Mr H
Banana'd
Now that 2ATuesday is in the books, we can set our sights on the remainder of the session, and beyond.
We completed Part One of this year's plan well.
We received people in Annapolis from (I believe) every county in Maryland... something I'm not sure we did last year, even with the huge crowds we generated. These people took the opportunity to speak with their Legislators (and/or their staff), and speak their mind on a variety of issues--not just 2A. I'm certain some of these Delegates and Senators were taken by surprise by this, and that's just dandy.
We are being seen, heard, and taken seriously. OK, maybe not by all--yet--but it's still early.
Now, we look at the next step.
Next, comes a pair of days that did not happen last session (as they normally do)... Gun Bill Days in the House and Senate. Last year, there was a concerted attempt to divide up the bills on to several different days, in order to dilute our numbers. It didn't work, and we managed to set turnout records, thanks to the megalithic FSA13 (nee SB281).
This year, there are some definite "anti" 2A bills out there which will need to be drummed down. But, there will be even more "pro" 2A bills that will need our support, in both Houses.
Right now, there are three dates to keep in mind:
Feb 14 - House Ways & Means, re: HB0415 - Sales and Use Tax - Ammunition and Firearms
Feb 26 - "Gun Bill Day" in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
Mar 4 - "Gun Bill Day" in the House Judiciary Committee
For each of these, it is recommended that you take a read of the bills being heard on those days, and begin (continue?) calls and letters to your representatives and the specific Committee members, expressing your reasoned thoughts on any or all of these bills.
Then--and this is the critical piece, if we are to have the needed effect--we show up.
Anyone who can make themselves available needs to be in Annapolis for at least one of these days, and do several things. Make an appointment to meet with your representatives to discuss these bills, and the importance of 2A in Maryland. Have your friends get involved in the process, as this should be a statewide, community effort. Come prepared to testify on the bills you feel most strongly about, both good and bad.
Even if you cannot spend the whole day in Annapolis, come to attend the Committee hearings and be seen. This is our time to show our very best, and to make our Elected Officials aware that we are not going away, and will be heard.
The planning for these hearings, and the details surrounding them, can be found in the following Events threads:
Feb 14, Ways & Means
Feb 26, Senate JPR
Mar 4, House JUD
Join us in this important next step, as we work to reclaim our Rights, and our State.
Please spread the word, "mountains to shore", and make yourselves proud.
We completed Part One of this year's plan well.
We received people in Annapolis from (I believe) every county in Maryland... something I'm not sure we did last year, even with the huge crowds we generated. These people took the opportunity to speak with their Legislators (and/or their staff), and speak their mind on a variety of issues--not just 2A. I'm certain some of these Delegates and Senators were taken by surprise by this, and that's just dandy.
We are being seen, heard, and taken seriously. OK, maybe not by all--yet--but it's still early.
Now, we look at the next step.
Next, comes a pair of days that did not happen last session (as they normally do)... Gun Bill Days in the House and Senate. Last year, there was a concerted attempt to divide up the bills on to several different days, in order to dilute our numbers. It didn't work, and we managed to set turnout records, thanks to the megalithic FSA13 (nee SB281).
This year, there are some definite "anti" 2A bills out there which will need to be drummed down. But, there will be even more "pro" 2A bills that will need our support, in both Houses.
Right now, there are three dates to keep in mind:
Feb 14 - House Ways & Means, re: HB0415 - Sales and Use Tax - Ammunition and Firearms
Feb 26 - "Gun Bill Day" in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
Mar 4 - "Gun Bill Day" in the House Judiciary Committee
For each of these, it is recommended that you take a read of the bills being heard on those days, and begin (continue?) calls and letters to your representatives and the specific Committee members, expressing your reasoned thoughts on any or all of these bills.
Then--and this is the critical piece, if we are to have the needed effect--we show up.
Anyone who can make themselves available needs to be in Annapolis for at least one of these days, and do several things. Make an appointment to meet with your representatives to discuss these bills, and the importance of 2A in Maryland. Have your friends get involved in the process, as this should be a statewide, community effort. Come prepared to testify on the bills you feel most strongly about, both good and bad.
Even if you cannot spend the whole day in Annapolis, come to attend the Committee hearings and be seen. This is our time to show our very best, and to make our Elected Officials aware that we are not going away, and will be heard.
The planning for these hearings, and the details surrounding them, can be found in the following Events threads:
Feb 14, Ways & Means
Feb 26, Senate JPR
Mar 4, House JUD
Join us in this important next step, as we work to reclaim our Rights, and our State.
Please spread the word, "mountains to shore", and make yourselves proud.
). 
. Good reminder!
