‘We’ve got enough speakers we could be here ‘til 2 this afternoon’

“I don’t want to cut the time down, but we’ve got enough speakers that we could be here ‘til 2 o’clock this afternoon,” House Rev & Tax Chairman Gary Collins just told the crowd. He asked people to cut their comments down and make sure not to duplicate others’ comments.

So far, more than 26 people have testified, about 20 of them in favor of HB 272 and against HB 276; and about six in favor of 276. There’s well under half an hour left before the House convenes and the hearing must end.

“It’s obvious that we will probably have to continue the session a little more tomorrow morning or Thursday morning,” Collins said. He asked, “Who in the audience came quite a distance to testify and has something that they need to say?” Half a dozen people raised their hands. Collins said he’ll call those people next.