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May 17, 2019
Earlier this week, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Corporal Joshua Moer was honored by members of the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives for being named the IACP/Motorola Solutions 2018 Trooper of the Year. Cpl. Moer was selected for Trooper of the Year following his heroic actions in saving the life of a young woman in Wilbarger County in April 2018.
From Texas DPS
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May 17, 2019
Today the Texas House Committee on Elections voted out Senate Bill 9 on a 5-4 party-line vote. SB 9 would create extreme criminal penalties for honest mistakes individuals could make when voting. It would also enact policies that would put voters' private information at risk. In addition, SB 9 would discriminate against voters on the basis of race.
From Representative Philip Cortez
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May 17, 2019
Moments ago, on a party line vote, Senate Bill 9 was voted out of committee 5 - 4. The bill now heads to the Calendars Committee before it will head to the House floor.
Following is a statement from Anthony Gutierrez, Executive Director of Common Cause Texas:
"Senate Bill 9 exists solely to put barriers between Texans and the ballot box.
From Common Cause Texas
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May 17, 2019
Today, SB 1978 was voted out of the House State Affairs Committee. The bill was first offered in both chambers as a license to discriminate against LGBTQ persons and other marginalized communities.
Chair of the Caucus, Rep. Mary González said, “Our caucus remains firmly opposed to the bill, and we are asking our colleagues to put a stop to this divisive piece of legislation, which should never reach the Texas House Floor.”
From Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
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May 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House Elections Committee has advanced a dangerous voter suppression bill intended to stem the electoral rise of a growing population, Senate Bill 9.
“Senate Bill 9 creates hurdles that could slow down voter participation, impede democracy, and hinder new voters, older voters, and voters who need assistance,” said Sam Robles, advocacy director at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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May 17, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse unveiled his plan to bring to vote on council several efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety during his first 90 days in office.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
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May 17, 2019
HDC First Vice-Chair Celia Israel and Vice-Chair of the Elections Committee Rep. Philip Cortez released the following statement this morning after the passage of Senate Bill 9, a massive anti-voter bill, through the House Committee on Elections:
From Texas House Democratic Caucus
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May 17, 2019
State Senator Donna Campbell released the following statement supporting the passage of Senate Bill 1978.
"Texas tax dollars shouldn't be used to discriminate against anyone based on their faith," said Senator Donna Campbell, M.D. "
From Senator Donna Campbell
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May 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House passed historic flood mitigation legislation that will benefit the state for generations. Senate Bill 7 establishes the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund (TIRF) and a framework for disaster recovery, which will finance flood mitigation projects across the state, and draw down billions of Texas tax dollars from the federal government.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
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May 17, 2019
Three groups representing current and retired first responders endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on Thursday in the race to determine the next Mayor of Dallas.
Rep. Johnson earned the endorsements of the Black Police Association PAC, the Retired Black Police Officers Association PAC, and the Black Fire Fighters Association PAC.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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May 16, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton today joined a 12-state coalition – led by Indiana and Arkansas – in support of a proposal by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to rescind a 2017 CFPB rule and replace it with a new one governing small, short-term loans.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 16, 2019
"Our state has a long and well-documented history of discrimination. From Jim Crow Laws like the poll taxes to prevent African Americans from voting, red-lining to keep people of color out of select neighborhoods and even stopping our kids from attending specific schools; Texas has been part of it all.
From Senator Borris Miles
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May 16, 2019
The bill directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to release $16 billion in disaster relief funding, including $4.383 billion in mitigation funds for major declared disaster events in Texas, within 60 days. The funding was originally appropriated by Congress and signed by President Donald J. Trump in February 2018.
From Texas General Land Office
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May 16, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 1978, which will give government officials, licensed professionals, businesses, and others the right to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
From Progress Texas
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May 16, 2019
Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) today issued the following statement regarding the House passage of Senate Bill 1189, sponsored by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, which requires accountability and transparency in attorney television advertising.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform
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May 16, 2019
With today's Texas Senate approval of HB 985, which outlaws use of state or local funds to build major projects under Project Labor Agreements, the Legislature has taken away a proven tool for bringing in large projects on time and on budget, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 16, 2019
Rural residents faced with groundwater depletion and urbanites facing exorbitant water rates are asking Governor Abbott to veto a bill that robs Texans of the right to a public hearing when a permit to export groundwater comes up for renewal.
From Simsboro Aquifer Water Defense Fund
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May 16, 2019
Having held office for only seven weeks, Representative Ray Lopez passed his first two bills through the House of Representatives in record time. On average, only 20% of all bills filed during a legislative session pass through the House to be considered by the Senate. Despite being the newest member of the Texas House, Representative Lopez accomplished this goal in less than two months.
From Representative Ray Lopez
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May 16, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse unveiled his plan to address transportation and traffic challenges with practical, common sense solutions during his first 90 days in office.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
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May 16, 2019
This week, Chairman Rafael Anchia successfully passed Senate Bill 2018 (Senator West), on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Chairman Anchia was the author of the House companion, HB 3387.
This legislation marks the final chapter of the corrupt Dallas County Schools (DCS), which provided school bus service for twelve North Texas communities. DCS was mired in scandal, with five individuals pleading guilty to federal corruption, and the payment of over $4 million in bribes.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
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May 16, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office today rejected a demand from the chairmen of two U.S. House Ways and Means subcommittees to provide confidential documents and information related to a letter the attorney general sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year, urging repeal of an unlawful Obama-era rule on child welfare funding that harms children and families by limiting adoption agencies’ access to public resources based on the religious beliefs of agency employees.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 16, 2019
Following advocacy by Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that they have temporarily re-assigned 731 CBP officers from ports around the nation to assist U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) sectors where apprehensions of family units and unaccompanied children from Central America have overwhelmed USBP capabilities and facilities.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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May 16, 2019
Former Texas Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Florence Shapiro endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on Thursday to be the next Mayor of Dallas.
Sen. Shapiro is the latest education leader to endorse Rep. Johnson, who has also earned support in the Mayor’s race from five members of the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees and from State Rep. Dan Huberty, who currently chairs the Texas House Committee on Public Education.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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May 16, 2019
Senate Bill 1978 would prevent a government or public entity from penalizing businesses for exercising their religious beliefs. This bill is essential after Chick-fil-A was barred from opening a location at the San Antonio Airport. Senator Hughes opened the floor debate by stating that, “Chick-fil-A has been the target of attacks based on things that are untrue,” and later remarked how “Unfortunately, today, individuals and businesses have been discriminated against due to their religious beliefs.”
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
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May 16, 2019
Senate Bill 9 - the controversial anti-voting, anti-democracy bill - was just heard in the Texas House Elections Committee.
We expect the committee to vote on the bill at a hearing tomorrow morning and because of the partisan composition of the committee we expect SB 9 will be voted out of committee and sent to House floor.
From Common Cause Texas
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May 16, 2019
The Texas Senate passed the Save Chick-fil-A religious freedom bill, SB 1978 by a bipartisan vote of 19-12. Last week the House version of the bill stopped on a technicality. The bill makes it clear that government can not punish a private business or entity for making donations to Christian ministries or other religious organizations.
From Texas Values Action
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May 16, 2019
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller criticized the Senate’s preliminary approval of SB1978 today and the misleading arguments made by its supporters:
“Our federal and state constitutions as well as Texas law already protect religious freedom for all, including the right to membership in or affiliation with a religious organization. So if religious freedom is really the goal here, this bill is unnecessary.
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 16, 2019
The Conference Committee on HB 1 today adopted decisions on budget Articles I, General Government, and V, Public Safety. Conferees have now adopted six of the 10 articles of the state budget.
"The decisions we made today will help secure our border and keep our communities safe.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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May 16, 2019
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) sponsored and passed two House bills both with bipartisan support through the full Senate today which will move on to Governor Abbott's desk. House Bill 477 authored in the Texas House by Representative Jim Murphy (R-Houston), passed the Senate with a 28-3 vote.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 15, 2019
On Thursday morning, the Texas Senate Business & Commerce Committee is scheduled to discuss House Bill 2536, a measure that was unanimously approved by the Texas House of Representatives and is one of the strongest drug-price transparency proposals in the nation.
From AARP
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May 15, 2019
Legislation that State Rep. Eric Johnson authored to help keep more students on the path to academic and career success won approval in the Texas Senate on Wednesday. It will now head to Governor Greg Abbott, who will decide whether to sign the bill into law.
From Representative Eric Johnson
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May 15, 2019
Texas families and businesses can save on the purchase of certain water- and energy-efficient products during the state’s Water-Efficient Products and ENERGY STAR® sales tax holidays. Both take place Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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May 15, 2019
Texas Freedom Network is condemning efforts to pass legislation that would turn back the clock on democracy in the Lone Star State by making it harder and confusing for eligible voters to cast ballots.
"SB9 isn't aimed at just suppressing the vote of young Texans, especially first-time voters and people of color,” said TFN President Kathy Miller.
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 15, 2019
Today, a broad coalition of voting rights organizations held a press conference to deliver 7,767 petition signatures to the Texas House Elections Committee to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 9. The coalition includes students, people with disabilities, lawyers, working people, and older voters that have been working on advancing voting rights in Texas for decades.
From Progress Texas
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May 15, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Tuesday delivered remarks on the Senate floor to honor the precious lives of the students and faculty members lost during the horrific events that unfolded at Santa Fe High School nearly one a year ago.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 15, 2019
The Texas Senate “resurrected” the Save Chick-fil-A effort this week after the House version was stopped and is expected to vote and pass SB 1978 today. The bill makes it clear that government can’t punish a private business or entity for making donations to Christian ministries or other religious organizations.
From Texas Values Action
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May 15, 2019
Brandy Voss, a McAllen-based appellate attorney, repeatedly nominated by her peers for her professional accomplishments to Thomson Reuters’ "Super Lawyers" list published in Texas Monthly, is officially running as a candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, Place 7.
From Brandy Voss Campaign
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May 15, 2019
The Texas Senate voted unanimously on May 13 to approve the appointment of Nora Castañeda of Harlingen to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
From Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
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May 15, 2019
Today, the Gina Ortiz Jones for Congress campaign announced that Jones raised over $100,000 in her first day of campaigning to replace Congressman Will Hurd with a representative who will actually fight for everyday people and not the wealthy special interests in Washington.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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May 15, 2019
Tomorrow morning, the Texas House Committee on Elections will meet to consider and hear testimony on Senate Bill 9, a dangerous anti-voter bill designed to suppress votes and intimidate our most vulnerable populations.
From Common Cause Texas
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May 14, 2019
On the first day of her campaign, Iraq War veteran and former Air Force intelligence officer Gina Ortiz Jones is already drawing attention and praise in her run for Texas’ 23rd Congressional District against Congressman Will Hurd.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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May 14, 2019
Hundreds of Texas leaders, employees, state health workers and families showcased their support of Texas women today by wearing pink to commemorate National Women’s Health Week.
State health officials joined forces to call on all Texans to wear pink to celebrate women, highlight women’s health programs and continue the conversation about improving women’s health across the board.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
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May 14, 2019
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush issued the following statement in reaction to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) issuance of $46,400,000 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for Cameron, Hidalgo and Jim Wells Counties in response to significant flooding in 2018.
From Texas General Land Office
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May 14, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement applauding the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) announcement today that it will be allocating $46.4 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to Texas.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 14, 2019
A national organization focused on helping veterans pursue careers in agriculture has scheduled a stakeholders meeting on November 17-20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Austin, Texas. It will be the fifth national meeting of Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC).
From Farmer Veteran Coalition
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May 14, 2019
On behalf of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins presented oral arguments today before the entire U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, demonstrating that individual Medicaid recipients cannot use lawsuits to force taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 14, 2019
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today released the following statements after the Senate confirmed Michael Truncale to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Beaumont:
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 14, 2019
Three years after candidates from both parties made infrastructure a key presidential campaign issue, it’s finally the long-awaited “infrastructure week.” Democratic congressional leaders and the White House announced two weeks ago that they would commit $2 trillion to the cause.
From TexPIRG
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May 14, 2019
Today San Antonio District 6 Council Member and mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse unveiled his plan to address the climate in a way that protects the environment and local jobs as the second big issue on which he will hold votes at City Council during his first 90 days in office.
From Greg Brockhouse Campaign
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May 14, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office responded to Chairman Elijah E. Cummings of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and Chairman Jamie Raskin of the House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, applauding their concern about election fraud as a civil rights issue and simultaneously refusing their demand for privileged and confidential information related to ongoing voter fraud investigations.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 14, 2019
Today, Gina Ortiz Jones proudly announced her candidacy in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District. Gina is running to challenge incumbent Representative Will Hurd, who is out of touch with Texas families after years spent prioritizing his political career in D.C. over the interests of his constituents.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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May 14, 2019
The Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC) celebrates its "Silver Anniversary" this month, marking 25 years of employer driven, common sense public policy solutions which aim to keep Texas the most globally competitive state in the union. Originally dubbed the Governor's Business Council in 1994, the group has been successful in taking lessons learned in the board room and bringing those efficiencies to state government.
From Texas Business Leadership Council
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May 14, 2019
Rural communities who rely on their dark night skies to attract tourism just got a big win in the Texas House. House Bill 4158, authored by Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), passed out of the Texas House of Representatives on Friday. This legislation will allow small cities in Hays and Blanco Counties to use revenue from their municipal hotel occupancy tax for construction and maintenance of infrastructure that reduces light pollution and sky glow.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
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May 13, 2019
Freshman Representative Sheryl Cole has successfully passed 6 bills, and amended another 2, out of the Texas House to the Senate, with policies that will greatly benefit House District 46 and Texas as a whole.
Cole had the following to say:
“Thanks to the support of the legislative leadership, my committee comrades, and colleagues, we have had a phenomenal session.
From Representative Sheryl Cole
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May 13, 2019
Today the office of acting Secretary of State David Whitley issued a press release on Whitley participating in a Voting Rights History Tour in Alabama.
As a reminder, Whitley spent the last few months attempting to purge nearly a hundred thousand Texans from the voter registration rolls. An attempted voter purge that Whitley only abandoned when forced to do so by a court.
From Common Cause Texas
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May 13, 2019
Texans should be appalled that Senate leadership today pushed through committee a sweeping discrimination bill with virtually no notice or public hearing, Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said.
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 13, 2019
The Texas House of Representatives has taken a major step to address the skyrocketing cost of prescription drug prices that are making it harder for Texans to afford the medicines they need.
The House approved House Bill 2536 by Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) on a unanimous, bipartisan vote Friday, sending the measure to the Texas Senate for its consideration.
From AARP
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May 13, 2019
The Conference Committee on HB 1 today adopted decisions on budget articles pertaining to the judiciary, economic development, natural resources and regulatory agencies. Conferees will meet again later in the week to adopt additional decisions.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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May 13, 2019
?State Rep. Dan Huberty, the widely respected chairman of the Public Education
?Committee in the Texas House of Representatives, endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on
?
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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May 13, 2019
U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement in response to the gas leak that occurred after a collision on the Houston Ship Channel last Friday afternoon.
“I am glad to see that first responders, Port of Houston officials and the Coast Guard have been able to bring this situation under control and remove the immediate health and safety dangers it posed, and I am confident they will continue to do so as the final clean up and removal operations begin,” said Babin.
From Representative Brian Babin
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May 13, 2019
Former State Sen. John Carona endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson on Monday in the race for Mayor of Dallas. Sen. Carona is the latest to join a growing, bipartisan group of Dallas leaders endorsing Rep. Johnson in the June 8 mayoral runoff.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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May 10, 2019
State Representative Brooks Landgraf's (R-Odessa) legislation aimed at reducing the number of overpass strikes due to over-height semi-trucks by holding those drivers or their employers liable for the costly damage will become Texas Law unless vetoed by the governor.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 10, 2019
Last night, the Texas House of Representatives adopted House Joint Resolution 38, a constitutional amendment authored by Representative Jeff Leach that bans the imposition of a state income tax on individuals and businesses in Texas. State law prescribes constitutional amendments to receive a 2/3 majority from each legislative chamber.
From Representative Jeff Leach
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May 10, 2019
“Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher said in a statement on April 13, that President Trump’s response to Omar was, “dangerous for our country”, while failing to acknowledge how divisive and anti-American Omar’s statement was about our nation’s darkest day.
From Wesley Hunt Campaign
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May 10, 2019
Senator Borris L. Miles passed HB 3459/SB 2022, which would allow local Harris County hospitals to draw down close to $1 billion in federal Medicaid reimbursement funds at no cost to the taxpayers.
"My senate district is home to the world's largest medical center with many safety net hospitals working around the clock providing primary care services to many low-income and uninsured Texans," said Senator Borris L. Miles.
From Senator Borris Miles
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May 10, 2019
Today, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced State Representative Terry Canales as one of only five House appointees to the Conference Committee on Senate Bill 2, legislation aimed at capping the growth of property taxes in Texas.
From Representative Terry Canales
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May 10, 2019
Everyone should have the opportunity to build a better life than was available to their parents. However, far too many minorities today remain situated in communities with the lowest prospects for upward mobility.
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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May 10, 2019
As the U.S. Congress and administration work on solutions to end surprise medical billing, Texas hospitals continue their work with the Texas Legislature to pass model legislation.
With legislation moving through the Texas Legislature to solve the problem of surprise medical bills for emergency or unplanned out-of-network health care services, Texas is positioned to be a national leader on consumer protection.
From Texas Hospital Association
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May 10, 2019
On Thursday, State Representative Andrew Murr’s (R-Junction) House Bill 297 was passed by the Texas House by a vote of 95 to 46. The bill would abolish school district maintenance and operations (M&O) property taxes by January 1, 2022. On average across the state, school M&O taxes account for more than 50% of all property taxes.
From Representative Andrew Murr:
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May 10, 2019
The Texas House of Representatives failed to pass HB 3172 the Frist Amendment Defense Act also known as the Save Chick-fil-A bill on a point of order this evening. The bill fell on a technicality despite overwhelming and bipartisan support.
From Texas Values Action
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May 10, 2019
Today, State Representative Toni Rose (D-110) passed historic bipartisan legislation in the Texas House of Representatives. House Bill 1936 creates an exemption to the death penalty for defendants suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of offense. If convicted, a defendant would face life in prison without parole.
From Representative Toni Rose
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May 10, 2019
Today, Texas progressives executed parliamentary tactics to stop the dangerous HB 3172, which would have given government officials, licensed professionals, businesses, and others the right to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
From Texas Progressives
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May 9, 2019
Today Texas Land Commissioner applauded U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) for introducing the Bipartisan Disaster Recovery Funding Act.
From Texas General Land Office
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May 9, 2019
Fifty-eight Texas districts and four public education associations collaborated on a letter to the Texas Legislature’s Conference Committee deliberating House Bill 3. The letter addresses the Senate’s proposal to calculate school funding using property values from the current year, rather than the existing practice of using prior year values.
From Fast Growth School Coalition
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May 9, 2019
Texas leaders have joined forces to encourage all Texans to wear pink Tuesday, May 14, in support of Texas women during National Women’s Health Week.
Dr. Courtney N. Phillips, the first woman to be appointed executive commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services, and Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, are calling for all Texans to celebrate women, highlight women’s health programs and continue the conversation about improving women’s health across the board.
From Texas Health And Human Services
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May 9, 2019
In a letter today to San Jacinto County Judge Fritz Faulkner and county commissioners, the Office of the Attorney General applauded the county’s decision to maintain crosses on the county courthouse, and promised to support the county if the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) brings a lawsuit.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 9, 2019
In advance of the Texas House taking up HB 3172, which would give government officials, licensed professionals, businesses, and others the right to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals, Progress Texas releases the following statement.
From Progress Texas
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May 9, 2019
Texas State Rep. Gina Calanni (D - HD 132) has passed legislation that will make Katy police officers eligible to apply for certification to enforce commercial vehicle standards for overweight trucks that pass through the Katy city limits. This marks Representative Calanni’s tenth bill to pass the House of Representatives and first bill to pass on the House’s General Calendar.
From Representative Gina Calanni
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May 9, 2019
Interfaith leaders from across Texas rallied today at the state Capitol to demonstrate that people of faith support progressive policies like nondiscrimination laws, reproductive justice and welcoming immigrants with compassion and support.
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 9, 2019
As one of the Texas Legislature’s major priorities this session, progress must be made on reforming the state’s outdated and unsustainable school finance system (HB 3). Progress Texas calls on the recently formed school finance conference committee to ensure HB 3 is equitable for all Texas children.
From Progress Texas
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May 9, 2019
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nominations of Jeff Brown to fill a judicial vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Galveston, and Brantley Starr to fill a judicial vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Dallas.:
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 9, 2019
Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) today issued the following statement regarding President Trump's call for Congress to tackle surprise medical billing at the national level:
"Surprise billing mediation has saved Texas patients nearly $40 million in out-of-pocket health care costs since we first passed legislation establishing the assistance program.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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May 9, 2019
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller is condemning the Texas Senate’s passage of SB1033 by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, on Tuesday. This legislation would, among other things, force women to carry to term a fetus that suffers from a severe anomaly it cannot survive. Sen. Hancock claimed that his bill would close a “loophole” allowing abortions after 20 weeks.
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 8, 2019
“Monica’s Law,” aimed at preventing domestic violence, was signed in to law by Governor Greg Abbott late on Tuesday. The legislation, authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa), will create an online, searchable and public database listing protective orders issued by Texas courts as a result of domestic violence after a due-process hearing.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 8, 2019
The Texas Senate passed the Preborn NonDiscrimination Act (PreNDA), Senate Bill 1033, by a bipartisan vote of 20-11 on Tuesday. SB 1033 by Senator Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills) would:
End the remaining late-term abortions in Texas;
From Texas Right To Life
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May 8, 2019
Today, Senator Brandon Creighton advanced Senate Bill 1663, the Texas Monument Protection Act, creating a framework and adding protections for the altering, moving or renaming of historic monuments across the state.
" There are people and events throughout our state’s rich history that deserve to be celebrated, and there are also people and events that should be condemned, but either way, as Texans, we should not hide from our history.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
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May 8, 2019
The Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) applauds the Texas House of Representatives for its passage of HB 3557, the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which strengthens protections of our state’s critical infrastructure facilities while maintaining current laws and statutes that allow for free speech and the right to protest.
From Texas Oil & Gas Association
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May 7, 2019
On Tuesday, May 7th, 2019, House Joint Resolution 3, the plan to attempt to lower property taxes by increasing sales tax died in the Texas House. Legislative Study Group Chair Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement:
"I want to thank all my colleagues in the Texas Legislative Study Group that helped kill the bad tax swap plan.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
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May 7, 2019
As the Texas Legislature debates measures to continue promoting development of low-cost renewable energy resources in the state, these energy sources have become a powerful recruiting tool for corporate and manufacturing jobs. The Texas House has passed a continuation of the Chapter 312 incentives that have helped make the state a national leader in renewable energy development, and the Texas Senate is set to take up the bill in the coming days.
From Wind Solar Alliance
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May 7, 2019
On Tuesday, May 7th, 2019, Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement:
"As Chair of the House Committee on County Affairs, I plan on holding a hearing before the end of the 86th Legislative Session in light of the new evidence in the Sandra Bland Case. I will be asking the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Attorney General to testify.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
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May 7, 2019
In mid-April, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dennis Bonnen proposed increasing the state sales tax rate from 6.25% to 7.25% - a 16% increase - by constitutional amendment in order to offset the state’s overreliance on local property taxes for funding state services.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
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May 7, 2019
Time is running out for Texas lawmakers to solve the state’s growing senior care crisis before the current legislative session ends.
Without a resolution, leaders of the nursing home sector say things will only get worse.
From Texas Health Care Association
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May 7, 2019
Chairman Chris Turner released the following statement praising House Democrats’ unified efforts to stop HJR 3, the Republican-proposed sales tax hike:
“I want to thank the entire House Democratic Caucus for standing together and stopping HJR 3, a dangerous proposal that would have raised taxes on 80% of Texas families.
From Texas House Democratic Caucus
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May 7, 2019
On Monday, May 6th, 2019, WFAA in Dallas released footage from Sandra Bland's cell phone from the day of her arrest.
Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement:
"It is troubling that a crucial piece of evidence was withheld from Sandra Bland's family and legal team in their pursuit of justice.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
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May 7, 2019
Texas American Federation of Teachers President Louis Malfaro commented today on the Texas Senate’s substitute to House Bill 3, which addresses school funding and educator pay:
Texas AFT is deeply disappointed that the Texas Senate chose to double down on high-stakes testing in its school finance plan.
From Texas AFT
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May 7, 2019
The Committee Substitute to House Bill 3, sponsored by Senator Larry Taylor (R-Galveston) has passed the Texas Senate with 26 yes votes, thereby allowing for the largest school finance overhaul in decades. Senator Taylor said it best, “Texas is way behind on school finance and if we want to continue to be the greatest state in the union, we must change. We’ve got to move our school finance system into the 21st century.”
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
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May 7, 2019
Today the Texas Senate debated a school finance proposal that I believe is good policy, but because it lacked a price tag and did not include any data of how it would affect school districts in Senate District 4, I could not support the bill at this time.
From Senator Brandon Creighton
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May 7, 2019
"The need for meaningful school finance reform is real and the need to pass it for our children is urgent. Coming into this session, there were three items I felt were essential to a successful school finance bill. They are property tax relief, teacher pay raises, and a transition away from Robin Hood.
From Senator Donna Campbell
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May 7, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of House Bill 3, sponsored by Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood:
"I congratulate Sen. Taylor and the Texas Senate on the passage of this monumental and historic education reform bill. House Bill 3 will transform our public schools with cutting edge strategies that ensure that all our students can achieve their dreams and compete in the global marketplace.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 7, 2019
The following statement was released by State Sen. José Rodríguez:
HB 3 is a significant achievement for the Texas Legislature, and I commend Chairman Taylor for his hard work, dedication, and willingness to work with every member of the Senate on this bill. While I voted today in favor of HB 3, I did so with concerns.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
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May 7, 2019
House Bill 3 achieves a number of important goals, including funding an across the board $5,000 teacher pay increase not tied to test scores, investing tens of millions of new dollars into Senate District 10 public schools, a requirement that TEA contract with a third party to review the STAAR, full day pre-k and significant property tax reform.
From Senator Beverly Powell
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May 7, 2019
This evening the Texas Senate approved landmark school finance legislation (House Bill 3), which would invest billions more dollars in public education and strengthen our state's future.
In response, CPPP Legislative and Policy Director Luis Figueroa issued the following statement:
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
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May 7, 2019
Three former Dallas Mayors on Monday endorsed State Rep. Eric Johnson in the June 8 runoff to determine the next Mayor of Dallas.
Johnson earned the endorsements of former Mayors Ron Kirk, Tom Leppert and Steve Bartlett.
“I am honored to have the support of these three former Mayors, all of whom provided strong and visionary leadership for Dallas,” Rep. Johnson said.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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May 6, 2019
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued a statement applauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for amending the scope of the dredging project on the San Jacinto River near Kingwood to include the removal of sediment deposited to the mouth bar on the West Fork as a result of Hurricane Harvey.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 6, 2019
A Texas coal company recognized by Railroad Commissioners for transforming mined acreage into wildlife habitat has now received a national award. The Interstate Mining Compact Commission selected the Sabine Mining Co. for its Annual National Mine Reclamation Award in the Coal Category.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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May 6, 2019
State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) laid out House Bill 3035 last week in front of the House Environmental Regulation Committee to protect clean air and clean water. The common-sense bill would make certain that penalties imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are at least equal to the value of economic benefit gained by the alleged violator.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
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May 6, 2019
The Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas today released the following statement regarding National Small Business Week:
“As we recognize the significant impact small businesses have on creating jobs and investing in our communities, the Texas Legislature has the opportunity this session to pass critical legislation that will remove burdensome barriers that make it harder for entrepreneurs in Texas to succeed,” ASSET Spokesperson Annie Spilman said.
From Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas
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May 6, 2019
The Texas AFL-CIO strongly opposes HJR 3 and any other legislation that would increase sales taxes by 16 percent to give tax breaks to the wealthy, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said.
"HJR 3 picks the pockets of working families and those living in poverty," Levy said.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 6, 2019
Today, Texans from across the state took to the capitol to share their abortion stories at the 'Abortion Speak Out: Combating Lies with Truth' event in response to multiple anti-abortion bills making their way through the Texas legislature.
From NARAL Pro-Choice Texas
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May 6, 2019
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has begun a preparedness public outreach initiative to encourage Texans to be prepared and stay prepared for hurricane season, which begins June 1.
From Texas General Land Office
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May 3, 2019
State Representative Gene Wu's (D-Houston) bipartisan Teacher Retirement System (TRS) benefit protection bill, HB 2227, received overwhelming support from the Texas House this afternoon in its passage from the House.
From Representative Gene Wu
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May 3, 2019
The Texas Senate and House of Representatives have approved legislation that would allow Texans to securely register contact information for friends and family members for immediate notification in the event of an emergency.
From Texas Telephone Association
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May 3, 2019
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements after President Trump nominated Charles Eskridge to fill a judicial vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Houston:
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 3, 2019
This morning, May 3, 2019, Chairman Rafael Anchia, wearing a purple ribbon in honor of the late Linda "Michellita" Rogers, successfully passed House Bill 864 and House Bill 866 on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives.
From Representative Rafael Anchia
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May 3, 2019
The Texas House of Representatives today passed criminal justice reform legislation that will prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration, a position supported and applauded by the Alliance For Safety and Justice (ASJ) and crime survivors across Texas.
From Alliance for Safety and Justice
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May 3, 2019
House Joint Resolution 82, part of the "GROW Texas" legislative package authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) and State Representative Tom Craddick (R-Midland), was approved by the Texas House of Representatives on Thursday. HJR 82, which creates the Generate Recurring Oil Wealth for Texas (GROW Texas) fund passed out of the House by a vote of 121-13.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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May 3, 2019
After months of active stakeholder involvement and collaboration, the Texas House passed Representative Leach's House Bill 2730, adopting the nation's strongest protections for free speech while implementing landmark reforms under the "Texas Citizens Participation Act," also know as anti-SLAPP.
From Representative Jeff Leach
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May 3, 2019
The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) this week voted unanimously to appoint Phillip G. Ayala to the position of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Inspector General. Effective June 30, 2019, Ayala will replace Rhonda Fleming who is retiring after 35 years of honorable and dedicated service to the department.
From Texas Department of Public Safety
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May 3, 2019
Today, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa passed House Bill 306 by Representative Abel Herrero out of the Texas Senate. Also known as the Service Member and Veteran Open Burn Pit Registry Act, the bill would provide outreach, education, and awareness for our veterans facing health issues after exposure to open burn pit smoke and other airborne hazards.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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May 3, 2019
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) passed an important piece of bi-partisan legislation unanimously through the full Senate. Similar legislation authored by Bettencourt, Senate Bill 1886, passed the Texas Senate unanimously in the 85th Legislative Session but did not get a vote in the full Texas House.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 2, 2019
Decorated combat veteran and U.S. Senate candidate Mary Jennings “MJ” Hegar released the following statement today, demanding Senator John Cornyn stop shrinking out of the way while the Justice Department escalates a lawsuit that would end protections for Texans with pre-existing medical conditions:
From MJ Hegar Campaign
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May 2, 2019
Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) today issued the following statement regarding the House passage of House Bill 2826 by Rep. Greg Bonnen, which brings transparency into contingency fee legal contracts with local governments.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform
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May 2, 2019
HB 2727 would create the "Texas Promise Grant Program" to provide tuition for all eligible students at Texas community colleges. The grant money would go towards students who live in the state, have graduated from high school or received a high school equivalency certificate within the last 12 months, have already applied for financial aid and who maintains a 2.5 GPA.
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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May 2, 2019
The Texas Senate passed SB 1190, by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), to protect the integrity of the voter roll in our election process. The legislation prohibits a voter from establishing residence for the purpose of influencing the outcome of an election and prohibits voters from using a commercial post office box as their residence.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 2, 2019
State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez (D-Weslaco) passed House Bill 103 out of the Texas House of Representatives. HB 103 authorizes the establishment of a law school in the Rio Grande Valley, open to any university system which desires to do so.
From Representative Armando "Mando" Martinez
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May 2, 2019
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy issued the following statement in response to the Texas House's final passage of Senate Bill 2:
"The Texas AFL-CIO believes the tax cap in SB 2 cripples the ability of local governments to pay for vital public services like First Responders, trash collection and sanitation, pools, parks, and libraries.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 2, 2019
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) passed Senate Bill 1133 through the full senate with a vote of 31-0 to prevent school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from being able to own and operate any waterparks, golf courses or hotels with taxpayer dollars.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 1, 2019
Leading an 18-state coalition, Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to uphold a U.S. District Court decision declaring Obamacare unconstitutional.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 1, 2019
"The need for meaningful school finance reform is real. House Bill 3 includes a $5000 teacher pay raise, transitions the state away from the inequity of Robin Hood, and provides taxpayers badly-needed property tax relief.
From Senator Donna Campbell
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May 1, 2019
"I have tremendous respect for Congressman Castro and his commitment to public service, and I know Texas will continue to benefit from his strong leadership. I am laser-focused on our shared goal of defeating Senator Cornyn next November.
From MJ Hegar Campaign
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May 1, 2019
Today, Texas House Republicans passed Senate Bill 2, also known as the Texas Taxpayer Transparency Act, by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dustin Burrows. This legislation ensures governments spend responsibly and prioritize the needs of their communities without burdening their taxpayers.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
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May 1, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton today applauded Texas Deputy Solicitor General J. Campbell Barker’s confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler. Barker joined the attorney general’s office in 2015 and has handled a wide range of state and federal cases.
From Office of the Attorney General
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May 1, 2019
Following today's House passage of Senate Bill 2, Rep. Lina Ortega released the following statement:
"While I appreciate the work of Chairman Burrows and the members of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am opposed to Senate Bill 2. I am supportive of providing property tax relief to Texans but this bill does not do that.
From Representative Evelina Ortega
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May 1, 2019
SB 2243 is on the Senate floor today for its second reading. SB 2243 would force Texans needing an abortion into 3rd party “counseling” at crisis pregnancy centers, violating the privacy of Texans by forcing them to reveal their medical decisions to unlicensed strangers who are not their healthcare providers, effectively giving a stranger veto power over a person’s decision to have an abortion, in violation of long standing constitutional principles.
From NARAL Pro-Choice Texas
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May 1, 2019
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statements after the Senate confirmed J. Campbell Barker to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler:
“Mr. Barker’s record of public service shows his dedication to justice and to his fellow Texans,” said Sen. Cornyn.
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 1, 2019
Rep. Vikki Goodwin released the following statement today regarding her amendment that would ensure the state properly funds public schools in Texas:
“I was elected to ensure the state properly funds public schools; increasing its share and ensuring property taxes can be lowered for Texas homeowners. My responsible amendment to SB 2, which failed on a party-line vote, would have required the state to properly share the cost of schools before limiting the budgets of cities, counties and emergency service districts.
From Representative Vikki Goodwin
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May 1, 2019
SB 2, a recycled idea that failed to pass in the 2017 Legislative Session, is a misguided proposal that would limit the ability of cities and counties to decide how much to devote to police, fire, paramedics, and other local services.
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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May 1, 2019
State Representative Michelle Beckley (D-Carrollton) expressed significant doubt with Senate Bill 2, which passed the House today after hours of debate. Senate Bill 2 will impose a 3.5% cap on property tax revenue for cities and counties preventing them from providing essential services to their communities. The bill will require cities and counties to hold an additional election if they wish to increase taxes past that number.
From Representative Michelle Beckley
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May 1, 2019
This evening the Texas House gave preliminary approval to a proposal that would limit the ability of cities and counties to decide how much to devote to police, fire, paramedics, and other local services. The bill passed the Senate earlier this month and now moves to third reading in the Texas House.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
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May 1, 2019
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) passed bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 2219 through the Texas Senate with a vote of 22-9. This bill, a refile to SB 642, authored by Senator Bettencourt in the 85th Legislative session, will make sure all issuance of bonds, other debt or change in tax are held on a uniform November election date so all voters are informed and provided with accurate ballot language in order to make an informed decision.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 1, 2019
On Sunday, April 28 at 9:30 AM State Representative James Talarico (D -- Round Rock) set out on his 10 hour, 25-mile trek across House District 52 to hold 3 public town halls in Taylor, Hutto, and Round Rock to listen directly to the constituents he serves.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 30, 2019
On Monday, April 29th, 2019, Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) laid out his HB 1513 in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, led by Chair Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth). HB 1513 aims to extend protections to our transgender community under Texas' Hate Crimes Act.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
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April 30, 2019
Senate Bill 11 by Senator Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) was passed out of the full Texas Senate today with a vote of 29-2. The bill aims to better prepare and equip schools to handle security threats and provide resources to support the mental health of public school students. Specifically, SB 11:
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
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April 30, 2019
The U.S. Jewish community experienced near-historic levels of anti-Semitism in 2018, including a doubling of anti-Semitic assaults and the single deadliest attack in U.S. history, according to new data from ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) issued today. ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic incidents recorded a total of 1,879 attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions across the country in 2018, the third-highest year on record since ADL started tracking such data in the 1970s.
In a year marked by the white supremacist shooting spree at a Pittsburgh synagogue, which claimed 11 lives, and punctuated by a dramatic surge in white supremacist propaganda activity nationwide, ADL’s Audit identified 59 people who were victims of anti-Semitic assaults in 2018, up from 21 in 2017. While the overall number of incidents represents a 5 percent decline from 1,986 incidents reported in 2017, the number of incidents last year remained at near-historic levels – 48 percent higher than the total for 2016 and 99 percent higher than in 2015.
From ADL
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April 30, 2019
Today, Texas House Republicans stood up for the rights of students to express themselves on college campuses by passing House Bill 2100 by Representative Briscoe Cain. This legislation will protect an individual’s right to speak and assemble freely on a campus so long as they do not interfere with the same ability of another individual.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
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April 30, 2019
Today the Texas House of Representatives voted its approval of House Bill 63 by Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody (D-78). As originally filed, the measure would have decriminalized low-level possession of marijuana altogether in favor of a civil penalty system.
From Joe Moody Campaign
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April 29, 2019
Representative Ray Lopez laid out House Bill 4753 this morning in the committee on International Affairs & Economic Development. This bill calls for a study to analyze the trends between the growing cost of childcare and family income in the State of Texas. Rep. Lopez is calling for this study to generate substantial, revealing data on how income and the growing cost of childcare are affecting working families and parents throughout our state.
From Representative Ray Lopez
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April 29, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 11 – the School Safety Act, by Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood:
"I commend Sen. Taylor for his leadership on this critical legislation and for his diligent work in creating a comprehensive package of strategies to better protect our children.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 29, 2019
Today, April 29th, 2019, Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) held a press conference on his HB 1513 to be heard in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, chaired by Chair Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth), later today.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
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April 29, 2019
Today, District Judge Fred Biery approved a motion to dismiss federal lawsuits against Texas' voter purge fiasco.
This decision effectively puts an end to this particular purge of the voter rolls pioneered by acting Secretary of State David Whitley.
?However, Whitley's nomination is still pending and could be called up for a vote on the floor of the state senate at any time.
From Common Cause Texas
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April 29, 2019
“Monica’s Law,” aimed at preventing domestic violence, passed the Texas House of Representatives and will become Texas law unless vetoed by the governor. The legislation authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) will create an online, searchable and public database listing protective orders issued by Texas courts as a result of domestic violence after a due-process hearing.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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April 29, 2019
Last week, State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) pushed forward on more legislation aimed at public oversight on proposed oil and gas pipelines. On April 25, she laid out House Bill 3327 in the Land and Resource Management Committee saying her legislation would enable county governments to share site-specific concerns with pipeline operators early enough in the process to impact the route.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
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April 29, 2019
Today, the Texas House Public Health Committee unanimously passed House Bill 2059 by Representative César J. Blanco, relating to required human trafficking prevention training for health care providers.
Texas has the second highest number of reported cases of human trafficking in the country, and according to a study by the University of Texas there are currently 313,000 victims of human trafficking across the state.
From Representative Cesar J. Blanco
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April 29, 2019
Today Wesley Hunt, an Army combat veteran, businessman and conservative Republican for Congress (TX-07) released the following statement calling on Rep. Lizzie Fletcher to return co
From Wesley Hunt Campaign
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April 29, 2019
The Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) announced today that Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will receive the 2nd annual “Texas Leadership Award” at the 2019 TADA Annual Conference. Throughout his tenure in state government as a State Representative, State Senator, and now as Comptroller, Hegar has led on the real issues facing the State, the business community, and individual Texans. TADA applauds his dedicated service.
From Texas Automobile Dealers Association
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April 26, 2019
Today Representative Sergio Mun?oz, Jr. joined his colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives to pass historic legislation that increases the state’s contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) in SB 12.
From Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr.
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April 26, 2019
?State Rep. Eric Johnson continued his strong fundraising in recent weeks, reflecting
the momentum his campaign for Dallas Mayor is building as the May 4 election nears.
?Between March 26 and April 24, Johnson raised $180,421.16 in total political contributions — a
??number that does not include any loans or pledges. He ended the fundraising period with
$259,298.15 in his mayoral campaign account.
?
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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April 26, 2019
The following statement was released by State Sen. José Rodríguez:
Today's settlement reflects the hard work and strong commitment of numerous voter advocacy organizations to ensuring that all citizens, whether naturalized or not, are not discriminated against or harassed by the State.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
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April 26, 2019
Statement from Travis County Voter Registrar Bruce Elfant on the court settlement between Secretary of State David Whitley and the ACLU on voter roll maintenance:
“I have not seen all the details of the settlement. I certainly am pleased that the order from the secretary of state’s office to investigate voter fraud by using a list of names with naturalized citizens was rescinded as part of the court agreement.
From Travis County Tax Office
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April 26, 2019
Today, voting rights advocates and the Texas Secretary of State released a settlement agreement regarding litigation to halt the agencies botched list maintenance activities that were riddled with errors from day one. The lists distributed to counties for potential purge were found to include the names of thousands of naturalized U.S. citizens.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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April 26, 2019
The Texas AFL-CIO today congratulated Latino voting rights organizations and allies for obtaining a court settlement that requires Texas to back off from a voter verification program that irresponsibly suggested tens of thousands of naturalized citizens had cast ballots unlawfully.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 26, 2019
Republican Candy Noble has been named a 2019 Emerging Leader by GOPAC, a national organization committed to identifying and supporting the next generation of Republican leaders. The annual list recognizes legislators for their potential and ability to impact their state.
From Candy Noble Campaign
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April 26, 2019
On Monday, April 29, the Texas House is scheduled to consider House Bill 2303, authored by Representative Joseph Moody, updating the Texas Penal Code to reflect that fantasy sports is a game of skill and those who play it in Texas do not violate Texas law.
From Texas Fantasy Sports Alliance
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April 26, 2019
Representative Morales today joined colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives to pass legislation that invests in retired teachers by increasing the state's contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
From Representative Christina Morales
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April 26, 2019
"I voted in support of HB 826, to create the University of Houston (UH) Medical School. UH is one the finest higher education systems in the State of Texas. But, within the greater Houston area, and even surrounding UH, there are large medically underserved areas with communities that have some of the highest numbers of residents with poor health.
From Senator Borris Miles
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April 26, 2019
Today, Representative César J. Blanco passed House Bill 391, relating to student access to public school instructional materials and technology. H.B. 391 now heads to the Texas Senate for consideration.
H.B. 391 would ensure students have access to instructional materials at home.
From Representative Cesar J. Blanco
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April 26, 2019
Representative Hugh D. Shine today joined colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives to pass legislation that invests in retired teachers by increasing the state's contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
From Representative Hugh Shine
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April 25, 2019
Representative Jonathan Stickland (R - Bedford) was the only Representative who voted No on SB 12. SB 12 makes the Teachers Retirement System actuarially sound and grants retired teachers a one time check of up to $2,400.00. Brian Hodgdon, the Executive Director of the Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC), offered the following statement:
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
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April 25, 2019
Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 12 by Representative Greg Bonnen. With Senate Bill 12, Texas teachers can be confident that the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Pension Trust Fund will be safeguarded for their future.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
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April 25, 2019
The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) today commended the State of Texas and local law enforcement for the arrest of Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina.
“Texas continues to be a shining example of how states can fight voter fraud,” PILF President and General Counsel J. Christian Adams said. “Developing cases against alleged ballot ‘harvesting’ schemes demands significant time, manpower, and investigative acumen.
From Public Interest Legal Foundation
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April 25, 2019
VoteVets PAC, the largest progressive group of veterans in America, is today endorsing MJ Hegar for Senate, in 2020. VoteVets endorsed her for Congress, in 2018.
"Texas is ready for a U.S. Senator who isn’t afraid of fighting for our values and standing up for our families," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chair of VoteVets.
From MJ Hegar Campaign
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April 25, 2019
Today, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa was joined by Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, Hidalgo County Commissioner Eddie Cantu, and City of Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez at the Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) meeting to officially present the Commissioners with the recently signed re-designation agreement for Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) consolidation.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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April 25, 2019
On Wednesday, the Texas House Appropriations Committee unanimously passed House Bill 2154, legislation authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa), whose goal is to bring state money generated by oil and gas production back to energy-producing hotbeds across the state.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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April 25, 2019
Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the Election Fraud Unit of his office arrested city of Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina and his wife, Dalia, for voter fraud. Molina is charged with orchestrating an organized illegal voting scheme in his own mayoral election. The Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute both cases with the assistance of the attorney general’s Election Fraud Unit.
From Office of the Attorney General
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April 25, 2019
As Texas continues to experience substantial economic and population growth, the federal transportation system is failing to keep up with the increasing demand by Texas commuters. Texas continues to be subject to a federal funding inequality that has resulted in the State receiving less than its appropriate share of federal transportation funds.
From Representative Ray Lopez
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April 25, 2019
At least three-quarters of Americans believe the government should take action to protect patients from surprise medical bills, according to a new national poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
With legislation moving through the Texas Legislature to solve the problem of surprise medical bills for emergency or unplanned out-of-network health care services, Texas is positioned to be a national leader on consumer protection.
From Texas Hospital Association
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April 25, 2019
Texas private property owners need and deserve fairness and transparency when their land is taken with eminent domain, Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening told a House committee today.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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April 25, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton spoke to the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Wednesday afternoon. Commissioner Sitton stressed the Bay Area's critical and central role in Texas' energy dominance. Commissioner Sitton also spoke on his goal of keeping energy reliable, affordable and as clean as possible.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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April 25, 2019
State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) logged another victory in the fight against sexual assault this week as two bills passed out of the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee yesterday. House Bill 2672 and HB 2678 seek to give researchers and advocates the tools they need to understand the breadth of sexual assault in Texas and better train investigators and prosecutors on how to best handle these cases.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
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April 25, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 13 – Ethics Reform, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe:
"I congratulate Sen. Creighton and the Texas Senate on passing Senate Bill 13, the Ethics Reform Bill, and taking a principled stand against unethical practices in elected office.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 24, 2019
Legendary Texas singer-songwriter Ray Benson and Texas Cultural Trust Board Member, along with Texas Coalition for Quality Education (TCQAE) Chairman Robert Floyd, and Texas Cultural Trust Program Director Jenny Parry, today all testified in support of House Bill 3344, a bill authored by Texas State Representative John Bucy to elevate the role of fine arts education in the state’s educational curriculum.
From Texas Music Educators Association
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April 24, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 25 – the Higher Education Credit Transfer bill, by Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas:
"I congratulate Sen. West for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to Texas students and Texas families.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 24, 2019
As Texas continues to experience substantial economic and population growth, the federal transportation system is failing to keep up with the increasing demand by Texas commuters. Texas continues to be subject to a federal funding inequality that has resulted in the State receiving less than its appropriate share of federal transportation funds.
From Representative Ray Lopez
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April 24, 2019
The Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas (ASSET) released the following statement regarding today’s passage of an ordinance to regulate paid sick leave by the city of Dallas.
From Alliance For Securing And Strengthening The Economy In Texas
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April 24, 2019
Today, more than 30 leading local officials from cities across Texas released a letter to House Speaker Dennis Bonnen urging him to stop the advance of Senate Bill 22. This dangerous bill, according to the officials who signed the letter on behalf of their nearly 11 million residents, “would be devastating to our cities and counties, where too many residents are already uninsured and medically underserved.”
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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April 24, 2019
As county registrars try to keep up with record-breaking voter registration levels, a new report out today shows that online voter registration is a cheap and easy way to keep voter rolls accurate without affecting election outcomes.
From Common Cause Texas
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April 24, 2019
On Wednesday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) held a press conference at the State Capitol calling on Congress to assure Texas gets its fair share of federal transportation funding. Landgraf, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Transportation Committee, was joined by House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Canales and Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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April 24, 2019
Texas Capitol- Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 390 by Representative César J. Blanco, relating to defense economic readjustment zones. H.B. 390 now heads to the Texas Senate for consideration.
From Representative Cesar Blanco
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April 24, 2019
The Senate Finance Committee today approved two bills sponsored by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, allowing Texas to collect sales tax from remote sellers in accordance with the recent South Dakota v. Wayfair decision from the U.S. Supreme Court.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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April 24, 2019
Wind and solar power receive half the state subsidies that other forms of energy do — yet they’re the sole focus of a bill up in the Texas Senate that’s seemingly designed to cast doubt on these increasingly important sources of clean electricity in Texas.
From Environmental Texas
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April 24, 2019
In case you missed it: Decorated combat veteran Mary Jennings “MJ” Hegar is running for the U.S. Senate to challenge longtime incumbent Republican John Cornyn, a top lieutenant to Mitch McConnell who is out of touch with Texas after nearly 20 years in Washington.
From MJ Hegar Campaign
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April 24, 2019
A new Pentagon policy effectively bans transgender people from joining the U.S. military and serving in their preferred gender. There is a total of 1.4 million transgender citizens that live in this country. Out of those 1.4 million American transgender population, an estimated 15,000 of them serve in the military.
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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April 24, 2019
The Green New Deal is a proposed stimulus program that aims to address climate change and economic inequality. The name refers to the New Deal, a set of social and economic reforms and public works projects undertaken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. The Green New Deal combines Roosevelt's economic approach with modern ideas such as renewable energy and resource efficiency.
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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April 24, 2019
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is encouraging Texans to take advantage of the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday this weekend to be ready in case a natural disaster strikes such as hurricanes, storms, flooding, wildfires and tornadoes.
From Texas General Land Office
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April 23, 2019
The Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HB 10 today. This legislation, sponsored by Houston State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Chair of the Texas House Committee on Public Health), creates the Texas Mental and Behavioral Health Research Institute to put Texas at the forefront of mental and behavioral health research nationally.
From Representative Senfronia Thompson
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April 23, 2019
Another major step in education reform, Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) unanimously passed SB 1256 out of the Texas Senate that will create a Do-Not-Hire registry and continue to elaborate on legislation to protect private school students in Texas. Expanding on Senate Bill 7 from the 85th Legislative session, which protected public schools from inappropriate student/teacher relationships, Senator Bettencourt filed a pack of legislation to expand those protections to private schools as well.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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April 23, 2019
HJR 117 passed to engrossment today by a vote of 133-9. HJR 117 proposes to amend the Texas Constitution to allow Texas voters to choose between keeping standard time year-round or observing daylight saving time year-round, provided the United States Congress amend the Uniform Time Act.
From Representative Lyle Larson
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April 23, 2019
Today, decorated combat veteran Mary Jennings “MJ” Hegar announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate in the battleground state of Texas, where Democrats surged in voter turnout and election performance in 2018. Hegar is running to challenge longtime incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn, a top lieutenant to Mitch McConnell who is out of touch with Texas after nearly 20 years in Washington.
From MJ Hegar Campaign
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April 23, 2019
From Representative Ray Lopez
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April 23, 2019
Today, after much discussion and cooperation from Agua SUD leadership, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa filed Senate Bill 2552, a local bill to strengthen the transparency and accountability of Agua SUD board members and personnel. SB 2552 would require that Agua SUD board of directors file financial statements and apply conflict of interest and nepotism laws to the directors.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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April 22, 2019
Leading a 21-state coalition, Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of a federal law that gives state prosecutors greater authority to take legal action against websites that host sex-trafficking ads.
From Office of the Attorney General
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April 22, 2019
The Texas Senate has unanimously passed Senate Bill 1772, authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) to trigger an automatic disaster reappraisal of impacted properties following a major disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey many taxpayers were confronted with the reality that they would be taxed at full value on their property that in many cases were completely destroyed.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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April 22, 2019
Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced today that eight Texas school systems have been selected to be part of the Lone Star Governance (LSG) Exemplar Cohort II. The cohort is designed for local governing teams – school board members and their superintendents – that aspire to leverage a continuous improvement mindset and framework in order to have the greatest impact on student performance and outcomes.
From Texas Education Agency
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April 22, 2019
Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 3966, State Representative Richard Peña Raymond’s (District 42) legislation that directs all Texas public schools to acknowledge and educate all students on the atrocities of the Holocaust which primarily took place in Europe during World War II.
From Representative Richard Pena Raymond
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April 22, 2019
It is my distinct pleasure to announce that Mrs. Andrea McWilliams has been named Texas Businesswoman of the Year (TBOY). This places Mrs. McWilliams among an exclusive cadre of extraordinary Women of Texas.
From McWilliams Governmental Affairs Consultants
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April 22, 2019
This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2032 by Rep. John Turner of Dallas, creating the Health Literacy Advisory Committee. Rep. Turner is in his first term as a legislator. HB 2032 was his first bill to pass out of the Texas House.
From Representative John Turner
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April 18, 2019
A group of public and private arts education advocates today announced the formation of its statewide advocacy and grassroots campaign. Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education aims to educate Texas voters and state lawmakers on the unique importance fine arts programs play in preparing K-12 students for the workforce.
From Texas Music Educators Association
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April 18, 2019
A Texas House committee gave approval Thursday to Rep. Eric Johnson’s bill to allow state funds to flow to residents at risk of losing their homes due to gentrification.
The House Committee on Urban Affairs, on which Rep. Johnson sits, approved House Bill 4394.
From Eric Johnson Campaign
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April 18, 2019
Yesterday afternoon the Texas Senate Republican Caucus held a joint press conference to again call attention to the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis at the border. Caucus Chairman Bettencourt (R-Houston) opened the press conference by remarking, “The Texas Senate recognizes the obvious: there is both a humanitarian and a security crisis on the border.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
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April 18, 2019
House Bills 452 and 2105 by State Representative Hugh D. Shine passed with unanimous consent through the House of Representatives today as part of the Local and Consent Calendar.
House Bill 452 relates to the creation of Truancy Masters for Bell County.
From Representative Hugh Shine
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April 18, 2019
After over eighteen months of tireless work, on Wednesday, April 17, Representative Hugh D. Shine passed House Bill 492 and House Joint Resolution 34 out of the Texas House of Representatives and these pieces of legislation are now on their way to the Texas Senate.
From Representative Hugh Shine
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April 18, 2019
Today, some San Antonio City Council members attempted to use a procedural measure to reconsider the previous decision by the City of San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and others to ban a Chick-fil-A store from opening in the city airport. But Mayor Nirenberg took a vote and defeated this effort 6-5, and continued to affirm the ban on Chick-fil-A opening a store in the San Antonio airport because the business owners gave donations to Christian charities, including The Salvation Army.
From Texas Values
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April 18, 2019
In the wake of a new report released by the Alliance for Safety and Justice showing that Texas crime victims support changes to probation that prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration, a key Texas House committee today voted in favor of reforms to the state’s probation system.
From Alliance For Safety And Justice
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April 18, 2019
State Senator Donna Campbell joined pastors and religious leaders at San Antonio City Hall to call for the city council to reconsider their vote on banning Chick-Fil-A from the airport. The city council motion for a revote failed.
From Senator Donna Campbell
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April 18, 2019
Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 449, state Representative Chris Turner's (HD-101) measure that would require all Texas colleges and universities to notate a student's transcript if he/she is ineligible for re-enrollment as a result of a serious code of conduct violation. The bill, aimed at providing an additional tool for campus safety, passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support.
From Representative Chris Turner
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April 18, 2019
Paid sick time is essential to Texans' economic security. Nearly forty percent of private sector workers and nearly eighty percent of the lowest-income workers do not have any paid sick time. Some workers that have paid sick time are penalized for using it or cannot use this time to care for sick family members. Absences can result in job loss which can devastate a family.
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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April 18, 2019
State Senator Donna Campbell joined U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and other members of the Senate Republican Caucus at a press conference this afternoon to support Senate Resolution 535. Passed by the Texas Senate two weeks ago, SR 535 requests Congress to adequately address and fund border security.
From Senator Donna Campbell
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April 18, 2019
Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa as one of only five Senate appointees to the Conference Committee on Senate Bill 500, the state's supplemental appropriations bill for the 2018-19 biennium.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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April 18, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate unanimously passed SB 2299 by Senator Beverly Powell. Senate Bill 2299 by Powell would move Texas' military installations, such as NAS JRB in Fort Worth or Lackland AFB in San Antonio, to critical infrastructure status. This change restricts individuals from flying drones on or near our military bases.
From Senator Beverly Powell
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April 18, 2019
Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 129 authored by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa. This bill would give property tax relief in the form of an exemption to the surviving spouse of an officer or a special agent who was killed while in the line of duty while serving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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April 17, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following his appointment of conferees for the 2020-2021 budget conference. His appointees are Senate Finance Chairman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, Senator Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, Senator Joan Huffman, R- Houston, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham and Senator Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor:
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April 17, 2019
The Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas today released the following statement regarding Senate passage of Senate Bills 2486 and 2488, which make certain employment regulations consistent across Texas:
From Alliance for Securing and Strengthening the Economy in Texas
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April 17, 2019
The Texas Senate today named Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, its chair of the Conference Committee on HB 1, the appropriations bill. She will serve alongside Senators Huffman, Kolkhorst, Taylor and Nichols.
"I look forward to working with this strong group of Senators as we iron out differences between the House and Senate budgets.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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April 17, 2019
Rice farmers are asking for immediate enforcement of a court order against an alleged polluter of Skull Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, which provides irrigation water to grow rice.
The toxic spill does not pose any immediate risks to rice crops currently being planted and farmers want to keep it that way, said Ronald Gertson, chairman of the Colorado Water Issues Committee, which represents rice farmers in the lower Colorado River basin.
From Colorado Water Issues Committee
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April 17, 2019
Today faith leaders and advocates for equality gathered at the Texas Capitol to express their dismay as the House State Affairs Committee prepared to consider yet another package of bills expanding the legislative assault on LGBTQ Texans.
From Texas Freedom Network
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April 17, 2019
State Representative Brooks Landgraf's (R-Odessa) legislation aimed at making it a felony to assault a pregnant woman in Texas was unanimously passed on Wednesday in the Texas House of Representatives.
Previously, the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee unanimously passed House Bill 902, which makes it a third degree felony for assaulting a pregnant woman if the actor knew the woman was pregnant at the time of the assault.
From Representative Brooks Landgraf
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April 17, 2019
Today, in a bi-partisan showing of support, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 16, known as the "Texas Born-Alive Infant Protection Act." Authored by Representative Jeff Leach, this landmark legislation provides the strongest legal protections in the nation for infants who survive an abortion.
From Representative Jeff Leach
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April 17, 2019
Today, Texas House Republicans approved House Bill 16, also known as the Texas Born-Alive Infant Protection Act, by Representative Jeff Leach.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
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April 17, 2019
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 29 – Stop Taxpayer Funded Lobbying, by Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood:
"I congratulate Sen. Hall and the Texas Senate for passing this legislation and for taking a principled stand against this local misuse of taxpayer funds.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 17, 2019
With the support of Representative Rick Miller (Fort Bend) the Texas House of Representatives has passed a series of bills to help victims of human trafficking and sexual assault. On April 10, 2019, HCR 35 was voted out of Public Health committee unanimously.
From Representative Rick Miller
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April 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 14 by Representative Lynn Stucky. This legislation provides future law enforcement officers with a student loan repayment assistance program.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
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April 17, 2019
The first Environmental Excellence Recognition Program (EERP) awards, a new legacy program initiated by state Sen. José Rodríguez's Senate District 29 Environment Advisory Committee (EAC), will be presented at a ceremony in conjunction with the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department's Earth Day ?event taking place April 20, 2019, in Downtown El Paso.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
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April 17, 2019
The Lower Colorado River Basin Coalition said it deplores a series of toxic spills on Skull Creek that have killed fish and endangered wildlife and humans, and it supports county and state efforts to stop the contamination and prosecute the offenders.
From Lower Colorado River Basin Coalition
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April 17, 2019
State Representative Reynolds joined Texas House colleagues in unanimously passing House Bill 8, the "Lavinia Masters Act", to eliminate the rape kit backlog in Texas. House Bill 8 -- a priority item for the 86th Texas Legislature
From Representative Ron Reynolds
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April 17, 2019
The Lower Colorado River Basin Coalition continues to support proposed legislation that would require the Lower Colorado River Authority to strengthen its public engagement policies, as recommended by the Texas Sunset Commission.
From Lower Colorado River Basin Coalition
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April 17, 2019
Texas Values has announced today as “Save Chick-fil-A” Day. Texas Values is asking all Texans to join them at the Texas Capitol for a legislative hearing on issues of religious freedom or at their local Chick-fil-A. Recently the San Antonio City Council banned a Chick?fil?A location from the San Antonio International Airport because of Chick-fil-A’s Christian values.
From Texas Values
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April 17, 2019
State Representative Shine today joined Texas House colleagues in unanimously passing House Bill 8, the "Lavinia Masters Act", to eliminate the rape kit backlog in Texas.
From Representative Hugh Shine
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April 17, 2019
Today the Texas House gave preliminary approval to House Bill 16, the so-called “Born Alive Act”.
NARAL Pro-Choice Texas Executive Director Aimee Arrambide issued the following statement:
There’s a reason the federal version of this bill failed to pass and why national medical organizations oppose this bill, and that’s because HB 16 is not about medicine, its a bill based on lies and fear mongering.
From NARAL Pro-Choice Texas
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April 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Jeff Leach’s (R-Plano) HB 16.
Statement from Dyana Limon-Mercado, Interim Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes:
“HB 16 is a blatantly false, inflammatory and dangerous bill being pushed by anti-choice organizations to further stigmatize abortion, intimidate physicians and, once again, interfere with a woman’s right to seek medical care.
From Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
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April 17, 2019
Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed major legislation that, if finally enacted, will in a meaningful way address the needs of students with mental health conditions and provide resources for educators, including mental health awareness training.
From Representative Four Price
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April 17, 2019
"Senate Bill 1264 is a step in the wrong direction. This bill moves our state closer to single-payer medicine and further away from doctors and hospitals being able to operate in a free market. The state cannot simply wave a magic wand and make the real costs of providing health care disappear.
From Senator Donna Campbell
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 Copyright May 20, 2019, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
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