SDSA MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

April 16, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 6:50 PM, at Grady’s Restaurant, by Co-Chairs Lynne Armstrong and Roberto Flores.

Lynne began the meeting by announcing that SDSA is still selling t-shirts, bumper stickers and decals.

The first item on the agenda was a presentation by State Representative Mike Villarreal. Since he had not yet arrived the co-chairs decided to proceed with the business portion of the meeting.

Roberto began the business meeting with committee reports. Ruth Dalrymple, treasurer, gave a financial report. She introduced Jeanne Belaire, assistant treasurer and thanked Cris Ramirez, secretary, for making deposits, while Ruth was away and out of pocket. She pointed out that dues were sent to National Stonewall and Texas Stonewall in the amount of $1000. Ruth reminded the members that since SDSA is now a PAC, and reports must filed with the state; anyone making contributions to the organization must include their occupation with the donation. She indicated that she would be calling members who have made donations to get their occupation. In response to a question Ruth indicated that the new account would no longer be assessed a service charge. The SDSA account currently has a balance of about $1600. Marilyn Graham moved that we accept the treasurer’s report, Bryan Gerard seconded and the motion carried.

The minutes of the last membership meeting were not read, since they have been posted on the web site and members have been given ample notice and time to read them. No corrections or additions were made. Sheila Korte moved that the minutes be approved, Bryan Gerard seconded and the motion carried.

Richard Moon reported that the Endorsement Committee met to discuss the scope of the dissemination of the endorsements and indicated that the results have been posted on the web site and “snail mailed” to members with no e-mails. Five hundred copies would be made to be placed in the bars and other GLBT friendly businesses and locations.

Bryan Gerard reported that the Political Relations Committee met and will follow up with Ciro Rodriguez on the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell bill. They will be working on plans to bring the various Democratic groups together. Anyone wishing to join this committee can contact Bryan.

Olga Hernandez, Membership Committee, reported that 29 new members have been added to SDSA membership bringing the total to 152. The committee is still attempting to contact members who have not renewed. Second quarter renewals have been sent out and are coming in. Membership drive will take place at the WEBB party.

Joe LaMonica, Voter Registration and Mobilization, reported that the committee is making plans to register voters at LGBT events. Prior to this meeting fifteen members wore sworn in as voter registrars.

Philip Barcena, Program and Events, reported that the Second Annual SDSA Awards Banquet has been scheduled for September 15^th at the El Tropicano Hotel. Details on the guest speaker, the theme and ticket prices will be announced at the next membership meeting.

Cris Ramirez, Board Development Committee, had no new information to report.

Bryan Gerard, Communications Committee, reported the committee met and Olga Hernandez was elected chair. The web site is still a work in progress and it is continuously being updated. Members were urged to visit the web site often, as there are always updates being added. The committee will be meeting via e-mail and any suggestions, comments and or ideas are welcome.

Bryan Gerard reported on the meeting he, Roberto Flores, Kelly Timmons and Nancy Russell had with Congressman Gonzalez in reference to the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Bill. The Congressman indicated that if the bill came up for a vote he would vote for it, but he feels that the focus, for now, should be on ENDA. Kelly Timmons added that the Congressman also indicated that the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell would have to go through the House Armed Services Committee, which is composed of about fifty percent Republicans and Conservative Democrats making passage of this very difficult.

Ruth informed the membership that $10 of their dues goes to National Stonewall and $5 to Texas Stonewall, leaving SDSA with $15 out of every $30 membership.

Lynne announced that SDSA donated $500 to the Elena Guajardo campaign and $250 to the Kat Swift campaign.

Roberto requested a by-law change from ten to five days for membership meeting announcements. This will be voted on at the next meeting.

Lynne announced that Eric Alva would be the guest speaker at the May membership meeting. She also reminded members about the WEBB party and the Texas Equality Brunch. SDSA is having a fundraiser for National Stonewall on May 26^th, Olga and Lynne’s Birthday Bash.

Ray De Los Santos, whom we had endorsed, but was unable to attend the Endorsement Meeting, thanked us for the Endorsement and requested help with his campaign.

SDSA t-shirt, movie tickets and Stonewall bag were raffled.

Lynne Armstrong introduced Representative Mike Villarreal.

Villarreal began by describing how different this year’s legislative session is from the last session two years ago, characterizing it as "lacking a sense of leadership." He attributed this to three factors. First, there’s the weakened Governor Rick Perry who won re-election with only 39 percent of the vote in 2006. Second is the weakened Speaker of the House Tom Craddick who survived a bitter re-election challenge this past January. And third is the weakened Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst who was asked by Republican State senators to leave their caucus.

The lack of leadership is aided in no small part by Democratic legislative victories in the 2006 mid-term elections that cut the Republican margin over Democrats by half in the Texas House. Because of all this, Villarreal says he expects no major bills to pass before the legislature adjourns on May 31.

On GLBT issues, Villarreal expressed relief that during the vote on the state budget an anticipated floor amendment prohibiting same-sex couples from being foster or adoptive parents did not materialize. He then spoke about four pro-GLBT bills that were introduced by various legislators.

Villarreal introduced HB 900, a civil rights bill that would provide protections from discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. He stated that HB 900 is pending in the Government Reform Committee and is hoping that a hearing will be scheduled soon. Other bills include HB 247 (nondiscrimination in insurance), HB 833 (protection from harassment in public schools) and HB 2612 (a study on the effectiveness of the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act) which are also pending in committees.

Villarreal touted "the power of the people" as key to enacting or blocking legislation and encouraged SDSA members and other GLBT Texans to come to the State Capitol in large numbers to testify in favor of HB 900 when it is scheduled for a hearing.

One SDSA member asked Villarreal about a bill introduced by anti-gay Rep. Warren Chisum (R-Pampa) that would increase the marriage license fee if a heterosexual couple did not agree to undergo pre-marital counseling. Villarreal replied by stating that Chisum lost control of his bill when it was watered down by floor amendments.

In a memorable closing, Villarreal recounted State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) asking Chisum during floor debate on his bill, "aren’t you the same gentleman that wanted to protect traditional marriage by introducing a bill that resulted in a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in this state?" When Chisum replied in the affirmative, Thompson stated, "well then, why aren’t our marriages any better as a result?"

Bryan Gerard made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Cris.Ramirez.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.