(03-31-2015 01:47 PM)rook360 Wrote: Its going good. Talked to the reps who support Jack's bill and thank them. We've talked to senators and made sure they know Jacks bill is in house committee and hope they give it a good look. Most senators I've talked to know of the bill and the events at UAB.
It's going good. Press the flesh.
I agree. Generally our lobbying effort has gone well; we are being well received.
As you may already know, Jack was able to secure a large number co-sponcership for all three UAB bills.
HR-339 - Ethics and SACS training for the BOT - 56 co-sponsers
HR-340 - Reorganization of the BOT - 43 co-sponsors
HR-341 - Bring back UAB football - 39 co-sponcers
There are 105 Representatives in the Alabama House so those are large co-sponsorships numbers. Now keep in mind that co-sponsors are not the only Representative who will ultimately vote for a bill. (Once a bill is filed, no one else can co-sponsor it.). However this large number of co-sponsors is unusual so it looks good for the bills' passage. Both HR-339 and HR-340 are constitutional amendments so they will require 2/3 majorities. HR-341 requires a simple majority.
Most on both the Senate and House sides have given us good receptions. There are exceptions. One I personally encountered was Senator Dial from T-town. No way in heck is he ever going to be with us. However, I did find his wardrobe amusing - nice suit with high top top dress shoes with no socks. With others we have to try to overcome petty political stables, sometimes with Jack's help. Many tell us up front that they are with us; others are more noncommittal wanting to study the bills more closely before committing.
Overall, this experience has been a lot more favorable than I thought it would be. I think we have good chance of passing all three bills in the House. We will know more about the Senate after the bills after they are introduced there. The House bills have been sent to the House Education committee. I believe that we have enough co-sponcers on that committee to move the bills out of committee and on to the House floor for a vote fairly quickly once the bills come up on the committee agenda. There is still a long way to go, but so far so good.