Winners and Losers

Last week saw movement on several bills. Let’s examine!

Winners:

• NRA – The NRA was the big winner of the week. Their purchasing lobbying efforts were successful in getting the constitutional carry bill passed.

• Julie Raque Adams – Adams has had a successful session so far. Elected to leadership and has so far passed seven bills unanimously, with another two having only nominal opposition. Her star just keeps on rising.

• Max Wise & Bam Carney – The Taylor County tag team had a strong week by passing the school safety bill. Yes, it was something everyone had to support, but these two did a good job with the legislation and presenting it.

Losers:

• 120 Strong – Advocating for teachers to strike over a bill that does not do anything but change a board membership does not win you friends. Parents in those counties had to scramble to find childcare at the last second.

• Ken Upchurch – Antagonizing KEA and 120 Strong does not win you friends either.

• Joe Graviss – Graviss seems genuinely interested in each bill. But prep work before the committee would be a good idea. No need to grill every presenter when you could have reached out to some of them prior.