Perry.


• Perry vetos HB1892 in preparation for hasty legislation (SB792)


• SB792 is found to have flaws because it was done so fast.


• Perry can now claim that he has to veto it because of its flaws and legislature either doesn't have the time or the will to override the veto of SB792 and HB1892 is now gone as well.

Script 2: BAD

• Perry and TXDOT complain that HB1892 has 'problems'


• Legislature (Carona, Krusee and company) come up with hasty 'fixes' in large bill, SB792.


• Perry vetos HB1892 in preparation for hasty legislation (SB792)


• Legislature is unable to agree on SB792 and we are left with nothing.


• Support for HB1892 is eroded and no veto override happens.

Script 3: GOOD

• You call your rep and senator and tell them to ignore SB792 and stick to HB1892.


• Governor Perry vetos HB1892


• Legislature overrides his veto because they aren't distracted.


• TTC is effectively dead because of provisions in HB1892 limiting its profitability.

Pass HB1892 and let the studying and careful consideration begin.

How do you spell smokescreen? SB792

Does anyone else get an uneasy feeling about all these late dealings regarding HB1892 and SB792? Do you get the feeling that those who are causing all this fuss are fully aware and intending to erode support for HB1892. I've said it before. Perry hates HB1892. He doesn't like a moratorium but along with all the other limits and controls in HB1892, he absolutely despises it.

Why does the Governor not like HB1892? I'll tell you.

Not only does HB1892 declare a moratorium on any new private development agreements, but it severely hurts the profit potential for private companies on the TTC. It does this by giving local toll road authorities the right to develop and control roads within their areas without TXDOT interference. This is a severe blow to the TTC. It takes away the very areas that promise to be the most profitable stretches of road along the TTC. A toll road in the middle of nowhere is useless to a private company. It won't make any money because traffic will be too light. However, were the private company to control and operate that same toll road in/around major metro areas it could prove profitable by funnelling traffic onto these more profitable segments. Take away the profitable segments and the private operator has no potential for profit. Take away profit from large road construction contractors and private investment dries up. Take away private investment and profit potential and CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS dry up. That is why Rick Perry hates HB1892. It gives local control over roads and takes away his power to appoint favorable transporation commissioners and planners who will sell roads to the highest bidder. Sure, HCTRA and other major toll authorities can sell us out too...but its a lot easier to stir up enough voting public anger in local areas than it is to do so statewide. Giving control to local authorities puts more power in the hands of the people who vote...making it a local issue, controlled locally by voters. King Perry wants nothing to do with voters making decisions. He's the KING...or so he thinks.


Call your rep and Senator and express your continued support for HB1892 and tell them not to be distracted by Perry's crying and SB792.