April 25th - Division Legislative Representatives from all across the state gathered in Austin for a BLET lobby day.  

Following a morning briefing about the status of legislation being tracked by the TSLB, the sixteen LR’s and one alternate LR went to the Capitol building to visit the offices of their respective Representative and Senator. The purpose of the visits was to discuss issues being handled by the legislature important to BLET members.

Afterwards, the group reassembled at the Texas AFL-CIO headquarters where a debriefing was held. Each LR explained to the group who they spoke with, what issues were discussed and what feedback was received.

Chairman Briggs gave a more detailed explanation of the bills being tracked by the TSLB and spoke about the tools provided by the AFL-CIO to members of the United Labor Lobbying Committee (ULLCO), of which TSLB is a member. He gave a demonstration of the tracking software used to monitor bills, and the wireless internet network available in the “war room”, the nickname used to describe the room used by labor lobbyists.

Walter Hinojosa, AFL-CIO Legislative Director, also addressed the group and talked about other major legislative issues affecting a broad range of workers in the state, and the role AFL-CIO takes on behalf of Texas workers in the legislative process.

Although TSLB has invited LR’s to Austin to lobby in the past, this is the first time such a large group had gathered at one time. “It is important for our elected officials to meet the men and women who run the trains in this state”, Chairman Briggs said in an interview. “The next time a Representative is dealing with a railroad issue, they will be able to put a face with the issue. As Chairman, I visit with many of these people, but a visit from a constituent who, incidentally, votes will make a more lasting impression

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Texas State Legislative Representatives attend prepatory meeting before visiting the capitol.