Anyone Testifying at the TX Transportation Committee hearings?

[They_Live]

...there's more terrible Toll Road legislation afoot. They're trying to resurrect the Trans Texas Corridor among other things. Just wanted to make folks aware. House hearing today 3/30, senate hearing tomorrow 3/31.

House Transportation Committee Hearing
Mon., Mar. 28
9:00 AM
Rm. E2.036

Wed., March 30
8:00 AM
Rm. E2.028

Senate Transportation Committee Hearing
Wed., Mar 30
7:30 AM
Rm. E1.016

Thurs., Mar 31
8:00 AM
Rm. E1.012


of interest is HB 3789, "which is a blanket re-authorization for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and resurrects the Trans Texas Corridor, where the private toll road developers control not only the toll lanes/road, but non-toll lanes, frontage roads, buildings on the tollway, parking areas, rest stops, ancillary facilities, etc. It's eminent domain for private gain all over again! This has been introduced by House Transportation Committee Chair Larry Phillips so it is almost certain to pass the Committee, unless Texans REVOLT! This bill will be heard on Wednesday."

and SB 934, "that would make it possible to THROW YOU IN JAIL for failure to pay tolls also passed. This bill would actually make it a CRIMINAL penalty for failure to pay tolls. This is not necessarily just for toll violators either, it applies to those who pay by mail where enormous administrative fees get tacked onto your toll cost and if you fail to pay it, YOU WOULD GO TO JAIL if this bill becomes law. TxDOT has added up to 4000% administrative fees for pay by mail, for those who don't buy into the government TollTag system."


Quoted sections were taken from TURF e-mail/newsletter, which provides some good information.
http://texasturf.org/index.php

[sonias]

1. "Throw you in jail for failure to pay tolls"

These crazy pro-toll Representative nutbags! We have too many people in jail for non-violent offenses anyway.

:puke:

[They_Live]

2. I did actually go to the hearing...

It was interesting to see the process. I did not testify, but I filled out as many forms as possible, stating opposition to certain proposed bills. I turned them in to the clerk. I think I filled out about ten forms (one for each bill), then I had to leave to take care of dinner, etc. I still feel like it made a bit of difference. There were a few other people (from TURF) doing the same, and helping others fill out forms. While we were outside the hearing room, a guy showed up and started spouting a few "Tea" talking points. I ignored him, the others diffused what he was saying, and he left when he realized we weren't going to throw a tantrum with him.

[texastoast]

3. That's great

I called my reps and registered my opposition. Thanks for posting this and welcome to DU!