WE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED HOLIDAY WEEKEND FOR THIS IMPORTANT CALL TO ACTION

 For some time, the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) has wielded power over private citizens while allowing intended targets of ethics oversight to go unnoticed, or face minor consequences.  The TEC is now undergoing the sunset review process with the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission and we have a chance to weigh in. 

The Texas Sunset Commission will be reviewing the TEC during a set of meetings on December 11 and 12, and making recommendations to the 89^th Legislature for reforms.  We need your help in asking the Sunset Commission to reform the TEC to its original intent. 

Key Concerns:

·         Sworn Complaint Process- procedurally cumbersome, punishes minor errors related to free speech with severe fines

·         Mismanagement and Misplaced Priorities- outdated website, mis-allocated resources, huge fines for grassroots activists while rich, well-connected violators face minimal consequences

·         Sunset Staff Report Failures- staff reports multiple failures but recommends less oversight, proposed changes would undermine constitutional free speech rights & political participation

·         Constitutional Overreach- violating separation-of-powers, recent court decisions expand TEC power with exclusive jurisdiction over election related violations

For more information and details on the TEC’s staff report and issues that concern grassroots activists, please see this article from Brandon Waltens with Texas Scorecard. Brandon summarizes it nicely (as always!)

Conclusion:
The TEC’s punitive practices discourage civic participation and erode public trust. The Sunset Advisory Commission must recommend reforms that restore fairness, transparency, and a citizen-centered approach to ethics enforcement.

Action:

The Sunset Commission will meet on Dec 11 and 12, 2024 in a public hearing to consider public comments about the TEC.  We encourage all grassroots activists to contact the members of the Ethics Commission to express concerns, attend the hearing and testify if possible, and/or submit on line comments to the Commission.

Sample Message: (please use your own words)

To Chairman Bell and Members of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission,

I urge you to make strong recommendations to the 89^th Legislature to reform the Texas Ethics Commission.  At a minimum,

·         fix the TEC’s broken website

·         maintain robust judicial oversight

·         prioritize accountability for public officials, not grassroots activists

The citizens of Texas are counting on you and the legislature to restore transparency and fairness to the Ethics Commission, and ensure that citizens have access to government without fear of retribution.

Three ways to take Action:

1)  Contact Members of the Sunset Advisory Commission by mail, phone or email.

Click on the link above for mailing address and phone numbers. 

Below are Email Addresses to contact members by email: 

(if 2 addresses listed, send to both email addresses)

Chairman Keith Bell, [email protected], [email protected]

Rep. Terry Canales, [email protected]

Rep. Lacy Hull, [email protected], [email protected]

Rep. Stan Kitzman, [email protected], [email protected]

Rep. Matt Shaheen, [email protected], [email protected]

 Senator Tann Parker, [email protected], [email protected]

Senator Cesar Blanco, [email protected]

Senator Mayes Middleton, [email protected]

Senator Angela Paxton, [email protected], [email protected]

Senator Kevin Sparks, [email protected]

Insider Tip:  The very best way to contact elected representatives (besides in person) is paper!  Letter or post card in the mail or hand delivered is the best.  If you email, use campaign emails if you have them. 

2)  Use this On-line form to submit comments to the Sunset Commission

Click on the link, fill out the form, and submit.

3)  Testify In Person at the Hearing, December 11 or 12.

Click on the link above for meeting details and frequently asked questions.

NOTE:  The Dec 11 and 12 meeting dates are tentative and subject to change.  Check the TEC website for updated information.

We need the Ethics Commission to hold our lawmakers accountable to the law.  We don't need free speech police.  Contact the Sunset Advisory Commission today.

Stay Engaged!

Fran Rhodes, President