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April 16, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today applauding the Texas Senate for their hard work in passing 25 of the 30 priority bills he targeted for the 87th Legislative Session:
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 16, 2021
Texas Gun Rights applauds the advancement of Constitutional Carry in the Texas House. If signed into law, H.B. 1927 would make Texas the twenty-first state to remove the requirement for law-abiding citizens to obtain a government permission slip to carry a firearm.
From Texas Gun Rights
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April 16, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to news that the Biden administration rescinded approval for changes to Texas’ Medicaid program that were previously granted by the Trump administration.
From Progress Texas
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April 16, 2021
The Texas AFL-CIO has endorsed six policing reform bills that stem from misconduct in the deaths of George Floyd and so many others.
“The ongoing run of tragic deaths and other mistreatment of persons of color at the hands of law officers must end,” Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 16, 2021
Today, two bills co-authored by Rep. Jake Ellzey passed the Texas House to further protect constitutional rights.
HB 1927 will allow citizens who are 21 years of age or older to lawfully carry a handgun for personal protection without seeking a license to carry, more commonly known as a concealed carry license.
From Representative Jake Ellzey
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April 16, 2021
Yesterday, the Texas House Public Health Committee heard and voted out H.B.
1399 by Rep. Krause which would prohibit gender transition treatments for children, and remove
professional liability insurance coverage for physicians offering this care.
The Texas House LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement: "We are deeply disappointed
in this action.
From Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
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April 16, 2021
State Representative Jacey Jetton announces support for House Bill 59 by Chairman Murr and House Bill 958 by Chairman Oliverson. These bills take significant steps to reduce property taxes without cutting education funding.
“Property taxes are out of control in Texas,” Jetton said.
From Representative Jacey Jetton
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April 16, 2021
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that Texans who receive Veterans’ benefits could expect Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,400 hit their bank accounts beginning this week.
From Representative Lizzie Fletcher
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April 16, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in opposition to the slate of extreme anti-abortion bills that were just voted out of the House Public Health Committee.
From Progress Texas
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April 16, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 13, the Oil & Gas Investment Protection Act, by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury:
"The oil and gas industry is one of the cornerstones of the Texas economy, providing millions of jobs for hardworking Texans.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 16, 2021
"I congratulate Sen. Schwertner and the Texas Senate on the passage of Senate Bill 19 which ensures that the state of Texas will no longer do business with companies that discriminate against Second Amendment businesses.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 16, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 18, the Protect Second Amendment Businesses Act, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe:
"During emergencies or disasters, Texans should not have to worry about the infringement of their Second Amendment rights.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 15, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 28, the Charter School Equity Act, by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston:
"I commend Sen. Bettencourt and the Texas Senate for their leadership on this critical issue.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 15, 2021
Children’s Hospital Association of Texas (CHAT) applauds the passing of three bills that will further support children’s health and well-being as it relates to telehealth and telemedicine, coverage for children on Medicaid, and maternal health.
From Children’s Hospital Association of Texas
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April 15, 2021
Representative Four Price filed House Bill 4 to make permanent the emergency waivers that have been temporarily granted during the Pandemic for the delivery of certain established adult and child healthcare programs by healthcare providers. Telemedicine, a subject Representative Price has worked on for several legislative sessions, has grown in popularity with patients and healthcare professionals, especially since the onset of COVID-19.
From Representative Four Price
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April 15, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 29, the Fair Sports for Women and Girls Act, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock.
"I congratulate Sen. Perry and the Texas Senate on the passage of Senate Bill 29.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 15, 2021
Earlier today, the Senate passed SB 10, a bill that would silence the voices of county and city governments at the state legislature. Senator Sarah Eckhardt released the following statement:
“I seek a better partnership between local and state government.
From Senator Sarah Eckhardt
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April 15, 2021
"The vast majority of Texans in both political parties have long-supported ending taxpayer-funded lobbying and it is a top priority for me.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 15, 2021
In 2019, Javier Ambler, an unarmed Black man, was killed by Williamson County Sheriff's deputies as he repeatedly cried "I can't breathe" and "please save me". The deputies were followed by a camera crew for “Live PD,” a reality TV program that relies on violent police encounters to boost their ratings.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 15, 2021
Notices of Appraised Value are being mailed out to 389,530 Travis County property owners this week. The notices include the market value assigned to a property as of Jan. 1 and the taxable value of that property based on its exemptions.
From Travis Central Appraisal District
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April 15, 2021
Texas has the highest number and percentage of uninsured children in the country. According
to the United States Census, Texas' child uninsured rate rose from 9.8% in 2016 to 12.7%, over double
the national average, in 2019 before the pandemic.
From Representative Philip Cortez
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April 15, 2021
"Across Texas, repeat and violent offenders are being released on personal recognizance or very low bail by judges and magistrates who do not fully consider an offender's violent history, putting Texas communities and law enforcement at risk.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 15, 2021
Representative Drew Darby is proud to recognize longtime San Angelo community partner and businessman Randy Brooks for his recent appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
From Representative Drew Darby
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April 15, 2021
The Texas Senate today passed legislation authored by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) increasing oversight of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Board of Directors and ensuring enough reserve power on the grid to meet net load by requiring that intermittent generation resources pair with replacement baseload sufficient to manage their own variability.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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April 14, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 20, the Second Amendment Protections for Travelers Act, by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels:
"Congratulations to Sen. Campbell and the Texas Senate for passing this important reform to ensure Second Amendment rights remain in place when Texans are traveling.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 14, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 15, the Ban the Sale of Personal Data from Certain State Agencies Act, by Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville:
"I congratulate Sen. Nichols and the Texas Senate on the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 15 to protect the personal data and privacy of Texans.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 14, 2021
Harris County Republican Party Chairman Cindy Siegel released the following statement regarding Congressman Kevin Brady's announcement that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives following the remainder of his term in 2022:
From Harris County GOP
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April 14, 2021
Today, Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock) passed a sweeping bill to dramatically improve the quality of early childhood education in Texas.
Modern brain science suggests the first three years of a child’s life are the most important. 85% of brain development occurs before the age of three. Yet Texas lags behind the nation in early childhood outcomes.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 14, 2021
Today, the War Veterans Fund PAC
(www.warveteransfund.org) announced its candidate endorsement of Texas State Representative
Jake Ellzey for the May 1st Special Election for Congressional District Six in Texas.
From War Veterans Fund PAC
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April 14, 2021
"Today, the Texas House made great strides in improving the health outcomes for citizens across the Lone Star State with the passage of House Bills 4,18, 133, and 290. This transformative legislation will expand availability of health services to all Texans, create savings in prescription drug costs, protect maternal health, and cut red tape involved in providing coverage for our vulnerable children.
From Speaker of the House
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April 14, 2021
Texas Freedom Network President Val Benavidez today warned against the latest legislative efforts to pass sweeping and discriminatory religious exemptions laws in Texas.
From Texas Freedom Network
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April 14, 2021
"I congratulate Sen. Huffman on the passage of Senate Bill 23 which affirms our support for law enforcement in Texas and the critical role they play in keeping Texas communities safe. Senate Bill 23 makes it clear that Texans do not support defunding the police.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 13, 2021
"I congratulate Sen. Creighton and the Texas Senate on the passage of Senate Bill 14. A rational and predictable regulatory environment, along with low taxes and lawsuit reform, have made the Texas economy one of the strongest in the nation and a force in the global economy.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 13, 2021
State Representative Jake Ellzey today announced he will report over a half million dollars in contributions in support of his campaign for US Congress in Texas’ 6th Congressional District. Ellzey is filing his finance report with the Federal Election Commission next week.
From Jake Ellzey Campaign
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April 13, 2021
Representative Jake Ellzey gets unanimous support in the House on HJR125. The constitutional amendment proposed under HJR125 allows the surviving spouse of a person who is disabled to receive a limitation on the school district ad valorem taxes on the spouse's residence homestead if the spouse is 55 years of age or older at the time of the person's death.
From Representative Jake Ellzey
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April 13, 2021
The Texas House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee is scheduled to discuss legislation on Wednesday, April 14, that provides liability immunity for certain businesses, including nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, for claims arising during a pandemic or other emergencies.
From AARP Texas
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April 13, 2021
Rachel Malone, Texas Director of Gun Owners of America, responded to License to Carry (LTC) instructors who are opposing efforts to restore the right of self-defense in Texas, stating:
“Earlier today, a small contingent of License to Carry instructors sided with Bloomberg-funded organizations and opposed pending legislation to restore Texans’ right to carry a handgun without having to obtain a permit.
From Gun Owners of America
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April 13, 2021
Today, as Texas lawmakers hold hearings on anti-trans bills that would prevent transgender children from receiving life-saving, gender-affirming care, the NCAA announced that it will only hold college championship games in states where transgender student-athletes can participate without discrimination.
From Progress Texas
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April 13, 2021
State Representative Jacey Jetton announces support for House Bill 3520, taking a vital step in combatting human trafficking in Texas. The bill, authored by Chairman Todd Hunter, would raise the minimum age for individuals who work in a sexually oriented business to 21 and imposes penalties for businesses that violate this statute.
From Representative Jacey Jetton
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April 13, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of 2 election security bills, Senate Bill 1234, by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Senate Bill 598, by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham:
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 13, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 623 by Senator César J. Blanco. Senate Bill 623 aims to protect Texas soldiers from military sexual assault and provide avenues of justice and resources for victims.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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April 12, 2021
“It’s bad enough the State of Texas affords next to nothing in such benefits unless the federal government insists. Under SB 14, construction workers would not get rest breaks in 100-degree weather, fair hiring ordinances would go away, and tens of thousands of working people would continue to face the terrible choice of whether to work sick and risk infecting others or whether to skip a paycheck.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 12, 2021
The Texas Senate delivered a major victory for employers and employees across Texas on Monday by giving preliminary approval to Senate Bill 14, which would provide consistency in government regulations on labor and employment practices at private-sector businesses.
From Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas
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April 12, 2021
With several bills instituting health care and sports bans for transgender youth moving at the Texas Capitol this week, Texas Freedom Network’s president and a clergy leader associated with the faith-organizing movement Just Texas today joined in condemning the growing legislative assault on transgender young people, their families and their health care providers.
From Texas Freedom Network
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April 12, 2021
“I am proud to honor Baylor men’s basketball team for bringing home to Waco an incredible victory. This one-of-a-kind team showcased the competitiveness and dedication of Texans throughout the tournament, and they will no doubt continue to be a serious contender for seasons to come. Sic ‘em Bears!”
From Senator Ted Cruz
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April 12, 2021
Today, a group of cancer survivors and advocates announced the founding of the newly-formed Texas Cancer Survivors Coalition. The goal of the organization is to bring a united voice to the Texas State Capitol on behalf of cancer survivors and their support networks, while supporting and proposing state legislative and regulatory initiatives that directly impact cancer care and wellness.
From Texas Cancer Survivors Coalition
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April 12, 2021
Last week, Common Cause Texas released this deeply alarming video in which we hear the presenter call for volunteer poll watchers who will have the "courage" to go from the predominantly Anglo Harris County suburbs to the Black and Brown communities in the urban core.
From Common Cause Texas
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April 12, 2021
Today, MOVE Texas is proud to announce that Claudia Yoli Ferla will be the group’s new Executive Director, effective immediately. As the first woman of color and first Dreamer to assume this leadership role, Claudia will guide the direction of one of the largest and most effective youth voter registration organizations in the nation.
From MOVE Texas
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April 12, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate passed two bills by Senator César Blanco, Senate Bill 886 and Senate Bill 1308. Senate Bill 886 will authorize and require the Texas Veterans Commission to assist eligible veterans with the citizenship process.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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April 9, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate passed two bills by Senator César Blanco, Senate Bill 886 and Senate Bill 1308. Senate Bill 886 will authorize and require the Texas Veterans Commission to assist eligible veterans with the citizenship process.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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April 9, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following yesterday’s passage of Senate Bill 6, the Pandemic Liability Protection Act, by Senator Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills:
"I congratulate Sen. Kelly Hancock and the Texas Senate for passing this essential legislation, which was a priority for me and for the businessmen and women across Texas.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 9, 2021
Today, State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-Bexar County) announced that the faculty Senate of Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College passed a resolution endorsing his Senate Bill 522, which would transfer the struggling university from the Texas State University System where it has languished for many years to the Texas A&M University System which has a very recent history of turning around struggling institutions.
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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April 9, 2021
Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Friday issued the following statement after visiting Freeman Coliseum, which has been converted into a temporary housing facility for unaccompanied minors.
“This morning, I visited the unaccompanied minor facilities at Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio,” said Congressman Gonzales.
From Representative Tony Gonzales
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April 9, 2021
Today the Texas Senate approved several bills authored by Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, including legislation that would help survivors of domestic violence, cut red tape for retired law enforcement officers and cleanup the Tax Code.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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April 9, 2021
- Today, House Bill 5, co-authored by State Representative Eddie Morales was
passed on final reading on the Floor of the House of Representatives and will now be sent to the
Senate for consideration.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for reliable access to internet and exposed
the breadth of ways in which connectivity impacts daily life.
From Representative Eddie Morales, Jr.
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April 9, 2021
Texas Medical Association:
“TMA President Diana Fite, MD, praised the group ‘for sponsoring and supporting the important health care priorities listed…showing that these state leaders clearly understand Texas must undertake broad health care reforms to improve the health of all Texans…
From Speaker of the House
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April 9, 2021
Today, Representative Bryan Slaton of HD 2 released the following statement
about HB 2862, the bill to finish building President Trump's wall on the Texas-Mexico border:
"In the last 48 hours I have been told by Chris Paddie, the Chairman of State Affairs, that our bill to
have Texans finish the border wall, will not be receiving a hearing this session.
From Representative Bryan Slaton
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April 9, 2021
Today, State Representative Jake Ellzey presented House Bill 2746 to the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety increasing penalties for injuring a law enforcement officer using a laser pointer. During Nationwide riots last year, data shows law enforcement officers suffered hundreds of eye injuries from laser pointers.
From Representative Jake Ellzey
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April 9, 2021
State Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers (HD 113) was elected Co-Chair of
the Dallas Area Legislative Delegation (DALD). Rep. Bowers was nominated and unanimously
voted favorably by her colleagues this afternoon. She will be assuming the role from
Representative Victoria Neave.
From Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers
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April 8, 2021
As Senator Hancock noted on the Senate floor, SB 6 isn't blanket immunity and doesn't
protect bad actors, but instead provides much-deserved protection from litigation for
businesses that have acted in good faith during the pandemic.
From Texas Civil Justice League
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April 8, 2021
"Sports bring us together at a time when too many things divide us. Congratulations to Sen. Buckingham and the Texas Senate for their support of this important piece of legislation. Texans are tired of sports teams that pander, insulting our national anthem and the men and women who died fighting for our flag.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 8, 2021
The Texas Senate today passed Senate Bill 6 by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills), providing retroactive civil liability protections for large and small businesses, religious institutions, non-profit entities, healthcare providers, first responders and educational institutions.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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April 8, 2021
The heartbreaking reality of the crisis on our southern border has been on full display for weeks, but the deep personal toll this crisis has taken on the children being trafficked into the United States was best encapsulated in the recent and tragic video of a 10-year old boy, abandoned by the group he was traveling with, desperately asking for help.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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April 8, 2021
The Texas Climate Plan contains four main components–Texas Jobs for a Changing Economy, Preserving Texas Resources & Industry Accountability, Transparency to Empower Texans, and Resiliency in a Changing Climate. The Plan is made up of 41 bills from seventeen House members to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
From Representative Gina Hinojosa
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April 8, 2021
Texas’ revolutionary solution to reduce litter and increase recycling infrastructure and education, passed a critical milestone this month with the introduction of bills in both the Texas House and Senate. And this week, Texas legislative leaders moved to allow hearings on the bills.
From Texans For Clean Water
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April 8, 2021
“To secure its future water supply, Texas utilizes a unique strategy integrating science, planning, and financing—and the state water plan is the cornerstone of that strategy,” said TWDB Chairman Peter Lake.
From Texas Water Development Board
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April 8, 2021
Today, following the passage of House Bill 6 out of the Texas House of Representatives Elections Committee, MOVE Texas released a statement condemning the measure, one of the worst attacks on voting rights since the Jim Crow era.
From MOVE Texas
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April 8, 2021
Thumbing its nose at voting rights advocates and disregarding a building backlash from business leaders increasingly concerned about efforts to undermine the foundations of democracy in Texas, the Republican-dominated Texas House Elections Committee today rammed through approval of a sweeping voter suppression bill that would make it harder for Texans -- especially Texans of color -- to cast a ballot in future elections.
From Texas Freedom Network
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April 8, 2021
As the Texas House forges ahead with election legislation that would further restrict Texans’ right to vote, on top of the Texas Senate passing additional restrictions last week, disability advocates urge state leaders to ensure all Texans can safely cast their ballots securely and without undue barriers for Texans with disabilities.
From Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
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April 8, 2021
After a marathon hearing with hours of testimony against House Bill 6 last week, Republicans in the House Elections Committee just voted to pass the voter suppression bill out of committee. Progress Texas releases the following statement in opposition to the bill.
From Progress Texas
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April 8, 2021
This morning the Texas House Elections Committee voted their omnibus voter suppression bill out of Committee, despite criticisms from local election officials, statewide civic organizations, and large corporations based in the state.
From Texas Right to Vote
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April 8, 2021
The Texas House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety will consider a bill today to require background checks on all private gun sales. House Bill 118, authored by State Representative Lina Ortega of House District 77 in El Paso, would close the loophole that allows people to buy guns in this state through an unlicensed seller without first undergoing a background check.
From Representative Evelina Ortega
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April 8, 2021
"What we see in this video is a concrete, real-world example of why it is a downright dangerous idea to expand poll watcher powers while removing the ability of election workers to kick a disruptive poll watcher out," said Anthony Gutierrez, Executive Director of Common Cause Texas.
From Common Cause Texas
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April 8, 2021
“Unaccompanied children that arrive at our border have already endured dangerous conditions at home and a treacherous journey to get here,” said Sen. Cornyn. “The fact that any child would experience abuse in the care of the U.S. government is despicable.
From Senator John Cornyn
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April 7, 2021
Speaker Dade Phelan and a coalition of bipartisan members of the Texas House of Representatives today introduced Healthy Families, Healthy Texas, the House's healthcare package that lowers costs, expands access to care, and improves health outcomes for all 29 million Texans.
From Speaker of the House
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April 7, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in opposition to the slate of extreme anti-abortion bills being heard in the House Public Health Committee today, including House Bill 1515, an unconstitutional, near total ban on abortion.
From Progress Texas
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April 7, 2021
Today the El Paso delegation in the Texas Legislature filed the attached resolution (Senate Resolution 224 and House Resolution 585) honoring those who lost their lives during the mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart on August 3, 2019. The delegation released the following statement:
From Joe Moody Campaign
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April 7, 2021
Legislation by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to create the Texas Active Shooter Alert System is on its way to the Texas Senate after passing out of the Texas House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority of 146-0 on Wednesday.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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April 6, 2021
Earlier today, the Texas Senate unanimously passed SB 1, the Senate’s version of the biennial budget. Senator Sarah Eckhardt released the following statement:
“As it moves across the hall to the House, there is a lot to like in this budget.
From Senator Sarah Eckhardt
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April 6, 2021
"Despite the uncertainty of this budget cycle months before the legislative session, Texas is coming back stronger than ever because our fiscal foundation is strong and our conservative budgeting principles are sound.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 6, 2021
The Texas Senate today approved the Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 1, the Senate's version of the appropriations bill, sponsored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, establishing the state's budget priorities for the next two years.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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April 6, 2021
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina released the following statement on the Senate’s approval of SB1:
Texas educators are angry that the Senate has refused to include any of the almost $18 billion in federal stimulus money earmarked for public education in Texas in its version of the new state budget.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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April 6, 2021
As the number of illegal aliens streaming across our border reaches the highest levels in at least 15 years, Americans are sick and tired of President Biden’s failure to address this crisis. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Biden’s handling of our border security and immigration system.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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April 6, 2021
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina released the following statement on the STAAR glitches reported today:
Here we go again. Even in normal years, the STAAR testing regime is a waste of classroom time and taxpayer dollars.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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April 6, 2021
Today, State Representative James Talarico (D-Round Rock)––joined Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo)––announced legislation that will cap the out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $50 a month. Talarico is the primary author of House Bill 40, which already has 38 Republicans and 64 Democrats signed on––a supermajority of the Texas House.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 6, 2021
This morning, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a media briefing to "discuss" Senate Bill 7.
What actually occurred was more of an angry rant against the corporations, elected officials and activists who have joined the people of Texas in denouncing Senate Bill 7 and voter suppression.
From Common Cause Texas
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April 6, 2021
Texans for Fair Energy Billing (TXFEB) members Brandon Young and Steve
Malkiewicz testified today before the Senate Business and Commerce Committee on SB1757, introduced
by Committee Chairman Sen. Hancock. Young and Malkiewicz argued the text of the bill should be
updated to explicitly include Retail Electric Providers (REPs) and require the Electric Reliability Council of
Texas (ERCOT) to complete an assessment or "scrub" of costs before any securitization can occur.
From Texans for Fair Energy Billing
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April 6, 2021
It’s easy to not fully grasp just how much the world has changed since a 19th-century Legislature created the Railroad Commission of Texas to provide order and predictability to a rapidly expanding railroad industry that controlled the flow of goods.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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April 6, 2021
State Representative Jacey Jetton expressed his full support for House Bill 6, following extensive and thorough public testimony in the House Elections Committee. Jetton also expressed concern over the rampant misinformation surrounding Chairman Briscoe Cain's bill.
From Representative Jacey Jetton
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April 5, 2021
The League of Women Voters of Texas, the Texas NAACP, and the Texas LULAC are partnering to safeguard voting rights in Texas. They are reaching out to Texas business leaders who believe every American citizen should have a voice in our democracy to join other corporate leaders around the country in supporting safe and accessible voting in Texas.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
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March 25, 2021
In response to the Texas House Elections Committee public hearing on H.B. 6 held this morning, Secure Democracy issued the following statement:
"Texas voters across the political spectrum are unanimously confident in the state’s election process,” said Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy.
From Secure Democracy
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March 25, 2021
The push by Republican lawmakers this week to advance legislation making it harder for Texans -- especially Texans of color -- to vote is an outrageous attack on democracy and the right of all eligible voters to have their voices heard in our elections, Texas Freedom Network President Val Benavidez said today.
From Texas Freedom Network
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March 25, 2021
HB 6, a hearing on which was cut off in the House Elections Committee today, piles legal intimidation upon voter suppression and must be stopped, the Texas AFL-CIO said today.
Statement by Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy and Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar:
From Texas AFL-CIO
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March 25, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 827 by Chair Kolkhorst and joint-authored by Senator César Blanco. Senate Bill 827 will reduce and cap the cost of copays for insulin at $50.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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March 25, 2021
A group of Texas consumers and energy retailers announced today
the formation of Texans for Fair Energy Billing (TXFEB). TXFEB educates consumers on how the
decisions made by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Electricity Reliability Council of Texas
(ERCOT) during Winter Storm Uri will pass substantial costs on to ratepayers and taxpayers.
From Texans for Fair Energy Billing
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March 25, 2021
Earlier today, a hearing of the Texas House Elections Committee on HB 6, a discriminatory voter suppression bill, was cut short by Rep. Briscoe Cain, the Chair of the committee and the author of the bill.
From Common Cause Texas
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March 25, 2021
Legislators in the House and Senate began hearing bills aimed at restricting voter access Thursday, less than two weeks after they were filed. Rep. Briscoe Cain, who is chairman of the House elections committee, ended a meeting without hearing from over 100 citizens who had signed up to testify. These bills would have sweeping negative impacts on voting access across the state.
From TexPIRG
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March 25, 2021
Today, the Texas House Committee on Elections was forced to adjourn abruptly during the public hearing for House Bill 6, the controversial voter suppression bill that will restrict voter access, create longer voting lines, and establish excess criminal penalties for administrative errors.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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March 25, 2021
Moments ago, a hearing of the Texas House Elections Committee had to adjourn prematurely due to a procedural mistake by Chair Briscoe Cain, who failed to set a time certain to return before recessing the committee.
From Common Cause Texas
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March 25, 2021
The Keep Texas Trucking Coalition (KTTC) has released its latest video, highlighting the devastating impact abusive lawsuits have on Texas small businesses. The video features Sarah Sagredo-Hammond, whose family-owned electrical, plumbing and HVAC business in the Rio Grande Valley is feeling the strain of Texas’ excessive litigation environment for commercial vehicles.
From Keep Texas Trucking Coalition
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March 25, 2021
Every day new details emerge about the humanitarian crisis on our southern border. As Sen. Cruz leads a group of his Senate colleagues in a visit to the border, they will be able to see firsthand the crisis that is unfolding there.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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March 25, 2021
Today, the Texas House Elections Committee will hold a hearing on HB 6, one of the bills that falls within Gov. Abbott's "election integrity" emergency item declaration.
Following is a statement from Stephanie Gomez, Associate Director of Common Cause Texas, who will be testifying against HB6:
From Common Cause Texas
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March 25, 2021
House Bill 6, a dangerous voter suppression bill, is being heard by the Texas House Elections Committee today. Progress Texas releases the following statement and testimony in opposition to the bill.
From Progress Texas
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March 24, 2021
The January 2021 Gallup poll tells us that there are approximately 8 million independents in Texas – a plurality of approximately 50% of our state’s eligible voters. Dating back to the Perot movement, we also know that Texas independents lean toward either party in the Texas open primaries.
From League of Independent Voters of Texas
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March 24, 2021
The Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) are proud to announce their endorsement of Susan Wright for the TX-6 special election.
“As a life-long public servant and current member of the State Republican Executive Committee, Susan is the committed conservative that Texans can trust to represent our values in D.C.
From Young Conservatives of Texas
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March 24, 2021
During our first meeting of the House Committee on Elections, the committee heard testimony from Josh Reno
and Jonathan White, attorneys at the Election Fraud Section of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office. We
requested follow up data and information regarding the total number of convictions related to voter fraud cases
dating back to 2015, as well as the complete list of active investigations and prosecutions.
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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March 24, 2021
Today, Texas abortion funds came together virtually for their third biennial advocacy day to call for the expansion of access to abortion care and action on policies that ensure all Texans have the support and safe communities they need to build the families they choose.
From Lilith Fund
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March 24, 2021
Despite a sharp overall drop in coronavirus infections in nursing homes in recent months, hundreds of U.S. nursing homes that weathered 2020 without any COVID-19 cases have reported new cases since 2021 began.
From TexPIRG Education Fund
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March 24, 2021
Sen. Gutierrez stated, "Texas is facing a lot of big challenges and it is an absolute shame that the Senate is wasting its time trying to advance a scheme to deny access to the polls for minorities, the disabled, the military, college students, shift workers, and seniors.
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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March 24, 2021
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) leaders are urging members of the Legislature to support Senate Bill 6 – the Pandemic Liability Protection Act – by state Sen. Kelly Hancock. The bill was considered in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 and left pending.
From Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
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March 24, 2021
“Safely visiting with family and friends is vital to the mental health and well-being of long-term care residents,” said Victoria Ford, HHS chief policy and regulatory officer.
From Texas Health and Human Services
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March 24, 2021
“Safely visiting with family and friends is vital to the mental health and well-being of long-term care residents,” said Victoria Ford, HHS chief policy and regulatory officer.
From Texas Health and Human Services
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March 24, 2021
The Texas Smart-on-Crime Coalition today released “Smart Sentencing: The
Right Strategy for Addressing Substance Use in Texas,” a report highlighting the coalition’s
recommendations to address the critical issues that come with incarcerating individuals for their
drug addiction.
From Texas Smart-On-Crime Coalition
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March 24, 2021
Rep. Ron Reynolds has filed HB 2689 to study the public health and economic impacts of climate change in our state. After the February winter storm which affected so many communities it is essential for our state to be better prepared for the impacts of climate change.
From Ron Reynolds Campaign
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March 24, 2021
When bad public policy mixes with opportunistic politics, the results can be disastrous for the long-term interests of Texas.
That has become the case with school property tax abatements under “Chapter 313.”
From Texas AFL CIO
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March 24, 2021
As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out, nursing home residents and staff remain on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. More than 10,000 Texans in long-term care facilities have died as a result of COVID-19.
From AARP
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March 24, 2021
The Texas AFL-CIO today called out Republican leadership efforts to approve bills that would have the effect of discouraging voting in Texas.
The United Labor Legislative Committee — the lobbying arm of organized labor in Texas — has opposed SB 7, HB 6 and other similar bills on tap for hearings.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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March 24, 2021
State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) introduced House Bill 930 Wednesday into the 87th legislative session. This bill is for the requirement of a biennial report on recidivism, which takes an in-depth look at the tendency of a convicted criminal to offend again.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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March 24, 2021
This week, voting rights advocacy group MOVE Texas is going live with a six-figure ad-buy to oppose voter suppression measures SB 7 and HB 6.
From MOVE Texas
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March 24, 2021
After lengthy hearings on Monday of this week, the Senate State Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Brian Hughes (R-Mineola) voted out seven pro-life bills, including three of Texas Alliance for Life's priority bills.
From Texas Alliance for Life
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March 24, 2021
The discriminatory, anti-voting Senate Bill 7, which Progress Texas will henceforth be referring to as the Jim Crow Act, is on the calendar to be heard by the Texas Senate State Affairs committee today.
From Progress Texas
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March 24, 2021
State Representative Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) has a bill scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, March 23rd,
2021 in the House Committee on Transportation. HB 520 would seek to remedy the damage done through
destruction and placement of utility lines by requiring a utility that disturbs the right-of-way of a Texas state
highway while constructing or maintaining a utility facility to plant native pollinator-friendly seed.
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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March 18, 2021
Day after day, the desperate humanitarian crisis on our southern border produced by President Biden’s reckless political decisions spirals out of control.
On average, Customs and Border Protection is encountering 565 unaccompanied migrant children per day, up from 313 per day just last month.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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March 18, 2021
Eighty-six percent of Texans believe the 2020 elections in Texas went well, and 97% reported a good personal experience voting, according to a new statewide poll released today by Secure Democracy. Leading Republican pollster Chris Perkins of Ragnar Research Partners also found strong bipartisan support for policies and legislation that increase accessibility and accountability within the Texas election system.
From Secure Democracy
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March 18, 2021
The recent killings of Asian-American women in Georgia are the latest in a string of high-profile hate crimes including the Charleston church shooting and the El Paso Walmart massacre. After each tragedy, leaders offer “thoughts and prayers” instead of legislation and action.
From Representative James Talarico
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March 18, 2021
The Texas VFW announced its full support and appreciation of State Senators Dawn Buckingham (R) and Drew Springer (R) for introducing SB 989 and SB 1493 respectively, key pieces of legislation that will help keep local VFW’s open, and to ensure they remain open to serve the over 1.7 million veterans that call Texas home, no matter what happens today, tomorrow, or in the future.
From Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars
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March 18, 2021
Reverend Patrick Moses, Democratic candidate for Texas’ 6th Congressional District, today welcomed the endorsements of Mayor Michael Evans of Mansfield and Tarrant County Precinct 2 Constable Robert McGinty.
From Patrick Moses Campaign
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March 18, 2021
– Today, March 18, 2021, Representatives Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston| Chair, Texas Legislative Study Group), Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie | Chair, House Democratic Caucus), Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth | Chair, Texas Legislative Black Caucus), Rafael Anchía (D-Dallas | Chair, Mexican American Legislative Caucus), and Donna Howard (D-Austin | Chair, Texas Women's Health Caucus) issued the following joint remarks:
From Representative Garnet F. Coleman
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March 18, 2021
In the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, the Railroad Commission has worked diligently with the Texas Legislature, other state agencies, and industry stakeholders to provide meaningful solutions to the challenges that our state faced during the storm.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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March 17, 2021
State Representative Gene Wu responds to hate crimes against Asian American communities. There have been nearly 3,800 instances of discrimination reported against Asian Americans in the past year and many more are not being reported. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus stands with Representative Wu in support of HCR 66 Condemning Violence and Hate Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Texas.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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March 17, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services approved two bills authored
and joint-authored by Senator César Blanco, Senate Bill 863 and Senate Bill 827 respectively. Senate Bill 863
authored by Senator Blanco, will help keep children and staff safe by providing residential child-care facilities
more flexibility on where care can be provided in emergency circumstances.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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March 17, 2021
"I had no doubt that asking the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to direct ERCOT to correct their pricing errors was not in conflict with the law or the Texas Constitution and I am pleased that Attorney General Paxton has affirmed that the PUC has "complete authority" to act.
From Officer of the Lieutenant Governor
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March 17, 2021
As Republican lawmakers push legislation making it harder to vote in Texas, a new analysis from the Texas Freedom Network/Texas Rising Action shows the closest presidential election in Texas in decades came as turnout among young eligible voters surged and became even more ethnically and racially diverse across the state.
From Texas Freedom Network
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March 17, 2021
State Representative Rafael Anchía responds to Governor Abbott’s press shows targeting children traveling alone across the Texas/Mexico border. The state of Texas is still reeling from a winter storm that left over 50 Texans dead from hypothermia and a failing pandemic response.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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March 17, 2021
Senator Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) and Representative Steve Allison (R-San Antonio) are leading a bipartisan alliance to combat e-cigarette use among Texas youth. Last year, one in five Texas high school students and one in twenty middle school students reported e-cigarette use — exposing over 3.5 million Texas youth to the harmful effects of nicotine addiction along with a multitude of known and unknown ill health effects of vaping.
From Senator Nathan Johnson
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March 17, 2021
State Representative Jacey Jetton announces a bill prohibiting the State of Texas from hiring a lobbyist to petition the federal government. The bill would also preclude any state funds from being used to the same end.
From Representative Jacey Jetton
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March 17, 2021
– Sery Kim, a lifelong Texan, attorney, and former Assistant Administrator for the
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) appointed by President Donald J. Trump has officially been
endorsed by Tony Pham in her campaign for the open seat in Texas’ 6th Congressional District.
From Sery Kim Campaign
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March 16, 2021
Next time you order catfish from a restaurant menu thank State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) if House Bill 928 passes this legislative session.
Representative Sherman’s House Bill relates to the sale and identification of Swai fish, since currently restaurants are not required to label Swai fish resulting in restaurant and food service providers many times mislabeling it as catfish.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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March 16, 2021
Austin Tech Alliance supports using technology as a tool to help address civic challenges and promoting tech-forward policies. Our vision is to make Austin a city of the future while protecting its unique culture and forging productive relationships between the tech community and policymakers.
From Austin Tech Alliance
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March 16, 2021
State Representative Jacey Jetton announces a "trigger bill" that would go into effect if the federal government passed a bill to take over Texas' elections. HR1 has passed the US House of Representatives and is awaiting the Senate for approval. If this bill passes, Jetton's bill would automatically decouple federal races from all others in Texas.
From Representative Jacey Jetton
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 Copyright April 19, 2021, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
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