Houston Democrats

During the last Legislation session in Austin, a number of special interest groups, some would call "front groups" were busy advocating for limits on access to the justice system as if this was good for the consumer. When actually they were advocating for business interests and business interests only.

For instance, a group called Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) advocated for limits on our civil justice system and Proposition 12, which limited medical malpractice awards to $250,000. They have advocated for the use of mandatory arbitration stripping our Constitutional rights to a judge and jury. Their advocating has resulted in little if any reductions in consumer goods or protections for consumers, but has provided overwhelming protection from lawsuits for business interests.

The Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance an organization composed of insurance companies such as USAA, State Farm, and Allstate, has also advocated for the consumer on insurance matters. Formed during the 2003 legislation session, their advocacy on behalf of your family has resulted in higher rates and less coverage. Again, only the business interests have been rewarded by their advocacy.

This session another organization call CLOUT or Citizens Lowering Of Unfair Taxes is advocating for the lowering of property taxes, much like the Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance advocated for lower insurance rates.

CLOUT 's executive director, Edd Hendee, uses a far right radio talk show to promote CLOUT and their agenda. According to the Houston Press, Mr. Hendee has donated $20,000 to the anti-rail Political Action Committee chaired by Congressman John Culberson. And not surprisingly, Mr. Hendee has at least a personal relationship with anti-rail, anti-tax, Congressman Tom DeLay, even sharing bible study sessions with him. Congressman DeLay and Culberson have long been advocates of taxing schemes such as the flat tax. The flat tax sounds like a rationale and simple idea, yet in the end would unfairly tax lower and middle class families.

All of this, in itself, should not be cause for alarm or concern, until an organization such as CLOUT uses a radio station to promote reduction in property taxes and attends hearings in Austin on behalf of your family. What is not being told is how much the property tax cuts will cost the average family. Sure, everyone would welcome lower taxes, but not if the reductions in property taxes will be offset by a raise in sales tax, taxes on other goods, or reductions in fire and police service. In the end, the overall tax burden may be just the same, if not greater, with less service.

After all of the help by these special interest groups, our insurance rates have skyrocketed, our rights to the civil court system have been eroded, and tax rates have risen. Maybe it is time for them to stop helping us.