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AUSTIN - Tea party activists pressured Republican House members Monday to side with them on key issues including sanctuary cities, the so-called bathroom bill and local property taxes or face their wrath at the ballot box.

We do appreciate the way that the Senate has moved forward with a number of conservative reforms We have 95 Republicans in the House, and they cant seem to get some measures passed, said JoAnn Fleming, executive director of Grassroots America.

Elected Republicans just the way its happening in Washington have determined that they dont care what the (Republican) platform says. They dont care what their primary voters have said They just frankly do not care, said Fleming. And I submit to you, the people of Texas need to make them care. Because after all, we hired them to do a job at the ballot box.

If they come up here and they get a C rating, you need to fire them at the ballot box, she said, suggesting that anything short of full support of tea party issues isnt enough.

Fleming was joined by advocates for a host of issues at a Capitol news conference on Tea Party Day, when some of the most fervent GOP primary voters came to rally, present their issues and buttonhole lawmakers.

Their force helps explain why a number of House Republicans are pressing for their own version of the so-called bathroom bill approved by the Senate. House Speaker Joe Straus, R-Straus, opposes the Senate measure championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Straus and others have expressed concern over the potential economic implications for the state if it passes a law seen as discriminatory, and a number consider the bill a side issue.

The Senate measure would require people using restrooms in public schools, universities and government buildings to choose the facilities that align with the gender on their birth certificate. Although backers have said its aimed at sexual predators, it would affect transgender people. The House State Affairs Committee this week will consider a measure that would target local non-discrimination ordinances in addressing the matter of public bathrooms.

The House is now beginning to get a little traction, said Dana Hodges, state director of Concerned Women for America. Were asking all of our members, and Im asking all the people here today, the tea party people here today, to contact your state representative and let them know where you stand on this issue. Let your voice be heard.

The bathroom bill was among a slew of measures cited by advocates, which included anti-abortion, budget, tax, religious liberty, gun rights, toll road and sanctuary city legislation.

Fleming lambasted the House committee version of legislation against sanctuary cities, which are seen as providing a haven for undocumented immigrants by not complying enthusiastically with federal authorities. Its awaiting a vote by the full House. A number of local law enforcement officials have expressed concern over a bill earlier passed by the Senate, saying it would interfere with effective community policing.

Tea party grassroots activists are going to call it out if a bill is approved that doesnt pass muster in their view, Fleming said.

We will absolutely not tell this nation that we have passed a ban on sanctuary cities if we dont actually do it, Fleming said, pointing out that Gov. Greg Abbott has nationally trumpeted the prospect of a Texas ban. The time for fairy tales coming out of this Capitol and spreading all over the country needs to stop.

State Affairs Chairman Byron Cook, whose committee came under particular criticism from Fleming for passing its version of sanctuary cities legislation and whose seat has been targeted in the past by tea party activists, described his work in a way that suggests it has a broader focus.

We have to do whats right. We have to be thoughtful. We have to ensure that things we do are constitutional, Cook, R-Corsicana, told the Express-News. Weve got to focus on core issues, such as education; services for the states most vulnerable, such as those in the child protective services system; and infrastructure needs in a growing state.

Aaron Harris, executive director of Direct Action Texas, touted a Senate-approved bill to restrict how much local property tax revenue can be raised by cities or counties without an automatic election. Local entities say the measure would endanger the funding needed for basic services including public safety. Its awaiting House action.

People are hot. Theyre mad about their property taxes, Harris said. This is the single biggest issue at the local level we encounter as we go around and talk to taxpayers and residents. And Ill tell you this, they will remember this bill, come election season.

Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said the tea party plays a powerful role but its support isnt determinative. Much will be determined by tradeoffs yet to be made among Abbott, Patrick and Straus as the legislative session barrels toward its Memorial Day ending, he pointed out.

The tea party is still a powerful force in Texas politics, and particularly within the Republican primary electorate, he said. Republican incumbents do listen to the tea party, but theyre not driven by then. They havent been in the past and they wont be this session.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac

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Tea party activists threaten consequences if priority bills fail in the Texas Legislature - mySanAntonio.com