Today’s Appt with House Rep Elliot Naishtat
Current mood: happy

Hello fellow supporters and non supporters: Today I met with House Rep Elliot Naishtat.  Mr. Naishtat is in my precinct and I went to him today to ask him to author the TX DRL repeal.  My intention was to inform him of the many reasons this law should be repealed and ask for his support. 

Mr. Naishtat and his assistant Nancy were the only ones present - They let me present my information and facts surrounding the TX DRL.  Mr Naishtat did agree the fees are large and there should be something done about it.  He said he would not author a repeal - which is what I asked for.  But he said he would consider writing an amendment to help me and the thousand of other Texans who are impacted by the TX DRL. 

Now, I'm still shooting for a repeal - Mr. Naishtat did say that the chances of the TX DRL being repealed is very low.  However, he said if the DRL was amended to help us - that might be passed.  I advised him of the amendments that I was aware of and have read - they don't help.  So the amendment will have to be pretty severe - For Example: removing uninsured motorists/non valid car insurance from the DRL and giving DUI/DWI a right to appeal.  OR those with tickets for non valid car insurance/drivers license, have them show proof of ins. for number of years.  Please know: We did not agree on anything specific except that the TX DRL is a menace and not keeping Texas Roads safer. 

Most importantly: Mr. Naishtat did agree to help.  This is wonderful for us!  I will keep everyone informed with the progress.  If you would like to contact Mr. Naishtat's office, let them know you support the repeal of the TX DRL, here is the contact info.:

Capitol Office
Room CAP GW.16
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
(512) 463-0668
(512) 463-8022 Fax

to e-mail Mr. Naishtat please go to:

http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=49&rep=elliott.naishtat

 If you are a voter in these precincts please vote for Elliot Naishtat:

* Precinct is in more than one district. 378

49 Travis

3:59 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Now this is fucking ironic............................
Current mood: focused

This is strange..............Sunday night, 8-31-08, I was at HEB on Burnet and 2222 around 9pm.  After my husband paid for our groceries, he put my wallet back inside my purse.  My purse was inside our cart right under the kiddie seat.  Someone took my walled while my husband looked away. 

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Shouldn't of taken your eyes off your purse."  That is true but not the point.  My drivers license was inside with my credit cards.  So, I was able to cancel them before any damage was done.  But how fucking ironic is it that MY Driver's License was stolen!  Me!  My license is suspended, but still - it was stolen! 

Now HEB gave us the run around and didn't help in ANY shape, way or form.  Though they have security cameras and surveliance video - Texas Law prohibits HEB from letting anyone other than law enforcement view their surveliance tapes.  All the managers of the Burnet HEB didn't have a clue!  However, I filed a police report and at least someone will be able to see who stole my wallet. 

I'm not that upset that my wallet was stolen, everything is easily replaced and no harm was done.  But it did piss me off that it happened one inch from my 2 year old daughter.  That scared the shite out of me.  If my wallet can dissapear in an instant, so can she. 

12:06 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Meeting with Elliot Naishtat
Current mood: blissful

Hello everyone, Judy Dale from House Rep Elliot Naishtat's office called, returning my call.  We set up a meeting with Rep Naishtat for Tuesday, September 2nd at 4pm.  I'm very excited and hopeful.  Wish me luck!

Mary

11:16 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

A Response from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.................................
Current mood: betrayed

Hello everyone.  I received a letter on Friday from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.  I sent her an e-mail with a brief overview regarding my fight against the TX DRL.  (It was the same e-mail I sent to Senator John Cornyn-you can see that one in past blogs.)  This is the response I got (please see my pictures to view the letter.)

Dear Ms. Moody, {it's Mrs. Moody}

Thank you for contacting the office of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to request assistance.  In response to your inquiry, I have taken the liberty of forwarding your correspondence to the appropriate officials at the Texas Department of Public Safety.  If you wish, you may contact them directly at:

Texas Department of Public Safety

PO Box 12906

Austin, TX 78711-2906

512-463-5544

http://www.dps.state.tx.us

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can be of sevice to you in the future.

Sincerely,

Jeff Brazan, Constituent Liaison

---Now, let me comment: I'm VERY unhappy with this response.  It is to be expected but dissapointing all around.  To refer me to the TX DPS, with the generic information-no names or specific department - just to call the TX DPS, pisses me off.  What makes this Jeff Brazan guy think that I haven't tried the TX DPS.  Then to give me a phone number that never works when you call it, without a name or specific person to talk to, his letter and response is worthless.  But it does tell me that Senator Hutchison does not care about the voters that put her in her spot.

Please do not Vote for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.  Tell Everyone!

1:07 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Calling Senator Watson and Rep Naishtat...............
Current mood: breezy

Here is what happened, I had to leave a message with Rep Naishtat's office and e-mail a request for an appointment with Senator Watson's office.  I did send the request to Watson and left the message for Naishtat.  We will see what happens there.  Watson's scheduler was out for the rest of the week and won't be back till next week - I don't think I'll hear anything from them soon.  However, Naishtat's office might respond soon.  We will see.

Now that I got that done, I can dive into Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer.  If you haven't read her book Twilight yet - you are missing out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Today’s Meeting with Mike Krusee, 8-27-08...................
Current mood: confident

Hello Fellow Supporters and Non-Supporters: Today I met with House Rep, Mike Krusee, co-author of HB 3588. 

Let's begin: Mr. Krusee was polite and open to the information I had to present to him.  We began with the technical aspects of the TX DRL, how it was passed, etc.  (Mr. Krusee didn't write the TX DRL, he is technically the author because he did pen HB 3588, the TX DRL was an amendment to HB 3588 (and he did pen a couple of TX DRL amendments.)  Mr. Krusee indicated the TX Mobility Fund was only to receive 49.5% of funds collected for 2 years, then the TX DPS gets 49.5% for 2 years, then switches back to the Mobility Fund - the Trauma/Hospitals get their 49.5% funding all year, every year.  However, I pointed out to Mr. Krusee that the TX Mobility Fund is getting their funds from the TX DRL for 2004 thru 2007.  I brought a copy of the TX Mobility Fund's Fiscal Report and showed it to Mr. Krusee.  He said he will check on the funding info and get back to me with it.  (Mr. Krusee is going to check and see if the TX Mobility Fund is still getting funds)  I asked Mr. Krusee if the revenue collected was ever thought to be given to the Insurance Companies to help lessen the high cost of Car Insurance.  He said no, but the reason it was not considered is because the Democratic Party would see it as relief to the rich, hard on the poor.  He agreed the TX DRL impacted the middle class and those who could not afford car insurance severely - therefore the car insurance relief would really help those who could afford the insurance; not those who can't.  That is one of the biggest problems: Texans can't afford car insurance.

Once we spoke about the TX DRL being an amendment to HB 3588, I asked Mr. Krusee if he approved of the TX DRL and how he felt about it since he is not technically one of the authors.  He responded that the DRL is severe and agreed with my plan to repeal it.  (Please know that those are not his exact words, just a summary of his answer.)  I asked Mr. Krusee if he would sign the petition to repeal the TX DRL.  He asked if he could see it and read it first.  I just so happened to bring a copy with me - I was asked to leave it with his assistant.  Mr. Krusee did not sign the petition - I think he wanted to check it out first.  Mr. Krusee did give his unofficial support and asked what my intentions were.  I told him Texans were looking for a full repeal.  He pointed me to Senator Kirk Watson and Senator Elliot Naishtat.

Want to contact these gentlemen?  Please call/e-mail:

Senator Kirk Watson:  Email: kirk.watson@senate.state.tx.us
Phone: 512-463-0114
Fax: 512-463-5949

Elliot Naishtat: (512) 463-0668

I'm working as I type to get a meeting with these gentlemen.  If we write letters/leave messages, they just might help us.  I'm going to these gentlemen to ask for their support/write a bill of repeal.  But that is another story for later.  Back to the matter at hand...............................................................

FYI, his office is very old style antique.  The furniture is more modern but the ceilings were very high.  One lonely column ran to the ceiling and seemed to add a bit of strength.  The office was charming and had character.  One decor that threw me - the mirrors on the wall.  Mirrors covered the top half of the very tall room and a lamp dangled from the ceiling.  Reminded me of the movie "Thirteen Ghosts", the new version: very creepy but beautiful.  {Personal Fave: He has bad ass pictures of Robert Kennedy in his office.}

Next, I left Mr. Krusee with a brochure and asked him to please view the page, and sign the petition, hence giving his support for the repeal.  Mr. Krusee said he would have a decision in one week.  I verified that I may contact his assistant, Kelly, and get an update on our meeting Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008.

I'm very psyched!  I kind of expected Mr. Krusee to agree with the TX DRL and with Mr. Ogden -  that it was a great law and would never be repealed.  Yet, that is not what I got.  I know many of you out there will think that he just agreed with me in order to shoo me out the door and won't take me seriously since he wrote the DRL.  However, Mr. Krusee didn't "write" the TX DRL.  Since he did not "write" it, he does see that it is not solving the problem of keeping Texas roads safer and not keeping Texas Drivers insured.  I truly believe he understands the consequences the DRL has brought to Texans.  Therefore, I'm grateful and happy with the meeting.  Mr. Krusee did not have to meet with me in person, but he did. 

I will let everyone know what happens next week.  Please look for updates: I'm about to post this and make an appointment with Watson and Naishtat.  Wish me luck.  Thank you again for your support or hate.

Mary

10:15 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Senator Cornyn’s Strange Response..................
Current mood: confused

Hey guys, I sent this email and posted it on Monday, July 21st, 2008:

..TR> ..TABLE>

3:30 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Sent to Senator Hutchison and others Current mood: chipper Hello fellow supporters and non supporters: I sent this message to Senator Hutchison and Cornyn, Representitive Michael McCaul, Kirk Watson and Elliot Naishtat. Maybe we will get a response!?  I'm going to send a letter to anyone who will listen at least once a week. Want to know who your representitives are?  Go to: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/, - enter your zip code at the right corner and it will pull up all your officials and their contact info. To Whom It May Concern: My name is Mary Moody and I would like to speak to Senator Cornyn regarding the TX Driver Responsibility Law.  I was cited in January 2004 for non-valid insurance.  I paid my ticket and was released from all future fines and penalties from the TX DPS...:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /> However, 4 years later I received a letter from the TX DPS Surcharge Dept forcing me to pay.  I was shocked to discover the "fee" was from a ticket 4 years ago.  (The judge, court attorney, clerks for the TX DPS and all receipts never indicated the surcharge or TX DRL.) I would appreciate a response to this matter.  Thousands of Texans are joining the fight to repeal the TX DRL: we appreciate your time and opinion. Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.   Here is the response I received today, 8-22-08:  Dear Mrs. Moody: Thank you for contacting me regarding the difficulties facing truck drivers as a result of record gas prices. I appreciate having the benefit of your insight on this matter. I understand that increased energy costs have posed a significant challenge to Americans, including independent truck drivers. I strongly believe that we must address this challenge in a comprehensive manner that recognizes that high energy prices are a direct result of increased demand and domestic energy production that has struggled to keep pace. For this reasons, I have co-sponsored the American Energy Production Act of 2008 (S. 2958). This legislation addresses rising fuel prices while strengthening America's energy security by producing up to 24 billion additional barrels of American oil. Provisions included in S. 2958 would establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR); allow States to petition for a repeal of the moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the Atlantic and Pacific regions of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and; suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for 180 days. Only by embracing increased domestic production can we bring down out-of-control fuel prices and diminish out addiction to foreign oil. Furthermore, I appreciate your comments on the Trust in Reliable Understanding of Consumer Costs (TRUCC) Act (S. 2910). The TRUCC Act was referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and although I am not a member of that committee, you may be certain I will keep your thoughts in mind as I continue to work to provide sustainable fuel price relief. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you and all Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me. Sincerely, JOHN CORNYN United States Senator   Guess he didn't read the e-mail the first time, did he?  LOL!  I sent a response, but let's hope for a correction.

Monday, August 18, 2008

A confirmed appointment with House Member Mike Krusee, Co-Author of the TX DRL. Current mood: crunk Hello fellow supporters and non-supporters: Yes, it is true-Mike Krusee agreed to meet with me on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 2pm.  I'm extremely excited!  I intend on presenting Mr. Krusee with the facts and negative effects of the TX DRL.  (just as I did with Gov. Perry's office and Senator Ogden.)  Please know-I understand MANY of us are upset with Mr. Krusee for writing such a crazy program and for his 2nd suspected DUI.  But his present court case is NONE OF MY BUSINESS and I do not intend on mentioning it.  I only want his support of a repeal and his signature on the petition for repeal.  Please don't get pissed off about that-we all make mistakes. Questions, comments or want to contribute information-please contact me. Thanks, Mary 1:36 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Thursday, August 14, 2008

A response from Mike Krusee’s office Current mood: frisky Hello fellow supporters and non supporters!  I have been trying to get an appt with Mike Krusee's office.  Of course, I was denied.  Today Mr. Krusee's office called me back and told my husband that Mr. Krusee is usually out, (Not Driving, I hope!!!  LOL!) and for me to e-mail my questions to them.  This is what I sent to Mike.Krusee@house.sate.tx.us:     To Whom It May Concern: My name is Mary Moody and I'm sending this e-mail in response for an appointment with Mr. Krusee or an advisor.   The issue I would like to discuss with Mr. Krusee is the Texas Driver Responsibility Law.  Mr. Krusee was one of the origional authors.  (obviously!)  I appreciate your time and consideration.   January 2004, I received a ticket for non-valid Car Insurance.  I paid my fines, showed that I had valid car insurance for over six months and was released from all future fines and penaltes from the TX DPS.  The court Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, TX DPS Clerks, and supervisors NEVER advised me the TX DRL existed or that I would have to pay the Surcharge Fee.  Yet, four years later (yes, FOUR YEARS LATER!)  I received my first Surcharge Notice telling me to pay or else.  Not wanting to argue with an institution that will suspend my much needed Driver's License, I began paying the surcharge fee.  However, my January Payment late by 14 days.  Yet, I paid the fee after the Surcharge Dept assured me that my license was valid.  The TX DPS had 14 days to suspend my DL due to non-payment, but my Driver's License was suspended right after I made my payment.   Currently, I'm working to repeal the TX DRL.  I have launched a webpage, endorsed Tamara's petition for repeal, appeared on KVUE News and have meet with Senator Steve Ogden's and Governor Rick Perry's office regarding this issue.  I'm presently working on a doccumentry about the negative impacts the TX DRL has had on Texas Citizens.   I have researched the TX DRL thoroughly and found many disturbing facts surrounding it.  Yet, I certainly understand why this law was written: to keep Texas Roads safer.  However, the TX DRL is a failue.  My intention is to present the facts to Mr. Krusee's office regarding the negative effects the TX DRL has brought to Texas Citizens.  For Example: 1.  THOUSANDS of Texans have no idea they owe the Surcharge fee and are unknowlingly driving with suspended Driver's Licenses.  2.  The TX Mobility Fund vs. The Trauma Center/Hospitals are suppose to split the funds received.  However, The TX Mobility Fund has received over $300 million when the Trauma/Hospitals only received $148 million.  3.  If Texas Citizens pay the Surcharge fee annualy vs. monthly, the surcharge fee is doubled.  Yearly=$260.00, Monthly=$480.00 (Please see attachment for Charts.)  4.  The TX DRL is VERY severe for those who have clean driving records.  7 out of 10 Texas Drivers have not/can not pay the surcharge - Leaving 70% of drivers with a suspended DL and/or without valid Car Insurance.  (but they still drive-Texans have stated that it's cheaper not to pay the Surcharge fee and just let their license be suspended.  Isn't that terrible!?)  Many victims of the DRL are law abiding citizns who do pay their insurance or have maintained an updated license before.  They are not habitual offenders.  We are hardworking citizens who use our income strictly to pay for rent, electricity, water, health insurance, home insurance, medical bills, gas, car maintence/repairs, food/groceries, school supplies, ect.  If we fall behind on a payment for car insurance, the face a surcharge that is undisputable, the situation becomes impossible!  5.  Surcharge Billed: $887.8 million, Surcharge Paid: $288.5, Surcharge Unpaid: $599.3 million.  (again, please see attachment.) 6.  Our Right to appeal seems to be missing!  ALL Texans are very angry about that. 7.  Making Texans pay over $800.00 for a mistake is greedy-Why not make them present valid car insurance EVERY MONTH FOR THREE YEARS instead of making us pay the TX DPS our Car Insurance money.  Admendments are not helping-they are confusing and not implemented by the Surcharge Dept.   We all make mistakes, I'm sure Mr. Krusee can understand that.  May I present my research and graphs to an advisor?  The intention behind the TX DRL was good, however, it is not helping keep our roads safer but making the problem MUCH worse.  Please know that I have no intention of asking questions regarding Mr. Krusee's ongoing case-that is none of my business.   As a parent, I found the TX DRL very disturbing-an unlicensed delivery of grain is more serious tha the attempted sexual assualt of a child.   Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.  I will wait for a response.   Sincerely,   Mary Moody Austin, TX e-mail: fightthetxresponsibilityprogram@yahoo.com   12:11 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

A conversation with the TX DPS Surcharge............. Current mood: drunk Hello fellow supporters: I received a Surcharge notice this week from the TX DPS Surcharge Dept.  Wondering why they would re-instate my payment plan, I called them at 512-454-4759.  At first, I spoke to Bertha.  She verified my suspended DL and advised me that the letter I received, (Please see the photos.) was to help me get back on my payment plan.  Betha said the DRL gave drivers the ability to re-instate the Surcharge Payment Plan.  (Well, after $600 million dollare in fees go unpaid when $900 million in fees are billed,  no wonder why!)  Then, I called back and spoke to a lady named Kendra.  (Mind you, both ladies today were the nicest reps I EVER spoke to from the Surcharge Dept.  Theresa was a straight up BITCH!)  But Kendra confused the shite out of me!  She said the notes in my account indicate I was suspended for non-payment.  I advised her I paid the day the TX DPS suspended my DL.  She said I didn't.  The notes on my account indicate I was deliquent on my payment plan.  I told her that I was deliquent, but my DL was suspended RIGHT AFTER I PAID!  She said that the DPS can suspend me anytime I'm deliquent-even if I paid $0.05 short.  After a long conversation, I asked her why I wasn't given the option for another payment plan as stated in Section 3, 708.157, a and b, of the TX DRL.  She didn't know what I was talking about and kept insisting that the new payment plan agreement was newly added to the DRL.  Yet, I asked her SPECIFICALLY about Section 3, 708.157, a and b, and she had no idea what I was talking about.  She insisted I pay to get my license re-instated.  When I advised her of the re-instatement fees from the TX DPS ($225 to re-instate and a $75 admin fee) she told me to go on ahead and pay the Surcharge Dep so that I can pay the TX DPS.  YES SHE SAID THAT, I HAVE IT ON TAPE RECORDING! Very interesting..................The conversation was longer and more detailed, I'll try to put it up on YouTube.  I intend to make another appt with Kyle Mitchell and let him hear this tape for himself. 9:31 PM - 4 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

An appointment with Patty Guerra, Senator Steve Ogden’s Legislative Aide Current mood: determined An appointment with Patty Guerra, Senator's Legislative Aide..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />   Hello fellow supporters and non supporters: Here is what happened today with Patty. The Moody Family Goes To the Capitol!   I met Patty in the Capitol and we went to Senator Ogden's office for a meeting. (Senator Ogden was not there. I only met with Patty.) The purpose of this meeting was to present my information to her, ask if Senator Ogden still sponsors the DRL even though it is failing and to ask if Senator Ogden would sponsor the Repeal of the DRL. Now, Patty was very open and friendly. She listened and backed the DRL. I showed her the same info I showed Kyle Mitchell and presented to KVUE News.   I advised her of my story: ticket for Non Valid Car Insurance, four years later I got the Surcharge Notice: I paid and my Drivers License was suspended the SECOND AFTER I PAID! She asked what the Surchage's response was to suspending my DL right after I paid, I told her the Surcharge told me to pay the remaining balance and the $225 fee to re-instate my license plus the $75 admin fee. She agreed that was a shock and countered with the new Amendments to the DRL giving incentives for Texas Drivers to pay. (She said it will be effective next year-NEXT YEAR! How many Texas Drivers are waiting for relief NOW: every driver!) I told her that the Amendment will not do any good, the DRL has been amended MANY times and it is still a failure. Plus, THOUSANDS of Texans have no idea that they were and/or currently victims of the DRL. Texans have no idea their DL is suspended and drive daily. If they are pulled over for a minor traffic violation: they are arrested for driving with an invalid DL. I presented my Charts and current facts surrounding the DRL. Patty did acknowledge that I did thorough research. I told her that the suspension on the SAME day I paid was too much. Plus there is no right to appeal and Patty agreed that there is not. We are in the Surcharge Program once we plead Guilty. She told me that the funds help the Trauma Centers, but I was able to show her that the TX Mobility Fund has NO PROBLEM getting their chunk of the 49.5% funds and the Trauma centers get around 25% instead of 49.5%. That is in FIVE YEARS! Not one year-five years! We moved on and Patty agreed that the DRL is flawed but that is due to the DPS not having the proper software to implement it. I told her that Texas drivers are suffering the consequences for the DPS shortcomings. I showed Patty the chart for paying Monthly vs. Annually. Patty did agree that the amounts were large and that she would not be able to afford the surcharge. She said she doubted that the DRL would not be repealed and Senator Ogden would sponsor a repeal. I told her that I understood: I wanted to present the info surrounding the results of the DRL to Senator Ogden's office. How can Senator Ogden sponsor a repeal if he doesn't know there is a problem? Patty said she would talk to Senator Ogden and get back to me regarding the info I presented and his support. I gave Patty my e-mail address and website info. I forgot a brochure and could kick myself in the butt! It had ALL my info on it. Please know: I did confirm to Patty that Thousands of Texans are in agreement for the Repeal of the DRL and as Texas Voters, we will not vote for those who sponsored/wrote and voted for the DRL if it is not repealed. I encourage everyone to write/e-mail and or call Senator Ogden's office, this is the address at the Capitol: The Honorable Steve Ogden P.O. Box 12068 Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711 (512) 463-0105 (512) 463-5713 (fax) His website is: http://www. ogden. senate. state. tx. us/ I will post a summary of the meeting on YouTube. I'll post it once I have it up. Please comment and don't forget to sign the petiton! Thanks, Mary 1:52 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

KVUE News Story Current mood: busy If you want to see the story, go to: http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/072908kvueDRLchallenge-cb.14ecf7da.html Thanks, Mary 5:39 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment