NFSS LEGISLATIVE ALERT - TEXAS - 2003

Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Dear NFSS Members,

Most of you are aware that on April 10, 2003, Exotic Newcastle Disease was confirmed in Texas; and five counties (El Paso and Hudspeth Counties, TX, and Dona Ana, Luna, and Otero Counties, NM) were quarantined. (A quarantine was placed on a portion of New Mexico because of its proximity to the infected area in the State of Texas)

Now, Texas Legislators have written well-meaning but misguided legislation (H.B.2328), in an attempt to manage the recent END outbreak, which will also regulate all poultry and exotic birds in Texas.

To view up-too-date, complete text and information on this bill visit: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/legislation/bill_status.htm 

We are asking our members in Texas (and it wouldn't hurt for those outside Texas to also voice their concerns!) to take a few minutes to contact their representatives (address information is listed below) and make their views heard.  You can also use our "sample letters" to mail or "copy" into your email messages.

TEXAS LEGISLATOR'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

• For information on your district representative's address and phone numbers, 
  visit: http://www.capital.state.tx.us/tlo/house/house.htm (Then click on Members; Then click on List of Capitol and District Office Addresses.)

• For information on your district senator's address and phone numbers, visit:
  http://www.capital.state.tx.us/tlo/senate/senate.htm (Then click on Members; Then click on List of Capitol and District Office Addresses)

---

State of Texas Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Chair: Rick Hardcastle
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist68/hardcastle.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=68&rep=rick.hardcastle 

Vice Chair: Sid Miller
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist59/miller.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=59&rep=sid.miller 

B&O Chair: Rep. Betty Brown
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist4/brown.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=4&rep=betty.brown 

Members:

Rep. Lon Burnam
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist90/burnam.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=90&rep=lon.burnam 

Rep. Delwin Jones
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist83/jones.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=83&rep=delwin.jones 

Rep. James E. "Pete" Laney
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist85/laney.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=85&rep=pete.laney 

Rep. David Swinford
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist87/swinford.htm 
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=87&rep=david.swinford

---

The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) has also issued an "Legislative Alert" on this matter.

Please help out our fellow Texas bird breeders.  Time is growing short!

Harry Bryant
NFSS 2nd VP, Legislative Attaché'