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June 18, 2021
The Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM) today congratulated Senator Kelly Hancock for his appointment as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Border Security.
“Many of Texas’ 1,300 aerospace and defense companies actively seek out veterans for the unique expertise and experience they bring to the job,” said Tony Bennett, president and CEO of TAM.
From Texas Association of Manufacturers
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June 18, 2021
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently held a press conference to announce his plans for the State of Texas to build a physical border wall with state taxpayer dollars. He also indicated a new approach to charge immigrants and asylum seekers with state crimes to create a criminal record and jail them.
From Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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June 18, 2021
SB 224, authored by Texas State Senator Charles Perry and sponsored by Rep. Armando Walle, became law yesterday after being signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
The legislation creates a simplified certification and recertification process for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants who are senior citizens and/or people with disabilities living on fixed incomes.
From Feeding Texas
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June 18, 2021
“Governor Abbott’s announcement to build a border wall, not only highlights the misplaced priorities of our State, but attacks the very rights of immigrants. Largely absent from this conversation is the fact that asylum is a legal right.
From Senate Hispanic Caucus
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June 18, 2021
Summer officially begins on June 22, 2021, but the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is already asking Texans to reduce electric use as much as possible through Friday, June 18. How can this be - didn't Governor Greg Abbott claim to have fixed the problems with our electric grid?
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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June 18, 2021
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott signed HB 929 the Botham Jean Act, Wednesday after the Bill passed on the House and Senate floor weeks ago before the end of the 87th Legislative Session.
From Representative Carl Sherman
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June 18, 2021
Decorated veteran, 9/11 survivor, a lifelong conservative, and proud husband and grandfather Brian
Birdwell announced today his campaign for re-election to the Texas State Senate. Sen. Birdwell was overwhelmingly reelected last November. Following the 2020 census, Sen. Birdwell will be on the ballot again in 2022 to earn the vote of the
constituents of Senate District 22.
From Brian Birdwell Campaign
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June 18, 2021
Texas Gun Rights applauds signing of Texas Constitutional Carry law H.B. 1927.
Texas becomes 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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June 18, 2021
Republican State Representative Ed Thompson announced today that he will seek re-
election to the Texas House of Representatives, District 29. House District 29 covers the northern part of Brazoria County, including the cities of Pearland, Alvin, Manvel, Brookside Village, Hillcrest, Iowa Colony, and Liverpool.
From Ed Thompson Campaign
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June 18, 2021
Governor Greg Abbott has signed, giving final approval to Senate Bill 576 by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa. SB 576 strengthens smuggling laws in Texas by giving local law enforcement officers more tools to arrest human smugglers and will make it easier for prosecutors to convict them.
From Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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June 18, 2021
Attorney General Paxton announced that a district judge has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on the Biden Administration’s oil and gas leasing moratorium, which intended to put a pause on the sale of new oil and gas leases on federal public lands and offshore waters by an executive order issued January 27, 2021.
From Office of the Attorney General
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June 18, 2021
Wednesday morning, State Representative Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands) and Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) announced Governor Abbott has signed HB 3979 into law.
From Representative Steve Toth
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June 18, 2021
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that plaintiffs do not have standing to challenge the individual mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act, meaning the law stays intact. Progress Texas offers the following statement in response to the Court’s 7-2 ruling in California v. Texas.
From Progress Texas
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June 18, 2021
The following is a statement from Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse (TALA) regarding Governor Abbott’s approval of lawsuit reforms passed during this year’s regular session of the Texas Legislature. The statement may be attributed to Marla Mathews, TALA spokesperson.
From Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse
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June 18, 2021
We are very concerned and disgusted that Governor Abbott has signed HB 1927 while Texans are still fighting for their lives in Austin area hospitals from the most recent of Texas mass shootings.
From Texas Gun Sense
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June 16, 2021
Today, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Texas Lawmakers at the White House for a meeting centered on voting rights legislation in Texas. These lawmakers are responsible for staging a walkout in the final days of the Legislative Session and successfully blocking Republican Sponsored Senate Bill 7.
From Annie’s List
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June 16, 2021
Today Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, joined state leaders at a news conference to announce emergency actions to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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June 16, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to Gov. Greg Abbott signing permitless carry bill HB 1927 into law.
"In passing permitless carry, Republicans are saying that you no longer need a license to carry a gun, but you still need one to vote,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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June 16, 2021
Texans for Fair Energy Billing (TXFEB) demands that Gov. Greg Abbott include energy as a topic in the upcoming Special Session after the Legislature failed to pass meaningful reform resulted in more uncertainty surrounding the energy grid.
From Texans for Fair Energy Billing
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June 16, 2021
Today, members of the Texas Legislature, including several Members of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC), joined Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss strategies to protect our fundamental freedom to vote.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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June 16, 2021
Scenic Texas announced this week that an important bill signed by Gov. Greg Abbott will bring the wonder of our state’s night skies to more Texans by making it easier for communities to pursue International Dark Sky designations.
From Scenic Texas, Inc
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June 15, 2021
Today, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 5 by State Representative Trent Ashby (RLufkin) and State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) which will increase access to and adoption of
high-speed internet throughout Texas. The measure was deemed by the Governor as one of only eight
Emergency Items for the 87th Legislature and received a low bill number, indicating priority status, by both
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan.
From Representative Trent Ashby
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June 15, 2021
Last night, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 168 by Senator César J. Blanco. S.B. 168 ensures that active shooter exercises are safely conducted and do not harm the mental health and well-being of students and teachers.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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June 15, 2021
Kelly Hart & Hallman today announces that former Texas Secretary of State Ruth Ruggero
Hughs joins the firm's Austin office as a partner in its Public Law practice.
Ms. Hughs most recently served our state as the 113th Texas Secretary of State, appointed by Governor Greg
Abbott on August 19, 2019. Prior to her appointment as Secretary of State, Hughs served as Chair and
Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission.
From Kelly Hart & Hallman
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June 15, 2021
State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) submitted a letter to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) demanding an explanation for the large number of offline generators that prompted a call for Texans to conserve energy for the rest of the week.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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June 14, 2021
The Ann Richards Legacy Project, together with the City of Dallas and Downtown Dallas, Inc.,
announced today the installation of 60, red, white and blue Texas Governor Ann Richards banners. The public art
display celebrates the iconic Texas Governor’s many years of public service and marks the 30th anniversary of her
gubernatorial inauguration.
From The Ann Richards Legacy Project
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June 14, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today in support of Gov. Greg Abbott’s proposal to continue building a wall along the Texas-Mexico border:
“Thanks to President Biden, illegal border crossings are at a twenty-year high with almost 200,000 apprehended this past month alone. The number of criminals entering the country is also breaking records along with human trafficking and drug trafficking.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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June 14, 2021
Four months after widespread power outages shut down Texas, the state’s Electric Reliability Council (ERCOT) is asking Texans to conserve power with temperatures in the 90s -- or even higher -- this week. This call for individual action comes after state lawmakers largely failed to invest in conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy during the just-completed 2021 legislative session.
From Environment Texas
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June 14, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to ERCOT’s request that Texans reduce electricity use.
“Less than a week after Governor Abbott lied and said ‘everything that needed to be done was done to fix the power grid’, ERCOT is already asking Texans to reduce electricity use,” said Wesley Story, communications manager at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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June 14, 2021
Today, State Representative Vikki Goodwin (D- Travis County) submitted comments to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) supporting an extension of Texas' Medicaid 1115 Transformation waiver, while also encouraging the commission to consider modifications to the application that would increase health care coverage to uninsured Texans.
From Representative Vikki Goodwin
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June 14, 2021
Today, Representative Bryan Slaton of HD 2 called for border security legislation to be
included and made a priority in the special session to be called by Governor Abbott. The crisis at the border
has deteriorated exponentially over the last several months since the inauguration of Joe Biden, which has
been highlighted by the repeated pleas for help by officials and citizens alike in the border regions.
From Representative Bryan Slaton
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June 14, 2021
Today, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner (HD 101 - Grand Prairie) announced that State Representative Toni Rose (HD 110 - Dallas) will lead the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC) as the organization’s chair for the 2022 election cycle.
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
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June 14, 2021
Senator Sarah Eckhardt released the following statement on last night’s shooting in Austin that has left at least 13 people hospitalized with injuries:
“Last night’s shooting in the beating heart of Austin’s nightlife has left me heartbroken and angry. But I am eternally grateful for the swift, lifesaving actions of APD, AFD, and EMS crews who put themselves in harms’ way to help the victims of this tragedy.
From Senator Sarah Eckhardt
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June 9, 2021
Texas faces the second worst nursing shortage in the country and ranks 51st nationally in health care access and affordability. After one of the most harrowing years in modern health care history, nurses across Texas were exceedingly hopeful that lawmakers would prioritize health care and pass policies and reforms to support patients, support nurses and improve our working conditions.
From Texas Nurse Practitioners
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June 9, 2021
Today, State Senator Roland Gutierrez released a letter addressed to Governor Greg Abbott stressing the need for ratepayer relief and formally requesting that the $350 check for ratepayers proposed by Gutierrez that died in the final hours of the recently concluded 87th Legislature be added to any call for a Special Session issued by the Governor.
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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June 9, 2021
Republican State Representative Will Metcalf has announced he will seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives, District 16. His announcement follows what is widely being called the “most conservative legislative session in Texas history.”
From Will Metcalf Campaign
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June 9, 2021
Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa announced that he is running for re-election to the Texas Senate. Highlighting his legislative successes, as well as his ability to work across the aisle, Senator Hinojosa has proven session after session that his approach to public policy and his decisions on legislation are based on what is best for our South Texas families.
From Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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June 9, 2021
On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate bill 1028 which will ensure Texans can access affordable preventative colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45. It does this by eliminating cost-sharing for all preventative colorectal cancer screening tests for people 45 and older, even if they are performed as a follow up to a positive less invasive screening.
From Cancer Action Network American Cancer Society
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June 7, 2021
Texas State Senator Paul Bettencourt has announced his intention to seek reelection and run to represent Senate District 7 in the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature.
In the recently concluded 87th Legislative Session, Senator Bettencourt was an Author, Sponsor, Co-Sponsor, Joint Author, or Co-Author on 101 bills that were passed to the Governor’s desk. Some of these have already been signed into law.
From Paul Bettencourt Campaign
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June 7, 2021
Today, Texans for Fair Energy Billing (TXFEB) and Texans Against Abusive Energy Pricing announced the unification of their independent coalitions under the name Texans for Fair Energy Billing (TXFEB).
From Texans for Fair Energy Billing
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June 3, 2021
Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) released the following statement:
“We have just completed a terrific legislature session where I’m incredibly proud of the work the Texas Senate has accomplished. But much work lies ahead.
From Lois Kolkhorst Campaign
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June 3, 2021
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) spearheaded a national Farm Bureau effort urging top Biden administration officials to recognize the border crisis and take swift action to help farm and ranch families impacted by the surge of illegal immigration.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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June 3, 2021
The Children’s Hospital Association of Texas (CHAT) applauds the Texas Legislature’s passing three key healthcare bills that will support children and women's health and well-being through telehealth and telemedicine and more consistent Medicaid coverage for children and postpartum women.
From Children’s Hospital Association of Texas
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June 3, 2021
As the state legislative session wraps up, the advocacy group TexPIRG says that while the Legislature delivered for Texans on prescription drug price transparency and the expansion of telehealth, on the whole, lawmakers didn’t do enough to help their constituents.
From TexPIRG
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June 3, 2021
On May 30, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 162 by Senator César J. Blanco. Senate Bill 162 will make it a state crime in Texas to lie on a background check form to illegally purchase a firearm. The bill is commonly known as the "Lie & Try law" and will be effective September 1, 2021.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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June 2, 2021
The Texas Legislature ended its regular session on May 31. Key among the successes was adopting a two-year budget that vastly increases funding for the state's Alternatives to Abortion (A2A) program. A2A's goals are reducing abortions, improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and families' economic self-sufficiency.
From Texas Alliance for Life
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June 2, 2021
At least 35 percent of funds dedicated for air quality programs will now instead go to road-building, under legislation sent Tuesday to Gov. Greg Abbott. The raid on clean air funds was a lowlight in a legislative session where the environment otherwise fared well amid an onslaught of efforts to weaken protections.
From Environment Texas
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June 2, 2021
Today, community activist, non-profit member, and proud Tejana Claudia Zapata announced her candidacy for Texas’ 35th Congressional District, challenging incumbent Lloyd Doggett. Zapata, the daughter of a teacher, comes from a family of strong, determined, working-class Texans and intends to bring accurate representation to a district that is over sixty percent Hispanic.
From Claudia Zapata Campaign
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June 1, 2021
The Network of Texas IAF Organizations commend both Republicans and Democrats for refusing to reauthorize Chapter 313, Texas’s largest corporate tax giveaway program. The Texas IAF worked the entire session to defeat Chapter 313 reauthorization bills, such as HB1556 (Murphy), which would have cost Texas schools nearly $50 billion in lost revenue over the next 25 years.
From Network of Texas IAF Organizations
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June 1, 2021
Senator Donna Campbell, M.D. released the following statement:
“I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I accomplished during the 87th Session, which will help shape the future of Texas. However, there is still work to be done, and a Special Session will come later this year.
From Donna Campbell Campaign
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June 1, 2021
Today, Governor Abbott signed into law four major public safety bills to enhance and better protect Texans and law enforcement officers. Not only did Rep. Jake Ellzey support these public safety priority bills, he was the Joint- Author or Co-Author of three of the four bills.
From Representative Jake Ellzey
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June 1, 2021
“The 87th Regular Session is certainly one for the history books. It has marked a turning point in my life and will be remembered for some significant changes. I’m pleased with the work we have accomplished and look forward to an opportunity to come back and work on redistricting and on some important unfinished business.
From Dan Huberty Campaign
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June 1, 2021
Texas State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) was part of a late-night walkout Sunday evening with fellow Democrats on the last night of the Regular 87th Legislative Session.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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June 1, 2021
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement agreement with major tobacco companies that will result in $195 million paid to Texas.
The lawsuit arose out of the 1998 Texas Tobacco Settlement Agreement, by which major tobacco companies must make annual payments to Texas to reimburse it for smoking-related health care costs.
From Office of the Attorney General
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June 1, 2021
The Children’s Hospital Association of Texas (CHAT) applauds the Texas Legislature’s passing three key healthcare bills that will support children and women's health and well-being through telehealth and telemedicine and more consistent Medicaid coverage for children and postpartum women.
From Children’s Hospital Association of Texas
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June 1, 2021
“We accomplished a lot during the 87th Regular Session. But unfinished business still remains. I’m announcing my intention now for reelection because I am committed to completing the tasks at hand.
From Jim Murphy Campaign
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June 1, 2021
"Governor Abbott's threat to defund the legislature is unethical and anti-democratic. By threatening to defund Texas’s legislative branch, Governor Abbott undermines the constitutional set of checks and balances upon which our government is built.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
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June 1, 2021
Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson, M.D. released the following statement:
“We just finished a legislative session unlike any I have seen. We accomplished many conservative priorities, making this one of most conservative sessions in recent memory.
From Tom Oliverson Campaign
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June 1, 2021
A dismal 87th regular session of the Texas Legislature exiled working families further into the wilderness, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said today.
“Two statewide disasters brought Texans together and gave us hope that lawmakers would reflect that unity,” Levy said.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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June 1, 2021
From Representative John Raney
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June 1, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today after gaveling out the 87th Legislative Session, sine die:
“During the 87th Legislative Session, the Texas Senate faced unprecedented challenges and demonstrated their commitment to the people of Texas again and again.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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June 1, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate will adjourn Sine Die, marking the end of the 87th Texas legislative session. In his first term in the Texas Senate, Senator César J. Blanco (El Paso) proved to be an effective legislator passing landmark legislation and delivering for El Paso and West Texas.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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June 1, 2021
The following is a statement from Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse (TALA) regarding passage of lawsuit reforms during this year’s regular session of the Texas Legislature. The statement may be attributed to Marla Mathews, TALA spokesperson.
From Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse
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June 1, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate will adjourn Sine Die, marking the end of the 87th Texas legislative session. In his first term in the Texas Senate, Senator César J. Blanco (El Paso) proved to be an effective legislator passing landmark legislation and delivering for El Paso and West Texas.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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June 1, 2021
The major telemedicine and telehealth bill of the legislative session, House Bill 4 authored by Representative Four Price, has finally passed both legislative chambers. The enrolled bill has been sent to Governor Abbott for his consideration.
From Representative Four Price
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June 1, 2021
The 87th Texas Legislature concluded today (Monday), and the
Senate's highest-ranking woman and Hispanic member, Senator Judith Zaffirini, DLaredo, was the Senate's highest bill-passer for the fourth consecutive session.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
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June 1, 2021
Today the Texas Legislature adjourned sine die for the 87th Regular Legislative Session, sending over 1,000 bills to Governor Greg Abbott's desk, including legislation authored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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June 1, 2021
Two legislative proposals that State Rep. Todd Hunter authored to improve beach safety have been passed by the Legislature and are on their way to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.
From Todd Hunter Campaign
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June 1, 2021
The Texas Legislature adjourned today without passing Senate
Bill 207 or House Bill 1617. Throughout the legislative session, Texas doctors had opposed the
bills’ legislative overreach into the independent practice of medicine and their push for
government rate setting for physician compensation.
From Physicians for Free Market Healthcare
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June 1, 2021
Last night, quorum was broken by Democratic members of the Texas House. This is the fourth time in the history of the Texas Legislature that this parliamentary tactic has been used.
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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June 1, 2021
“Shortly before 11 p.m. House Democrats courageously broke quorum. We applaud them for taking this necessary action to ensure that Senate Bill 7 did not become law.
From Texas Senate Democratic Caucus
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June 1, 2021
Time ran out on the Texas House floor last night due to a lack of quorum! At the end of the session, we need to celebrate and give credit to the many voting rights heroes who fought against this anti-voter legislation.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
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June 1, 2021
Tonight State Rep. John Bucy III (D-Austin) joined members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus in walking off the House floor to break quorum and stop the passage of Senate Bill 7. Rep. Bucy issued the following statement in response:
From Representative John Bucy III
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June 1, 2021
Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) today issued the following statement:
“Today, on the second to last day of session, a number of members have chosen to disrupt the legislative process by abandoning the legislative chamber before our work was done.
From Speaker Dade Phelan
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June 1, 2021
Today, Democratic lawmakers in the Texas House effectively killed Senate Bill 7, a racist voter suppression bill that contains some of the most extreme voting restrictions in the nation.
From Progress Texas
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June 1, 2021
The Texas Senate moments ago passed legislation authored by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) overhauling the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Board of Directors.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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June 1, 2021
Texas has the highest number and percentage of uninsured children in the country. According
to the United States Census, the child uninsured rate in Texas 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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June 1, 2021
Scenic Texas announced today that the bill to establish a State Scenic Byways Program in Texas was signed over the weekend by Governor Greg Abbott, the nonprofit announced today.
From Scenic Texas, Inc.
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May 28, 2021
Legislation by Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, strengthening resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is on its way to the Governor's desk.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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May 28, 2021
Today, a new nonprofit organization, Our Future Texas, launches in response to the 2021 Texas Legislative session. Our Future Texas’s mission is to further the goals of local policies and local policymakers that will create a better future for our state: city by city, county by county.
From Our Future Texas
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May 28, 2021
Senate Bill 424 by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa has passed the Texas Senate and the House of Representatives and will soon be on its way to Governor Greg Abbott's desk for his signature. The bill ensures that small businesses across the state are given the opportunity to remedy a first-time regulatory violation before an administrative penalty is imposed.
From Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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May 28, 2021
On Thursday, May 27, 2021, Texas' state budget for the next biennium was voted on by the Texas House of Representatives. The House adopted the Conference Committee Report for SB 1, the General Appropriations Act that contains the state budget, which passed the Senate on Wednesday, May 28, 2021.
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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May 28, 2021
Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 168 by Senator César J. Blanco and sponsored by Rep. Claudia Ordaz-Perez. Senate Bill 168 will ensure active shooter exercises are safely conducted and do not harm the mental health and well-being of students and teachers.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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May 27, 2021
“The Legislature failed to renew Chapter 313, our most important economic development tool, and our neighboring states are surely celebrating to see Texas throw in the towel. These states are hungrier than we are and don’t take for granted the economic engines of their states.
From Texas Association of Manufacturers
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May 27, 2021
US Naval Academy graduate and retired Navy Commander Jake Ellzey today announced record fundraising totals in his effort to be the next member of Congress from Texas’ Sixth Congressional District.
From Jake Ellzey Campaign
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May 27, 2021
The Network of Texas IAF Organizations commend both Republicans and Democrats for refusing to reauthorized Chapter 313, Texas’s largest corporate tax giveaway program. The passing of a key deadline in the Senate tonight effectively killed HB4242, the last remaining Chapter 313 bill.
From The Network of Texas IAF Organizations
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May 27, 2021
As the 2021 Texas legislative session nears its finish, AARP Texas applauds state lawmakers who championed meaningful bills that seek to increase consumer protection, improve healthcare and promote financial resilience.
From AARP Texas
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May 27, 2021
On Monday, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 623, the Vanessa Guillén Act, by Senator César J. Blanco. The Texas Senate previously passed S.B. 623. The bill now heads to Governor Abbott for final approval.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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May 27, 2021
State Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers (HD 113) successfully added an
amendment on the House Floor to Senate Bill 14 that will ensure municipalities and counties
have the ability to pass local versions of the CROWN Act.
From Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers
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May 27, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today on the final passage of Senate Bill 1, the 2022-2023 State Budget, and House Bill 2, the 2021 Supplemental Budget:
“I congratulate Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and the Texas Senate for the unanimous final passage of the State Budget and House Bill 2, the Supplemental Budget, today.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 27, 2021
Texas businesses cheered Wednesday as the Texas House approved Senate Bill 14, which would provide consistency in government regulations on labor and employment practices at private-sector businesses so those businesses can better contribute to the Texas economy and find the employees they need.
From Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas
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May 27, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate unanimously adopted the conference committee reports for Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 2, the State Budget and Supplemental Appropriations Act, respectively.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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May 27, 2021
On Tuesday, May 25th, the Texas Senate gave final approval to the Human Life Protection Act, HB 1280, on a 19 to 12 vote. Passed by the House on an 81 to 61 vote on May 6, HB 1280 now goes to Governor Greg Abbott who is expected to sign it into law.
From Texans For Life Committee
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May 27, 2021
The Texas Senate today approved the Conference Committee Report on SB 1, the Appropriations Bill authored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, establishing the state's priorities for the next two years.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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May 27, 2021
Last night, the Texas Senate passed Representative Bernal’s House Bill 999, the only bill this
session that offers graduation assistance to high school seniors during this unprecedented time.
From Representative Diego Bernal
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May 27, 2021
Today, Progress Texas filed complaints with the Texas Ethics Commission against The Heritage Foundation and its C4 arm, Heritage Action for America, for failing to register as lobbyists in the 2021 Texas legislative session.
From Progress Texas
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May 27, 2021
Today, following a vote on the floor of the Texas Senate, State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D- Bexar) announced that he secured $285 million in state funding for the 17-county, 19th Senatorial District, including $7.5 million to support the new "Multi-Assistance Center (MAC)" at Morgan's Wonderland, $1 million for Institutional Advancement at Sul Ross State University, and $276.5 million to complete construction at Austin and San Antonio State Hospitals.
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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May 27, 2021
House Bill 929 passed yet another watershed moment Monday night on the Senate floor when Texas State Representative Carl O. Sherman (D-109) saw Bo’s Law pass.
The show of solidarity between both parties continued just as on the House Floor last week when Texas Senators passed Bo’s Law last night thereby standing together in relation to the issue of body cameras worn by peace officers.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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May 27, 2021
Today, dozens of civil rights groups, voting rights organizations, and voting rights advocates sent a letter to Senate Bill 7 Conference Committee Members asking them to stand in firm opposition to anti-voter Senate Bill 7 and urged every member of the legislature to reject the backroom-drafted conference committee report when it comes out.
From MOVE Texas Action Fund
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May 27, 2021
Today, after Dan Patrick announced he would be asking Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address dead, far-right legislation, instead of issues that Texans actually care about like fixing our grid, Texas Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Mike Collier released the following statement:
From Mike Collier Campaign
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May 27, 2021
Yesterday night, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1280, commonly called a “trigger ban,” which would ban abortion if Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court. HB 1280 would ban abortion in Texas at any stage of gestation and provides only an extremely narrow exception for medical emergencies that threaten the pregnant person’s life. The bill now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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May 25, 2021
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), Chair of the Local Government Committee, passes HB 1869 By Representative Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) with bipartisan support by a vote of 20-10 to strengthen protections in Senate Bill 2, The Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act, passed in the 86th legislative session, that lowered the voter approved rate from 8% to 3.5%.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 25, 2021
It’s been one year since a Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man and Texas native, whose death sparked nationwide calls for police accountability and racial justice.
From Progress Texas
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May 25, 2021
With just days left until Sine Die, this session has proved to be the most difficult in
modern history.
"This session made us confront a global pandemic, an economic recession, and the
devastation of Winter Storm Uri,” said Rep. Rafael Anchía.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
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May 25, 2021
AARP Texas is encouraging Texans who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to look into the recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.
From AARP Texas
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May 25, 2021
House Bill 103, a bill filed by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to create the Texas Active Shooter Alert System, was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on Monday. Landgraf’s bill, also referred to as the Leilah Hernandez Act, received unanimous support at every stage of the legislative process.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 24, 2021
After months of meetings with advocates and stakeholders and careful planning with House colleagues, Rep. Talarico (D-Round Rock) passed legislation capping the monthly cost of insulin for Texans through both the Texas Senate and House with Senator Kolkhorst, Rep. Eddie Lucio III, and Rep. Four Price.
From Representative James Talarico
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May 24, 2021
Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) today issued the below statement following the House’s passage of Senate Bill 3, legislation filed in response to Winter Storm Uri:
"With the passage of Senate Bill 3 by the Texas House, our state is one step closer to reforming our electric grid.
From Speaker of the House
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May 24, 2021
Today, Texas Right to Vote released a public list of companies that have remained largely silent on voting rights as the Texas legislature is just days away from sending an largescale bill that rolls back voting rights to Governor Greg Abbott’s to sign into law.
From Texas Right To Vote
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May 24, 2021
Legislation that would allow voters and election officials to track the progress of mail ballots online is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after receiving bipartisan support in the Texas House and Senate. House Bill 1382 (Rep. Bucy) would create an internet portal to let voters track their mail ballots.
From Secure Democracy
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May 24, 2021
Today the Texas House gave initial approval to SB 3, the Legislature's most consequential bill to respond to the deadly February blackouts. Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger, who has worked on energy issues in Texas for more than two decades and whose family went without power for more than three days during the blackout, released the following statement:
From Environment Texas:
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May 21, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today announcing that a full agreement has been reached on House Bill 1927:
“I congratulate Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, and Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, for reaching a full agreement on Constitutional Carry – HB 1927.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 21, 2021
“The House and Senate conferees have reached an agreement on House Bill 1927, a critical benchmark before this bill reaches Gov. Abbott’s desk.
From Representative Matt Schaefer
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May 21, 2021
Newly formed Texas Voters Forward Coalition and the NAACP Houston will send a clear message this week to state legislators regarding bills that disenfranchise voters, in particular those in Black and Brown communities.
From Texas Voters Forward Coalition
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May 21, 2021
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) issued the following statement on the Texas State General Land Office’s (GLO) decision to omit the City of Houston and Harris County from the initial distribution of federal Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program funds, provided to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts:
From Representative Lizzie Fletcher
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May 20, 2021
Texas Realtors commended the 87th Texas Legislature for
passing legislation to ensure homeowner association operations are transparent and
provide an appropriate balance between private property rights and agreed-upon
community standards.
From Texas Realtors
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May 20, 2021
The Keep Texas Trucking Coalition (KTTC) today released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 207, which addresses abusive practices in commercial vehicle lawsuits by allowing relevant evidence to be presented to juries about the true value of healthcare services provided to the plaintiff, not just the amount billed by the healthcare provider:
From Keep Texas Trucking Coalition
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May 20, 2021
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina released the following statement:
As the legislative session winds to a close, uncertainty remains over the remaining federal stimulus funds, about $7 billion, earmarked for public education in Texas.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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May 20, 2021
Today, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 8, the Texas Heartbeat Act. This new Texas law is the strongest Pro-Life law since Roe v. Wade. Rep. Jake Ellzey was a Co-Sponsor of SB 8 as well as Co-Author of the identical companion bill, HB 1515.
From Representative Jake Ellzey
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May 20, 2021
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) leaders are applauding the Texas Senate for passing legislation aimed at reining in abusive lawsuits plaguing the owners and operators of commercial service and delivery vehicles. The measure, House Bill 19, passed the Senate today unanimously.
From Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
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May 20, 2021
The Keep Texas Trucking Coalition (KTTC) today released the following statement regarding the passage of House Bill 19 by the Texas Senate on a unanimous bipartisan vote of 31 to zero.
From Keep Texas Trucking Coalition
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May 20, 2021
Today the Texas Legislature passed SB 197 by Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, helping more pets find forever homes.
"Pets are a part of our families. Before we can adopt them, animals are often given temporary shelter by rescue organizations," Senator Nelson said.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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May 20, 2021
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed State Representative Carl O. Sherman’s House Bill 362 into state law last week as the 87th regular legislative session comes to an end in May.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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May 20, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in opposition to Senate Bill 8, a six-week abortion ban that was just signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.
“This abortion ban contains some of the most extreme abortion restrictions in the country,” said Diana Gómez, advocacy manager at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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May 20, 2021
Today, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund condemned Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas state legislature for passing a dangerous law that would effectively outlaw abortion throughout the state.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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May 20, 2021
Today, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 8, an extreme anti-abortion bill that bans abortion before most even people know they're pregnant with no exceptions. The bill is set to go into effect on September 1, 2021 unless courts intervene.
From Lilith Fund
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May 18, 2021
Today, Commissioner Wayne Christian authored and passed three resolutions to protect states’ rights, protect consumers, and encourage technological innovation in the oil and gas industry.
Resolution 21.052 - Opposition to the CLEAN Future Act (View here): This resolution co-sponsored by Texas and North Dakota asks the Biden Administration and Congress to oppose the CLEAN Future Act and other similar pieces of legislation on behalf of oil and gas producing states.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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May 18, 2021
Texas Faculty Association President Pat Heintzelman released the following statement:
The Texas Faculty Association urges Gov. Greg Abbott to reconsider his order ending mask requirements in government facilities, including universities.
From Texas Faculty Association
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May 18, 2021
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina released the following statement:
The Texas State Teachers Association believes Gov. Greg Abbott’s order ending all masking requirements in Texas public schools, effective June 4, is premature.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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May 18, 2021
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) remembered and paid tribute to Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, Texas Rangers and Special Agents who lost their lives in the line of duty at today’s 2021 Peace Officers Memorial Service.
From Texas DPS
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May 18, 2021
Today the Texas House State Affairs committee unanimously approved an amended version of SB 3, legislation responding to the deadly February blackouts. The bill largely strikes language from the Senate-passed version of the bill which would have made wind and solar power pay potentially billions for "ancillary services" and "replacement power."
From Environment Texas
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May 18, 2021
Today, the Texas Legislature voted unanimously in support of Senate bill 1028, ensuring Texans can access affordable preventative colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 per American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines – and as of today’s announcement by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – also the USPSTF’s latest recommendations which too lowers the age to begin colorectal cancer screening from age 50 to 45.
From American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
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May 18, 2021
Today, a group of cancer survivors and advocates that make up the Texas Cancer Survivors Coalition (TCSC) are calling on Texas State Legislators and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to advance legislation that supports Texas cancer survivors and their networks.
From Texas Cancer Survivors Coalition
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May 18, 2021
Moments ago, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Texas filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas seeking to halt the enforcement of a Lubbock city ordinance that would ban abortion.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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May 18, 2021
HB 3979, a highly controversial anti-civics education bill, was originally on the notice to be heard today. Many advocates and educators, including us, planned to testify in opposition.
From Common Cause Texas
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 Copyright June 20, 2021, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
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