For example, last Thursday I received an unexpected but appreciated follow-up letter from an aide of my Representative, Gary Elkins. His office had kept my information on file following my fax and email communications urging his support. In part, the email reads:
I know Rep. Elkins' history in support of our issues, I received a nice snail-mail confirmation letter from him after my first fax asking for his support during the 2009 session, and I think the follow-up email was a solid message to reinforce to me that he did, and will continue to, support Second Amendment issues.Rep. Elkins is a strong advocate of strengthening the second amendment rights of the citizens of Texas. Last session he voted for legislation that strengthened the rights of gun owners by legalizing their right to carry a hand gun in their vehicle and protecting their right to privacy. As you may be aware, Rep. Elkins is a coauthor on HB 1301. Under state law, Texans who are legally eligible to possess firearms may lawfully transport them in their motor vehicles. However, many companies with operations in Texas have adopted "No Firearms" policies that extend beyond the physical workplace to include employee parking lots, areas that are often accessible to the general public and not secure. By passing this legislation, employees would have been protected and employers would still have had control over regulating policies on the possession of firearms inside their business. Unfortunately Rep. Elkins was not able to vote on this legislation because HB 1301 died in committee and SB 730 died on the House Calendar due to the stalling tactics of the Democrats over the past five days. I understand that this is not the outcome you were hoping for and we feel your frustration.
There are good guys on the Austin Hill as well as some who should seek other employment. I think the good guys are extraordinarily frustrated with the outcome of this legislative session. And I believe it is just as important for us to thank them for their efforts, tell them that we also feel their frustration, and reaffirm our polling-place support for their continued good work.