Representative Fletcher fights for Voter ID and other major pieces of legislation to preserve the legislative process


AUSTIN - With only nine days left in the 81st legislature, the House Democrats are trying to maneuver their way out of hearing Voter ID legislation. Last night, they slowed down business to a crawl to send a message that a GOP push on the Voter ID bill would put major legislation at risk in the session's final days.

Rep. Fletcher said, "The Democrats are putting into jeopardy many important pieces of legislation that will benefit thousands of Texans. I am here trying to work and finish the state's business, and these tactics to delay Voter ID and other important pieces of legislation are harmful not only to Texas citizens, but to the integrity of the legislative process."

Democrats tied up the House floor for more than 13 hours with tedious questions ("chubbing") about noncontroversial bills that usually pass the chamber unimpeded. The slowdown endangers hundreds of bigger bills of interest statewide, including Voter I.D., changes to the "top 10 percent" rule for admissions to state universities, and extending the life of the Department of Insurance.

"I was elected to the House of Representatives to improve the life and quality of my constituents in District 130 and the State of Texas. The tactics that the Democrats are using in the final days of session are jeopardizing any possibility of improving the life and quality of our state's citizens." Rep. Fletcher said.

For Immediate Release
May 23, 2009
Contact: Beau Rothschild
(512) 463-0661

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