Texas lawmakers backing anti-performance tax bill

Legislation in Congress to prohibit a Performance Tax on radio stations has garnered the support of three-fourths of Texas? Congressional delegation.

Reps. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, and Kenny Marchant, R-Carrollton, are the latest Texans to sign on as co-sponsors of HCR 244, the Local Radio Freedom Act.

The bill has strong Texas leadership, with both co-authors hailing from the Lone Star State ? Reps. Gene Green, D-Houston, and Mike Conaway, R-Midland.

A majority of House members ? 219 to date ? are co-sponsoring HCR 244.

Texas House members not yet signed on are listed below.  Broadcasters are encouraged to call the lawmakers? Washington offices and encourage them to co-sponsor HCR 244.  Phone numbers are provided.           

• Joe Barton, R-Ennis - 202-225-2002 (Aide: Theresa Lavery)
• Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin - 202-225-4865 (Aide: Colleen Briggs)
• Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler - 202-225-3035 (Aide: Mike Tomberlin)
• Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio - 202-225-3236 (Aide: Leo Munoz)
• Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas - 202-225-3484 (Aide: Ed Skala)
• Ruben Hinojosa, D-McAllen - 202-225-2531 (Aide: Greg Davis)
• Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Houston - 202-225-3816 (Aide: Shelley Davis)
• Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio - 202-225-4236 (Aide: David Whitney)

?We?re very pleased with the support we?ve received and anticipate we may be able to secure at least one or two additional co-sponsors from Texas,? said TAB Vice President Oscar Rodriguez.

?With the Bush Administration and some leading liberal Democrats solidly pushing for a Performance Tax, broadcasters are swimming against some powerful currents.

?Even if we reach the magic number this year, the industry can anticipate fighting this battle for years to come,? he said.

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