|
May 24, 2019
Approaching the end of the 2019 Texas legislative session, AARP Texas leaders are applauding lawmakers on their successful work for older Texans and other consumers.
From AARP
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
On Thursday morning, the Texas Senate Business & Commerce Committee is scheduled to discuss House Bill 2536, a measure that was unanimously approved by the Texas House of Representatives and is one of the strongest drug-price transparency proposals in the nation.
From AARP
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The 2019 session of the Texas Legislature resulted in passage of bills that AARP Texas is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to sign into law to improve the wellbeing of older Texans and other consumers.
“I am deeply appreciative to the members and leaders of the Texas Legislature for their work on behalf of older Texans,” said AARP Texas Director Bob Jackson.
From AARP Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 6, 2019
AARP Texas Director Bob Jackson released the following statement today in reaction to the news of the passing of Luis Alonso Wilmot of San Antonio, who served as the AARP Texas Director from 2002 to 2007:
From AARP Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2019
“PHCC is grateful to Governor Abbott for an Executive Order issued today extending the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners until September of 2021. This option maintains the plumbing certifications and licenses necessary to preserve the health, safety and well-being of all Texans.
From Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Brandy Voss, a McAllen-based appellate attorney, repeatedly nominated by her peers for her professional accomplishments to Thomson Reuters’ "Super Lawyers" list published in Texas Monthly, is officially running as a candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, Place 7.
From Brandy Voss Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
As soon as tonight, lawmakers are poised to approve major school finance reforms that CPPP supports on the whole.
House Bill 3 is a step forward on public education, and we appreciate the investment in our schools. We thank Chairmen Dan Huberty and Larry Taylor for their leadership on this issue.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
Today the Texas House gave preliminary approval to a strong proposal that would help combat surprise medical billing statewide. The bill previously passed the Senate and soon heads to the Governor.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
This afternoon, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced a legislative “compromise” on school finance (HB 3) and tax legislation (SB 2).
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Today Texas Senators could consider a short-sighted proposal (HJR 38) that would cut off important future revenue options for the services Texans rely on in our communities.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The Coalition for Critical Infrastructure (CCI) is disappointed that eminent domain legislation failed to pass this session. Despite diligent, good faith negotiations with landowners that began in January, the stakeholders were unable to reach final agreement on the bill.
From Coalition For Critical Infrastructure
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Tomorrow morning, the Texas House Committee on Elections will meet to consider and hear testimony on Senate Bill 9, a dangerous anti-voter bill designed to suppress votes and intimidate our most vulnerable populations.
From Common Cause Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Moments ago, on a party line vote, Senate Bill 9 was voted out of committee 5 - 4. The bill now heads to the Calendars Committee before it will head to the House floor.
Following is a statement from Anthony Gutierrez, Executive Director of Common Cause Texas:
"Senate Bill 9 exists solely to put barriers between Texans and the ballot box.
From Common Cause Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Senate Bill 9 - the controversial anti-voting, anti-democracy bill - was just heard in the Texas House Elections Committee.
We expect the committee to vote on the bill at a hearing tomorrow morning and because of the partisan composition of the committee we expect SB 9 will be voted out of committee and sent to House floor.
From Common Cause Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Moments ago, the House Calendars Committee met to decide which bills would be set for Tuesday, a key deadline in the Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 9 - the worst voter suppression bill of this legislative session - was not put on that calendar and is now dead. We expect there will be attempts to amend pieces of it onto other bills but it appears SB 9 itself is dead.
From Common Cause Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have overwhelmingly approved historic legislation that strikes down a decades-old anticompetitive and unconstitutional loophole limiting liquor store ownership that will promote a free and fair market in Texas.
From Distilled Spirits Council
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
End Pay to Play PAC announced Ben McPhaul of Mammoth Marketing Group has been selected to oversee the petition collecting operation.
End Pay to Play PAC was formed by a group of concerned Houstonians to reduce the amount that people or companies that do business with the City of Houston can contribute to any candidate for mayor, controller, or city council.
From End Pay to Play PAC
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Three groups representing current and retired first responders endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on Thursday in the race to determine the next Mayor of Dallas.
Rep. Johnson earned the endorsements of the Black Police Association PAC, the Retired Black Police Officers Association PAC, and the Black Fire Fighters Association PAC.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Former Texas Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Florence Shapiro endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on Thursday to be the next Mayor of Dallas.
Sen. Shapiro is the latest education leader to endorse Rep. Johnson, who has also earned support in the Mayor’s race from five members of the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees and from State Rep. Dan Huberty, who currently chairs the Texas House Committee on Public Education.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
State Rep. Eric Johnson has continued to attract widespread support from across Dallas since finishing first in the May 4 election for Mayor of Dallas.
Between April 25 and May 29, Johnson raised $843,092. He ended the fundraising period with $548,717 on hand in his mayoral campaign account.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
State Rep. Eric Johnson announced Monday that he has been endorsed by 16 former members of the Dallas City Council.
The breadth of support from these Dallas leaders again highlights the robust, diverse coalition that is backing Rep. Johnson to become the next Mayor of Dallas, as well as the historic nature of his candidacy.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Congressman Colin Allred endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on Friday to serve as the next Mayor of Dallas.
“Eric Johnson will provide the visionary, inclusive leadership that Dallas needs and that is why I am proud to endorse him for Mayor,” Congressman Allred said. “Having grown up in Dallas and served our city for years in the Texas Legislature, Eric has a unique appreciation for the challenges facing Dallas families.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 30, 2019
The Texas Transportation Commission adopted a minute order this morning instructing the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and each TXDOT district to “work toward the goal of reducing the number of deaths on Texas roadways by half by the year 2035 and to zero by the year 2050.”
From Farm&City
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives took a historic step forward by passing the Dream and Promise Act, vital legislation that would provide an earned pathway to citizenship for more than two million people. This is only the fourth time in more than 30 years that legislation providing permanent protections for undocumented communities has passed even one chamber of Congress.
From FWD.us
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Today, the Gina Ortiz Jones for Congress campaign announced that Jones raised over $100,000 in her first day of campaigning to replace Congressman Will Hurd with a representative who will actually fight for everyday people and not the wealthy special interests in Washington.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse unveiled his plan to bring to vote on council several efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety during his first 90 days in office.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse unveiled his plan to address transportation and traffic challenges with practical, common sense solutions during his first 90 days in office.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse urged the City Attorney to preserve all records from the city’s decision to ban Chick-fil-A from the San Antonio airport, including text messages, emails and notes. The request comes after the announcement on Monday that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the City of San Antonio for access to city records pertaining to the Chick-fil-A decision.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse today released a statement on Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s complete failure to secure state funding for his ConnectSA traffic relief plan during the 2019 legislative session. This now means his plan will rely entirely on user fees and new debt issued through bonds.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse hailed Senate Bill 3, which reduces the rollback rate to 3.5 percent for cities and counties and 2.5 percent for school districts. Once the Governor signs the bill, any annual increase in property taxes above these new levels will require voter approval, starting in 2020.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse is raising serious questions about the ramifications of an ongoing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation of the Chick-fil-A airport ban for tens of millions of dollars in annual federal grants slated for San Antonio airport.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse launched a community feedback initiative titled, #HeySA. Brockhouse will go visit neighborhoods across the city to see issues firsthand and either begin to fix them or pledge to fix them when he is sworn in as Mayor.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
State Representative Tom Craddick, Chairman of the House Land & Resource Management Committee, said eminent domain legislation in this session is dead.
"The Senate failed to respond to our last eminent domain bill that passed the House on May 22," said Craddick.
From House Committee On Land & Resource Management
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
June 1 is the start of the hurricane season and the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) urges Texas coastal residents to start preparing now and take time to review their homeowner and auto insurance protection, update their evacuation plans, and make an inventory of their property. Once a hurricane is approaching the Texas coast, it may be too late to take needed actions.
From Insurance Council Of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
On Monday, lifelong public school teacher and conservative Republican leader Lani Popp launched her campaign for State Board of Education in District 5, the seat being vacated by Ken Mercer.
From Lani Popp Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
Since the moment she was sworn in as the Representative from Texas’ 7th Congressional District, Lizzie Fletcher has worked with Democrats and Republicans to put Houston’s interests above partisan politics and to bring Houston’s voice to Washington D.C.
From Lizzie Pannill Fletcher Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
Today, Luisa del Rosal announced that she is seeking the Republican nomination for State Representative to Texas House District 114. The Republican Primary Election is March 3, 2020 and the General Election is November 5, 2020.
From Luisa del Rosal Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) applauded the final passage of SB 11, which will improve access to mental health care from the family doctor, expand the mental health workforce, and provide real-time help to families and schools for high risk children and youth with mental health needs.
From Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 6, 2019
The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) today applauded Gov. Greg Abbott’s signing of SB 11 and HB 18, historic legislation which will improve access to effective mental health care from the family doctor, provide real-time help to families and schools for high-risk children and youth with mental health needs, expand the mental health workforce, and provide mental health and suicide prevention education to Texas students.
From Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
Recognizing the strain that increasing out-of-pocket costs have on Texas’ most vulnerable patients—seniors and those with disabilities—The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Texas (NAMI Texas) today called on Congress to cap Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs.
From National Alliance on Mental Illness of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a petition in Travis County District Court against the City of San Antonio as part of his office’s investigation into the city’s exclusion of Chick-fil-A from an airport concession contract. The petition seeks to compel San Antonio to hand over documents deemed public under state law.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office today rejected a demand from the chairmen of two U.S. House Ways and Means subcommittees to provide confidential documents and information related to a letter the attorney general sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year, urging repeal of an unlawful Obama-era rule on child welfare funding that harms children and families by limiting adoption agencies’ access to public resources based on the religious beliefs of agency employees.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton today joined a 12-state coalition – led by Indiana and Arkansas – in support of a proposal by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to rescind a 2017 CFPB rule and replace it with a new one governing small, short-term loans.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 6, 2019
The Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Rick Berlin and nonprofit Children at Risk held a press conference today in Houston to explain the high risk of human trafficking and increased crime in illicit massage businesses. These businesses, which are usually unlicensed, use the cover of a legitimate service to secretly engage in both prostitution and often human trafficking by using force, fraud or coercion to compel employees to provide sexual services to customers.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 11, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton, along with Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and 41 other state attorneys general, filed a bi-partisan comment with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging a renewed focus on consumer privacy and data in antitrust enforcement actions against dominant technology platforms that collect and leverage consumer data.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2019
At a roundtable of state attorneys general hosted by the Federal Trade Commission, Texas First Assistant Attorney General Jeff Mateer today questioned whether big tech companies mislead users and run afoul of the states’ deceptive trade practices laws when they represent their social media platforms as viewpoint neutral and open to all protected speech.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that his office won a major court victory to hold unlawful the Obama-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which attempted to expand the reach of the federal Clean Water Act in a way that would harm Texans and the Texas economy.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton, joined by 15 other states, filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the U.S. Department of Labor’s rule allowing millions of Americans employed by small businesses to access quality, affordable health coverage via Association Health Plans.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Today, the Trump administration opened the public comment period on its potential repeal of an unlawful Obama-era health care regulation that redefined sex discrimination to include gender identity and abortion. Texas obtained an order from a federal court in 2016 enjoining the regulation.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton, along with a bipartisan group of 46 fellow attorneys general, urged congressional leaders in Washington to amend the Communications Decency Act of 1996 to make certain that state and local authorities have the authority to investigate and prosecute criminal activity online.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the final passage of House Bill 1, the State Budget:
"This state budget we passed today prioritizes property tax relief and education, including increasing teacher pay while addressing many other issues, including keeping our students safer, increasing disaster preparedness, rebuilding our communities following Hurricane Harvey, improving our roads and infrastructure, and preserving our historic sites and state parks, just to name a few.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of the conference committee report for Senate Bill 11 – School Safety Act, by Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood:
“In the wake of the Santa Fe High School shooting last year, we knew we had to take swift action to prevent future tragedies from occurring.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement this evening following the final passage of Senate Bill 2 - the Property Tax Relief & Reform Act:
"I believe that everyone who runs for public office does so in order to make a difference. Tonight, those elected to the Texas House and the Texas Senate have made a transformative difference for our state by passing Senate Bill 2 -- an historic property tax reform bill.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following unanimous passage of the conference committee report for Senate Bill 12 – the Retired Teachers’ Security Act, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:
“I have repeatedly told our retired teachers that my goal is to keep the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) solvent forever, and today, we have accomplished that goal. Senate Bill 12 is now on its way to Governor Abbott's desk.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement this evening following the unanimous final passage of House Bill 3 - the Property Tax Relief & School Finance Reform Bill:
"House Bill 3 is a landmark school finance reform bill that will be transformative for Texas and will help ensure that public schools in our state become number one in the nation.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today after gaveling out the 86th Legislative Session, sine die:
“When I was asked by a reporter earlier today to describe the 86th Legislative Session in one word, my answer was 'Teamwork.' This session wasn't about any individual leader, it was about focusing on the top priorities of the people of Texas -- property tax reform, paying teachers more and education -- and not quitting until we reached that goal. We changed a century of education policy in 140 days.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of the conference committee report for Senate Bill 20 – the Stop Human Trafficking bill, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:
"Senate Bill 20 reaffirms our commitment to ending human trafficking in Texas and our determination to bring all human traffickers to justice.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today regarding the one-year anniversary of the Santa Fe school shooting:
"On the one-year anniversary of the tragic school shooting in Santa Fe, our hearts are still broken by this senseless act of violence.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of the conference committee report for Senate Bill 6 – Disaster Response Act, by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham:
“In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the Texas Senate and I began working immediately to address the aftermath of the storm. I issued 25 interim charges to 9 different Senate Committees, who held over 200 hours of hearings.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor:
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
On Friday, June 7, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 22 into law. The bill will take effect on Sept. 1, 2019. SB 22 bans local governments from partnering with Planned Parenthood and could impact nearly all community health initiatives that Planned Parenthood is involved with across the state. SB 22 was a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and extremist, anti-choice groups.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2019
Yesterday, the all-male city council of the town of Waksom in East Texas passed an outright abortion ban. Waksom’s ban is government overreach and flies directly in the face of people’s constitutionally-protected rights.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Today, the Texas House gave nearly final approval to Senate Bill 22. This bill is extremely dangerous and bans local governments from partnering with Planned Parenthood. It is a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and extremist, anti-choice groups.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
From Plumbers Local Union 68
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House Elections Committee has advanced a dangerous voter suppression bill intended to stem the electoral rise of a growing population, Senate Bill 9.
“Senate Bill 9 creates hurdles that could slow down voter participation, impede democracy, and hinder new voters, older voters, and voters who need assistance,” said Sam Robles, advocacy director at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 1978, which will give government officials, licensed professionals, businesses, and others the right to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Today, a broad coalition of voting rights organizations held a press conference to deliver 7,767 petition signatures to the Texas House Elections Committee to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 9. The coalition includes students, people with disabilities, lawyers, working people, and older voters that have been working on advancing voting rights in Texas for decades.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 14, 2019
Governor Greg Abbott plans to sign House Bill 16 into law, making access to abortion care more difficult for many Texans by forcing medical professionals to deviate from medical practices and administer painful treatment against parents’ wishes.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2019
This morning, The Washington Post reports that Waskom, an East Texas town about 20 miles from the Louisiana border, voted to outlaw abortion.
The unanimous vote came from a committee of all men. The city took up the vote after lobbying from Texas Right to Life, which was fearful that a clinic would move across state lines from Louisiana after that state passed anti-abortion legislation.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bills 22 and 24, bills that do not represent the needs or values of everyday Texas families.
Despite promises of a session focused on “bread and butter” issues, women’s health care remained the target for extremist legislators.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
Progress Texas issues the following statement on the news that Governor Greg Abbott’s office issued the order to purge nearly 100,000 Texas voters from the voter rolls, carried out by then-nominee for Secretary of State, David Whitley.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today released his 2019 Energy Market Outlook. The Outlook is an in-depth analysis of current global energy markets and predictions for the remainder of the year and into 2020.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 6, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $592,569 in fines involving 182 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners' conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state's oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today thanked the 86th Texas Legislature for prioritizing the important role the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) plays in keeping the state's citizens and natural resources safe.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
State Representative Brooks Landgraf's (R-Odessa) anti-human trafficking legislation, House Bill 888, was passed by the Texas House and the Texas Senate on Thursday and will become law unless vetoed by the governor.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Legislation sponsored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) that will protect the Second Amendment and property rights of property owners was passed by the Texas Legislature with resounding support on Wednesday and now goes to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
For 140 days every other year, the Texas Legislature meets in Austin to work on crafting policy that is intended to improve the state and lives of Texans. Memorial Day marked not just a day to honor fallen American warriors but also the end of the 86th legislative session.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 11, 2019
State Representative Brooks Landgraf's (R-Odessa) legislation aimed at making it a felony to assault a pregnant woman in Texas was signed in to law by Governor Greg Abbott on Monday.
House Bill 902, authored by Landgraf, makes it a third degree felony for assaulting a pregnant woman if the actor knew the woman was pregnant at the time of the assault.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
“Everything is bigger in Texas - and since that obviously goes for reasonability as well, after passing this bill in a rare and constructive act of true bipartisanship, Education now will be, too.” State Representative and HB3 co-author Carl Sherman, District 109, commented on the unanimous passing of this historic Bill.
From Representative Carl Sherman
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
"Because education is our society's greatest equalizer, I am most proud of the work we did for public education and for our teachers. This session we passed House Bill 3, which I co-authored, to fundamentally transform the way Texas invests in its students and teachers.
From Representative Cesar Blanco
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Yesterday, the House concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill (HB) 448 by Representative Chris Turner (HD 101- Grand Prairie) and sponsored by Senator Judith Zaffirini (SD 21-Laredo). The measure updates Texas law to align it with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations by requiring that children be restrained in a rear-facing car seat until the age of two, unless the child weighs more than 40 pounds or exceeds 40 inches in height or has a medical exemption. This measure mirrors similar laws passed in 14 other states, including Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and South Carolina.
From Representative Chris Turner
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
I am proud to announce that House Bill 3, the Texas Plan for Transformational School Finance Reform, has been signed by the Conference Committee and is on the way to the Governor to be signed. The conferees have worked tirelessly to push forward a strong bill that invests in Texas public education.
From Representative Diego Bernal
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 7, 2019
Next Monday at 1:45 PM, Governor Greg Abbott will host a signing ceremony for House Bill 1590 by Rep. Donna Howard (D-48) and Sen. Kirk Watson (D-14) at the Texas State Capitol. Although HB 1590 was officially signed by the Governor on June 4th, this will be the first opportunity for Rep. Howard, Sen. Watson and stakeholders to join with the Governor to mark the enactment of this important bill.
From Representative Donna Howard
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 12, 2019
Today, Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) joined Governor Greg Abbott as the Governor signed the landmark Texas Property Tax Reform & Transparency Act. Representative Burrows authored HB2 in the Texas House, which was the companion bill to the Senate version (SB2). Burrows and the Governor were joined by House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Texas State Senator Charles Perry for the signing ceremony at Wally's Burger Express, which is struggling due to skyrocketing property taxes.
From Representative Dustin Burrows
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
This evening, the Texas House of Representatives approved the conference committee reports on Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 3, the major property tax and public school finance reform legislation that state leadership designated as priorities for the 86th Legislative Session.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate passed the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission sunset bill (HB 1545) with the Beer-to-Go amendment intact. The vote follows in the wake of last Wednesday’s announcement that the trade associations representing Texas craft brewers, distributors and wholesalers have reached a public stakeholder agreement.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Today, the Texas House of Representatives debated Senate Bill 22 on 2nd reading and passed it to 3rd reading by a vote of 81-65 late in the evening. House Democrats proposed dozens of amendments that sought to mitigate the potential harm of the bill, but they were repeatedly defeated by votes that fell along party lines.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Legislation that State Rep. Eric Johnson authored to help keep more students on the path to academic and career success won approval in the Texas Senate on Wednesday. It will now head to Governor Greg Abbott, who will decide whether to sign the bill into law.
From Representative Eric Johnson
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
On Monday, May 20, 2019, Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement:
"Today we mourn the loss of Muhlaysia Booker, a transgender woman, who was found dead on Saturday in Dallas at 23 years old.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
On Sunday, after conference discussions with the Senate, the Texas House of Representatives passed the final version of House Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act, by a vote of 148 to 1. Following the bill's passage, Representative Wu issued the following statement:
From Representative Gene Wu
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Texas State Rep. Gina Calanni (D - HD 132) released the following statement after unanimous House passage of Senate Bill 1125 by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. Rep. Calanni sponsored the bill in the House and filed the identical House companion legislation.
From Representative Gina Calanni
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Following advocacy by Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that they have temporarily re-assigned 731 CBP officers from ports around the nation to assist U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) sectors where apprehensions of family units and unaccompanied children from Central America have overwhelmed USBP capabilities and facilities.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 12, 2019
Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured an increase of 1,200 Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers, an increase of 240 agriculture specialists, and 200 new border patrol processing coordinators to assist CBP with the influx of migrants at our southern border.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
As the Chair of the U.S.-Mexico Interparliamentary Group (IPG), Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) led a conversation with the congressional members of IPG and a delegation of Mexican lawmakers to discuss the Administration’s decision to impose a 5% tariff on Mexico and ways to improve relations with our southern neighbor. Congressman Cuellar released the following statement:
From Representative Henry Cuellar
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
State Representative James Talarico (D-Round Rock) has been named one of the “Best Freshmen Legislators” by Capitol Inside. Talarico — the youngest member of the Texas Legislature — is one of only three freshmen Democrats to make the list.
From Representative James Talarico
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, upon concluding its work during the 140th and final day of the 86th Legislature, the Texas House of Representatives gaveled out "Sine Die," a Latin phrase meaning "adjourned with no appointed date for resumption."
From Representative Jeff Leach
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Today, with the support of an overwhelming majority of legislators from the Texas House and Senate, Governor Greg Abbott, Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced the final details of "The Texas Plan," a legislative package providing meaningful property tax relief, historic education and school finance reforms, substantial reductions in recapture payments and monumental investments in our classrooms.
From Representative Jeff Leach
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
There are over half of a million students with disabilities being educated in our public school system in Texas, and yet, many do not have the resources they need to succeed. This legislative session, Rep. González fought to ensure that these students receive the supports they need.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Last night, the Texas House and Senate approved HB 1 and SB 500, the 86th Legislature’s budgetary bills for the upcoming biennium. Besides providing funding for special education supports, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and other crucial programs, the bills include items that will be transformative for the El Paso community.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
Earlier today, the Texas House authorized $200 million in bonds to be used to help those who lack access to basic water and sewer services statewide. This money will help address the state’s current projected need of $360 million, and facilitate the provision of these essential services.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Today the Texas House Committee on Elections voted out Senate Bill 9 on a 5-4 party-line vote. SB 9 would create extreme criminal penalties for honest mistakes individuals could make when voting. It would also enact policies that would put voters' private information at risk. In addition, SB 9 would discriminate against voters on the basis of race.
From Representative Philip Cortez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
On May 24, 2019, the Texas House concurred with Senate changes to House Bill 864. This marks the final step in the legislature for two important pipeline safety bills authored by Representative Rafael Anchia, which are now on their way to the governor for signature.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
This week, Chairman Rafael Anchia successfully passed Senate Bill 2018 (Senator West), on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Chairman Anchia was the author of the House companion, HB 3387.
This legislation marks the final chapter of the corrupt Dallas County Schools (DCS), which provided school bus service for twelve North Texas communities. DCS was mired in scandal, with five individuals pleading guilty to federal corruption, and the payment of over $4 million in bribes.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
This week, Chairman Rafael Anchia presented House Resolution 969, to honor the 10th Anniversary of the passage of HB 1736, short titled the Tim Cole Act. This legislation increased compensation and provided healthcare for persons who were wrongfully imprisoned.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
House Bill 866 was signed by Governor Abbott and will take effect immediately. The governor's signature marks the final step in the bill process for HB 866 authored by Representative Rafael Anchia, which passed both the House and Senate chambers on May 19th.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
The Trump Administration's newly proposed 5% tariff beginning on June 10th, with the potential of reaching 25% by October, on all goods imported from Mexico, are bad for Texas.
"Tariffs simply do not work; they only penalize Texas businesses and consumers. And these reckless threats could not come at a worse time as USMCA ratification is pending," said Rep. Rafael Anchia, Chairman of the Texas House Committee on International Relations and Economic Development.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, the 86th Legislature adjourned Sine Die with Chairman Anchia passing major legislation to increase pipeline safety, provide justice for exonerees, and promote good government.
"After a gas explosion in Dallas took the life of 12-year-old Linda "Michellita" Rogers, it became clear that we needed legislation to protect Texas families from the dangers of deteriorating pipeline infrastructure," said Chairman Rafael Anchia.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Yesterday, the Texas House concurred with Senate changes to Senate Bill 1151 by Sen. Huffman. This bill originally related to the comptroller's access to records of wrongfully imprisoned persons.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
From Representative Ray Lopez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Having held office for only seven weeks, Representative Ray Lopez passed his first two bills through the House of Representatives in record time. On average, only 20% of all bills filed during a legislative session pass through the House to be considered by the Senate. Despite being the newest member of the Texas House, Representative Lopez accomplished this goal in less than two months.
From Representative Ray Lopez
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 6, 2019
The 86th Legislative Session moved to adjourn Sine Die on Memorial Day, May 27, 2019. Representative Rick Miller (Fort Bend) successfully completed his fourth term serving District 26 in a session that transformed the public education system, protected religious freedom, created property tax relief, combatted human trafficking, addressed mental health and school safety concerns, and many additional critical issues affecting all Texans.
From Representative Rick Miller
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
As the 86th legislative session comes to a close, the hard work done by the Appropriations Committee is finally coming to fruition with the publication of the final version of the Texas budget. Representative Mun?oz voted in support of HB 1, which accomplishes funding towards high priority items and will greatly benefit the state.
From Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
SB 500 outlines the supplemental appropriations needed to fund services for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019. SB 500 spends $1.7 billion of General Revenue (GR), $2 million from the Coastal protection account, $2.1 billion of Federal Funds (FF), and $6.1 billion in Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) for an All Funds total of $9.9 billion.
From Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The J.D. Lambright Local Government Ethics Reform Act, a bill introduced by State Representative Steve Toth and sponsored by Sen. Brandon Creighton that would increase tax-payer funded lobbying transparency and provide for counties with greater ability to fight corruption, was passed by both chambers on Sunday.
From Representative Steve Toth
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
This morning, the Texas House passed SB 1264 authored by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) and sponsored by Dr. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress). This landmark legislation will prevent patients with state-regulated health plans from receiving surprise medical bills.
From Representative Tom Oliverson
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 11, 2019
State Representative Victoria Neave, author of legislation to designate June 12th as Women Veterans Day in Texas, is partnering with the City of Dallas Veterans Employee Resource Group and the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center to co-host a Dallas-area celebration of Women Veterans Day.
From Representative Victoria Neave
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
House Bill 8, the "Lavinia Masters Act," by State Rep. Victoria Neave is heading to the Governor's office. The Lavinia Masters Act will tackle the backlog of thousands of untested rape kits in Texas and bring justice to survivors of sexual assault. House Bill 8 is named after Lavinia Masters, who, at the age of 13 years old, was raped at knifepoint in the middle of the night by a man who broke into her home.
From Representative Victoria Neave
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 12, 2019
Yesterday U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) urged his colleagues to support $30 million in federal funding to reimburse local communities strained by the humanitarian crisis on our Southern border.
Hurd introduced a secondary amendment to the House Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security funding bill that would add $30 million to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Assistance funds to be used for emergency food and shelter grants to local governments and NGOs.
From Representative Will Hurd
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) is sticking up for border communities by asking for federal reimbursement for expenses incurred by local governments assisting with the ongoing humanitarian crisis on our Southern border.
From Representative Will Hurd
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
Today U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) released a proposal to reform U.S. asylum laws and address the humanitarian crisis at the Southern border that is straining the resources of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies and overwhelming local communities. The Asylum Reform Act of 2019 would overhaul antiquated laws ill-equipped for addressing the current crisis.
From Representative Will Hurd
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
This week State Representative Rick Miller (R- Fort Bend County) announced that he will seek re-election to represent House District 26 in the Texas House of Representatives.
“It is truly an honor to serve the people of District 26 in the State Legislature. I am humbled that the good people of Sugar Land and Richmond have elected me to serve four terms in the Texas House, and my hope is that I have worked to earn their trust to serve another term in 2020,” said Miller.
From Rick Miller Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton announced his campaign for re-election today. Commissioner Sitton will be the top state official on the Texas ballot in 2020.
“Texas is the nation’s largest energy producer with the nation’s strongest economy,” Sitton said. “That’s no accident.
From Ryan Sitton Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate passed House Bill (HB)1631. This bill prohibits the use of red light cameras by municipalities and local entities. Unchanged from the House passed version, the bill will now be sent to the Governors desk.
From Senator Bob Hall
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
"Our state has a long and well-documented history of discrimination. From Jim Crow Laws like the poll taxes to prevent African Americans from voting, red-lining to keep people of color out of select neighborhoods and even stopping our kids from attending specific schools; Texas has been part of it all.
From Senator Borris Miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
"The death penalty is reserved for the worst in our state, but some cases require closer attention. Since 2003, the Texas Legislature has discussed several ways to address intellectual disability in death penalty cases to reflect the US Supreme Court orders in 2002 and 2017.
From Senator Borris Miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate passed sweeping legislation to reform the state’s property tax system—the most significant updates in over 50 years. This legislation, Senate Bill 2, provides meaningful appraisal transparency, true reform for Texas homeowners, and prevents local governments from collecting taxes over the rate of inflation.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
“Today, the Texas House and Senate made history with the agreement to modernize and improve the state's school finance system, and I want to applaud all of the Members and Senators who worked tirelessly to craft legislation that puts more money into classrooms, gives every Texas teacher a raise, improves the STAAR test, and provides significant property tax relief.”
From Senator Brandon Creighton
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate & House gave final approval to the state budget for the next 2 years. This is a responsible, conservative, forward thinking budget that funds our future, while staying within our means. It includes historic property tax relief, an unprecedented investment in Texas public schools, maintains our commitment to border security, and will fund critical infrastructure projects for our growing state.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House passed historic flood mitigation legislation that will benefit the state for generations. Senate Bill 7 establishes the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund (TIRF) and a framework for disaster recovery, which will finance flood mitigation projects across the state, and draw down billions of Texas tax dollars from the federal government.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Today, Senator Brandon Creighton passed House Bill 1399, the Krystal Jean Baker Act. This bill is the top priority for Texas law enforcement to solve cold cases and bring justice for victims of violent crimes. The bill allows for law enforcement to collect DNA samples of individuals arrested for violent felonies (murder, rape, assault) and will securely store the identifying markers in a database.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Today, Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) finally passed Senate Bill 7. The bill will now be sent to Governor Abbott to be signed.
“After months of work and collaboration to craft meaningful policy, the Texas legislature finally passed Senate Bill 7, a bill that will bring measureable relief for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, and set the state on a path to be more resilient and better prepared for future storms.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
The Texas Senate passes House Bill 3703 on Wednesday, expanding access to low-THC medical cannabis oil for patients with certain conditions. State Senator Donna Campbell, an emergency room physician from New Braunfels, sponsored House Bill 3703, which was authored by Rep. Stephanie Klick in the House.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Senator Donna Campbell will join Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dennis Bonnen, and Rep. Dan Flynn to host the Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, May 25th, in the House Chamber.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
State Senator Donna Campbell released the following statement supporting the passage of Senate Bill 1978.
"Texas tax dollars shouldn't be used to discriminate against anyone based on their faith," said Senator Donna Campbell, M.D. "
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Sunday evening Senator Campbell added a critical floor amendment to SB 2726, a bill which allows facilities seeking amended permits under the Texas Clean Air Act to begin construction before their permit is approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Senator Donna Campbell started the legislative session by requesting an Attorney General opinion on the constitutionality of San Antonio's proposal to restrict the sell of guns and ammunition in certain areas of the city through broad zoning laws.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
The Texas House passed HB 907 after receiving it back from the Senate in an amended form Friday that included the full language of a bill authored by Senator Donna Campbell to increase monitoring and unannounced inspections of rock quarries.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Senator Donna Campbell wrapped up the 86th Legislature by voting in favor of property tax reform, school finance, and the budget for the next biennium. Prior to the weekend, however, she had already passed the bulk of her legislative priorities with only a few key items failing to pass both houses.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
HB 1, the appropriations bill, authored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, has been approved by the Texas Legislature establishing the state’s budget priorities for the next two years. The final budget was voted on by each chamber of the Legislature today.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
Leaders of the Texas Legislature -- including Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound -- today announced an agreement on HB 3, a landmark reform plan which provides tax relief, a salary increase for teachers, and additional state aid for Texas school districts.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The Texas Legislature adjourned sine die for the 86th Regular Session today with hundreds of bills signed into law or on their way to the governor's desk, including legislation authored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, joined Governor Greg Abbott in Dallas today for the signing of Senator Nelson's SB 71 and HB 8, addressing resources for sexual assault victims, and other legislation to combat human trafficking.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
The Conference Committee on HB 1 today adopted decisions on budget Articles I, General Government, and V, Public Safety. Conferees have now adopted six of the 10 articles of the state budget.
"The decisions we made today will help secure our border and keep our communities safe.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 4, 2019
Today, Senate Bill 20, by Senator Joan Huffman (R - Houston), was signed in to law by Governor Greg Abbott. SB 20 was this session's omnibus anti-human trafficking bill.
"The Texas Legislature is doing its part to end human trafficking," Huffman said. "I worked closely with the Governor and Lt. Governor, my colleagues, law enforcement, survivor advocates, and other stakeholders to pass SB 20 to protect vulnerable Texans and punish traffickers.
From Senator Joan Huffman
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the importance of preserving the United States’ trade relationship with Mexico while working to secure our southern border.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) applauded the confirmation of Texan Susan Combs to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Policy, Management, and Budget after two years of obstruction from Democrats.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2019
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statements after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Ada Brown to fill a judicial vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas:
“Years of experience on the state bench and as a prosecutor have prepared Ada for service at the federal level,” said Sen. Cornyn.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 12, 2019
Yesterday marked a significant milestone as Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 1828 into law establishing Holocaust Remembrance Week throughout public schools throughout Texas.
Senator José Menéndez sponsored this bill which was brought to him by four San Antonio women who were concerned by data showing many students were unaware of the Holocaust, and the rise in anti-Semitic events in the United States.
From Senator Jose Menendez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
While many enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, we cannot ever forget the reason for this holiday, which is to honor the heroes who have paid the ultimate price to sustain our freedom. We express our deepest gratitude to these brave men and women not only today but throughout our days.
From Senator Jose Menendez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Sine Die, or "without day," signifies the last day of the Texas Legislature's regular session. For 140 days, legislators have met in committee and on the floor of both chambers to debate and vote on laws. Of more than 7,500 bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions filed, about 1,100 have been sent to the governor, while other bills have found their way into law as amendments.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
State Sen. José Rodríguez (D-El Paso) and State Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) passed Senate Bill 511, which addresses the issue of unsafe tires on Texas roadways. Texas Department of Transportation data indicates that from 2013 to 2017, there were nearly 19,000 crashes in Texas, including 385 with fatalities and 926 with serious injuries, where defective or slick tires were a contributing factor.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
These legislators issued this statement:
"The Legislature has always recognized the value of robust and competitive university systems to meet the needs of a growing state that has an integral role in the success of our nation and global economy.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
On Thursday, the Texas Transportation Commission held a meeting that included the announcement of the project designer selected for the US 83/US 281 Pharr Interchange Project in Hidalgo County. Dragados- Pulice, a joint venture comprised of Pulice Construction, Inc. and Dragados USA, Inc., with a design-build bid of $303 million, was the best value proposer and was selected as the project designer in charge of the interchange project.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, the Texas Legislature adjourned Sine Die for the 86th Regular Session. Sine Die is the last day of the 140 days every-odd numbered year the Texas Legislature meets.
Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:
"I am proud of what we accomplished this session for South Texas and the entire State.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The Texas Legislature adjourned its 2019 regular session today (Monday), with Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, having passed 127 bills since January and extending her consecutive votes to 64,330 since January, 1987.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) this evening issued the following statement regarding the Texas Senate's passage of SB 2, the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019. Hancock served as the Senate's Conference Committee Chairman and chief negotiator for the bill.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
The Texas House of Representatives this evening passed to third reading SB 1264 by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills), bipartisan legislation that prevents surprise medical billing of consumers in Texas who have state-regulated plans. Having passed both legislative chambers, the bill is well on its way to the Governor's desk.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) today issued the following statement regarding the Texas Senate's passage of HB 2536, drug price transparency legislation he sponsored that would require manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health benefit plan issuers to publically disclose information about pricing and the complex system of rebates and discounts within the supply chain:
From Senator Kelly Hancock
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
The Texas House of Representatives gave final approval on Friday night to bipartisan legislation that closes significant loopholes in the Texas Public Information Act.
Senate Bill 943 restores public access to state and local contracting information in the wake of two Texas Supreme Court rulings that allowed private entities to more easily conceal their dealings with government.
From Senator Kirk Watson
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) sponsored and passed two House bills both with bipartisan support through the full Senate today which will move on to Governor Abbott's desk. House Bill 477 authored in the Texas House by Representative Jim Murphy (R-Houston), passed the Senate with a 28-3 vote.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
Legislation to protect ALL Texas private school students passes the House.
· SB 1230 by Senator Bettencourt will close those loopholes and ensure a safe environment for all Texas students by prohibiting educators who engaged in this misconduct to resign and return to the classroom in private schools.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
The Texas Senate concurred this weekend with the Texas House on House Bill 3148 by Representative Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and sponsored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston). HB 3148 is a follow-up on HB 810 that passed in the 85th legislative session, to further clarify the administration of investigational adult stem cell treatment that can extend the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic illness.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Disaster reappraisal legislation advances in Texas Legislature post Harvey.
· SB1772 by Senator Bettencourt (R-Houston) which sets up an automatic disaster reappraisal for taxpayers damaged in natural disaster set for vote in House on Tuesday.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
The Texas Senate has passed a package of legislation, authored by Representative Hugh Shine (R-Temple) and sponsored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) and Senator Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood), to ensure that property owners impacted by natural disasters may receive automatic disaster reappraisal.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
In a major victory for Texas taxpayers, Senate Bill 2, the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, was passed out of the senate with bipartisan support in a 21-9 vote with Senator Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) and Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-McAllen) joining the 19 Republicans.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Thank you to Empower Texans for naming me along with Senator Hancock (R- North Richland Hills), the 2019 Citizens' Choice Award winners in the Texas Senate during the 86th legislative session. What an honor it has been to listen to and represent ALL taxpayers in Texas.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Senator Peter P. Flores' first session was momentous, delivering numerous victories for constituents of Senate District 19 and people of Texas. Today marks the end of the 86th Texas Legislative Session after 140 days, adjourning sine die until January 2021.
From Senator Peter Flores
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bills 225, 320, and 925, marking the first round of bills authored by Senator Peter P. Flores to become Texas law.
Senate Bill 225 creates a new military license plate for veterans who have received the Army Occupation Medal while performing occupation service in Japan, Germany, Italy, and Austria in the aftermath of World War II.
From Senator Peter Flores
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) this week introduced a bill to rename the Odessa VA Clinic after two Texas Medal of Honor recipients: United States Marine Corps Private First Class Alfred “Mac” Wilson and United States Army Staff Sergeant Marvin R. Young. Rep. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) is leading this effort in the U.S. House of Representatives and filed companion legislation to rename the Odessa VA Clinic last month.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 14, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, this week joined NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Margot Lee Shetterly, author of Hidden Figures, Dr. Christine Darden, and the families of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson in a ceremony to unveil the new “Hidden Figures Way” street sign in front of NASA’s headquarters.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Tuesday delivered remarks on the Senate floor to honor the precious lives of the students and faculty members lost during the horrific events that unfolded at Santa Fe High School nearly one a year ago.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Today, the Shannon Hutcheson for Congress campaign announced that Hutcheson has already raised over $165,000 in her bid to replace Congressman Michael McCaul.
Hutcheson announced her campaign to take on Congressman McCaul on Tuesday.
From Shannon Hutcheson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
Today, Shannon Hutcheson announced her campaign for Congress in Texas’ 10th Congressional District. Guided by her progressive values, Hutcheson has built a successful career as a small business owner, advocate, community activist, and champion for women and families.
From Shannon Hutcheson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Rural residents faced with groundwater depletion and urbanites facing exorbitant water rates are asking Governor Abbott to veto a bill that robs Texans of the right to a public hearing when a permit to export groundwater comes up for renewal.
From Simsboro Aquifer Water Defense Fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 30, 2019
The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has appointed Jennifer Grossenbacher Jones as the legislative agency’s executive director, effective May 27, 2019. Jones, the agency’s first female executive director, has served as acting director since September 2018, when former director Ken Levine retired.
From Sunset Advisory Commission
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives, today welcomed Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) signature of Senate Bill 1450. Led by Senator Kelly Hancock (R) and Representative Chris Paddie (R), this legislation creates a new consumer delivery permit that allows for the delivery of alcohol from a retailer to a consumer.
From TechNet
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) issued the following statement regarding the Senate passage of House Bill 2826 by Rep. Greg Bonnen and sponsored by Sen. Joan Huffman, which brings transparency into contingency fee legal contracts with local governments.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) today issued the following statement regarding the House passage of Senate Bill 1189, sponsored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, which requires accountability and transparency in attorney television advertising.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott today signed into law Senate Bill 21 to stop the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products to Texans younger than 21, except for those in the military. The law will take effect on Sept. 1. A Texas 21 poll found that more than two-thirds of Texas voters support raising the minimum legal tobacco sale age to 21.
From Texas 21 Coalition
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
With today's Texas Senate approval of HB 985, which outlaws use of state or local funds to build major projects under Project Labor Agreements, the Legislature has taken away a proven tool for bringing in large projects on time and on budget, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said.
From Texas AFL-CIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
The Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker held a press event today regarding the school finance bill (HB 3). There is currently no copy of the bill available to the public, so we are relying on their statements and the legislation passed by each house to understand what might be included in the legislation.
From Texas AFT
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
The Texas Alliance for Safe Communities (TASC) today released the following statement regarding efforts to keep crime victims and families at the forefront of the criminal justice conversation in Texas.
“Although the legislative session has ended, the fight to give Texas crime victims and their families a voice has not.
From Texas Alliance for Safe Communities
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) applauded the members of the Texas Legislature for their work this session to strengthen the Texas economy with smart policy related to taxes, economic and workforce development and natural resources.
From Texas Association of Manufacturers
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today announced his certification of House Bill 1, the general appropriations act that was approved by both houses during the recently gaveled regular session of the 86th Texas Legislature. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar received the 22nd annual Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship at the Texas Digital Government Summit today at the Austin Club.
The Bob Bullock Award is presented each year to a Texas state executive or elected official for outstanding leadership, innovation and a career that demonstrates continual dedication to serving Texas citizens. Bob Bullock was the Texas comptroller from 1975 to 1991.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
I fully understand and support President Trump's efforts to increase security along our southern border; however, the free flow of goods between Texas and Mexico is critical to the Texas economy — an economy that has been a national leader in growth and job creation over the last decade.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Texas families and businesses can save on the purchase of certain water- and energy-efficient products during the state’s Water-Efficient Products and ENERGY STAR® sales tax holidays. Both take place Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
The Texas Senate voted unanimously on May 13 to approve the appointment of Nora Castañeda of Harlingen to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
From Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is seeking public members for eight advisory boards to provide knowledge and insight to some of the agency’s 39 licensing programs. Serving on an advisory board is an excellent way to make a positive impact on Texas and to give back to the community.
From Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Earlier this week, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Corporal Joshua Moer was honored by members of the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives for being named the IACP/Motorola Solutions 2018 Trooper of the Year. Cpl. Moer was selected for Trooper of the Year following his heroic actions in saving the life of a young woman in Wilbarger County in April 2018.
From Texas DPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 10, 2019
Commissioner of Education Mike Morath today advised members of the State Board of Education (SBOE) of his decision to grant five Generation Twenty-Four charters. The five Generation Twenty-Four charter school applicants successfully completed a final step of the state’s charter application process allowing them to begin operation in Texas for the 2020-2021 school year once any contingencies are met.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 14, 2019
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today released results for the 2019 spring administration of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. Results for high school end of course assessments were particularly strong, with gains in all subjects compared to 2018.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening on SB 421:
"Sen. Lois Kolkhorst offered a compromise conference committee report on SB 421, her eminent domain reform bill, with the issues that were agreed to over months of negotiations in both the House and Senate.
From Texas Farm Bureau
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening, who was in attendance at the White House with President Trump when the trade assistance package was announced:
"The agricultural assistance package announced today by the Trump administration will provide temporary relief for Texas farmers and ranchers who have faced financial struggles due to the trade war.
From Texas Farm Bureau
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
"Texas Farm Bureau is encouraged by the news that the Trump administration has reached an agreement to lift steel and aluminum tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports.
From Texas Farm Bureau
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
Texas Freedom Network is condemning efforts to pass legislation that would turn back the clock on democracy in the Lone Star State by making it harder and confusing for eligible voters to cast ballots.
"SB9 isn't aimed at just suppressing the vote of young Texans, especially first-time voters and people of color,” said TFN President Kathy Miller.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller criticized the Senate’s preliminary approval of SB1978 today and the misleading arguments made by its supporters:
“Our federal and state constitutions as well as Texas law already protect religious freedom for all, including the right to membership in or affiliation with a religious organization. So if religious freedom is really the goal here, this bill is unnecessary.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
During the 86th Texas legislature, corporate interests and some state legislators waged a coordinated campaign to undo the progress working people have made at the local level, including the historic paid sick time ordinances that passed in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas, and to prevent local governments from passing similar policy.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller has the following statement on the Texas House’s preliminary passage of SB1978 today:
“We are encouraged that the Legislature’s first-ever LGBTQ Caucus succeeded in removing this bill’s worst provisions as originally filed, which would have allowed businesses to use their religious beliefs as a justification for discriminating against gay and transgender Texans.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Elections matter, especially after November contests that were more competitive than the state has seen in many years, Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said at the end of the legislative session today.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush Texas results from a recently completed joint study conducted by the Texas General Land Office and the Texas A&M University at Galveston. The study evaluated the economic impacts of a coastal barrier system, estimated impacts on flood insurance rates and gauged perceptions of flood mitigation activities in the Houston-Galveston region.
From Texas General Land Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 30, 2019
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is encouraging all Texans to prepare for the 2019 Hurricane Season, which begins Saturday, June 1 and runs through November 30, 2019.
“Every Texan should prepare for hurricane and storm season,” said Commissioner Bush.
From Texas General Land Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
Following the completion of the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is touting passage of several bills improving our state’s disaster recovery process, including many priorities recommended by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in its after-action report, Hurricane Harvey: Texas at Risk.
From Texas General Land Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
The bill directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to release $16 billion in disaster relief funding, including $4.383 billion in mitigation funds for major declared disaster events in Texas, within 60 days. The funding was originally appropriated by Congress and signed by President Donald J. Trump in February 2018.
From Texas General Land Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 11, 2019
State health officials are calling on Texans to wear blue June 14 to commemorate National Men’s Health Week and honor those who have overcome health challenges.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
With hurricane season officially kicking off June 1, Texas Health and Human Services is preparing resources for the season and offering useful guidance to keep Texans healthy and safe in the event of a natural disaster.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
The Texas Legislature yesterday passed legislation to simplify and align reporting requirements for health care-associated infections to promote Texas hospitals’ ongoing work to improve the quality of care delivered in its facilities. Senate Bill 384, by Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Rep. J.D. Sheffield (R-Gatesville), aligns state and federal reporting requirements for HAIs and better positions Texas hospitals to control and prevent the spread of infections.
From Texas Hospital Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
HDC First Vice-Chair Celia Israel and Vice-Chair of the Elections Committee Rep. Philip Cortez released the following statement this morning after the passage of Senate Bill 9, a massive anti-voter bill, through the House Committee on Elections:
From Texas House Democratic Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 17, 2019
Today, SB 1978 was voted out of the House State Affairs Committee. The bill was first offered in both chambers as a license to discriminate against LGBTQ persons and other marginalized communities.
Chair of the Caucus, Rep. Mary González said, “Our caucus remains firmly opposed to the bill, and we are asking our colleagues to put a stop to this divisive piece of legislation, which should never reach the Texas House Floor.”
From Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 21, 2019
In 2017, 42 percent of LGBTQ teens in Texas said they had considered suicide. “Youth across our state might be fearful of the headlines they’re seeing and reading regarding this bill; however, we’re here today to say ‘You are not alone and there is a team of dedicated leaders that will fight tooth and nail for you and your prosperity,’” says founding member Representative Celia Israel.
From Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, the Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 3 by House Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty, which will fundamentally transform how the state funds the public education system in Texas.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Today, Texas House Republicans finalized and passed Senate Bill 2, also known as the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dustin Burrows. This legislation ensures governments spend responsibly and prioritize the needs of their communities without burdening their taxpayers.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
“The Texas Public Health Coalition commends the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 21 and thanks Sen. Joan Huffman and Rep. John Zerwas, MD, for leading the charge.
From Texas Medical Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 5, 2019
Texas Parent PAC, the state's only bipartisan political action committee for parents and grandparents who support public education, has recently elected new leaders.
The PAC's new co-chairs are Dinah Miller of Dallas and Julie Cowan of Austin. They succeed Carolyn Boyle of Austin, co-founder of the PAC and its chair from inception in 2005 through 2019.
From Texas Parent PAC
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
The Texas Physical Therapy Association applauds the efforts of St. Rep. Ina Minjarez (D-San Antonio) and St. Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) in the passage of HB 29. This legislation will allow Texans Direct Access to Physical Therapy Services.
From Texas Physical Therapy Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 29, 2019
State employees have every right to be angry and frustrated with the Legislature’s continuing neglect of its own workforce. In a $250 billion budget (a 16% increase over the current biennium), lawmakers found plenty of room to give employees of state’s independent school districts and state judges substantial salary increases.
From Texas Public Employees Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
The Texas House passed Senate Bill 22, the No Taxpayer Dollars to Abortion Providers Act, by a vote of 81-65 today. SB 22 by Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), sponsored by Representative Candy Noble (R-Lucas), would:
Prohibit any state funding of abortion providers and their affiliates,
Block local governments from funding or contracting with abortion providers and their affiliates, and
Prevent taxpayer-funded lobbying for the abortion industry.
From Texas Right To Life
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 13, 2019
The Waskom City Council passed a Pro-Life city ordinance Tuesday night that protects preborn children by declaring abortion to be unlawful. The city council unanimously voted to declare Waskom a "sanctuary city of the unborn" to prevent any abortion providers from doing business in the city. Waskom’s ordinance does not penalize women who seek or undergo abortions.
From Texas Right To Life
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
House Bill 1631, otherwise known as the Red-Light Camera Bill, passed the Texas Senate 23-8. The bill was authored in the House by Representative Jonathan Stickland (R – Bedford) and sponsored in the Senate by Senator Bob Hall (R – Edgewood). HB 1631 prohibits the use of Photographic Traffic Signal Enforcement Systems, effectively banning red-light cameras.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
Senate Bill 1978 would prevent a government or public entity from penalizing businesses for exercising their religious beliefs. This bill is essential after Chick-fil-A was barred from opening a location at the San Antonio Airport. Senator Hughes opened the floor debate by stating that, “Chick-fil-A has been the target of attacks based on things that are untrue,” and later remarked how “Unfortunately, today, individuals and businesses have been discriminated against due to their religious beliefs.”
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 3, 2019
Texas Values applauds AG Ken Paxton’s recent move to sue the City of San Antonio over their denial of a Public Information Act request, in relation to the city council’s action to ban Chick-fil-A from opening a store in the San Antonio airport because of donations made to The Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 16, 2019
The Texas Senate passed the Save Chick-fil-A religious freedom bill, SB 1978 by a bipartisan vote of 19-12. Last week the House version of the bill stopped on a technicality. The bill makes it clear that government can not punish a private business or entity for making donations to Christian ministries or other religious organizations.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2019
The Texas Senate “resurrected” the Save Chick-fil-A effort this week after the House version was stopped and is expected to vote and pass SB 1978 today. The bill makes it clear that government can’t punish a private business or entity for making donations to Christian ministries or other religious organizations.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 11, 2019
Governor Greg Abbott signed SB1978 known as the Save Chick-fil-A religious bill into law today. The Save Chick-fil-A bill became a statewide and even national movement this session after the San Antonio City Council banned a location from their airport in March because of donations to the Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The 86th Texas Legislative Session officially ended today. Texas Values Action is proud to announce multiple victories in the realm of faith, family, and freedom. Texas Values Action is available for comment on these items and others.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 20, 2019
Today, the Texas House passed (79-62) on second reading the Save Chick-fil-A religious freedom bill, SB 1978. Last week the House version (HB 3172) of the bill stopped on a technicality. Then, the Texas Senate moved SB 1978, the Senate companion, and gave it full passage last week.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
The Texas Senate just voted to concur on SB1978, the Save Chick-fil-A religious freedom bill. The bill now heads to Governor Abbott’s desk for his expected signature.
Jonathan Saenz, President of Texas Values said: “We thank Sen. Hughes and Rep. Krause for all their hard work on the Save Chick-fil-A religious freedom bill, and we look forward to Governor Abbott’s signature.”
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 24, 2019
When it comes to clean transportation, Texas got a “D” for underutilizing funds from Volkswagen’s nearly $3 billion settlement with federal authorities, according to a new report card from U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Environment America Research & Policy Center.
After Volkswagen was caught three years ago violating emissions standards in 590,000 cars marketed as “clean diesel,” the German automaker agreed to create an “Environmental Mitigation Trust” to be distributed across all 50 states (along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
From TexPIRG
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
The legislative session adjourned on Monday, with consumers and the public interest claiming some big victories including the end of surprise medical bills, said the consumer group TexPIRG on Tuesday.
Surprise medical bills will no longer affect consumers in Texas with a non-federal insurance plan after bipartisan work on Senator Hancock’s SB1264.
From TexPIRG
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 6, 2019
Sens. Kamala Harris, Jeff Merkley, Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, Tina Smith, Diane Feinstein and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced a bill Thursday aimed at helping local school districts transition to all-electric transportation. The bill sets up a federal grant program, authorizing $1 billion over five years for grants of up to $2 million per school district, to replace diesel school buses with electric school buses, invest in charging infrastructure, and support workforce development.
From TexPIRG
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Earlier today, Hank Whitman announced he will be resigning as commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, effective at the end of June. Sophie Phillips, CEO of TexProtects, the Texas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, released the following statement regarding his tenure:
From TexProtects
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 22, 2019
Earlier today, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 355 by Sen. Royce West (sponsored in the House by Rep. Stephanie Klick). This bill direct the Department of Family and Protective Services to develop a strategic plan for the coordinated implementation of community-based care and foster care prevention services that meet the requirements of the federal Family First Prevention Services Act.
From TexProtects
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Governor Greg Abbott on Monday signed into law House Bill 1300, the legislation State Rep. Todd Hunter authored to allow oyster mariculture in Texas. The new law is poised to provide a major economic and cultural boost along the Texas coast.
From Todd Hunter Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 28, 2019
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) Board Chairman Guillermo Trevino issued the following statement on the death of TxDMV Board Member Gary Painter:
"Gary Painter was a preeminent public servant. From the moment he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966, he began a lifetime commitment to serve and protect others – first, around the world and then back home throughout his distinguished law enforcement career in Midland County.
From TxDMV
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 23, 2019
Today Wesley Hunt for Congress released a new web video in advance of Memorial Day titled “Service” in which Wesley Hunt talks about his father’s military service, the example it set and why more veterans are needed in Congress:
From Wesley Hunt Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Copyright June 15, 2019, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
|
