I got tired of waiting!!! It's done......

[chuckybrown]

I changed the subject of this post. Read the thread, we must be heard!!!:

I live Fort Bend, work Harris County:

So, I'm at 53 days. Remember, I'm not a very good "Sheeple".

I called DPS today, and was told "background checks are being done", check back at the end of September. So, I emailed and faxed my State Representative's office, and got a pretty quick response...the lady there emailed me back in ten minutes. I explained I was at day 53, and as I understood the statute, DPS had to notify me by day 60 they couldn't make a decision, etc, etc, etc. (Not here to debate the interpretation of the law, just relaying my thoughts) My Rep's Rep said she'd call them for me, but as she said, (and I'm cutting and pasting) "I understand the problem is they only have one person to do the background checks in Harris County. Only troopers at a certain level and up are allowed to perform them and they don't want to pull troopers off the roads since they are already short on them. I believe the surge in applications has been a surprise to them.".

I thanked her, and asked her to let me know what I found out.

Now, on another note, earlier this week I emailed a local investigative journalist (who I think is a very good guy) here in town a little over a week ago. I asked him to look into this issue as I felt it wasn't getting much press, (besides the fact the law wasn't being followed), and his response was (and I' cutting and pasting) "Thanks for thinking of me on this one. Actually, I think it's gotten some attention. I saw an Austin newspaper article on it more than a year ago and we've aired quick little stories on the backlog and how bad it's gotten. I'll keep an eye on it and watch out for new hooks to keep the pressure on this government agency." <---note the "more than a year ago".

So, my Rep's office knows that background checks are a one man show, and the journalist thinks that media coverage from "a year ago" is attention to the issue.

I'm being polite, nice, and cooperative. But, there's needs to be more of us out there saying "hey, you're not following the law" so that someone gets it. I understand Mr. Cotton an others are working diligently...but it's time to quit whispering about the elephant in the room.

My next step tomorrow is my State Senator and the Governor's office. I "get" government bureaucracy, and all that goes along with it. But, we're not debating roadside property line setbacks, or homeowner's association rights. We're talking about our right to protect ourselves and our families, and the laws that are written that are being ignored (IMHO).

Be a voice.

Chucky

[maxpower]

aren't you just doing a renewal? I have seen those done in 60 days. I will be at 90 days September 1

[chuckybrown]

Max, I'm doing a renewal of a lapsed license. Some family health issues kept my free time busy, so it took me a while to find the time and $$ for the course. That being said.....the law is the law.

Thanks for asking.

10/2008 PIN issued after online renewal app.
05/25/2008 - CHL Class
06/27/2009 - Mailed application to DPS
06/29/2009 - Paperwork Received by DPS
XX/XX/2009 - Application Approved
XX/XX/2009 - Plastic in Hand
CB

[chuckybrown]

Funny, thing: A lady from the DPS office in Austin called me today. She apologized for the delay. She explained she had been told I had concern on the 60 day time frame. She told me DPS was working diligently to get them completed, but the delay was "background checks". (We've heard that, right?) She said she would move my application to "Expedite Status", and I should check back in a week.

And, I WILL check back in a week.

Here's what I got back from my state rep today:

"The legislature is aware of the increase in CHL applications. Prior to this surge, which seems to have started in late fall of last year, DPS had been able to qualify with the 60-day processing time. While the legislature was in session they approved more funding for DPS to address this and other similar issues. That funding will go into effect on September 1st. DPS has begun several campaigns to seek more people for trooper training."

Speak up! It's amazing what a little wheel-squeaking can do......

Chucky

10/2008 PIN issued after online renewal app.
05/25/2008 - CHL Class
06/27/2009 - Mailed application to DPS
06/29/2009 - Paperwork Received by DPS
XX/XX/2009 - Application Approved
XX/XX/2009 - Plastic in Hand

[Aladinbama]

Funny, thing: A lady from the DPS office in Austin called me today. She apologized for the delay. She explained she had been told I had concern on the 60 day time frame. She told me DPS was working diligently to get them completed, but the delay was "background checks". (We've heard that, right?) She said she would move my application to "Expedite Status", and I should check back in a week.

And, I WILL check back in a week.

I've been expedited and I call back every week, for the past 8 or so. The really funny part of this is that the person who has been answering the phone and I are pretty much getting to know each other - I figure I might as well keep her on the line for a couple minutes and it only takes a few seconds to update me on the status of my application.
A few things have happened in the last week or so and my attitude will be changing (I will still be pleasant to the person I've talked to, just not the other people I will be talking to from now on). The way I figure it is the copy of my current FFL I sent along with "other" information should pretty much clear the unanswerable questions they have - YA THINK!

[dwdog]

She said she would move my application to "Expedite Status", and I should check back in a week.

Yeah, and They have told me there was no such thing as an "expedite list" or anything like it.

[chuckybrown]

Interesting.......well, I now have the names of the folks at my reps, my senator's, and the governor's office. They will get tired of hearing from me every day....

I just can't help but thinking, if we all said "enough is enough" and absolutely hounded (politely/respectfully/legally) our reps/senators/governor, that something would come to a head.

I do alot of desk work, and having my phone on speaking while holding is EEAASSYY to do!

Chucky

[NAVY CHIEF]

I think I have an unusual situation that I need help with.

I am active duty Navy, living in Blanco County (mailing address), but for residence purposes {military and CHL application (not mailed yet)}, I listed Kendall County and will take my CHL class in Burnet County. Who does the background checks - counties or DPS? If counties do it, who/where do I take the application or how does this work? I guess you can tell that I am trying to minimize me "down time"!

[southtexaspilot]

Let our 1.5% minority be heard! To heck with everyone else!

Seriously folks do you really believe that calling everyday is going to fix anything? Sure you may get lucky and find someone with enough pull to get you through. Please consider the rest of us and not just yourselves. I wonder how many apps per day could be completed if the phones would stop ringing. Think about how they possibly could adhere to the 60 day rule today, right now. If anything it will just produce negative results that will affect us all. Do we want all apps declined which can not be processed in 60 days? Worse yet, how about apps rushed to completion to individuals who under further scrutiny don't qualify? That's what you are asking for. The budget isn't there to hire people to do these background checks for our small minority. Even if they did chase the trend of applications, what would we do with them once the gun hysteria subsides? With crime rising would you rather pull good cops off the street to help expedite your background check? If you want to change things, join the NRA or similar organizations. Help Mr. Cotton by sharing your cases with him so he can better prepare an organized front. Maybe then some changes can be made through future legislation. Being the annoying gnat flying in the congressman's ear will only get you swatted. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Guess what folks, we are the few. Be happy that we have the right to bear arms and exercise a little understanding to the folks trying to issue the plastic to us.

This is just the opinion of a Navy veteran. Take this how you like and make constructive comments on it if you wish. I tried to not make it personal so please do the same.

[Kevinf2349]

I wonder how many apps per day could be completed if the phones would stop ringing.

None, they are all waiting on background checks or the printers aren't they?

[maxpower]

Let our 1.5% minority be heard! To heck with everyone else!

Seriously folks do you really believe that calling everyday is going to fix anything? Sure you may get lucky and find someone with enough pull to get you through. Please consider the rest of us and not just yourselves. I wonder how many apps per day could be completed if the phones would stop ringing. Think about how they possibly could adhere to the 60 day rule today, right now. If anything it will just produce negative results that will affect us all. Do we want all apps declined which can not be processed in 60 days? Worse yet, how about apps rushed to completion to individuals who under further scrutiny don't qualify? That's what you are asking for. The budget isn't there to hire people to do these background checks for our small minority. Even if they did chase the trend of applications, what would we do with them once the gun hysteria subsides? With crime rising would you rather pull good cops off the street to help expedite your background check? If you want to change things, join the NRA or similar organizations. Help Mr. Cotton by sharing your cases with him so he can better prepare an organized front. Maybe then some changes can be made through future legislation. Being the annoying gnat flying in the congressman's ear will only get you swatted. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Guess what folks, we are the few. Be happy that we have the right to bear arms and exercise a little understanding to the folks trying to issue the plastic to us.

This is just the opinion of a Navy veteran. Take this how you like and make constructive comments on it if you wish. I tried to not make it personal so please do the same.

good post

[joe817]

Let our 1.5% minority be heard! To heck with everyone else!

Seriously folks do you really believe that calling everyday is going to fix anything? Sure you may get lucky and find someone with enough pull to get you through. Please consider the rest of us and not just yourselves. I wonder how many apps per day could be completed if the phones would stop ringing. Think about how they possibly could adhere to the 60 day rule today, right now. If anything it will just produce negative results that will affect us all. Do we want all apps declined which can not be processed in 60 days? Worse yet, how about apps rushed to completion to individuals who under further scrutiny don't qualify? That's what you are asking for. The budget isn't there to hire people to do these background checks for our small minority. Even if they did chase the trend of applications, what would we do with them once the gun hysteria subsides? With crime rising would you rather pull good cops off the street to help expedite your background check? If you want to change things, join the NRA or similar organizations. Help Mr. Cotton by sharing your cases with him so he can better prepare an organized front. Maybe then some changes can be made through future legislation. Being the annoying gnat flying in the congressman's ear will only get you swatted. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Guess what folks, we are the few. Be happy that we have the right to bear arms and exercise a little understanding to the folks trying to issue the plastic to us.

This is just the opinion of a Navy veteran. Take this how you like and make constructive comments on it if you wish. I tried to not make it personal so please do the same.

good post

I 2nd that! Good post stp!

[chuckybrown]

I respect your opinion and understand your point to be organized, but I feel that sometimes speaking out individually is ok as well.

"Being the annoying gnat flying in the congressman's ear will only get you swatted." Well, I feel the government is "OF, for and BY the people."

Like I said, I don't make a good sheeple. If being involved and calling my elected officials makes me annoying, so be it. I elected them to do a job, among them to represent me. I don't feel bad about that.

We just need to agree to disagree. I supposed Washington and Jefferson should have sat back and waited for "change" as well? <---that's my opinion

Oh, and to the "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few".....what was it Marx said? Oh yea, "The oppressed are allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them." In other words, don't be oppressed, speak up!

Respectfully.....

.....just my .02 cents....that and 3.83 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks....

Chucky

[USA1]

i can see valid points on both sides of the issue .

IMHO , i see some folks that get a little flustered too early in the waiting process .

[boomerang]

The budget isn't there to hire people to do these background checks for our small minority.

At $140 a pop for new applications, it sure looks like there's enough money coming in to do the background checks.