During the 82nd legislative session in Texas, property rights were under attack from District 10’s very own Rep. Jim Pitts. Mr. Pitts often refers to himself as a champion of property rights, touting his support of certain eminent domain bills in the past. However, when it comes to smoking, Mr. Pitts seems to think your property rights don’t matter.
On January 14, 2011 HB670 was filed, which was a bill that would have banned smoking in workplaces and many other public places such as bars and restaurants. This bill was authored by representatives Crownover, Zerwas, Otto, Alvarado, and our very own Jim Pitts. That particular bill was never voted on. Rep. Crownover then tried to attach it to a revenue measure as a fiscal amendment. Thankfully, it was stripped out of that revenue measure. But Crownover wasn’t done. In the Special Session, she authored HB46, which packaged the smoking ban as a way to shore up Medicaid. When it was sent through the Appropriations Committee, our very own Jim Pitts voted in favor of recommending that his colleagues in the House approve the bill. Thankfully, the bill did not come up for a vote because lawmakers adjourned on June 30th.
The point here is this: Jim Pitts and his pals tried their hardest to dictate to property owners what they could do with their own property. That’s not respect for property rights. That’s a well established disdain for property rights. Case closed.
Will you help me defeat Jim Pitts in the May 29th Republican Primary? Please consider being one of the 3000. I’m asking for at least a $5 donation from 3000 people so that I can mount a competitive campaign against Jim Pitts. Will YOU be one of the 3000? Donate today!
In Liberty,
TJ Fabby
