I\’m watching the House floor right now … in the background. HB 3186 ain\’t coming up anytime soon … and if they don\’t get to it by midnight, it is dead dead dead for 2007. So I may be updating this post throughout the next few hours to point out other things that have made their way to the legislative fore:
- Hispanics want to shoot of fireworks for Cinco de Mayo. Interestingly, it\’s a matter of police having resources to fight illegal fireworks shooting if it remains illegal. (It\’s apparently also good for schools and charities.)
- They are voting now on the fireworks thing … the amendment failed 29-110, but the bill itself passed! (I think. Can\’t be sure.) Only 170 more bills to go before they get to poker!
- OK, they just passed
three bills in like three minutesfive bills in four minutes — something about rural railroads, money for colleges in Central Texas, mentors for teens in foster care, and a pilot program to save Medicaid money. - Apparently reaching HB 3186 is mathematically possible. Am thinking poker would benefit from a relationship with Red Bull. If anyone can get a few dozen cases to the floor shortly after the dinner break — perhaps with a note saying \”From Texas poker players in support of HB 3186\” — that would be pretty cool. No idea if it would be legal, but hey …
- It\’s nearing an hour talking about some county jail monitor. It is getting FEISTY! Legislative tilt clearly in play.
Unknown Legislator: Do you know why democracy takes so long?
Rep. Craddick: Wha…? Oh … democracy?
UL: That\’s a foreign term around here.
Craddick: We\’re interested in what you have to say. - OK, maybe there is no dinner break … someone just brought in barbecue (from Tuffy\’s?). Seriously, next time … Red Bull.