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May 11, 2021
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) unanimously passed HB 2723 authored by House Ways and Means Chair Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas), companion to Senator Bettencourt's SB1434, to improve the accessibility and awareness of taxing entities property tax websites by creating a statewide website listing all truth-in-taxation websites.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 11, 2021
State Representative Jacey Jetton announces support for election integrity legislation passed by the Texas House, following more than 15 years of bipartisan efforts to increase confidence in the outcomes of our elections.
From Representative Jacey Jetton
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May 11, 2021
Last week, a new report in the decades-long lawsuit against the foster care system in Texas, along with news of an increase in instances of children sleeping in CPS offices, demonstrated, once again, that the foster care system in Texas has a long way to go to ensure that children in state care are safe and well.
From TexProtects
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May 10, 2021
The Network of Texas IAF Organizations believes Chapter 313 creates a major tax drain to our state budget, which represents millions that could be spent on schools and other important priorities, which is why we have worked on this policy all session.
From Network of Texas IAF Organizations
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May 10, 2021
Public Education Chair Harold Dutton (D-Houston) and House sponsor of SB 1365 authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) was voted out of committee 7-5-1 and moves to the floor of the House.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 10, 2021
Texans for Healthcare Access today released a short video raising awareness about the state’s overregulation of health care professionals, pointing out that Texas ranks 46th in health profession overregulation, even behind California.
From Texans For Healthcare Access
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May 10, 2021
Texas Democratic Lt. Governor Candidate and Former Biden for Texas Senior Advisor Mike Collier issued the following statement:
“In 2012, Mitt Romney carried Texas by 16 points. In 2020, Donald Trump nearly lost with a slim margin of 5 points.
From Mike Collier Campaign
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May 10, 2021
“Over the last five years in my role as Chairman of President Trump’s presidential campaign in Texas, he and I have become good friends. I am honored to have his endorsement.
From Dan Patrick Campaign
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May 10, 2021
Juneteenth was recognized in the State of Texas as an official holiday on January 1, 1980. Currently however, the holiday is considered only a partial staffing holiday and government offices do not officially close on June 19th allowing instead for employees to officially celebrate only by choosing it as one of four optional holidays recognized by Texas.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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May 10, 2021
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina and Texas Faculty Association President Pat Heintzelman released the following joint statement:
State Comptroller Glenn Hegar has added $3.12 billion to the biennial revenue estimate for the upcoming budget period.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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May 10, 2021
Legislation by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to bolster the state’s online protective order registry passed out of the Texas House by a vote of 145 - 1 on Tuesday.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 10, 2021
The Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 3774 on Friday, May 7. Authored by State Representative Jeff Leach (R-Plano), House Bill 3774 relates to the operation and administration of and practice and procedure related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
From Representative Hugh D. Shine
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May 7, 2021
House Bill 3662 is a landmark piece of legislation for Central Texas because the area is predominately rural and lacks a tax base large enough to create a public healthcare system as seen in major cities around Texas.
From Representative Hugh D. Shine
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May 7, 2021
Legislation joint authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to reduce STAAR testing passed out of the Texas House by a vote of 136 - 6 on Friday.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 7, 2021
Today, May 7, 2021 the Texas House of Representatives voted on Senate Bill 7 — a racially motivated law that aims to intimidate and suppress the vote. Despite last minute changes after hours of push back, SB 7 passed the Texas House of Representatives on a vote of 78 - 64.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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May 7, 2021
Statement on SB 7, the voter suppression bill approved today by the Texas House, by Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy:
“SB 7 gives new momentum to an ugly legacy of Texas voter suppression, making voting harder, especially for Texans who are Black, Latino, Asian-American, immigrants, or persons with disabilities.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 7, 2021
Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa's Senate Bill 1334 has now been sent to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval before becoming law. This bill will give city and county owned toll bridges another funding tool to invest in our port of entry infrastructure.
From Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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May 7, 2021
Today, the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee nominated Private Marcelino Serna for the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor. Senator César J. Blanco authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 nominating Private Serna for the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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May 7, 2021
Today, SB 29 by Senator Perry, which would prevent trans youth from
participating in sports, was voted out of the House Public Education Committee.
From Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
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May 7, 2021
At around 3:30am this morning, Senate Bill 7 (subbed in on the House floor for House Bill 6) passed the Texas State House by an 81 to 64 vote. We have a full play by play in this Twitter thread including a breakdown on the amendments that were attached before passage.
From Common Cause Texas
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May 7, 2021
"For democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all. In total disregard for what voters want, the Texas House of Representatives chose to pass a major election bill - SB 7 - that greatly limits voting methods, complicates voter assistance, and adds criminal penalties for election workers.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
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May 7, 2021
After pushing back debate on Senate Bill 7 multiple times throughout the day, representatives finally took a vote on the voter suppression bill around 3 a.m. Friday morning. The Texas House voted 81-64 along party lines to pass the bill on second reading after speeding through a number of amendments.
From Progress Texas
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May 7, 2021
The Texas House of Representatives spent hours on Thursday night through the early morning hours on floor debate, proposed amendments, and negotiations on Senate Bill 7 (SB7) , an omnibus election bill.
From Texas Right 2 Vote
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May 7, 2021
“Today, the Texas House passed SB 7 on second reading, a bill to safeguard our elections in Texas, despite immense pressure from woke corporations and the liberal media.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 6, 2021
Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 168 by Senator César J. Blanco (El Paso). 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 J. Blanco
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May 6, 2021
The Texas AFL-CIO and the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation (ALF) hailed today’s 14th Court of Appeals ruling upholding the constitutionality of collective bargaining between the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and the City of Houston. The ruling requires Houston to pay court costs to the union.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 6, 2021
The National Association for Gun Rights celebrates the advancement of NAGR-backed Constitutional Carry (House Bill 1927) out of the Texas State Senate by a vote of 18-13. If signed by the governor, 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 National Association for Gun Rights
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May 6, 2021
In a party-line vote, the Texas Senate approved legislation that will allow nearly anyone to carry handguns with no training or licensing on Wednesday. Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to permitless carry bill HB 1927 passing in the Senate.
From Progress Texas
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May 6, 2021
Senator José Menéndez released the following statement in response to the passage of House Bill (HB) 1927:
“I joined the minority in voting against HB 1927, the so-called "permit less carry" bill, which would allow anyone--including domestic abusers, members of White supremacist groups, felons, and the mentally ill to carry a firearm without any type of training, background check, license or permit.
From Senator Jose Menendez
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May 6, 2021
Legislation cosponsored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to prohibit abortion procedures after detection of a fetal heartbeat passed out of the Texas House by a vote of 83 - 64 on Thursday.
“Senate Bill 8 is one of the most important pro-life bills I’ve been proud to support,” Landgraf said.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 6, 2021
On Wednesday, May 5, the Texas House gave preliminary approval to one of Texas Alliance for Life's top legislative priorities -- the Human Life Protection Act, HB 1280 -- on an 80-64 vote. The House is expected to give final approval today, and HB 1280 will go to the Senate where it is expected to receive approval.
From Texas Alliance of Life
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May 6, 2021
The Texas House Committee on the Judiciary and Civil
Jurisprudence yesterday approved Senate Bill 207 to limit physician compensation and restrict
access to essential health care. More than 60 doctors from across the state testified in hearings in
March and April voicing strong opposition to the bill.
From Physicians for Free Market Healthcare
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May 6, 2021
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) along with 2 co-authors including Chair of Senate Education Committee Senator Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) and Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) passed an important piece of bipartisan legislation through the full Senate on a vote of 20-11 to ensure the implementation of the statutory turnaround model for low-performing or failing public schools in Texas to keep putting students first.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 6, 2021
"Today's passage of House Bill 1927, the Permitless Carry Bill, does a great disservice to El Paso and every community and family impacted by gun violence. By doing away with current background checks and safety training requirements to carry handguns in Texas, our communities will not be any safer.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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May 6, 2021
Annie’s List, the statewide political organization that works to elect pro-choice, progressive women to office in Texas, releases the following statement in response to today’s preliminary passage of Senate Bill 8, House Bill 1280, and House Bill 1927.
From Annie’s List
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May 6, 2021
The following statement was released by SDC Chair Carol Alvarado on behalf of the caucus:
HB 1927 strips away the last remaining safeguards protecting Texans from untrained and unfit individuals being able to carry a handgun in public.
From Texas Senate Democratic Caucus
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May 6, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of House Bill 1927, carried by Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown:
“I am proud that the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1927 today, the Constitutional Carry bill, which affirms every Texan's right to self-defense and our state’s strong support for our Second Amendment right to bear arms.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 6, 2021
"Today, on a party-line vote, the Texas Senate gave its stamp of approval to a bill that will allow the lawless carry of handguns despite the objections of a majority of Texans and law enforcement from across the state.
From Senator Sarah Eckhardt
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May 5, 2021
Today, the Texas House of Representatives voted to approve on second reading Senate Bill 8, a bill that bans abortion before most even people know they're pregnant with no exceptions. It now moves on to final consideration by the Texas House.
From Lilith Fund
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May 5, 2021
Today, the Texas House advanced Senate Bill 8, a six-week abortion ban, to the final stage of the legislative process. Once the bill receives final passage, it will go to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed into law and take effect Sept. 1.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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May 5, 2021
Today, before the Texas Senate passed the permitless carry bill pushed by Dan Patrick, Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Mike Collier and Texas Gun Safety Activist Rhonda Hart teamed up to denounce the legislation and Patrick’s reckless leadership on the dangerous legislation.
From Mike Collier Campaign
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May 5, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement in opposition to Senate Bill 8, a six-week abortion ban that just passed on second reading in the Texas House and has already passed through the Texas Senate.
“Instead of addressing the real and immediate problems Texans face, legislators are trying to ban abortion and push essential reproductive health care further out of reach,” said Diana Gómez, advocacy manager at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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May 5, 2021
Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina released the following statement:
The Texas State Teachers Association opposes House Bill 6, the voter suppression bill that the Texas House of Representatives is expected to debate tomorrow.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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May 5, 2021
Texas Freedom Network: TFN, Faith Leaders Reject Texas Lawmakers Draconian Assault On Abortion Rights
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 5, 2021
Over the past few weeks, the House Public Education Committee has considered legislation that is harmful to transgender students. HB 4042 and SB 29 require that public schools force students to participate in UIL Sports based on their sex assigned at birth—effectively banning trans youths’ access to sports in Texas.
From Representative James Talarico
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May 5, 2021
House Bill 17 protects consumers by prohibiting political subdivisions from discriminating against specific fuel sources like natural gas and coal; this will ensure cities and counties cannot pass California-style ordinances that ban gas hook-ups in new buildings or homes.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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May 5, 2021
Today, a broad coalition of companies and executives released a letter calling on elected leaders to support reforms making elections more accessible, and opposing any measures to restrict eligible voters’ right to vote.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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May 5, 2021
Texans overwhelmingly support modernizing the state’s alcohol laws to allow cocktails to-go, permit seven-day spirits sales and increase distillery sales, according to a statewide poll released today by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
From Distilled Spirits Council
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May 5, 2021
Legislation by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to create the Texas Active Shooter Alert System took another important step in the process to becoming law as it was passed unanimously out of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 5, 2021
Moments ago, the Calendars Committee voted to send House Bill 6 to the floor of the TX House of Representatives on Thursday.
At the beginning of session, Speaker Phelan had some idealistic words about how he viewed the role of the Speaker:
“It’s about being an honest broker, it’s about calling balls and strikes, it’s not about politics...it’s about trust.”
From Common Cause Texas
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May 5, 2021
Mayes Media Group, a North Texas-based advertising agency specializing in political communications, is proud to announce it has received two coveted Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.
From Mayes Media Group
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May 5, 2021
Over 200 physicians including obstetrician gynecologists, family physicians, pediatricians, internists, emergency room physicians, psychiatrists, dermatologists, and radiologists have signed an open letter to House Speaker Dade Phelan and members of the Texas House expressing strong opposition to Senate Bill 8.
From Progress Texas
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May 5, 2021
Two extreme anti-abortion bills are scheduled to be heard on the House floor this Wednesday, May 5. Senate Bill 8, would ban abortion at six weeks, and House Bill 1280, known as a “trigger ban” would ban nearly all abortions if Roe v. Wade was overturned.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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May 3, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 342, urging the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to significantly lower the system-wide energy pricing cap:
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 3, 2021
"I am not surprised by Comptroller Hegar’s announcement today affirming that our conservative policies — low taxes and reasonable regulation — as well as our commitment to keeping our state open — have caused the Texas economy to take off like a rocket.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 3, 2021
The Texas AFL-CIO thanked the Texas House for advancing two bills that would upgrade the Unemployment Insurance system in Texas.
HB 157 by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, would bolster the existing Shared Work program, which allows employers to reduce hours for employees and at the same time allows employees to receive partial benefits.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 3, 2021
In an open letter to the Texas Legislature and the 8.5 million Catholics who live in the state, the state’s Catholic bishops call on people to join them in opposing “permitless carry,” as it is being presented in a bill that has moved through the Texas House and is expected to be considered by the Texas Senate the week of May 3.
From Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
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May 3, 2021
Several airports in central Texas were awarded a number of federal grants totaling $232,162 to combat the spread of coronavirus, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced today.
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 3, 2021
Today, Progress Texas sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dade Phelan, and members of the Texas House and Senate condemning bills that criminalize or increase penalties for voting errors, including Senate Bill 7 and House Bill 6.
From Progress Texas
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April 30, 2021
Representative Michelle Beckley’s House Bill 661 has been scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Elections. This bill follows on her promise to establish Election Day Vote Centers in Denton County, her 87th Legislative Session priority. Representative Beckley had this to say:
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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April 30, 2021
After a global pandemic, an economic collapse, and a deadly winter storm, Texas schools are facing a mental health crisis. Even prior to the pandemic, the suicide rate among students increased 60% in the last decade.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 30, 2021
Texas relies on commercial vehicles, and the House’s passage of HB 19 is further proof that the Texas Legislature will take common-sense steps to ensure our legal system is balanced while protecting access to the courts for those who are truly injured.
From Keep Texas Trucking Coalition
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April 30, 2021
On Friday, the final day of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Texas House passed the last of eleven policy recommendations issued by the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force (SASTF).
From Representative Donna Howard
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April 30, 2021
Texas has decreased its use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing facilities by 58 percent – more than any other state, according to a report from the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
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April 30, 2021
Progress Texas releases the following statement on the House Elections Committee’s vote to push forward Senate Bill 7 without testimony and without notice:
“Republicans are making a mockery of our legislative processes to push forward their voter suppression bills,” said Wesley Story, communications manager at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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April 30, 2021
The highly controversial voter suppression bill SB7 was voted out of the House Elections Committee on a party line vote after going through the motions of an actual hearing.
From Common Cause Texas
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April 30, 2021
This evening, after state leadership rushed through voter-suppressing Senate Bill 7, MOVE Texas released a statement rebuking the bill and the legislators complicit in shepherding in restrictive, discriminatory anti-voter legislation that will disproportionately harm Black and brown voters, disabled, elderly and low-income voters.
From MOVE Texas
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April 30, 2021
State Representative Jessica González (D-104), Representative Michelle Beckley (D-65), Representative Art Fierro (D-79), and Representative John H. Bucy III (D-136) issued a letter to the United States Department of Justice today urging the Department of Justice to monitor future proceedings of the House Committee on Elections.
From Representative Jessica Gonzalez
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April 29, 2021
“The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office take the allegation of drugging women very seriously. We work hard to ensure that potential victims are always treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage all women to continue reporting potential crimes to us.
From Texas DPS
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April 29, 2021
The United Labor Legislative Committee, the state labor federation’s lobbying arm in Texas, endorsed the three measures by Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, that moved forward today: HB 829 (progressive disciplinary matrix in certain municipalities); HB 830 (practices regarding fine-only misdemeanors); and HB 834 (corroboration requirements in undercover drug cases).
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 29, 2021
Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 3271 by
freshman State Representative Claudia Ordaz Perez. The legislation creates two programs under
the Office of the Governor that provides a path to capital to sustain and grow sole proprietorships
and businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
From Representative Claudia Ordaz Perez
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April 29, 2021
Today, the Trust Respect Access coalition is releasing data from polling on abortion laws and anti-abortion bills in the Texas Legislature. The poll includes approval ratings as well as opinions on legislative priorities and House Bill 1515/Senate Bill 8, companion bills that would ban abortion at six weeks gestation, before many people even know that they are pregnant.
From Progress Texas
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April 29, 2021
Briscoe Cain attempted to bring the highly controversial, discriminatory Senate Bill 7 up for a vote in the House Elections Committee.
Minutes before the vote was called, members of the committee received an over 20 page committee substitute that they were told was identical to HB 6, Cain’s similar bill that was heard in committee earlier this session.
From Common Cause
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April 29, 2021
“Whether we face subzero temperatures, gale force winds, or any other type of extreme weather, Texas’s electric grid must be able to withstand the impact,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This bipartisan legislation is an outstanding start to ensure the life-threatening outages Texans endured this February won’t happen again.”
From Senator John Cornyn
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April 29, 2021
House Elections Committee Chairman Briscoe Cain just attempted to bring up the discriminatory, anti-voting Senate Bill 7 after introducing a committee substitute minutes before that is supposedly identical to House Bill 6. The bill was not previously on the calendar to be heard today.
From Progress Texas
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April 29, 2021
A bill that the state House will hear Thursday could put millions of Texans at risk on the road. House Bill 19, introduced by Rep. Jeff Leach, would alter state laws concerning citizens’ rights following a crash with a commercial vehicle.
From TexPIRG
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April 29, 2021
"Texans reject critical race theory and other so-called 'woke' philosophies that maintain that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex or that any individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 29, 2021
On Wednesday afternoon Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-Bexar) successfully filed an amendment to Senate Bill 2194, also known as the “Ratepayers Bill of Rights”, a law that guarantees essential protections to Texas electric utility ratepayers. The amendment is meant to address the current lack of consumer confidence in their energy providers.
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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April 29, 2021
Today, the Senate approved Senate Bill 162 by Senator César J. Blanco. Senate Bill 162 will make it a crime in Texas to lie on a background check form in an attempt to illegally purchase a firearm.
From Senator Cesar J. Blanco
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April 28, 2021
State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, today announced the release of $11.2 billion in new federal funds to help public schools address student learning loss and costs incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Helping students who are falling behind is the most critical mission in public education right now and likely for months to come,” Senator Nelson, a former teacher, said.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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April 28, 2021
The Texas Senate today passed HB 1024 by Rep. Charlie Geren and Sen. Kelly Hancock making to-go cocktails from your favorite restaurant a permanent perk of living in the great state of Texas.
“Texas restaurants took a serious hit during the pandemic," said Hancock, Chairman of the Senate Business & Commerce Committee.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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April 28, 2021
On Thursday, April 22, 2021 Texas' state budget for the next biennium was debated on the House Floor. I
offered state budget amendments, which respectively institute a pay raise for certain state healthcare
employees and enforce key accountability provisions for the Office of the Attorney General.
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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April 28, 2021
The Texas State Teachers Association is pleased that our members’ demands are beginning to pay off for Texas school children and applaud state officials for releasing $11.2 billion of the federal stimulus money earmarked for public education in Texas.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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April 28, 2021
A study by the School Nutrition Association found that three-quarters of public school districts have unpaid meal debt. The National School Lunch Program only provides free lunches to students under 130% of the poverty line––an annual income of $34,450 for a family of four in the contiguous 48 states.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 28, 2021
Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) today released the results of a poll conducted among 500 Democratic Primary voters in 17 South Texas counties from April 20-22, 2021. The poll was conducted by Ragnar Research Partners and covered all of House Districts 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41, and part of House Districts 31, 43, 74 and 80.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform
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April 28, 2021
Over 370 attorneys including county attorneys, current and former elected officials, former judges, law professors, and other members of the State Bar of Texas have signed an open letter to House Speaker Dade Phelan and members of the Texas House expressing strong opposition to House Bill 1515 and Senate Bill 8.
From Progress Texas
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April 28, 2021
This afternoon, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) led all fellow Texas Democratic Members in urging the Biden Administration to utilize renegotiation of its Medicaid Section 1115 waiver as an opportunity to achieve significant reductions in the unacceptably high number of uninsured Texans.
From Representative Lloyd Doggett
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April 27, 2021
Yesterday, the Texas House Committee on Defense and Veterans' Affairs approved 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 Blanco
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April 27, 2021
Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) urged President Biden to outline for the American people during tomorrow’s State of the Union address how his Administration plans to handle the migrant crisis.
From Senator John Cornyn
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April 27, 2021
Today, Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-Bexar) filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 demanding that the Texas Attorney General pursue a lawsuit to force an accurate Census count for Texas.
"No matter what side you come down on, we all know this is not the true and accurate count of persons in Texas," Gutierrez stated. "That is all we are asking for is that we get it right."
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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April 27, 2021
Central Texas Interfaith (CTI), a coalition of over 50 religious and civic institutions continues its commitment to comprehensive solutions to end homelessness, including investments in housing, social services and programs such as rental assistance that prevent homelessness.
From Central Texas Interfaith
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April 27, 2021
The Texas Rent Relief Program, which has been plagued problems forcing tenants and
landlords to wait weeks or months for relief, will be the focus of the House Committee on Urban
Affairs at a public hearing on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, upon adjournment of the House floor
session.
From Representative Philip Cortez
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April 27, 2021
The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved SB 2222 filed by State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to provide bullet resistant windshields for Department of Public Safety (DPS) patrol vehicles.
"Just a few weeks ago one of our troopers was murdered in cold blood, shot in his patrol car, and we are not going to stand by while our troopers are being ambushed," Senator Jane Nelson said. "Here in Texas, we back the blue, and passing this bill will help protect our officers from those who would do them harm."
From Senator Jane Nelson
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April 27, 2021
The Texas Senate on Monday passed legislation authored by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) that requires emergency preparedness plans from facilities within the Texas electric and natural gas supply chain.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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April 27, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed Senate Finance Chairman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound and Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood to the 2022-2023 budget conference.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 26, 2021
“Over the weekend, the Texas Capitol community learned of allegations of harm against a female staffer. My heart is with her and with the women who work in and around our state legislature. Women who are risking their personal safety just by doing their jobs,” said Royce Brooks, Annie's List Executive Director.
From Annie’s List
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April 26, 2021
Today, after months of delay, the U.S. Census Bureau released apportionment data that determines the number of representatives a state receives in the United States Congress and Electoral College based on population changes over the last decade.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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April 26, 2021
Representative Bowers introduced the Texas CROWN Act—Creating a Respectful and Open
World for Natural Hair—as HB 392 in the 87th Legislative Session. This civil rights legislation
prohibits race-based hair discrimination—the denial of employment, educational and housing
opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or
bantu knots.
From Representative Rhetta Andrews Bowers
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April 26, 2021
Following the announcement moments ago that Texas will gain two electoral college votes, MOVE Texas released a statement underscoring the profound impact this change will have on ensuring that every eligible voter in Texas’ rapidly diversifying electorate will be able to have their voice heard in our democracy.
From MOVE Texas
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April 26, 2021
Today, the United States Census Bureau announced the apportionment count based on the 2020 Census. This count revealed that Texas will add two new Congressional districts due to its rapidly growing population.
From Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
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April 26, 2021
– A new poll commissioned by the Hispanic Republicans of Texas shows 64% statewide support among Texas voters for legislation that would protect free speech on social networks by preventing them from blocking, banning, or discriminating against a user based only on their viewpoint.
From Hispanic Republicans of Texas
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April 26, 2021
The Texas Faculty Association calls on the legislative budget conferees to add another $1.2 billion to the Texas higher education budget — on top of what the House and the Senate already have approved — for the next two-year budget period.
From Texas Faculty Association
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April 26, 2021
Despite increased education funding from House Bill 3, the 2019 school finance law, Texas this year fell farther behind the national average in two key indicators, per-student spending and teacher pay, the National Education Association’s latest report on state-by-state education spending shows.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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April 26, 2021
With overwhelming bi-partisan support, Senate lawmakers on Friday passed SB1028 – a bill that will eliminate a major financial barrier for Texans to receive their preventive colorectal cancer screenings. The bill was passed out of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee unanimously before being passed by the full Senate and has now been received in the House for a hearing Tuesday, April 27th.
From American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
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April 26, 2021
With about a month remaining in the Texas legislative session, AARP Texas today called on legislators to sprint to action on consumer-focused utilities reforms so that avoidable power disruptions like the deadly winter storm blackouts never happen again.
From AARP Texas
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April 22, 2021
Texas GOP Chairman Allen West and the National Association for Gun Rights have officially teamed up to help Texas become the 21st Constitutional Carry state in the nation. Texas Gun Rights, official affiliate group of the National Association for Gun Rights, is leading the ground game in Texas and actively lobbying the Texas Legislature.
From National Association For Gun Rights
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April 22, 2021
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) and Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) today introduced The Bipartisan Border Solutions Act, their bipartisan, bicameral legislation to respond to the surge in migrants coming across our southern border.
From Senator John Cornyn
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April 22, 2021
House Bill 885, authored by Representative Jake Ellzey (R-Midlothian) and Representative Cody Harris (R-Palestine), passed unanimously out of the Texas House of Representatives. HB 885 allows Navarro College to offer a baccalaureate degree program in nursing.
From Representative Jake Ellzey
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April 22, 2021
- Senator Borris L. Miles receives bipartisan support on Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 as the
other 30 Senators signed on as co-authors of the resolution.
"I'm pleased to announce that Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 received signatures from all Texas Senators,"
said Senator Borris L. Miles.
From Senator Borris Miles
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April 22, 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 22, the First Responders Pandemic Care Act, by Sen. Drew Springer, R-Muenster:
"During the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas first responders repeatedly went beyond the call of duty to assist their fellow Texans, often putting their own health at risk.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 21, 2021
Today, Rep. Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) successfully amended a school finance clean-up bill to protect the pay raises granted to teachers and full-time school staffers under House Bill 3 in 2019.
Rep. Turner released the following statement on the passage of his pro-educator amendment.
From Representative Chris Turner
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April 21, 2021
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and all democratic members of the Texas delegation are calling on U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to ensure schools receive the federal support Congress provided through COVID-19 relief legislation.
From Representative Lizzie Fletcher
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April 21, 2021
As the Texas Senate considered its Local and Uncontested Calendar
Monday (April 19) morning, Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, cast her 65,000th
consecutive vote, a record unmatched among legislators not only in Texas, but also
nationwide.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
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April 21, 2021
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today sent a letter to President Biden in response to his administration halting border wall construction in the Rio Grande Valley and in doing so, halting construction of an essential levee wall needed to provide safety and security for the residents of Hidalgo County before a busy hurricane season.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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April 21, 2021
Bishops and faith leaders across Texas, along with the Network of Texas IAF Organizations, will hold a Zoom press conference on Wednesday April 21st at 4pm to oppose HB1927 “Unlicensed Carry” Legislation which is headed to the Senate.
From The Network of Texas IAF Organizations
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April 21, 2021
The Texas labor movement today called on the Texas House to go further to address the needs of working families when it debates SB 1, the 2022-23 state appropriations bill.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 21, 2021
The Texas House gave final approval today to legislation to fund rain gardens, green roofs, constructed wetlands and other “nature-based” strategies for reducing water pollution, flooding and impacts of drought. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has pledged to dedicate up to $4.5 million per year for the new Water Resource Protection Program.
From Environment Texas
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April 21, 2021
State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) is preparing for the state budget debate on the House floor. Senate Bill 1, the state’s budget for 2022 and 2023, is set for debate on the House floor on Thursday.
“I’m fighting for resources for the Permian Basin,” Landgraf said.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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April 21, 2021
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the locations of regional Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs (HARP) offices in advance of the application release.
From Texas General Land Office
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April 21, 2021
“While Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts today in the death of George Floyd, this is only the beginning of justice that our country is crying out for at this time. The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz said today this verdict represents a pivotal moment for not only his state, but the entire country.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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April 20, 2021
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy issued the following statement on today’s “guilty” verdicts in the trial of Derrick Chauvin in connection with the death of Houstonian George Floyd:
“Today’s verdict in Minnesota cannot bring George Floyd back. It cannot undo the excruciating horror the world saw with its own eyes.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 20, 2021
Bishops and faith leaders across Texas, along with the Network of Texas IAF Organizations, will hold a Zoom press conference on Wednesday April 21st at 4pm to oppose HB1927 “Unlicensed Carry” Legislation which is headed to the Senate.
From The Network of Texas IAF Organizations
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April 20, 2021
Today, State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-Bexar County) announced the release of Legalize Texas, a documentary about cannabis legalization in Texas. The documentary focuses on several subjects and experts who explain the benefits of cannabis legalization and what it could mean for Texas.
From Senator Roland Gutierrez
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April 20, 2021
Today, House Bill 129, by Rep. Mary González relating to digital citizenship
instruction in public schools passed out of the Texas House of Representatives.
"Today marks a step toward healing the terrible wounds El Paso suffered from the August 3,
2019 Cielo Vista Walmart massacre.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
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April 20, 2021
Today, Senator Blanco joined members of Vanessa Guillén's family and a group of legislators for a press conference to highlight legislation filed in honor of Vanessa Guillén. At the press conference Senator Blanco announced his Senate Bill 623 will now be known as the Vanessa Guillén Act.
From Senator Cesar Blanco
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April 20, 2021
The current transportation system in Texas has been designed, built and centered around the automobile, and it is a public health disaster. A resolution, HJR 109 (Walle), being heard in Tuesday’s House Transportation Committee, would propose a constitutional amendment asking voters to approve expansion of what TxDOT is allowed to do with gas tax revenues.
From TexPIRG
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April 20, 2021
Today, Rep. Anchía laid out House Bill 1186 in the House Committee on Culture,
Recreation, and Tourism. HB 1186 directs the State Preservation Board to remove seven confederate
monuments and renaming the John H. Reagan building on the Texas Capitol grounds.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
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April 19, 2021
Late last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rescinded the extension
of Texas’ 1115 Waiver. The State of Texas has relied on these dollars for 10 years to cover the
costs of caring for a large portion of uninsured Texans.
Now, at least $11 billion in federal funds are at stake annually.
From Representative Celia Israel
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April 19, 2021
– The following is a statement from Danette Castle, CEO of the Texas Council of
Community Centers regarding the impact of the federal government’s action to rescind the 10-year Medicaid 1115
waiver extension, agreed upon after months of negotiation between the State of Texas and the federal government.
From Texas Council of Community Centers
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April 19, 2021
Texas Senate Bill 264(87R) proposes creating an agency called
the Texas Research Consortium to Cure Infectious Diseases, or TRANSCEND for short. The
goal of this proposed bill is to position Texas as a leader in the nation in preparing for and
averting the next pandemic and other emerging infectious disease threats.
From Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute
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April 19, 2021
In response to the Senate State Affairs Committee holding the sixth public hearing on voting this legislative session, Secure Democracy issued the following statement:
“Texans expect their state lawmakers to work hard to defend their liberty — not interfere with it,” said Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy.
From Secure Democracy
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April 19, 2021
On Saturday, April 24, at 9 am the application for the Homeowner Assistance and Reimbursement Programs (HARP) will be available in all eligible counties affected by flooding events in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley in 2018 and 2019, as well as Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019.
From Texas General Land Office
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April 19, 2021
Senator José Menéndez releases the following statement following the senseless shooting rampage that occurred in Northwest Austin Sunday afternoon leaving three people dead, and resulting in a manhunt for the suspected gunman.
From Senator Jose Menendez
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April 19, 2021
Monday at the Texas State Capitol marks Monument Day.
To that end, all House Bills relating to the topic of monuments are set to be heard in committee next week.
From Representative Carl O. Sherman
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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
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
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
“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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 Copyright May 11, 2021, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
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