Consumer group gives up lobbying effort in Texas

[crispini]

Well, this is sad:

Tuesday, February 01, 2005
One of the nation's most vocal consumer advocacy groups is giving up day-to-day lobbying at the Texas Capitol and redeploying its resources to states where its message has more resonance.

Consumers Union leaders say they want a larger, national impact. But they also say they have lost too many battles against well-armed business lobbyists, who appear to have gained an unprecedented level of influence at the Capitol, where Republicans control the House, Senate and governor's office.

"The first sign of madness is you keep doing the same thing over and over again," said Reggie James, director of the Austin office. "We wanted to stop being mad."

more...

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/shared/tx/legislature/stories/02/1consumers.html

[ashling]

1. I understand the allocation of resources, but

it is sad.

[johncoby2]

2. Reggie is Right!

His statement is right on "The first sign of madness is you keep doing the same thing over and over again."

I totally agree. It doesn't make sense to advocate for the consumer when the consumer doesn't want them to.

Reggie James is one of the best, if not the best in consumer advocacy. He helped my organization many years ago and has always been supportive.

I too am on the verge of giving up on Austin, but will pursue other avenues of support for the consumer.

John Cobarruvias
Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings