So What Should I Be Doing Now?

So you are convinced... You want to get involved. But what do you do now? Here are a few things you can do today to have your voice heard!

1.) Contact Senator Creighton

Send a letter, type out an e-mail, pick up the phone and call, engage on Social Media-- there are lots of ways to contact the Senator. Start with his official State Senate Page, which has lots of contact information.

Don't know what to say? Here is a quick template for you.

​The Honorable Brandon Creighton
Member, Texas State Senate
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
 
 
Dear Senator Creighton,
 
I am a resident of State Senate District 4 currently residing in (Town Name). I am writing you today with my personal concerns regarding Senate Bill 1964—a bill relating to the use of land in Jones State Forest for academic and economic purposes.
 
W.G. Jones State Forest Park is an important part of the Montgomery County community. This park has been a treasure of our local area that has allowed our citizens, many school aged children, to see first-hand the beauty and wonder of nature in our own community. As new commercial and residential development has sprung up in the area, Jones State Forest has served as a constant reminder of our connection to the environment and the importance of protecting natural habitat for species such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
 
As it is currently written Senate Bill 1964 puts this precious resource in danger. The allowing of any private commercial development within the grounds of the Jones State Forest Park will put at risk the very intent of this park to aide in research of forestry and educate future generations on the importance of our natural resources.
 
I request that you halt all further action on Senate Bill 1964 until both Texas A&M, the requestors of this legislation, and yourself as the sponsor have held public meetings with impacted residents. This would give Texas A&M an opportunity to explain why they are seeking this change to state law and for you to hear directly from your constituents. Only through a dialogue within our community, and not just in the halls of the state capitol in Austin, can an honest and fair discussion take place on this matter.
 
 
Thank You,

2.) Contact the Senate Committee on Higher Education

We've probably all seen School House Rock tell us how a bill becomes a law-- well pretty much the same process in Texas. So if our good Senator does not take action we just go the committee where the bill has been referred. Here is the contact information for Committee members. Start with the Chairman and work your way down!
​
Committee Page: http://www.senate.texas.gov/cmte.php?c=560
Committee Hearing Date: TBD
​

Kel Seliger, Chair
P.O. Box 12068 
Capitol Station 
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-0131
(512) 475-3733
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=31&lang=en

​Royce West, Vice Chair
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711 
(512) 463-0123
(512) 463-0299
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=23&lang=en

Paul Bettencourt
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711 
(512) 463-0107
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=7&lang=en

Dawn Buckingham
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711 
(512) 463-0124
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=24&lang=en

José Menéndez
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711 
(512) 463-0126
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=26&lang=en


Larry Taylor 
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711 
(512) 463-0111
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=11&lang=en


Kirk Watson 
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711 
(512) 463-0114 
(512) 463-5949
http://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=14&lang=en

3.) Stay Engaged

Follow our movement on Facebook and be sure to sign up for our updates on the homepage! We'll let you know as more opportunities to become involved happen and keep you updated on the latest bill developments.