Hearing Notice and Call To Action for April 10th @ 8:00am

Hearing on HB 4032 is set for April 10th at 8:00 AM 

The Texas Marine Industry Coalition’s priority legislation, House Bill 4032, has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee in Austin on Wednesday, April 10th at 8:00 AM. The hearing will be held in the Regan Building, Room 140 on the grounds of the state capital. 

 WE NEED YOUR HELP TO KEEP THE BALL ROLLING AND PASS THIS VITAL LEGISLATION: 

 What you can do:

1. A strong presence and show of support at the hearing is important. Please put this on your calendar and try to be in Austin to join us and show your support. 

 If you can make it to Austin for the hearing, please let us know by calling 713-816-2165 or email Tmicoaltion@gmail.com. We will follow up with more info on how you can help and what to expect.

 2. We are also requesting that you reach out to your respective state representatives and senator and urge them to support the Texas marine industry, HB 4032 and the senate companion bill, SB 1669.  See the sample letter and simple instructions below.

 Whether or not you can make the hearing, it is vitally important that you show your support and contact your legislators.

 3. Forward this email to your industry family, friends, customers, vendors and employees and urge them to join you and TMIC and take action now.

 To contact your state representative and state senator:

Just click on the link below to find your representatives. Once your State Representative and State Senator have been identified, use the email link on their info page, complete the required information in the letter below, and then paste the letter into the message box and send. It’s easy and only takes a couple of minutes. 

Click to email your representative and senator

Dear [Senator or Representative] [Insert Last Name]:

My name is [Insert Your Name] and I reside in [Insert Your City], TX.  A healthy marine industry is vital to me, my family and my community. I’m writing to urge you to help the Texas marine industry and our communities by supporting HB 4032 and SB 1669. This legislation is a critical defensive response by our industry to a 2010 boat sales tax cap enacted by Florida that resulted in a boon to their marine industry and a loss of boat registrations, tax revenue and economic opportunity for Texas.

Establishing a boat sales tax cap, similar to Florida and an increasing number of other coastal states, and providing access for vessels with out of state registration to utilize Texas waters and marine related services will stimulate our marine businesses and provide a significant boost in economic activity in our communities. In addition to the economic activity created, these measures have proven to increase overall boat sales tax and registration revenue. Importantly, it will be of significant benefit to our coastal communities still recovering from Hurricane Harvey.

I urge you to support this legislation to level the playing field for a vital Texas industry and help bring jobs and economic benefits to our communities. 

I and the many business owners and employees in the Texas’ marine industry truly need and appreciate your support!

Thank you for your time and for your consideration of my request for support.

Sincerely,
[Insert Your Name]

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN AUSTIN ON WEDNESDAY!

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY AND CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS WITHOUT DELAY!

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING TMIC AND

THE TEXAS MARINE INDUSTRY!