TAB legislative agenda focus of Jan. 26 conference

 - Lawmakers, broadcasters one-on-one

Mark your calendar to be in Austin on Monday, Jan. 26, for TAB’s biennial Legislative Day conference. The event highlights Texas broadcasters’ legislative agenda and major public policy issues facing the Legislature. 

The event features a no-speech luncheon where lawmakers are seated with local broadcasters so you can talk without interruption.  These discussions help strengthen working relationships and can be key to identifying community issues that stations and lawmakers can jointly address.

TAB is advancing two much-needed fixes in 2015, one affecting newsrooms and another involving sales tax policy. And scouring the average 5,500 bills filed each session for potential impact on the industry and previous TAB wins – “playing defense” – is always at least half the legislative agenda.

Station members will receive background information and talking points on key issues in advance of TAB’s Jan. 26 Legislative Day conference which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Delegates also will be asked to personally invite lawmakers to the luncheon.  REGISTER

Among the lawmakers are 25 freshmen in the House and seven newbies in the Senate, though three of those are moving up from the lower chamber. There’ll be two more freshmen Senators soon. 

State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, is favored in a special election this week-end to succeed Sen. Glenn Hegar who was elected Comptroller last month.  A long-serving, conservative representative with a strong understanding of major public policy, Kolkhorst has been a key leader in the House, advancing economic development efforts, public health initiatives and traditional business concerns, including broadcasters’.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, has announced plans to run for mayor of San Antonio, prompting two fellow Alamo City Democrats in the lower chamber to plan changes of their own. Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer has jumped into the race to succeed her in the Senate, while Rep. Mike Villarreal plans to run against her in the mayoral race.

Texas Tribune Profiles of Newly Elected Legislators

Questions?  Contact TAB's Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.