Well the holidays are over and it is time to get to work on giving the great gift of compassion to the state of Texas, by passing HB164, an affirmative defense bill.

Due to many who contributed online, a donated e-mail server, and a grant from The Drug Policy Forum of Texas we have been able to purchase the License to and set up an e-mail delivery system and will be publishing our first e-mail newsletter this week. Thank you to all of those who contributed to this effort. Unfortunately money will be necessary in moving this effort forward in Texas, if you haven't contributed already, please consider doing so. If you have, thank you.

Actions to take now:

1)Contact Senator Royce West's office and ask him to introduce a companion bill in the Texas Senate (to HB164).

The Honorable Royce West

P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-0123
(512) 463-0299 fax

Background: Senator West is a senator representing much of Dallas. We know that at least 3 of the precincts within his district voted for medical marijuana resolutions at the democratic caucuses last spring (the most well attended cauces's in Texas history). Furthermore the same resolution passed the resolutions committee unamiously at the district level. Not only is there strong support for medical marijuana in Texas (75%) there is strong support in his district.

We know that Senator West is a thoughtful and respected senator. Please call and write to let him know that this is an important issue for many suffering Texans and that you request that he introduce a companion bill in the Texas Senate to protect doctors and give patients the right to defend themselves in court.

2) Contact the two Coauthors of the bill (then HB 1534... now HB164) in the last session, Representatives Garnet Coleman and Jim Jackson, and thank them for their support last session and ask them to sign on as an coauthor of HB 164 this session.

Representative Jim Jackson
Room E1.402, Capitol Extension
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-0468
(512) 463-1044 Fax

Background: In the conservative tradition of the bills original author(Terry Keel), Jim Jackson signed on last session as a coauthor of the bill. Further demonstrating compassion is a conservative value and a bipartisan value. Giving the sick and dieing the right to defend themselves in court and protecting the professional decisions and opinions of doctors make house bill 164 common sense legislation for all.

Representative Garnet Coleman
Room GW.17, Capitol Building
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-0524
(512) 463-1260 Fax

Background: Garnet Colman signed on as a coauthor of the bill last session recognizing that this bill offers due process to patients and protects doctors professional opinions. After the bill was refused a hearing he participated in an effort with Naishtat on the house floor to add the bills language to another bill. We need his continued support to protect patients and doctors.

3)Print the Sign on "Statement of Compassion" and give this to ministers, churches and civic organizations and ask them to sign. Send them to the address at the bottom of the statement.

Background: This is the same statement that religious organizations at the national level have already signed on to. IT also happens to be the same statement that passed in the Texas Nurses Association, and many other health care organizations. It is a simple statement of support for doctors to be able to use their professional knowledge to recommend marijuana when needed... and for patients to be able to follow that recommendation with fear.

As resources are available we will be able to come to your city and give presentations to help educate our community leaders on this important issue.