Brothers and Sisters,

What a great start we are off too this year. The beginning of the year has definitely been filled with activity, not only for me, but for all of your Executive Board Members. With the start of the Texas Legislative Session, Lodge Officer Training, and Day on the Hill all behind us already, along with the daily business of the Lodge we have all been busy. 

As you are aware, Dallas Lodge #588 has continued working on their bid to host the 2013 National Conference. I had the pleasure to attend the Site Visit while Dallas provided a preview of their plans to the National Site Committee. Both Lodge 588 and the City of Dallas showed that they have a great interest in hosting the conference, and they definitely put on a great presentation highlighting the efforts and potential for hosting a truly awesome National Conference in Texas.

The Day on the Hill was a great success this year, with the State Lodge, the Labor Council, Dallas County Sheriff’s Lodge 85, Dallas Police Lodge 588, North Richland Hills Lodge 79, USTPA Lodge 50 all participating in Washington, DC. Our members were well received by Congressmen from across the state, and we received pledges of support on nearly every bill we discussed. The national collective bargaining bill currently proposed appears to be in a great position to pass this year, adding bargaining rights for officers across the country. The National Peace Office Bill of Rights is also looking very favorable this session, along with a bill to afford full peace officer recognition to Federal Officers currently battling with standards that vary from State to State.

Here at home the Legislative Session is also off to a great start. Our Texas Peace Officers Due Process (Bill of Rights) has been cleared by Legislative Services and was filed as HB 2160 by Representative Turner again this session. With his help we hope to see this bill passed this session. Our other key issues our working their way through Legislative Services and should be moving through the House very soon. We still hope to put on a Texas Day on the Hill event this session, and are working to determine the best and most productive timing for maximum effect.

I look forward to Spring Board of Directors meeting in Austin, where the leaders of all of our Lodges will have the opportunity to discuss the Legislative Session in detail. I encourage each of you to reach out to your Lodge leaders to see what areas you can help in. Grassroots efforts have always proven to be the most effective in accomplishing our Legislative Agenda.

Fraternally,
Frank G. Plowick
President