Governor Perry has Vetoed Texas SB 346 - Justice Don Willett and Senator Dan Patrick Respond

Statement from Texas Governor Rick Perry:

“Freedom of association and freedom of speech are two of our most important rights enshrined in the Constitution. My fear is that SB 346  would have a chilling effect on both of those rights in our democratic  political process. While regulation is necessary in the administration of Texas political finance laws, no regulation is tolerable that puts anyone’s participation at risk or that can be used by any government, organization or individual to intimidate those who choose to participate in our process through financial means."

“At a time when our federal government is assaulting the rights of Americans by using the tools of government to squelch dissent, it is unconscionable to expose more Texans to the risk of such harassment, regardless of political, organizational or party affiliation. I therefore veto SB 346.”

The following is a facebook post from Texas Senator Dan Patrick:

Gov just vetoed SB 346. That is the bill I recalled from the House that they refused to send back. It would impact 501 C 4 organizations including many conservative & pro-life groups as well as moderate or liberal groups. It was a clearly unconstitutional, but would have required a lengthy @ expensive court fight.

The following is a tweet from Texas State Supreme Court Justice Don Willett:

Don Willett @JusticeWillett 8m

@GovernorPerry's #SB346 veto msg: “Freedom of association &... speech are two of our most important rights enshrined in the Constitution."

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ACTION ALERT! Ask Texas Governor Perry to VETO SB 346 - it attacks conservative groups and churches like Obama's IRS