|
October 27, 2020
As Texas leaders tout the creation of jobs in other parts of the state, East Texas leaders are urging them to remember the 1,700 jobs put at risk by the state’s effort to close electronic bingo facilities in Livingston and El Paso.
From Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
Annie’s List, the statewide political organization that works to elect pro-choice, progressive women to office in Texas, responds to Representative Senfronia Thompson’s historic bid to be Speaker of the Texas House ahead of Election Day.
From Annie’s List
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) has released a pair of new tools to support states, municipalities and voters in countering potential election-motivated extremism. The goal of these new tools is to ensure governments and law enforcement are prepared for possible incidents and voters can feel safe and secure going to the polls and afterwards.
From Anti-Defamation League
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
With a looming December 31 spending deadline, billions of dollars in federal funds for renters affected by the COVID 19 pandemic remain unspent by Texas state and local governments. Member organizations of the Texas Industrial Areas Foundation and Texas Housers call on local governments to simplify their application processes, and call on Governor Greg Abbott to distribute more aid to smaller cities and counties before the deadline.
From Central Texas Interfaith
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
220 Leaders from Central Texas Interfaith-IAF targeted over 10,000 low-propensity voters in 17 Precincts near its congregations in Travis, Hays, Williamson, and Bastrop Counties with multiple rounds of phone calls.
From Central Texas Interfaith
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
Over 200 Central Texas Interfaith leaders from neighborhood congregations and institutions have targeted low-propensity voters (newly registered voters, infrequent voters, young voters, and voters from communities of color) through over 10,000 phone conversations in 16 precincts in Travis, Williamson, and Hays County.
From Central Texas Interfaith
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3, 2020
Common Cause Texas has led the grassroots component of the Election Protection program in Texas, working with partners to recruit, train and supervise thousands of volunteers to assist Texans who have voting questions or who run into problems at the polls.
From Common Cause Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
Today, it is with great humility and excitement that I’m formally announcing my candidacy
for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. While I have tremendous support from
my Republican colleagues, the Texas House belongs to the people of Texas, and I look
forward to sharing my vision and earning the support of every member of the Texas House.
From Dade Phelan Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
Representative Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) today appointed a bipartisan workgroup to review and make recommendations on legislative operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workgroup will be chaired by Representative (Dr.) Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress), with Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) serving as the vice-chair.
From Dade Phelan Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 16, 2020
Rep. Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) today announced that Julia Rathgeber will serve as his Chief of Staff. She will formally assume this role on January 12, 2021. Julia has extensive experience working in and around the Texas Capitol, serving in some of the most senior roles in state government, including as Deputy Chief of Staff to a Governor and Lt. Governor, and leading the Texas Department of Insurance.
From Dade Phelan Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
“The Texas Republican majority spoke loudly last night. Heartland voters who live in rural Texas joined with urban and suburban conservative warriors and thousands in Hispanic majority counties in South and West Texas to deliver the message that life, liberty, law and order, Texas values and our Second Amendment rights are their top priority.
From Dan Patrick Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced that starting today he will pay up to $1 million to incentivize, encourage and reward people to come forward and report voter fraud. Whistleblowers and tipsters should turn over their evidence to local law enforcement. Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and final conviction of voter fraud will be paid a minimum of $25,000.
From Dan Patrick Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
With Joe Biden leading in the race for the Presidency, local wins for public transit and open space, and environmental champs returning to the Texas Legislature, Environment Texas said last night’s elections included a lot of wins for the environment.
From Environment Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) has clinched a second term in Texas House of Representatives to serve Hays and Blanco Counties.
“I want to give a deep, heartfelt, thank you to every Texan that voted today, to the volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to get out our message, to the people of Hays and Blanco Counties who put their trust in me once again,” Rep. Zwiener said upon her win Tuesday night.
From Erin Zwiener Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
Today, State Representative Geanie W. Morrison filed her candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. First elected to represent Texas House District 30 in 1999, Chairwoman Morrison is seeking to make history as the first woman to be elected Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
From Geanie Morrison Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
“I want to thank each and every grassroots supporter, volunteer, and member of my staff who poured their heart into our campaign. I am so proud of the race we ran, and it is our shared commitment to fighting for working families in South and West Texas that continues to give me hope.”
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
Today, the El Paso Times endorsed San Antonio native and Iraq War veteran Gina Ortiz Jones in the race for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, citing her focus on the issues that matter to voters in El Paso County, while criticizing TX-23 Republican nominee Tony Gonzales for “not running a centrist campaign that reflects the wide diversity of life in the congressional district.”
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
Austin voters approved both Proposition A, which lays the track for the high-capacity transit system known as Project Connect, and Proposition B, which provided for critical transportation improvements.
From Greg Casar Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3, 2020
Today, Joe Moody (D–El Paso), the current Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas
House of Representatives, announced his candidacy for Speaker of the chamber with
the following statement:
“Before the day is done, Democrats will take the Texas House. After the encouragement
of a broad array of colleagues around the state, I’m proud to announce that I intend to
lead it as Speaker.
From Joe Moody Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
—Today, Joe Moody (D–El Paso), Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of
Representatives, and State Representative Erin Zwiener (D–Driftwood) announced a
two-pronged approach to cannabis law in Texas.
House Bill 447, filed by Speaker Moody, would legalize cannabis and create a retail
market for cannabis products, including marijuana.
From Joe Moody Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
Following historic turnout in Williamson County, Rep. John Bucy III has been re-elected to the Texas House of Representatives for District 136. After preliminary results were released, Rep. Bucy received 53.26 percent of the vote, with a 10,057 vote lead over his opponent.
From John Bucy III Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
The following is a statement from Jolt Action’s Interim Executive Director Antonio Arellano, on the results of the Texas Senate race, where John Cornyn has been declared the winner, according to the Texas Tribune:
“In a democracy, every vote counts, and in Texas, the will of the people is to have John Cornyn serve as our senior senator for six more years.
From Jolt Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
Today, a federal judge ruled that votes cast by drive-thru polling in Harris County, Texas, will not be invalidated after a challenge to the state’s election plan. The League of Women Voters of Texas joined the case as intervenors along with the ACLU of Texas.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a coalition of over 30 other attorneys general in a $113 million settlement with Apple, Inc. regarding Apple’s 2016 decision to throttle customers’ iPhone speeds in order to address unexpected shutdowns in some iPhones.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
Representative Oscar Longoria today announced his candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Longoria, 39, represents House District 35, which encompasses Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Longoria has proudly represented his community for four terms.
From Oscar Longoria Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
Parents and Alumni For Student Safety (PASS) a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to ending hazing on college campuses across Texas. We are pleased to recognize Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) for her outstanding leadership, extending throughout her long career in the Texas Senate culminating in final passage of SB 38 in 2019.
From Parents and Alumni for Student Safety
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
As vote counting continues and the nation waits for final results of elections up and down the ballot, our democracy is functioning as intended. This election took place under unprecedented circumstances, and experts expected a delay like this.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes PAC
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments on Tuesday in a case challenging the Affordable Care Act. The case, led by Texas Republicans, is the latest in the GOP’s efforts to repeal the ACA and take away protections for people with preexisting conditions.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to U.S. Senate candidate MJ Hegar’s loss in Texas.
“Texans would’ve had a real leader in the U.S. Senate with MJ Hegar,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3, 2020
Over the past few weeks, Trump has been threatening to declare victory on the night of Election Day before all the votes are counted and every voter’s voice is heard. This is extremely dangerous and anti-democratic.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to the state breaking it’s 2016 total turnout record.
“The electorate in Texas is growing, and the growth seems to be entirely in one direction,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to a federal judge’s decision in favor of drive-thru voting in Harris County.
“Even a known conservative judge refused to take part in the Texas GOP’s latest voter suppression scheme,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
Today, the Austin City Council Public Safety Committee releases an open letter to Austin Police Chief Brian Manley to ask for clarity on the Austin Police Department’s plan for safety of the community during any possible demonstrations after the Nov. 3, 2020 election.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 13, 2020
In this week’s issue of The Austin Chronicle, Austin City Council Member Greg Casar published an opinion piece making the case that progressive policies and movements not only help everyday Texans, but win elections.
“Progressive movements and policies that actually help working people are often more popular than politicians themselves,” said Austin City Council Member Greg Casar.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to Trump’s attempts to delegitimize absentee ballots and claim victory before every vote is counted.
“Elections are the foundation of our democracy,” said Wesley Story, communication manager at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
“As a leading energy state, Texas should be at the forefront of an energy economy that is evolving,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas. "Every Texan has the right to live in a healthy community with clean air and water.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 11, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick offering up to $1 million in rewards for “voter fraud” tips.
“The Texas Republican Party has come undone,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 16, 2020
Over the last couple weeks, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian participated in the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) virtual annual meeting. At the meeting, Christian was selected to be Vice Chairman of the Commission, serving under Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
Commissioners for the Railroad Commission of Texas took a critical step on Wednesday, Nov. 4 toward further reducing flaring from oil and gas sites in the state.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed House Bill 103 to create the Texas Active Shooter Alert System. The bill requires the state to implement a system to alert Texans if there is an active shooter in their area as determined by local law enforcement. Landgraf's proposal is designed to reduce mass violence without infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding Texans.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
The Texas Protective Order Registry, which State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) created through “Monica’s Law,” is now in operation across all 254 Texas counties. The online database lists protective orders issued by Texas courts as a result of domestic violence, with victims’ privacy protections in place.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) joined numerous members of the Texas House of Representatives in submitting a letter to Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath calling for a suspension of STAAR testing during the current school year.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 16, 2020
State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109), along with staff, will be aiding in a food distribution drive Wednesday, November 18 as part of a #BeLikeBo community effort.
In collaboration with the Botham Jean Foundation and the North Texas Food Bank, the food drive is a collective effort to feed families and to pay homage to the late Botham Jean.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 20, 2020
State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) applauded several District 109 ISDs this week. Representative Sherman acknowledged the hard work the superintendents and trustees have done in order to receive superior and above average ratings according to the Texas Education Agency's Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (F.I.R.S.T.) report.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 13, 2020
State Representative Carl O. Sherman Sr. (D-109) began the week by recognizing veterans on Tuesday in his District office in Lancaster.
“Today we wanted to go beyond ‘thank you for your service.’ We wanted to connect our veterans and not only recognize our veterans, but also sit down with them and let them tell us about their time spent in the service,” Representative Sherman said.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman Sr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
He has been called Mr. Hope by his peers. At his second Hope Summit Friday State Representative Carl O. Sherman Sr. (D-109), recognized four hope leaders walking alongside him in his vision of hope.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman Sr.
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 12, 2020
Today, Rep. Celia Israel (House District 50 - Austin) filed House Bill 550 to address limitations in the current Whistleblower Law. The Whistleblower Law provides certain protections to public employees who report violations of the law, typically in the form of waste, fraud, and abuse.
From Representative Celia Israel
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
Yesterday, Rep. Celia Israel (House District 50 - Austin) filed House Bills 350, 389, 391 and HJR 23. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these initial bills will bring Medicaid expansion to the voters, improve telecommuting opportunities for state employees, and establish safe and remote online voter registration.
From Representative Celia Israel
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 11, 2020
Today, newly elected State Senator Cesar J. Blanco (El Paso) filed his first round of bills in the Texas Senate ahead of the 87th Legislative Session. Senator-elect Blanco's first bills focus on common-sense gun safety reforms, school safety, relief for college students, improving healthcare, and increasing renewable energy goals.
From Representative Cesar J. Blanco
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
Today, State Representative Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) sent a letter to the Legislative Budget
Board urging them to request emergency funding for case load reduction for CPS caseworkers and
investigators.
“Our educators are often the first to notice and report signs of abuse and neglect in school aged
children.
From Representative Dade Phelan
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
This morning, Representative Diego M. Bernal (D-San Antonio) sent a bipartisan letter to the
Texas Education Agency requesting that the agency seek the waivers necessary from the United
States Department of Education to cancel the administration of the STAAR exam for the 2020-
2021 school year or, at most, use an administration of the STAAR exam as a diagnostic tool to
determine where students are academically as opposed to an assessment instrument to determine
district and campus sanctions under the current A-F accountability system.
From Representative Diego Bernal
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
This morning, bill prefiling for the upcoming 87th Legislative Session began with State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez filing a package of bills that he is working on together with constituents, community partners and district stakeholders to address issues impacting communities from Southeast Austin to Del Valle with implications for people across the state.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
— State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) pre-filed nine pieces of
legislation on Monday, November 9th as filing opened for the upcoming 87th Legislative
Session.
“Election season is over, and I am eager to get to work,” said Rep. Zwiener.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
On March 28, 2019, Javier Ambler was killed by Williamson County sheriff's deputies as he repeatedly cried "I can't breathe" and "please save me". The murder was filmed by “Live PD” — a reality TV show that glorifies police violence.
From Representative James Talarico
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
“I applaud the decision by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council today to restore
protections for social workers based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and
disability. I was proud to testify before the council this morning, urging them to reinstate these
protections.
From Representative Jessica Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
John H. Bucy III (D-Austin), State Representative for House District 136, today filed H.B. 398 and H.J.R. 24 to expand Medicaid in Texas as well as H.B. 400 to allow any eligible voter to vote by mail. This is the first legislation he has filed for the upcoming 87th Legislative session.
From Representative John H. Bucy, III
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
— In remembrance of the lives lost and the community impacted by last year’s massacre at
the Cielo Vista Walmart, State Representative Mary E. González (D-El Paso) filed House Bill 129. This
bill addresses a catalyst for that tragedy—misinformation, hatemongering, and conspiracy theories, much
of it online—by giving young Texans the tools to think critically about what they see on the internet and
accurately filter out dangerous misinformation.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
No need to fret about going door-to-door on All Hollow’s Eve, because state Representative
Nicole Collier’s annual ‘Reading With The Rep.’ children’s reading event is back!
From Representative Nicole Collier
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
"I want to thank the voters of District 41 for returning me to the Texas House of Representatives. I have forged important relationships over the past eight years, and now more than ever it’s important that we work in a bi-partisan spirit during these unprecedented times and produce real answers for our state’s healthcare needs, economic future, and public education growth. "
From Representative R.D. “Bobby” Guerra
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
Over the Halloween weekend, Representative Ray Lopez of House District 125 published an opinion article in the San Antonio Express News detailing his recovery from a mild heart attack he experienced only a short six weeks ago.
From Representative Ray Lopez
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
Representative Ray Lopez: Files The Two Cents For Texas Act Looking To Modernize Texas’ Motor Fuels Tax
From Representative Ray Lopez
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
Representative and Senator-Elect Roland Gutierrez pre-files a first of its kind comprehensive bill that will legalize cannabis for adult use and medical use. It will focus on generating new revenue and offer solutions to all Texans.
From Representative Roland Gutierrez
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
State Representative Senfronia Thompson filed the George Floyd Act, HB 88, to
address the tragic murder of George Floyd, a native Houstonian who was murdered by a
Minneapolis police officer after he knelt on Mr. Floyd's neck for eight minutes and forty-six
seconds.
From Representative Senfronia Thompson
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
On Tuesday, October 27, 2020, State Representative Shawn Thierry (DHouston) urgently called on HISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan and the HISD
School Board to allow students and parents an “opt-in” choice for a S/U or P/F grade in lieu of a
standard numerical mark during the remainder of the fall semester.
From Representative Shawn Thierry
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
Representative Sheryl Cole (D - Austin) has filed her first bills of the upcoming 87th Legislative Session. She had the following to say: “While we still face many unknowns in this upcoming legislative session, I still intend to vigorously represent House District 46 to the best of my abilities.”
From Representative Sheryl Cole
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
Thursday afternoon, Representative Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands) called to cancel the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) this year in a letter to the Texas Education Agency Commissioner.
From Representative Steve Toth
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 13, 2020
Terry Meza, State Representative for House District 105, filed 36 bills and one joint resolution
in the first week of filing in preparation for the 87th Legislature. The topics for these 37 pieces
of legislation include elections, workers rights, public safety, criminal justice, and public
education.
From Representative Terry Meza
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
Today, State Representative Toni Rose (D-110) introduced six proposals focused on social justice and human services on the first day of bill filing, marking the unofficial beginning of the upcoming 87th Legislative Session. Amongst her top priorities are two flagship bills, addressing maternal mortality and severe mental illness.
From Representative Toni Rose
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
Today, State Sen. Beverly Powell filed Senate Bill 107 which classifies COVID-19 as a presumptive disease for first responders. As COVID-19 began to spread earlier this year, many Texas municipalities declared that police officers, firefighters, EMT and other first responders who contracted COVID-19 would presume to have contracted COVID-19 on the job.
From Senator Beverly Powell
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 12, 2020
On the first week of pre-filing for the 87th legislative session, Senator Borris L. Miles filed nine police reform bills to improve policing in Texas and make it easier to hold rogue police officers accountable for their actions.
From Senator Borris Miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 16, 2020
Senator Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, and Representative James B. Frank, R-Wichita Falls, Chairman of the House Committee on Human Services, today filed joint legislation aimed at reducing the cycle of trauma that many children experience in foster care by clarifying standards in the Family Code related to the removal of children from their families.
From Senator Bryan Hughes
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
From Senator Carol Alvarado
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 16, 2020
Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, pre-filed another round of legislation today ahead of the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature, which reconvenes Tuesday, January 12, 2021 and concludes its business Monday, May 31, 2021.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
– Today on Fox News’ Cavuto Live, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed former Vice President Joe Biden’s plan to decimate the oil and gas industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of Texans.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
In response to a surge of COVID-19 cases in El Paso, today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) called Assistant Secretary of Defense Kenneth Rapuano to request he open the William Beaumont Army Medical Center to relieve pressure on El Paso area medical facilities that have run out of bed space.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
Texas is blessed with an outsized number of veterans, and I’m proud to represent the millions of former servicemembers that call our state home. There’s no doubt a thread of patriotism, duty, and service is woven through our culture – perhaps that’s the influence of our many veterans, or perhaps that’s the reason they have chosen to hang their hat in the Lone Star State.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
The Austin Housing Authority was awarded a federal grant of $892,580 to help public housing authorities assist very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in affording decent, safe, and sanitary housing during the coronavirus outbreak, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced today.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
“This session will be different, as we are still battling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, our priority remains the same – to represent our constituents. Our legislative package reflects the requests and needs shared with us, by our entire community.
From Senator Jose Menendez
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
The Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) held its meeting this morning voting unanimously to restore protections for individuals by rescinding the proposal to discriminate clients on the basis of disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
From Senator Jose Menendez
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
Texas State Sen. José Rodríguez issued the following statement regarding El Paso County's Order No. 13, requiring all residents to stay at home unless they work in an essential business or are accessing essential services as defined in the order:
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
State Sen. José Rodríguez sent a letter (attached) to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) asking them to reject a rule passed by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners that would no longer prohibit a social worker from refusing treatment based upon a person’s “disability; sexual orientation; [and] gender identity or expression.”
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
Keeping with tradition, Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, was first
in line to pre-file legislation Monday (Nov. 9) for the 87th Texas Legislative
Session that convenes Jan. 12.
Despite her and her staff working remotely since March due to the pandemic,
Senator Zaffirini pre-filed 34 bills, two more than she pre-filed last session.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 13, 2020
Yesterday, State Senator Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) filed Senate Bill 177, which
allows for the continued and permanent use of Individual Graduation Committees. Students and
school districts around the state have benefited from the availability of IGCs since 2015, and SB
177 finally removes the termination date of this valuable option in state law.
From Senator Kel Seliger
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
After a full day of no response to Senator Bettencourt requests, the Secretary of State formally weighed in and asked Harris County for a correct file of voters Monday evening. This was because Clerk Hollins (D-Harris County) currently lists three different vote totals on three different lists that his office generates. “Which of these counts is correct?” asked Senator Bettencourt.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
“First off, it is preposterous that the head of elections in the nations 3rd largest county won’t answer questions about election integrity,” said Senator Bettencourt. "As the chart below shows, 4 early voting centers had major discrepancies in the Daily Total of Early Voting that have finally been corrected by Clerk Hollins today.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 20, 2020
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement on the Air Force’s announcement that San Antonio, Texas has been selected as one of the of six finalist locations to host the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) headquarters following the evaluation phase of the selection process.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg at a full committee hearing examining Big Tech’s abuses of power, specifically suppressing free speech, silencing the free press, and undermining the integrity of our elections.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson, the dean of Women Legislators, the dean of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, and the second longest serving member of the Texas Legislature files for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. She represents District 141, which includes northeast Houston and portions of Humble, Texas.
From Senfronia Thompson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
The final election results for Texas House District 105 are now in, and we have won! I am
honored and grateful to the people of this community for giving me the opportunity to serve
them in the Texas Legislature. I will work every day to reward the trust you have placed in me.
From Terry Meza Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3, 2020
The Texas AFL-CIO today congratulated Fort Worth Star-Telegram employees on their decision to speak up together through the Fort Worth NewsGuild.
The newspaper’s management announced yesterday it would voluntarily recognize the NewsGuild, meaning bargaining on a first contract can begin.
From Texas AFL-CIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
“M.J. Hegar gave Sen. John Cornyn his closest statewide contest by standing and fighting for a fair shot for working families to get ahead. In doing so, M.J. helped turn Texas into a true battleground.
From Texas AFL-CIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
"John was a powerful leader because he knew power grows when you share it with others. Countless union leaders and activists across Texas and beyond know they wouldn't be where they are today without the mentoring and friendship of John Patrick."
From Texas AFL-CIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
Today, by a vote of 52-48, the United States Senate voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Both Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz voted to confirm.
From Texas Alliance for Life
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) has named Amber Pearce, Director of State Government Relations for Pfizer Inc., as Chair of the Association. Pearce replaces Julie Klumpyan, Valero Vice President of Regional State Governmental Affairs, who served a two-year term as TAM Chair.
From Texas Association of Manufacturers
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
Today in Lubbock, where the coronavirus crisis is still out of control, Governor Greg Abbott updated West Texas residents about the arrival and supply line of the monoclonal immunotherapy drug, Bamlanivimab.
But hospitals in Lubbock and El Paso, and those living throughout West Texas are asking Abbott to do more.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 11, 2020
Today, Texas Republicans Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, and Allen West refused to acknowledge President-Elect Joe Biden’s overwhelming victory in the 2020 elections, instead spewing nonsense about “voter fraud” and demanding recounts.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
Republican leadership in this state and in this country has failed. The coronavirus is still out of control, with the United States under Donald Trump setting a new daily high in cases and Texas under Trump and Abbott closing in on 18,000 deaths.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
Texas leads the nation in COVID-19 cases. NBC News reported as of Monday, Texas had reported 910,124 had been infected with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, unacceptable and continuing to rise.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
On Friday, the Texas Democratic Party held a “Fundraiser About Something” where members of the cast of Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Larry David, and host Seth Meyers discussed their favorite Seinfeld episodes and helped raise money for the Texas Democratic Party.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
“The ruling to let the nearly 127,000 drive-thru votes stand was the correct decision but it doesn’t change a simple fact: This should have never been an issue in the first place. Texans who lawfully voted at drive through locations should have never had to fear that their votes wouldn’t be counted and their voices wouldn’t be heard.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
Yesterday, Texas surpassed 9 million votes — more than the entire turnout in the 2016 election. There is still one more day left of early voting and the Texas Democratic Party strongly encourages every voter to make a plan to vote at MyTexasVotes.com.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
This week, the Texas Democratic Party will present our final case against Donald Trump and lay out a few of the many ways that Donald Trump has failed Texas.
First up, the defining issue in Texas today: Donald Trump has failed our healthcare and is trying to repeal affordable care in the middle of a pandemic.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
“Texas Democrats are proud to welcome Kamala Harris back to the biggest battleground state in the country. Senator Harris visiting this late in the game shows the significance of Texas and is the game-changer Texas Democrats need to put us over the top.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
This week, the Texas Democratic Party is highlighting the final case against Donald Trump starting on Monday with Trump’s assault on healthcare and yesterday with Donald Trump’s failures managing the coronavirus crisis.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
If you have not received your mail-in ballot, the Texas Democratic Party encourages you to vote in person. With three days remaining during early voting, voters still have ample opportunities to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
“While we wait for votes to be counted across the country, it is clear that in spite of a resounding win in the national popular vote our country is profoundly divided and these divisions run deep.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
This election, Texas Democrats narrowed the statewide margin. Texans delivered 5.2 million votes to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the third most in the country. Our statewide candidates all got more votes than Greg Abbott in 2018. We did this all with turnout only ranking 44th among the 50 states and plenty of Democratic votes left out there that Texas Democrats will spend the next two years earning.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
“Texas Democrats are ecstatic Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been declared the clear winners of the 2020 presidential election. With this victory, we have proven that the arc of justice leans towards good and we are on the path to restoring the soul of the nation.
From Texas Democratic Party
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 13, 2020
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced that House Bill (HB) 1399 assisted in the closure of more than 250 unsolved criminal investigations during its first year of implementation.
From Texas DPS
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
The Texas Education Agency today announced the next set of instructional materials – a full suite of resources and tools for prekindergarten – that will be made available to school systems through the Texas Home Learning 3.0 (THL 3.0) initiative. Like other THL 3.0 offerings, these instructional materials are optional, customized for Texas, and aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)—the state standards for what students should know and be able to do.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
The State Board of Education’s refusal even to acknowledge the existence of LGBTQ people in new health curriculum standards is a tragic failure to help ensure that Texas public schools are safe and inclusive for all students, Texas Freedom Network President Val Benavidez said today.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 20, 2020
The Texas State Board of Education gave final approval today to new K-12 health curriculum standards that do not address sexual orientation and gender identity and to new high school science standards that barely mention climate change.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
Texas Rising Action, the Texas Freedom Network’s youth organizing program, today announced it has reached out to more than 1.5 million young voters, including more than 1 million young voters of color, to get them to the polls ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
In a victory for democracy, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen rejected an effort by GOP activists and candidates to nullify over 127,000 ballots cast by Harris County voters using drive-thru voting.
From Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9, 2020
As part of National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) joins the United States Distance Learning Association to highlight the success of digital learning by spreading awareness and promoting best practices across the country.
From Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board today announced a request for applications (RFA) for the Open Educational Resources (OER) Course Development and Implementation Grant Program, supported by a portion of the $175 million allocation to the THECB from the Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) Fund.
From Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 19, 2020
In his second annual State of Texas Higher Education address, Commissioner Harrison Keller today stated the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most significant disruption to higher education institutions since the end of the Second World War.
From Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, a joint endeavor among the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), today released its latest report to Gov. Greg Abbott.
From Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
The 82nd Attorney General of the United States, Eric H. Holder, Jr., and former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development and San Antonio Mayor Juliàn Castro will headline a final early voting phone bank to turn out Democratic voters in Texas.
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
On its final campaign finance filing before the November 3rd election, the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC) will report raising more than $4.5 million since September 24, surpassing $10 million total raised for the general election cycle.
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
The faith-based group Texas Impact announced that its social media campaign #PlanToVote, is outperforming expectations. With nearly a week still to go in a $10,000 ad buy, the campaign has reached well over 115,000 Texans, generating more than 27,000 engagements and nearly 7,000 clicks.
From Texas Impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3, 2020
The Texas Medical Board’s Executive Committee, with advice and direction from the Governor’s Office, adopted rules on an emergency basis related to the issuance of certain prescriptions during the COVID-19 disaster.
From Texas Medical Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 10, 2020
Nurses across Texas are alarmed at the increase in COVID-19 cases, and hospitals in several major cities are at capacity. Texas has close to a million COVID-19 cases this week, meaning one in 10 American cases and one in every 50 cases worldwide is in Texas.
From Texas Nurses Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
Texas Pets Alive! is thrilled to announce that Senator Jane Nelson (R-Denton/Tarrant Counties) has introduced Senate Bill 197, which will exempt nonprofit rescue groups from paying sales tax on adoption fees.
From Texas Pets Alive!
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
Attorney General Ken Paxton, indicted and now accused of corruption and bribery by several top staffers, is using a video from a discredited right-wing group Project Veritas to boost widely deceptive and misleading allegations.
From Texas Right To Vote
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2, 2020
Today, Joe Straus and Luci Baines Johnson release a joint statement in support of Texas voters who cast their ballots in good faith at drive-thru locations in Harris County. The Texas Supreme Court, the ultimate authority on state law, has dismissed legal challenges to drive-thru voting twice already.
From Texas Right to Vote
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
The following statement was released by Senator Carol Alvarado, Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus (SDC), on behalf of the caucus:
We proudly welcome the newest members of the Texas Senate: Senators-elect Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) and Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso).
From Texas Senate Democratic Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, 2020
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina issued the following statement on Gov. Abbott’s announcement about teacher pay raises:
We are glad that Texas teachers finally received long overdue pay raises from the Legislature in 2019.
From Texas State Teachers Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
The Texas Faculty Association today urged Gov. Greg Abbott to instruct state university governing boards to cancel or postpone fall graduation ceremonies or hold virtual graduation events. The group called on private colleges and universities to also refrain from holding in-person ceremonies.
From Texas State Teachers Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 18, 2020
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina released the following statement:
The Texas State Teachers Association applauds and supports the efforts of 68 members of the Texas House, both Republicans and Democrats, who have called on the state education commissioner to seek the necessary federal waivers to cancel STAAR testing for this school year.
From Texas State Teachers Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 12, 2020
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina issued the following statement:
Two of the state’s leading physician organizations – the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society – believe it is a mistake for school districts to discontinue virtual learning and require in-person instruction for all students while the COVID-19 pandemic is resurging in Texas, and the Texas State Teachers Association agrees.
From Texas State Teachers Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3, 2020
“Texas Values Action strongly opposes Rep. Dade Phelan as a Texas Speaker of the House candidate. Rep. Phelan used his power last session to advance the LGBT agenda and we have not forgotten. Not only that, but he then bragged about this legislative move on an interview with Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 27, 2020
Hundreds of nursing homes across Texas are dealing with horrific shortages of masks, gowns and other items they need to protect residents, workers and the broader community from COVID-19.
From TexPIRG Education Fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020
State Rep. Todd Hunter of Corpus Christi will bring together educational, business and nonprofit leaders November 13 for an online symposium focused on prevention and awareness of suicides.
From Todd Hunter Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
Republican candidate for Congress Tony Gonzales has won the CD-23 race, with AP calling it at 2:14am. Democratic candidate Gina Ortiz Jones released a concession statement shortly after. With 300,472 votes in, Gonzales had a victory margin of 4.3%.
From Tony Gonzales Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 11, 2020
Congressman-elect Tony Gonzales has named Casey Contres as his Chief of Staff and Michael Blair as his District Director in his new congressional office.
“We have been working nonstop since Election Night so we can serve this district right away,” said Gonzales. “I am excited to announce Casey Contres as Chief of Staff. His experience serving in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate will be invaluable to me and to our office.
From Tony Gonzales Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 26, 2020
Today, Texas State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer announced his candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. The San Antonio native is seeking to make history as Texas’ first Latino Speaker of the House.
From Trey Martinez Fischer Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 28, 2020
Yesterday, Project Veritas released the results of a hidden camera investigation exposing massive election fraud in Bexar County, Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the organized election fraud scheme uncovered in the Project Veritas video is already under review by investigators from his Election Fraud Unit. Today, Project Veritas released a second video revealing more illegal activity as an individual reveals she is part of a group of undercover ballot chasers selling votes to elect Democrat presidential candidate Joe Biden.
From True The Vote
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4, 2020
State Representative Vikki Goodwin won re-election this evening to continue serving House District 47, which represents western and far south Travis County. With all Travis County votes counted, Rep. Goodwin is in the lead by 1,324 votes and has won.
From Vicki Goodwin Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Copyright November 26, 2020, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
|
