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If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, https:/=
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mxk=3D.
[Are these emails too small? Is half of it clipped? At the very top of this=
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ze and with full content!]

Hello Patriots and Citizen Advocates!

I hope you=E2=80=99re enjoying your summer! I love summer (yes - even the =
Texas heat) and it goes by way too fast for me. It=E2=80=99s been a while =
since my last Friday message in May, when session was ending, and we did a =
session wrap up and analysis. If you missed that one, you can read it here=
. That message included the analysis spreadsheet of 70+ bills that we foll=
owed during the regular session.

I took advantage of the slower pace during June for some personal R&R, and =
getting work life back to a more =E2=80=9Cnormal=E2=80=9D situation after t=
he rush of the legislative session. But now, the Governor has called a spe=
cial session, starting on July 21, so we=E2=80=99re back at it again! =20

In late June, Governor Abbott announced that he would call a special sessio=
n, and indicated several issues that he wanted re-visited, include some bil=
ls that he vetoed. On Wednesday, he issued the official proclamation for t=
he special session, with EIGHTEEN items on the list! That=E2=80=99s a lot =
of items for a special session, so it=E2=80=99s going to be interesting to =
see what gets done in the 30-day session. You can read the complete list i=
n the Governor=E2=80=99s Press Release from Wednesday. =20

Understandably, flood warning and relief issues are on the list after the e=
vents in the Hill Country last week. Also included are several of our prio=
rities that didn=E2=80=99t make it in regular session, like protections for=
the unborn, ban taxpayer funded lobbying, and re-instating the Attorney Ge=
neral=E2=80=99s ability to prosecute election fraud. Redistricting is also=
on the list, which is usually a long, drawn-out process so it will be inte=
resting to see how that=E2=80=99s handled in a short, 30-day special sessio=
n.

Things to remember about Special Sessions:

The special session lasts only 30 days. Although subsequent specials can b=
e called again and again.

The session number is designated as 89(1) (meaning 89th session, 1st specia=
l session). If another special is called, it will be 89(2), and so on. Be=
sure you have the right =E2=80=9Csession=E2=80=9D set when working in the =
TLO.

Bill numbering all starts over. Bill filing will start immediately, but t=
he numbering system starts at 1. So, SB or HB whatever in the regular sess=
ion might get filed again, but it will have a different number, even if it=
=E2=80=99s an identical bill to the original one. (This is why it=E2=80=99=
s vital to have the right legislative session set when looking up things in=
the TLO)

Only bills that are germane to the issues on the Governor=E2=80=99s call wi=
ll be considered. (Although usually lots of bills on other subjects are fi=
led anyway)

Committees, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs all remain the same. Unfortun=
ately, that means that people like Chairman Ken King (House State Affairs C=
hair) can once again kill many bills that are important to us. The good si=
de of that is that in a special session, things move fast and there=E2=80=
=99s nowhere to hide, and gaslighting is less successful.

Every bill in a special session goes through the same process as the regula=
r session: 1st reading, committee assignment, hearing (or not), 2nd readin=
g, 3rd reading, approval, then sent to other chamber for the whole thing to=
happen again. The process remains the same. =20

Public Hearings on bills may or may not happen. It=E2=80=99s at the discre=
tion of the Committee Chair. Because time is so short, if a bill is filed t=
hat had adequate input in the regular session, and committee members agree,=
they might just move it along without additional hearings.

Our involvement as activists in the special will depend on how things progr=
ess. Because of the fast pace of activities, there isn=E2=80=99t always ti=
me to get the word out about attending a committee or whatever. Sometimes =
there=E2=80=99s little to no notice. We=E2=80=99ll have to just watch the =
proceedings, and issue alerts as needed for visits to the Capitol, or makin=
g on-line comments, or calling & writing to lawmakers. Please pay attentio=
n to emails and texts regarding action items, as well as posts on social me=
dia channels about activities. We=E2=80=99ll do our best to keep you updat=
ed and informed on how you can be engaged.

What can we do right now?

In the days leading up to start of the special session, activists can do a =
few things to get ready and be prepared.

Pick the items on the special call that are important to YOU, that you want=
to focus on.

Watch the TLO for bill filings on those issues, create bill lists and alert=
s for those bills.

Talk to your own House Representative and Senator about the issues you care=
about. Let them know now, what you would like them to do regarding your p=
riority issues.

What can we do during the special session?

Be prepared is my best advice! Here are some specific suggestions:

Set those TLO alerts for session 89(1)

Watch for Public Hearings on the bills you are interested in. When they co=
me up, either attend and testify, make on-line comments for House Bills, or=
email/call Committee members for Senate bills.

Watch for TTP updates and instructions that will come from me in emails, or=
from TTP in texts, or on our social media channels. (My Facebook and X Ac=
count, Julie=E2=80=99s accounts, Citizen Advocate Facebook Page, etc.) Whe=
n there are opportunities to weigh in, we=E2=80=99ll let you know.

We will support any bills that align with our TTP Core Values, and oppose t=
hose that do not. But for me personally, I will be especially focusing on =
three issues: 1) Banning Taxpayer Funded Lobbying (SB19 in the regular ses=
sion), 2) Banning the sale or distribution of abortion pills in Texas (SB28=
80 in the regular session), and 3) The Constitutional Amendment to restore =
the ability of the AG to prosecute election fraud (HB5138 or similar from r=
egular session)

If there are things on the list that interest you, I urge you to engage in =
the process and try to swing things your way. For example - the THC and he=
mp products issue is included in this special call, and I know many people =
are concerned about that one. Obviously, everyone is looking for property =
tax elimination, but notice that the list calls for =E2=80=9CCut Property T=
axes=E2=80=9D, not eliminate. (Sigh). This special session is our =E2=80=
=9Cdo-over=E2=80=9D for some things that didn=E2=80=99t happen in regular s=
ession. Let=E2=80=99s make the most of the opportunity. Jump in where you=
can.

On Another Subject - Constitutional Amendments from the 89th Legislature

As you probably know, there are 17 Constitutional Amendments that will be o=
n the November general election ballot. I=E2=80=99m currently working on a=
nalysis and recommendation on each amendment and I will have that for you s=
oon. Watch for a Fran=E2=80=99s Friday Message on that subject in the next=
few weeks.

Big Thanks!

I=E2=80=99d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who stepped forward =
to participate with our TTP efforts to help flood victims in central Texas.=
In a very short time with very little notice, people turned out to help w=
ith donations, labor to receive products, sort items, box everything up and=
finally, load a really big truck! True Texans always shine when they=E2=
=80=99re needed most, and Julie and I are very proud of our TTP family.

We are following that up with a fund raiser to send $$ for the re-build of =
the Hill Country. If you're in DFW area, come out to party with us (you kn=
ow we know how to party!) on Aug 17th, and do something good while you danc=
e the night away. Join our Boot Scootin Benefit!=20







Stay tuned over the next few weeks for more Friday Messages (which might co=
me on a Tuesday or a Monday!) about the special session. We=E2=80=99ll d=
o our best to keep you informed on what=E2=80=99s happening and what we can=
do about it.

Stay Engaged!

Fran Rhodes, President

=20

True Texas Project works hard to train and engage activists.
Can you help?
We are 100% donation-based.
Click here to donate to our movement. =20
TrueTexasProject.com

=20

=20

To update your profile with a new email address, satellite location, or oth=
er details, or to adjust your recurring donations, please click here.
BONUS TIP: remove the "unsubscribe" line at the bottom of your email before=
you forward it! Otherwise the recipient may unsubscribe YOU!

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eight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: =
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href=
=3D"[link removed]
chrIkyXNalKeS8bvwx8vXShmxk=3D/VO5j0VyYr_TDKmtdVOB0vlG8PSNrs5QarDNTRjifoHA=
=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; =
padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><img style=3D"outline: non=
e; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%;=
clear: both; float: none; text-align: center; border: none; display: block=
; width: 750px; height: auto;" src=3D"[link removed]
com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/TTP%20Email%20Header(1).png" alt =
width=3D"750" height=3D"263"></a><span style=3D"font-weight: 400; color: #e=
03e2d; font-size: 11pt;">[Are these emails too small? Is half of it clipped=
? At the very top of this email, click the link that says "see it online". =
It will open in normal size and with full content!]</span></p></th>=20
</tr>=20
</tbody>
</table>=20
<table class=3D"row content-row-blockpadding" style=3D"border-sp=
acing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;=
padding: 0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
; background-color: #ffffff;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sa=
ns-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; =
line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; word-break: break-word; o=
verflow-wrap: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: =
24px; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px;">=
<p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helve=
tica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-a=
lign: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px;">Hello Patriots and Citizen Advocates!</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoS=
pacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">I h=
ope you=E2=80=99re enjoying your summer!<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">=
&nbsp; </span>I love summer (yes - even the Texas heat) and it goes by way =
too fast for me.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It=E2=80=
=99s been a while since my last Friday message in May, when session was end=
ing, and we did a session wrap up and analysis.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun:=
yes;">&nbsp; </span>If you missed that one, you <strong><a href=3D"https:/=
/api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/fHe5hzu-PCLefVfNgchrIkyXNalK=
eS8bvwx8vXShmxk=3D/VO5j0VyYr_TDKmtdVOB0vthVLX5g9Fa9AEmLfQXIUp8=3D" style=3D=
"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; t=
ext-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">can read it here</a></strong>.<span sty=
le=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That message included the analysis =
spreadsheet of 70+ bills that we followed during the regular session.</p> <=
p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvet=
ica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-al=
ign: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-b=
ottom: 10px;">I took advantage of the slower pace during June for some pers=
onal R&amp;R, and getting work life back to a more =E2=80=9Cnormal=E2=80=9D=
situation after the rush of the legislative session.<span style=3D"mso-spa=
cerun: yes;">&nbsp; But n</span>ow, the Governor has called a special sessi=
on, starting on July 21, so we=E2=80=99re back at it again!<span style=3D"m=
so-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"co=
lor: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; pa=
dding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-hei=
ght: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">In late June, Governor=
Abbott announced that he would call a special session, and indicated sever=
al issues that he wanted re-visited, include some bills that he vetoed.<spa=
n style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>On Wednesday, he issued the of=
ficial proclamation for the special session, with EIGHTEEN items on the lis=
t!<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That=E2=80=99s a lot of =
items for a special session, so it=E2=80=99s going to be interesting to see=
what gets done in the 30-day session.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&n=
bsp; </span>You can read the complete list in the <strong><a href=3D"https:=
//api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/fHe5hzu-PCLefVfNgchrIkyXNal=
KeS8bvwx8vXShmxk=3D/VO5j0VyYr_TDKmtdVOB0vuatTxW0e4aUU4XyXOVFMBI=3D" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0=
; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Governor=E2=80=99s Press Release</a>=
</strong> from Wednesday.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><=
/p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,h=
elvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; te=
xt-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Mar=
gin-bottom: 10px;">Understandably, flood warning and relief issues are on t=
he list after the events in the Hill Country last week.<span style=3D"mso-s=
pacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Also included are several of our priorities th=
at didn=E2=80=99t make it in regular session, like protections for the unbo=
rn, ban taxpayer funded lobbying, and re-instating the Attorney General=E2=
=80=99s ability to prosecute election fraud.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: ye=
s;">&nbsp; </span>Redistricting is also on the list, which is usually a lon=
g, drawn-out process so it will be interesting to see how that=E2=80=99s ha=
ndled in a short, 30-day special session.</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" sty=
le=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight:=
400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; =
line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Things=
to remember about Special Sessions</strong>:</p>=20
<ul style=3D"list-style-position: inside; Margin: 0 0 10px 0=
; padding: 0 0 0 10px;">=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">The special session lasts only 30 days.<span style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Although subsequent specials can be c=
alled again and again.</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">The session number is designated as 89(1) (meaning 8=
9^th session, 1^st special session).<span style=3D"mso-=
spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If another special is called, it will be 89(2=
), and so on.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Be sure you h=
ave the right =E2=80=9Csession=E2=80=9D set when working in the TLO.</li>=
=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Bill numbering all starts over.<span style=3D"mso-sp=
acerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Bill filing will start immediately, but t=
he numbering system starts at 1.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; <=
/span>So, SB or HB whatever in the regular session might get filed again, b=
ut it will have a different number, even if it=E2=80=99s an identical bill =
to the original one.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(This =
is why it=E2=80=99s vital to have the right legislative session set when lo=
oking up things in the TLO)</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Only bills that are germane to the issues on the Gov=
ernor=E2=80=99s call will be considered.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">=
&nbsp; </span>(Although usually lots of bills on other subjects are filed a=
nyway)</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Committees, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs all rem=
ain the same.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Unfortunately=
, that means that people like Chairman Ken King (House State Affairs Chair)=
can once again kill many bills that are important to us.<span style=3D"mso=
-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The good side of that is that in a special s=
ession, things move fast and there=E2=80=99s nowhere to hide, and gaslighti=
ng is less successful.</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Every bill in a special session goes through the sam=
e process as the regular session:<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; =
</span>1^st reading, committee assignment, hearing (or not), 2<su=
p>nd</sup> reading, 3^rd reading, approval, then sent to other ch=
amber for the whole thing to happen again.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;=
">&nbsp; </span>The process remains the same. <span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes;">&nbsp;</span></li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Public Hearings on bills may or may not happen.<span=
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It=E2=80=99s at the discretion =
of the Committee Chair. Because time is so short, if a bill is filed that h=
ad adequate input in the regular session, and committee members agree, they=
might just move it along without additional hearings.</li>=20
</ul> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; fon=
t-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Our involvement as activists in the spe=
cial will depend on how things progress.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">=
&nbsp; </span>Because of the fast pace of activities, there isn=E2=80=99t a=
lways time to get the word out about attending a committee or whatever.<spa=
n style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Sometimes there=E2=80=99s litt=
le to no notice.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We=E2=80=
=99ll have to just watch the proceedings, and issue alerts as needed for vi=
sits to the Capitol, or making on-line comments, or calling &amp; writing t=
o lawmakers.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Please pay att=
ention to emails and texts regarding action items, as well as posts on soci=
al media channels about activities.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp=
; </span>We=E2=80=99ll do our best to keep you updated and informed on how =
you can be engaged.</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; =
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; marg=
in: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; marg=
in-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>What can we do right now?</s=
trong></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-se=
rif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; =
font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px=
;">In the days leading up to start of the special session, activists can do=
a few things to get ready and be prepared.</p>=20
<ul style=3D"list-style-position: inside; Margin: 0 0 10px 0=
; padding: 0 0 0 10px;">=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Pick the items on the special call that are importan=
t to YOU, that you want to focus on.</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Watch the TLO for bill filings on those issues, crea=
te bill lists and alerts for those bills.</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Talk to your own House Representative and Senator ab=
out the issues you care about.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </s=
pan>Let them know now, what you would like them to do regarding your priori=
ty issues.</li>=20
</ul> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; fon=
t-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>What can we do during the speci=
al session?</strong></p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; mar=
gin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; mar=
gin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Be prepared is my best advice!<span=
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here are some specific suggesti=
ons:</p>=20
<ul style=3D"list-style-position: inside; Margin: 0 0 10px 0=
; padding: 0 0 0 10px;">=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Set those TLO alerts for session 89(1)</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Watch for Public Hearings on the bills you are inter=
ested in.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When they come up=
, either attend and testify, make on-line comments for House Bills, or emai=
l/call Committee members for Senate bills.</li>=20
<li class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"display: list-item; lin=
e-height: 1.5em; Margin: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-bre=
ak: break-word; overflow-wrap: break-word; list-style: disc outside; mso-sp=
ecial-format: bullet;">Watch for TTP updates and instructions that will com=
e from me in emails, or from TTP in texts, or on our social media channels.=
<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(My Facebook and X Account=
, Julie=E2=80=99s accounts, Citizen Advocate Facebook Page, etc.)<span styl=
e=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When there are opportunities to weig=
h in, we=E2=80=99ll let you know.</li>=20
</ul> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; fon=
t-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin:=
0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-=
bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">We will support any bills that align wi=
th our TTP Core Values, and oppose those that do not.<span style=3D"mso-spa=
cerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But for me personally, I will be especially focu=
sing on three issues:<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>1) Ba=
nning Taxpayer Funded Lobbying (SB19 in the regular session), 2) Banning th=
e sale or distribution of abortion pills in Texas (SB2880 in the regular se=
ssion), and 3) The Constitutional Amendment to restore the ability of the A=
G to prosecute election fraud (HB5138 or similar from regular session)</p> =
<p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helve=
tica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-a=
lign: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px;">If there are things on the list that interest you, I urge yo=
u to engage in the process and try to swing things your way.<span style=3D"=
mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For example - the THC and hemp products i=
ssue is included in this special call, and I know many people are concerned=
about that one.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Obviously,=
everyone is looking for property tax elimination, but notice that the list=
calls for =E2=80=9CCut Property Taxes=E2=80=9D, not eliminate.<span style=
=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(Sigh).<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: y=
es;">&nbsp; </span>This special session is our =E2=80=9Cdo-over=E2=80=9D fo=
r some things that didn=E2=80=99t happen in regular session.<span style=3D"=
mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Let=E2=80=99s make the most of the opport=
unity.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Jump in where you ca=
n.</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: aria=
l,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0;=
text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; =
Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>On Another Subject - Constitutional Amendment=
s from the 89^th Legislature</strong></p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacin=
g" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-w=
eight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: =
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">As you p=
robably know, there are 17 Constitutional Amendments that will be on the No=
vember general election ballot.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </=
span>I=E2=80=99m currently working on analysis and recommendation on each a=
mendment and I will have that for you soon.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes=
;">&nbsp; </span>Watch for a Fran=E2=80=99s Friday Message on that subject =
in the next few weeks.</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c414=
4; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; m=
argin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; m=
argin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><strong>Big Thanks!</strong></p> =
<p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helve=
tica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-a=
lign: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px;">I=E2=80=99d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who s=
tepped forward to participate with our TTP efforts to help flood victims in=
central Texas.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In a very s=
hort time with very little notice, people turned out to help with donations=
, labor to receive products, sort items, box everything up and finally, loa=
d a really big truck!<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>True =
Texans always shine when they=E2=80=99re needed most, and Julie and I are v=
ery proud of our TTP family.</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: =
#3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding=
: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: =
1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">We are following that up wi=
th a fund raiser to send $$ for the re-build of the Hill Country.&nbsp; If =
you're in DFW area, come out to party with us (you know we know how to part=
y!) on Aug 17th, and do something good while you dance the night away.&nbsp=
; Join our Boot Scootin Benefit!&nbsp;</p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->=20
<div class=3D"custom-insert-img align-center break-text-aro=
und-image" style=3D"margin: 12px auto important; float: none; text-align: c=
enter; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; max-width: 317px; Margin: 12p=
x auto;">
<img class=3D"align-center break-text-around-image" src=3D=
"[link removed]
ages/boot%20scootin%20benefit.png" alt=3D"boot%20scootin%20benefit.png" wid=
th=3D"317" height=3D"397" align=3D"middle" data-wrap-text-margin=3D"25" dat=
a-wrap-text=3D"Break text around image" style=3D"outline: none; text-decora=
tion: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clear: both; =
display: block; margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align: center; width: 100=
%; height: auto; Margin: 12px auto;">
</div> <!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144;=
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; mar=
gin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; mar=
gin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Stay tuned over the next few weeks =
for more Friday Messages (which might come<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;=
">&nbsp; </span>on a Tuesday or a Monday!)<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;=
">&nbsp; </span>about the special session.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes;=
">&nbsp; </span>We=E2=80=99ll do our best to keep you informed on what=E2=
=80=99s happening and what we can do about it.</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing=
" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-we=
ight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 1=
2pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Stay Enga=
ged!</p> <p class=3D"MsoNoSpacing" style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: ar=
ial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: =
0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px=
; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Fran Rhodes, President</p></th>=20
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Hello Patriots and Citizen Advocates!

I hope you’re enjoying your summer! I love summer (yes - even the Texas heat) and it goes by way too fast for me. It’s been a while since my last Friday message in May, when session was ending, and we did a session wrap up and analysis. If you missed that one, you can read it here. That message included the analysis spreadsheet of 70+ bills that we followed during the regular session.

I took advantage of the slower pace during June for some personal R&R, and getting work life back to a more “normal” situation after the rush of the legislative session. But now, the Governor has called a special session, starting on July 21, so we’re back at it again!

In late June, Governor Abbott announced that he would call a special session, and indicated several issues that he wanted re-visited, include some bills that he vetoed. On Wednesday, he issued the official proclamation for the special session, with EIGHTEEN items on the list! That’s a lot of items for a special session, so it’s going to be interesting to see what gets done in the 30-day session. You can read the complete list in the Governor’s Press Release from Wednesday.

Understandably, flood warning and relief issues are on the list after the events in the Hill Country last week. Also included are several of our priorities that didn’t make it in regular session, like protections for the unborn, ban taxpayer funded lobbying, and re-instating the Attorney General’s ability to prosecute election fraud. Redistricting is also on the list, which is usually a long, drawn-out process so it will be interesting to see how that’s handled in a short, 30-day special session.

Things to remember about Special Sessions:

The special session lasts only 30 days. Although subsequent specials can be called again and again.

The session number is designated as 89(1) (meaning 89th session, 1st special session). If another special is called, it will be 89(2), and so on. Be sure you have the right “session” set when working in the TLO.

Bill numbering all starts over. Bill filing will start immediately, but the numbering system starts at 1. So, SB or HB whatever in the regular session might get filed again, but it will have a different number, even if it’s an identical bill to the original one. (This is why it’s vital to have the right legislative session set when looking up things in the TLO)

Only bills that are germane to the issues on the Governor’s call will be considered. (Although usually lots of bills on other subjects are filed anyway)

Committees, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs all remain the same. Unfortunately, that means that people like Chairman Ken King (House State Affairs Chair) can once again kill many bills that are important to us. The good side of that is that in a special session, things move fast and there’s nowhere to hide, and gaslighting is less successful.

Every bill in a special session goes through the same process as the regular session: 1st reading, committee assignment, hearing (or not), 2nd reading, 3rd reading, approval, then sent to other chamber for the whole thing to happen again. The process remains the same.

Public Hearings on bills may or may not happen. It’s at the discretion of the Committee Chair. Because time is so short, if a bill is filed that had adequate input in the regular session, and committee members agree, they might just move it along without additional hearings.

Our involvement as activists in the special will depend on how things progress. Because of the fast pace of activities, there isn’t always time to get the word out about attending a committee or whatever. Sometimes there’s little to no notice. We’ll have to just watch the proceedings, and issue alerts as needed for visits to the Capitol, or making on-line comments, or calling & writing to lawmakers. Please pay attention to emails and texts regarding action items, as well as posts on social media channels about activities. We’ll do our best to keep you updated and informed on how you can be engaged.

What can we do right now?

In the days leading up to start of the special session, activists can do a few things to get ready and be prepared.

Pick the items on the special call that are important to YOU, that you want to focus on.

Watch the TLO for bill filings on those issues, create bill lists and alerts for those bills.

Talk to your own House Representative and Senator about the issues you care about. Let them know now, what you would like them to do regarding your priority issues.

What can we do during the special session?

Be prepared is my best advice! Here are some specific suggestions:

Set those TLO alerts for session 89(1)

Watch for Public Hearings on the bills you are interested in. When they come up, either attend and testify, make on-line comments for House Bills, or email/call Committee members for Senate bills.

Watch for TTP updates and instructions that will come from me in emails, or from TTP in texts, or on our social media channels. (My Facebook and X Account, Julie’s accounts, Citizen Advocate Facebook Page, etc.) When there are opportunities to weigh in, we’ll let you know.

We will support any bills that align with our TTP Core Values, and oppose those that do not. But for me personally, I will be especially focusing on three issues: 1) Banning Taxpayer Funded Lobbying (SB19 in the regular session), 2) Banning the sale or distribution of abortion pills in Texas (SB2880 in the regular session), and 3) The Constitutional Amendment to restore the ability of the AG to prosecute election fraud (HB5138 or similar from regular session)

If there are things on the list that interest you, I urge you to engage in the process and try to swing things your way. For example - the THC and hemp products issue is included in this special call, and I know many people are concerned about that one. Obviously, everyone is looking for property tax elimination, but notice that the list calls for “Cut Property Taxes”, not eliminate. (Sigh). This special session is our “do-over” for some things that didn’t happen in regular session. Let’s make the most of the opportunity. Jump in where you can.

On Another Subject - Constitutional Amendments from the 89th Legislature

As you probably know, there are 17 Constitutional Amendments that will be on the November general election ballot. I’m currently working on analysis and recommendation on each amendment and I will have that for you soon. Watch for a Fran’s Friday Message on that subject in the next few weeks.

Big Thanks!

I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who stepped forward to participate with our TTP efforts to help flood victims in central Texas. In a very short time with very little notice, people turned out to help with donations, labor to receive products, sort items, box everything up and finally, load a really big truck! True Texans always shine when they’re needed most, and Julie and I are very proud of our TTP family.

We are following that up with a fund raiser to send $$ for the re-build of the Hill Country. If you're in DFW area, come out to party with us (you know we know how to party!) on Aug 17th, and do something good while you dance the night away. Join our Boot Scootin Benefit!







Stay tuned over the next few weeks for more Friday Messages (which might come on a Tuesday or a Monday!) about the special session. We’ll do our best to keep you informed on what’s happening and what we can do about it.

Stay Engaged!

Fran Rhodes, President



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