I am up for a Cake Walk also. I live in the Texas Panhandle but I have family in the area that I could stay with. "Let them eat (HOME MADE) cake!"
I also live in the same town as State Representative David Swinford. We go to church with him and have known him and his family all my life. What information do I need to get so I can take it all with me when I go talk to him? He is already speaking at one of my son's People to People meetings and I know he will sit and at least listen to me. I want to have all my ducks in a row so he can see how passionate I am about this!!
If you need to, please PM me also!
Thanks!!! 
Yah know, the more I think about the HOA/deed restriction issue I keep coming back to the fact that Texas is a "right-to-work" state. So honestly the current HD laws are in direct violation to the right to work laws...Might be an angle that can also be used to help get this law passed.
It is illegal to stop a person from making a living in the field they wish, (provided they are qualified if the occupation is regulated). That is why contract labor non-compete clauses aren't worth the paper they are written on in the state of Texas. (this is a big issue in the dance industry).
Okay, today a friend of my emailed me to tell me that she (as the secretary to the president of Farm Bureau), was told by her boss to email & send letters to all of the Texas Senators & Representatives to show his support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The President of a major insurance company that has it's headquarters in Waco, is supporting us. And I don't even KNOW him!
jamhays,
I have my ins with Farm Bureau. That is indeed a HUGE thing! They are considered one of the top "rural" insurance companies. That is WONDERFUL!
Okay, today a friend of my emailed me to tell me that she (as the secretary to the president of Farm Bureau), was told by her boss to email & send letters to all of the Texas Senators & Representatives to show his support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The President of a major insurance company that has it's headquarters in Waco, is supporting us. And I don't even KNOW him!
woooohoooo!!!!!!!! I think word's getting out!!
Oh my goodness...I am simply tingly all over with excitement! We might actually really have a shot at it this time around! (crossing fingers, saying prayers) 
Bakerbear, I'm in the DFW area as well and am ready for the roadtrip! This is sooo exciting!
On another note, I'm plannin' on goin' to the cake show in Austin on the 28th to have a look around too...wouldn't it be nice if we could get some of these Senators and Reps out there to see how amazin' our cakes are?! 
WOW, Great news after Great News, I'm also in the DFW area.
He actually told me that a bill like this would get "slaughtered"!! Wow... If there was another way we could come up with for residential bakers/food makers to be lawful, he would love to hear it
WoW! this sounds like he REALLY wants to help. Translation: I read your letter and I'm not interested. Since this is too trivial to worry about see if you can find some else to fight your battle.
Let's keep pounding. they'll have to hear us at some point.
He actually told me that a bill like this would get "slaughtered"!! Wow... If there was another way we could come up with for residential bakers/food makers to be lawful, he would love to hear it
WoW! this sounds like he REALLY wants to help. Translation: I read your letter and I'm not interested. Since this is too trivial to worry about see if you can find some else to fight your battle.
Let's keep pounding. they'll have to hear us at some point.
I did pass on the "slaughtered" quote to Sen. Ogden's aide. 
She duly made a note of it. 
It apparently didn't stop him from initiating talks with the Dept. of Agriculture. (GO, Sen. Ogden!)
Remember that old political saying, "It's the economy, stupid!" ??? I'm positive that the economy is what is giving us traction right now. That's what people should be hammering on when they talk to or write their representatives. With all the talk of "stimulus", this law would be a REAL stimulus to thousands of people, giving them the opportunity to begin a legal home business and earn income.
He actually told me that a bill like this would get "slaughtered"!! Wow... If there was another way we could come up with for residential bakers/food makers to be lawful, he would love to hear it
WoW! this sounds like he REALLY wants to help. Translation: I read your letter and I'm not interested. Since this is too trivial to worry about see if you can find some else to fight your battle.
Let's keep pounding. they'll have to hear us at some point.
I'm lost, Who is "He" Where did this quote come from...it has no person's reference.
Okay but that was a statement made 2 years ago! We have different people in office now, the economy is in the crapper, why would someone pull that old statement up (jobueno)? It really has no relevance with our current campaigne.
Pay attention people...this thread originated during the last session! We are on a new session now! Let's stay positive here!
Yes but has anyone spoken with him again for this term? The economic climate is so different now. He might now think differently.
Sorry about trying to quote an old post, there is so much going on in this thread that it really is hard to keep up with what's going on. I did however sign the petition. That is still going on..? 
I have also passed it on to numerous people who know me and my baking so they too can sign it too.
jobueno, YES, the petition is active right now! Send it to every Texan you know!! We have over 1150 signatures, but I know there are more to be had. When we get to 1200 I will fax them over to Ogden's office.
I have a call in to Rep. Gattis office, waiting to hear back.
I would love the optioin to be able to sell my cakes. Thank y'all for doing the background info. on this and spreading the word.
I just signed the Texas Cottage Food Law Petition to Senator Steve Ogden. I am #1155.
Here is the link for anyone else who wants to join the cause...
http://www.petitiononline.com/TXCotFd/petition.html
Thanks!
Sorry about trying to quote an old post, there is so much going on in this thread that it really is hard to keep up with what's going on. I did however sign the petition. That is still going on..? I have also passed it on to numerous people who know me and my baking so they too can sign it too.
It's the one thing I don't like about forum, texting or emailing...even with the use of emoticons you can't really hear the tone of the person's intentions! I really was poking fun at you by posting your name...LOL! NO biggie, It actually did a really good thing.
Jenwright, have you contacted Bonnen again to see if his tune has changed this go round? Might be worth a shot since the economy is in such a different state than it was 2 years ago.
Kelleym which committee is the committee that would be responsible for presenting this bill to congress? Agriculture or Public Health?
Gattis's aide, Amy, thought it would fall under Business or Public Health. If it's Business, we may be in luck, because I see that Gattis is on that one.
I'm wondering if they're not in the office today, it just goes to voicemail when I call. We may have to wait until Monday for a status update. 
Monday is a holiday...it's President's day, all goverment is off 
So Tuesday?
I signed the petition as #1160. With the state of the ecomony people need to make money and the best way to do that is by using your hobby skills. Texas just doesn't see how much money they are losing by people illegally making cakes out of their homes....morons.
I received a reply from David Dewhurst:
Thank you for contacting my office on behalf of your entrepreneurial spirit. I sincerely appreciate your correspondence in regards to the sale of baked goods and assure you that your voice has been heard.
I indeed encourage all efforts towards legislation that will positively impact the economy of this state and will carefully consider what is best for all Texans in matters involving personal entrepreneurship.
Again, I appreciate your initiative in contacting this office and articulating your concerns. You are welcome to contact our office if you have additional comments or concerns that you would like us to consider. It is an honor to serve as Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Texas and know that I appreciate hearing from you.
So.....I would classify that as...positive but vague and noncommittal?
I only got a standard form letter back from someone in the Governor's office ("I have shared your concerns with legislative and Budget, Planning and Policy division staff. You may consider sharing your recommendation with legislators as well, given that they are the officials with the authority to introduce and vote on legislation.")
The petition is still going great, we're at 1186. As cakesdivine pointed out, all Government offices will be closed tomorrow, so hopefully I'll be able to get in touch with someone on Tuesday.
Today I received a phone call from a senior advisor to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture. She was working on her Cottage Foods recommendation for the Commissioner and Senator Ogden and had some questions to ask me. 
Things are happening, people!!!!!
This is FABULOUS news! I would love to be able to do this from home! I have four children therefore, working vs daycare is not an option! Maybe one day they will pass this so I can contribute to the household with some income!!!!!! wooohooo Please keep us updated. I am on my way to sign the petition also!
Edited: I was 1250 on the petition! Lets get this moving!
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