I'm in the Senate gallery, waiting for HJR 6 and the committee to start. On the way up, I noticed there are quite a few folks here waiting to testify, also making their presence known were the gaggle of DPS officers. I don't know what trouble they are expecting.
Will all the trouble even be necessary? Senator Hinojosa just sent us his release explaining his intent to block HJR 6 from a vote if it gets to the floor. Finally, a voice of reason.
Once the testimony starts, we'll be around to update you on any interesting tidbits. that is, until we get bored or need a drink more than we need to liveblog.
Full Hinojosa release after the jump.
Senator Hinojosa Announces Intention to Block Constitutional Amendment HJR 6
AUSTIN, TX â?? A politically charged bill directed at revising the Texas Constitution will likely be reaching the Senate floor in a matter of days. HJR 6 proposes amending the Texas Constitution by adding a provision stipulating that Texas would not recognize a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state, regardless of the jurisdiction in which it was created. Senator Juan â??Chuyâ?? Hinojosa is opposed to altering the Constitution for this unwarranted purpose. He currently holds a letter signed by 11 Senators who agree with his position. The 11 signatures give Hinojosa the necessary votes to invoke the two-thirds rule which would block the legislation from reaching a Senate vote.
â??An amendment to the Texas Constitution on marriage is a misguided solution for a problem that doesnâ??t even exist,â?? commented Senator Hinojosa. â??I fully intend to utilize the two-thirds rule, with the eleven-signature memo as evidence, to block the final passage of the proposed amendment. I am hopeful that my colleagues that signed their names to this document will hold steadfast in their position. I trust that they will all stand by their word.â??
â??The Constitution is a sacred document that guards our democracy, it should not be used to push social issues that divide us,â?? remarked Senator Hinojosa.
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Let's ban something that is already banned!
I just don't understand the thinking. They must not have that much to do. Maybe the Republicans are just working for that Pension that they are making so juicy.