Dear VTPP Leaders,
We are trying to mobilize for a protest on Monday at the State Capitol against the Senate burying our 10th Amendment bill, HB69 AND against the 24% tax increase on ALL phones. We need as many bodies as possible to make an impact. Tax increases and killing our 10th Amendment bill–if that doesn’t get Tea Party people angry and mobilized, then what are we doing? 
We must be urgent and resolute in our messaging to our supporters.
AFP is providing buses from 5 different parts of the state. All details can be found at http://novirginiataxincrease.com/?page_id=33 for the buses and about the rally. AFP will also provide a free lunch at the Omni after the rally for all those who attend…as an extra enticement. Please do what you can to get people out.
Details for Protest:
AFP has buses coming from 5 parts of the state.
Virginia Tea Party groups are mobilizing as well.
Speakers include Tito the Builder, Delegate Carrico, Joe Guarino of Richmond Tea Party, and possibly Senator Obenshain
State Capitol Bell Tower at 11am
Some people want to say this isn’t a big deal. We would argue that this is how you get to much larger tax increases. We let them get away with this (when half our income is already taxed) and they are emboldened in doing larger things…like the largest tax increase in Va history in 2004. We have to monitor our own backyard. People have to engage and politicians need to know we are paying attention.
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We also will protest the Senate burying the Firearm Freedom Act at this Protest Event on Monday at 11am at the Bell Tower. The Virginia Tea Parties only had 2 bills in the General Assembly, and they are killing one of our 10th Amendment bills. Here are the details on that:
* If anti-gun Senator Marsh is hoping that the full committee can avoid a vote on bills from the subcommittee, he has a problem: the Senate Rules require that subcommittees report bills to the full committee:
“20 (h). The Chair of any Committee may appoint subcommittees to consider a particular bill or resolution or to consider matters relative to a portion of the work of the Committee. Such subcommittees ***shall*** make recommendations to the Committee. The Chair of the full Committee shall be an ex officio member of all subcommittees and entitled to vote, but shall not be counted as a member for purposes of a quorum. All subcommittees shall be governed by the Rules of the Senate. ”
The House does allow subcommittees to kill bills, but the House Rules grants them that discretionary power:
“Rule 18. The several standing committees shall consider and report on matters specially referred to them and, whenever practicable, suggest such legislation as may be germane to the duties of the committee. The chairman shall have discretion to determine when, and if, legislation shall be heard before the committee. The chairman, at his discretion, may refer legislation for consideration to a subcommittee. If referred to a subcommittee, the legislation shall be considered by the subcommittee. ***If the subcommittee does not recommend such legislation by a majority vote, the chairman need not consider the legislation in the full committee.*** It shall be the duty of each committee to inquire into the condition and administration of the laws relating to the subjects which it has in its charge; to investigate the conduct and look to the responsibility of all public officers and agents concerned; and to suggest such measures as will correct abuses, protect the public interests, and promote the public welfare.”
* Here is a letter that I sent to Speaker Howell and Majority Leader Morgan Griffith:
Dear Speaker and Majority Leader,
As you know, Henry Marsh has decided to kill all gun bills in his subcommittee against senate rules. It has been determined that the only way to resurrect HB69, Firearm Freedom Act, is to offer it as a substitute to one of the senate bills in the House. The Virginia Tea Party Patriots had only two bills in the General Assembly (HB10, HB69). We will not let this bill go down without a fight and would greatly appreciate your assistance.
We have researched the bills and believe that SB501 is germane. SB501 and HB69 come from the exact same section of the Code 18.2-308 and deal with firearms. I understand that you believe this is not a germane bill. However, I also know this comes down to the ruling of the Speaker.
If I may be so bold, the infamous HB3202 Transportation bill of 2007 was an abomination of a bill that clearly violated the single object rule. It had everything in it from land use, VDOT reform, retroactive abuser fees, establishment of regional transportation authorities and more. It was determined that this bill was acceptable under the single object because it all fell under the umbrella of transportation. What we are dealing with here are two bills that deal with firearms out of the exact same section of the Virginia Code. This is not a stretch at all.
Speaker, we are very grateful that you co-sponsored this bill. Delegate Griffith, you have expressed a willingness to offer an applicable substitute. This bill is very important to Tea Party Patriots in Virginia. We just need to carry this bill over the victory line.
All my best, Jamie Radtke
Thanks for getting the word out!
Jamie
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