NPT Capitol: Pickett says no to amendment pushed by Haggerty, now a lobbyist

From the Dallas Morning News, It’s the season for the session’s lobbyists:

In the House, Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, filed one of two amendments that would make the Transportation Department pay to move lines and cables for projects funded by the federal economic stimulus. Pitts said he sponsored it at the urging of an ex-colleague now lobbying for AT&T – former Rep. Pat Haggerty, R-El Paso.

“I was just trying to help Pat out,” Pitts said.

Said Pickett: “It would set a very bad precedent. They’re in our right of way at no charge. They should pay if they need to move.”

— Sito Negron