|
August 21, 2017
Commissioner of Education Mike Morath today advised that the public comment period for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated state plan for Texas ends Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 21, 2017
One of the new laws scheduled to take effect this September 1st is the Compassionate Use Act. The bill signed by Governor Abbott back in 2015 was supposed to grant access to CBD oil derived from the cannabis plant to Texans suffering with intractable epilepsy.
From Medical Cannabis Association of Texas
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 21, 2017
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) recently announced that eight University of Texas institutions have been awarded $59 million in grants to help make advancements in the prevention and treatment of cancer. That’s nearly 60 percent of all funds awarded across the state.
From The University of Texas System
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 21, 2017
Friday afternoon, the State of Texas filed their intent to appeal to the US Supreme Court and requested a stay on the recent order released by the San Antonio federal court that found two Texas congressional districts unconstitutional.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
State Representative Jim Murphy (R-Houston) joined Governor Greg Abbott for a bill signing ceremony on Wednesday for House Bill 215, a bill authored by Rep. Murphy during the 85th Special Session that ensures abortions performed on minors are properly reported.
From Representative Jim Murphy
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton today initiated an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court over the recent redistricting ruling by filing a notice of appeal with the U.S. District Court in San Antonio. A panel of the district court decided that two of Texas’ 36 Congressional districts (27 and 35) are unlawful.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
On Wednesday, August 16, 2017, Representative Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) sent a letter to the State Preservation Board calling for the immediate removal of a “Children of the Confederacy Creed” plaque from the Texas Capitol and to begin a discussion on the removal of all Confederate iconography from the Texas Capitol Complex.
From Representative Eric Johnson
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced today that a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Texas Permanent School Fund for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2016.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) visited Mary Kay Inc. in Addison, Texas, where he discussed his efforts to create more good paying jobs for hardworking Texans. During his travels across the state, Sen. Cruz spoke with Jon-David Wells on 660 AM The Answer’s ‘The Wells Report,’ and discussed his priorities for Texas, including lowering health insurance premiums, and simplifying the tax code.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement regarding today’s attack by terrorists in Barcelona, Spain:
“Today, we mourn the lives lost in the barbaric terrorist attack that occurred in Barcelona, Spain.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 18, 2017
"The Texas Legislative Special Session ended this week. I was very proud to help pass good legislation regarding maternal mortality out of both chambers.
"Senate Bill 17 will extend and expand the work of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force. I added an amendment to this bill to address the second leading cause of maternal deaths- drug overdoses, especially those related to the opioid crisis.
From Senator Borris Miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
Congressman Will Hurd is at it again – he’ll talk the talk, but when it comes to putting actions behind those words, Hurd’s only response is to duck his responsibilities as an elected representative.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
Leading a 16-state coalition, Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Trump administration’s temporary travel ban, which was blocked by two lower courts before the Supreme Court allowed crucial parts of it to go forward in June. The high court agreed to take the case this fall.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
Today, August 17, 2017, Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement:
“President Trump’s remarks this week regarding the violence in Charlottesville and the removal of Confederate monuments have divided us — not united us.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
On Wednesday, August 16, 2017, Representative Eric Johnson (D-Dallas) sent a letter to the Texas State Preservation Board calling for the immediate removal of a “Children of the Confederacy Creed” plaque from the Texas Capitol and to begin a discussion on the removal of all Confederate iconography from the Texas Capitol Complex.
From Representative Eric Johnson
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved $4.5 million in funding for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to finance costs of a multi-phase drainage project known as the Raymondville Drain Project for Flood Control.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
Following yesterday’s signing of Senate Bill 17, Representative Lina Ortega released the following statement:
"I am grateful to have added an amendment to Senate Bill 17, which adds both a labor and delivery nurse and a critical care doctor to The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force.
From Representative Evelina Ortega
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
Wall Street credit ratings firms have given their highest ratings to this year’s Texas Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANs), which will allow the state to manage cash-flow needs for fiscal 2018.
“Texas received the highest short-term credit ratings on the TRAN,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today applauded the defeat of ‘bathroom bills’ that would have discriminated against members of the LGBT community in Texas. The bills were being considered during a 30-day special legislative session that ended Tuesday.
From TechNet
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 17, 2017
The Texas Legislature has adjourned sine die after a 30-day special session with several bills signed into law or making their way to desk of the governor, who has 10 days to veto or sign them into law.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller has the following statement on the end of the special session of the Texas Legislature:
“The failure of a ridiculous bathroom bill shows that business, faith leaders and everyday Texans can come together to stop politicians obsessed with singling out and discriminating against vulnerable people simply because of who they are.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Texas Welcomes All and Keep Texas Open for Business coalition members offered the following comments on the end of the Special Session and the defeat of the unnecessary, discriminatory bathroom bills.
From Texas Welcomes All
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
State Representative César J. Blanco issued the following statement on the Legislature adjourning Sine Die for the Special Session:
"Most Texans can breathe a sigh of relief, now that Governor Abbott's radical Special Session has come to an end.
From Representative Cesar Blanco
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick announced today he plans to retire as President of the Texas AFL-CIO at the end of September.
Patrick cited chronic back problems as contributing to his decision to leave office a little more than halfway through his four-year elected term.
From Texas AFL-CIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a bi-partisan coalition of 49 attorneys general urging Congress to affirm that law enforcement agencies retain their traditional authority to fight sex trafficking.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
“I enjoyed this morning’s Republican Caucus meeting. It was good to hear from many of our Members, and I’m glad I had the chance to thank them for the work they’ve done and the sacrifices they’ve made.
From Speaker Joe Straus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller has the following statement on the end of the special session of the Texas Legislature:
“The failure of a ridiculous bathroom bill shows that business, faith leaders and everyday Texans can come together to stop politicians obsessed with singling out and discriminating against vulnerable people simply because of who they are.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
The Texas Association of Business has a long and successful track record of advancing and defending business interests at the Texas Legislature. More than 700 business and economic development organizations as well as law enforcement, education, faith and community leaders joined our Keep Texas Open for Business Coalition to defeat the unnecessary bathroom bill.
From Texas Association of Business
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Texas Values Action congratulates the Lt. Gov. and Texas Senate on leading the effort on to final passage of several key pro-life reforms, yet strong disappointment in privacy protection in showers, bathrooms and locker rooms being blocked and ultimately stopped by Speaker Joe Straus and Rep. Byron Cook.
From Texas Values Action
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
“There was nothing special about this special session. The special session provided a few opportunities to tackle some major problems in our state. I’ve worked hard to make gains on bringing relief to retired teachers’ health care, decreasing maternal mortality, and keeping important state agencies open.
From Senator Carlos Uresti
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Tonight, the Texas House of Representatives adjourned sine die following a lengthy and contentious debate on school finance reform.
State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez issued the following statement regarding the special session:
“Like his tenure in office, Governor Greg Abbott’s first special session was bad for Texas.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
State Representative Paul Workman released the following statement following the Governor's signing of SB 6:
"As one of the House authors of Senate Bill 6, the municipal annexation reform bill, I applaud the Governor's signing of this important legislation to protect private property rights.
From Representative Paul Workman
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
State Representative Paul Workman released the following statement regarding HB 7:
"I applaud the House’s decision to accept the Senate’s amendments to HB 7 to strengthen private property owners’ rights with regards to the trees on their own property. As the author of HB 70 and an author of HB 7, I am glad to see the legislature taking steps to bolster property owners’ rights.
From Representative Paul Workman
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
This afternoon, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas released a unanimous decision that found intentional discrimination persists in the congressional maps drawn by the Texas Legislature in 2013.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Although today’s decision upheld the vast majority of the State’s congressional district map, Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his disappointment with a portion of today’s federal court decision on maps that the district court itself adopted in 2012 and have been in effect for the last three election cycles.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
Robin Schneider, Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment issued the following statement after the Texas House concurred with Senate changes to HB 7:
“This is a victory for Texas trees. This bill has some flaws, but it is more or less what all sides agreed to in the regular session, and it leaves every tree protection ordinance in the state intact.
From Texas Environment
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 16, 2017
The following statement on House Bill 21, the school finance bill, should be attributed to Dr. Guy Sconzo, Executive Director, Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC):
“While we appreciate the Senate’s willingness to assist rapidly growing school districts, the fact remains that the $60 million for Existing Debt Allotment (EDA) in House Bill 21 benefits very few school districts that are considered fast growth.
From Fast Growth School Coalition
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton today expressed his gratitude to 42 congressional members, 15 states, the non-profit Eagle Forum and a leading expert on bioethics who filed amicus briefs with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Texas’ right to cut off state Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Following the Texas Education Agency’s release of campus and district ratings today, Texas Aspires’ Executive Director Courtney Boswell released the following statement:
“It’s hard for the public to understand what’s going on when STAAR results drop and ratings improve. That's why the next iteration of ratings will be critically important.
From Texas Aspires
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC (TLRPAC) today endorsed Judge Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda of McAllen in his campaign for chief justice of the 13th Court of Appeals.
“Each election cycle, TLRPAC supports judicial candidates who understand the importance of a fair, efficient and honest legal system to Texas families and businesses,” TLRPAC Chairman Richard J. Trabulsi Jr. said.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC (TLRPAC) today endorsed Judge Jaime E. Tijerina of Mission in his campaign for the 13th Court of Appeals.
“Each election cycle, TLRPAC supports judicial candidates who understand the importance of a fair, efficient and honest legal system to Texas families and businesses,” TLRPAC Chairman Richard J. Trabulsi Jr. said.
From Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
On Thursday, August 14th, State Representative Tom Oliverson, MD (R-Cypress) and Representative Jay Dean (R-Longview) added an amendment to SB 16, requiring the school finance commission to study ways to fund school maintenance and operations without using property taxes.
From Representative Tom Oliverson
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
We’re pleased to see a decline in the number of districts rated as “Improvement Required,” but it’s also clear that charter schools continue to underperform traditional public schools, since charter districts are more than three times as likely to fail state achievement standards.
From Texas AFT
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joined 660 AM The Answer’s Mark Davis to discuss his call on the Department of Justice to investigate the act of domestic terrorism in Charlottesville over the weekend.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas) today commented on an amicus brief they spearheaded in the case of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Family Planning and Preventative Health Services, Inc. v. Smith, filed with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, defending Texas’ decision to defund Planned Parenthood by removing the organization from its list of qualified Medicaid providers.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Today is the fifth anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) deportation relief program.
Texas State Representative Eddie Rodriguez represents the 62.7% Hispanic HD-51 in Southeast Austin and serves as policy chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, the oldest and largest Latino legislative caucus in the nation.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement on the final passage of House Bill 21 early this morning.
"Before the Special Session last month, I made a commitment to retired teachers to boost TRS-Care and HB 21 will do that. It reduces premiums for retirees who are not Medicaid eligible and deductibles for retirees over the age of 65.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
The Texas Education Agency today announced that more than 400 campuses that achieved a Met Standard rating in the 2017 state accountability ratings also earned all distinction designations applicable to their individual school.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 15, 2017
Senator José Rodríguez released the following statement following the Texas Senate's 25-6 vote on House Bill 21, a bill that when it came over from the House would have put $1.8 billion more into our public schools, including more than $100 million for English Language Learner (bilingual) education:
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Rep. Helen Giddings was joined by every member of the House of Representatives to condemn the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia and the planned white supremacist rally at Texas A&M. Her full remarks are linked below.
From Representative Helen Giddings
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Today, Texas Values Action released survey results that continue to demonstrate an overwhelming number of Republican voters support legislative efforts to protect privacy. In addition, a majority of Republican House members are now co-authors for HB 46, the House version of the Texas Privacy Act.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar kicked off a tour of Texas manufacturing plants today with visits to Samsung in Austin and TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company in Round Rock. During his Good for Texas Tour: Manufacturing Edition, Hegar will tour facilities, meet with local officials and release the results of a study the Comptroller’s office recently completed examining the economic impact of the manufacturing industry.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
The Texas Senate has continued their special session work and passed important pro-life legislation, HB 214, sponsored by Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and HB 215, sponsored by Senator Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), as well as legislation by Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels), SB 6, to protect Texans from forced annexation without a vote. Legislation to protect against forced annexation was previously filibustered and did not pass during the regular session.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Today, a group of LGBTQ and civil rights groups -- including the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Equality Texas, the ACLU of Texas, the Texas Freedom Network and the Transgender Education Network of Texas – delivered a list of signatures from more than 50,000 Texans who have taken action this year to oppose discriminatory anti-transgender legislation such as SB6, HB2899, SB3 and HB46 and other anti-LGBTQ bills considered by Texas lawmakers.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Texas Central, developer of the investor-owned high-speed train project, announced today an agreement with Irving, Texas-based Fluor Enterprises Inc., the primary operating subsidiary of Fluor Corporation and The Lane Construction Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Salini Impregilo, as the project moves into its next phase.
From Texas Central
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Today, Sen. Konni Burton (R) issued the following statement on the proposal before the Fort Worth City Council to join the lawsuit against Senate Bill 4 (SB 4):
"As a coauthor of SB 4, I am proud of the recent work of the Texas Legislature to prohibit so-called local "sanctuary" policies, which undermine the enforcement of our federal immigration laws and unnecessarily risk the safety of our local communities.
From Senator Konni Burton
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today (Sunday) extended her unique, career-long 100-percent voting record by casting her 60,000th consecutive vote in the Texas Senate—a record that is unparalleled in Texas and nationally.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
The following statement was released from Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) in response to the announced white nationalist rally to be held by outside groups on the campus of Texas A&M University next month:
"It has come to my attention that the same white nationalist groups responsible for the recent tragedy in Charlottesville are planning to host a similar hate rally on the campus of Texas A&M University next month
From Senator Charles Schwertner
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
It was the bill that wouldn't quit. Filibustered during the regular session and sent back to committee on a point of order just last week, Sen. Campbell's annexation reform bill became just the sixth bill to pass both chambers during the special session and is now on its way to Governor Abbott's desk to be signed into law.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
“I am supportive of the compromise annexation reform passed by the legislature containing suitable protections for our military bases. Protecting the three major military installations in Senate District 19, while providing a mechanism to allow residents a vote on annexation has been my objective, and I am pleased to see the final product reflects both priorities.
From Senator Carlos Uresti
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
On Saturday evening Speaker of the House Joe Straus sent HB 7 back to the State Senate. He said that the tree clear-cutting amendments made by the Senate were not germane.
From Texas Environment
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Rep. Helen Giddings released the following statement on the violent white nationalist protests in Charlottesville, Virginia:
"My heart goes out to the people of Charlottesville, Virginia, whose peaceful weekend was interrupted by a barbaric white supremacist attack.
From Representative Helen Giddings
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
Today, a group standing up to white nationalists and Nazi sympathizers in Charlottesville, Virginia became the victims of deadly violence. Dozens suffered serious injuries and one individual perished after a car plowed through a street full of people in an act law enforcement officials are considering a criminal homicide.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 14, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into the acts of domestic terrorism that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia on Friday and Saturday.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
Today the Texas Senate voted 22-9 to require reporting of medical data resulting from complications due to abortions. Sponsored by Senator Donna Campbell, an emergency room physician, House Bill 13 requires that certain health care facilities report complications from abortions and for the Health and Human Services Commission to publish this data.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
“The Texas Medical Association thanks Gov. Greg Abbott for placing the Medical Practice Act and TMB Sunset renewal on the legislative special session call. We also thank Texas lawmakers for answering that call and passing these laws overwhelmingly, to ensure Texans can continue to receive the best patient care possible from their physicians.
From Texas Medical Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
Today, August 11, 2017, Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement:
"Last Friday, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made disparaging remarks about our cities and the local governments that run them.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
Representative César J. Blanco joined Representatives Huberty, Herrero, Gutierrez, and Schofield in co-authoring an amendment to Senate Bill 6, the municipal annexation reform bill, to protect military installations from encroachment.
From Representative Cesar Blanco
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
As announced by Lt. Governor Patrick, some of the first pieces of legislation from the special session are being sent to Governor Abbott’s desk. Three senate bills, SB 5, SB 20, and SB 60, have all been sent to the Governor for his signature. This legislation is the “sunset” legislation as well as legislation to protect against mail in voter fraud.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
Today Senator Sylvia R. Garcia of Houston filed two bills aimed at stopping construction of Trump's proposed border wall along the Rio Grande. SB 120 would divest public funds from companies engaged in planning, building or maintaining the proposed 1,164 mile long wall along the river.
From Senator Sylvia Garcia
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
Today, the Texas House of Representatives, tentatively approved Senate Bill 6, which would reform the process by which cities my annex unincorporated areas by permitting residents in such areas a vote on their own annexation.
From Representative Roland Gurierrez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 11, 2017
On August 11, Rep. Helen Giddings joined Lancaster Mayor Marcus Knight to discuss her perspective on the successes and failures from the 85th Legislative Sessions. They discussed the Governor's special session call, as well as Rep. Giddings' legislative priorities and achievements.
From Representative Helen Giddings
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Leading a 23-state coalition, Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Bloomfield, New Mexico’s Ten Commandments monument on its city hall lawn. In February, a divided 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to reconsider a three-judge panel’s decision upholding a district court’s order to remove the monument.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
“A study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, has shown what we’ve known all along. The recklessness and bitter partisanship shown by Congressman Culberson and President Trump in their attack on Americans’ healthcare will cause drastic increases in individual insurance premiums.
From Jason Westin Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Dwindling state revenue forced some tough fiscal decisions this recent legislative session, but ultimately lawmakers were able to put a balanced budget in place. Still, the budget was balanced with the help of a number of one-time measures and deferrals that paid for ongoing expenses.
From Texas Taxpayers and Research Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
In America, opioids kill an average of 165 people a day. Every single day.
Prescription pain killers that are legal are being significantly abused causing overdose deaths and hospitalizations to skyrocket. Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels and has quickly become the deadliest drug crisis in American history.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Most of the state’s revenue passes through the State Treasury. Yet billions more in state funds are held by state agencies and public colleges and universities in accounts outside the Treasury, and can be used without legislative appropriations.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Senator Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) is partnering with the Promise Center and Goose Creek CISD to host a back to school event for Baytown students. Those in attendance will receive a free backpack sponsored by Wal-Mart and Port Houston.
From Senator Sylvia Garcia
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
State Representative Armando "Mando" Martinez (D-Weslaco) laid out House Bill 260 (HB 260) in the House Pensions Committee. HB 260 provides an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for retired teachers under the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS), as long as the TRS fund is actuarially sound.
From Representative Armando "Mando" Martinez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Today, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks dismissed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s preemptive lawsuit against Austin and Travis County over Senate Bill 4.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton today expressed his disappointment after a U.S. District Court judge in Austin refused his request to consolidate the multiple lawsuits filed against SB 4. He vowed to continue fighting for Senate Bill 4 and today’s ruling has no effect on the merits of the SB 4 cases still pending in San Antonio.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Following committee approval of House Bill 198 today, Texas Aspires’ Executive Director Courtney Boswell released the following statement:
“Teacher quality is one of the most influential factors in improving student achievement. House Bill 198 by Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches), as passed out of the House Public Education Committee chaired by Chairman Dan Huberty (R-Houston), is a meaningful step in efforts to put emphasis on recognizing great teachers in the state of Texas.
From Texas Aspires
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 10, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton today intervened in a property tax lawsuit against Dumas Independent School District, stating that the district violated state law and the Texas Constitution when it reduced the district’s local option homestead exemption.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 9, 2017
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today he will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $779.2 million in local sales tax allocations for August, 1.3 percent more than in August 2016.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 9, 2017
With the summer season winding down, parents are gearing up for another school year and another round of back-to-school shopping. For shoppers looking to save some cash during the busy spending season, the state of Texas offers a practical solution.
From Representative R.D. "Bobby" Guerra
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 9, 2017
A list of businesspersons released this morning shows growing support for efforts to protect privacy in showers, bathrooms, and locker rooms in government buildings and public schools.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 9, 2017
The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) expresses its deepest sadness and condolences after the passing of former Governor Mark White, who time and again proved himself one of our finest modern Texas leaders.
White, elected Texas Attorney General in 1978, served one memorable term as governor from 1983-1987.
From Texas Municipal Police Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 9, 2017
Senator Borris L. Miles submitted a letter of support for Lone Star Circle of Care (LSCC) to establish an integrated health center at the University of Houston (UH) Health and Biomedical Sciences in the Third Ward.
From Senator Borris Miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 9, 2017
Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the appointment of Michael J. Plank to the Port Authority Advisory Committee. Upon making the appointment Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said:
“Texas ports serve as gateways to the state economy, representing approximately 23% of the total State GDP and creating nearly 1.6 million jobs for Texans. I know Michael Plank will be an asset in ensuring that our ports and therefore our state maintains a strong economy.”
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
Today, Texas women rallied at the Texas Capitol to put an exclamation point on an unprecedented show of force against discriminatory bathroom bills. Texas women released the latest figures that show, as of today, more than 650 businesses, chambers of commerce, and convention & visitors bureaus have spoken publicly against these bathroom bills.
From Keep Texas Open For Business
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released preliminary financial accountability ratings for approximately 1,200 school districts and charters across the state, with almost 82 percent of all Texas school districts and charters earning the highest preliminary rating possible for 2016-2017.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton led a 16-state coalition filing a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday in support of Wisconsin’s redistricting maps that were drawn in full compliance with traditional redistricting principles.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
The Texas Senate Republican Caucus held a press conference today to show their strong support for their education reform priorities, including meaningful school finance reform legislation as well as the Texas Teacher Retirement System and TRS Care.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
Today, Lt. Gov. Patrick made this statement following a press conference held by over a dozen Texas senators:
"Texas senators spoke out this morning on what has been one of my top priorities for over a decade since first serving on the Senate Education Committee and later as Education Chairman.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
Rep. Helen Giddings released the following statement on the passing of former Texas Governor, Mark White:
"It was with a heartfelt sadness that I learned of the passing of former Texas Governor, Mark White. Although I never had the privilege of serving with him in the Legislature, I was able to work with him after he appointed me to the Human Rights Commission.
From Representative Helen Giddings
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
Texas women are taking the lead when it comes to protecting privacy and dignity in our showers, restrooms, and locker rooms.
As just one recent example of this groundswell of support, Linda Dewhurst of Houston recorded a video in support of the Texas Privacy Act that has surpassed 330,000 views in less than a week.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to overturn a district court decision that blocked Texas from cutting off state Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 8, 2017
The Texas Senate, led by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, has passed Senate Bill 28, by Senator Van Taylor (R-Plano), to adjust and balance the workload of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission by a vote of 30-0. Most agencies are reviewed on a twelve-year cycle, however the legislature regularly adjusts this to balance workload and better align agency reviews based on subject matter.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
On Friday, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick blamed “all our problems in America” on Democratic city governments during an interview with Fox Business Network.
"People are happy with their governments at their state level, they're not with the city," claimed Lt. Gov. Patrick.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Executive Director, Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, is the newly-elected president of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). He was sworn into office on July 1.
From Harris County Public Health
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Today, the Texas House of Representatives voted 141-1 in favor of House Joint Resolution 30 and House Bill 179, which would entitle a first responder who is severely injured in the line of duty to an exemption from property taxes for their residence homestead.
From Representative Kevin Roberts
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
SignOnAustin, an Austin-based coalition of local employers and nonprofit groups, joined
with longtime community organizer Linda Curtis today to announce the launch of a public petition in
support of its two-year effort to update the City of Austin’s municipal sign ordinance. Austin residents
may access the petition at signonaustin.org.
From SignOnAustin
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Today, TexProtects, the Texas Association for the Protection of Children, announced the release of its 2017 Home Visiting in Texas report.
From TexProtects
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
The Texas rural hospital closure epidemic continues with two more rural hospitals locking their doors in the last few weeks. The hospital in Trinity, Texas ceased operations on August 1 and the hospital in Crockett, Texas shut down on July 1, leaving those communities without immediate access to emergency and other hospital care.
From Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
“It is alarming to see the Lt. Governor attempting to bring the bitterly divisive partisan politics of Washington and Austin into the business of managing the city services that our citizens depend upon in their daily lives. We have non-partisan municipal elections in Texas because there is no Democratic way or Republican way of fixing potholes, fighting fires or picking up trash.
From Texas Municipal League
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Texas Impact, the Lone Star State’s oldest and largest interfaith advocacy network, today announces the launch of a new campaign featuring four public service announcements (PSAs) opposing discriminatory legislation targeting transgender Texans.
From Texas Impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Texas's highly successful annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled this year for Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13 and will offer Texans an opportunity to save millions in sales tax on clothing and various back-to-school items.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made this statement following the passing of former Texas Governor Mark White:
"Governor White leaves a legacy of service and commitment to the state of Texas. He gave up time away from his family and his career to make the Lone Star State a better place. I met Mark White in the early 1990s at his office and knew him to be a Texas gentleman. We pray for his family during this time of loss."
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2017
Today, August 5, 2017, former Texas Governor Mark White passed away. Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-147) released the following statement:
"Governor Mark White was a prime example of Texas leadership based on statesmanship, democratic ideals, and good government.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
Now that House State Affairs Committee Chairman Byron Cook has been confronted for his refusal to schedule the Texas Privacy Act for a committee hearing, the spotlight now turns on Committee members.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today held several public events in East Texas. In Kilgore, Sen. Cruz toured and visited with employees at the Skeeter Boats, Inc. manufacturing facility. In Tyler, Sen. Cruz toured the Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center at Tyler Junior College (TJC), and participated in a forum with TJC students.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
Today, the Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 21 (H.B. 21) by Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty, which increases per-pupil funding for the more than 5 million public school students in Texas.
From Representative Donna Howard
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
The Texas House of Representatives debated public school finance issues during today’s session. Two very important public school finance proposals passed were co-authored by State Representative Hugh D. Shine (R- Temple).
From Representative Hugh Shine
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
Today, the Texas House again passed House Bill 21, which provides additional resources for education while making several improvements to the state’s school finance formulas.
From Representative Dan Huberty
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
Sen. José Rodríguez wrote a letter to El Paso City Council urging them to oppose El Paso Electric Company's proposed pricing scheme for solar customers. EPE proposes to charge more to customers who seek to conserve power and lower costs; this is bad for El Paso and could set a dangerous precedent for other communities across Texas.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
The Texas House voted 130-12 on second reading Friday in favor of House Bill 21, a school finance reform bill that would put $1.8 billion in additional state resources into public education over the next two years.
From Speaker Joe Straus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things (DIGIT) Act, which included Kari’s Law, a bill that amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require multiline telephone systems, common in hotels and offices, to have the ability to directly dial 911 without locating an outside line first:
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statements after their bill to honor the fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. for his service by renaming the Border Patrol checkpoint where he was assigned, along U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, after him passed the U.S. Senate:
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 4, 2017
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statements after their bill to honor the fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. for his service by renaming the Border Patrol checkpoint where he was assigned, along U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, after him passed the U.S. Senate:
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
Yesterday, Chairman Sarah Davis (R-West University Place) along with the Committee on General Investigating and Ethics called upon Governor Abbott to add Ethics Reform to the official proclamation of Special Session. Quoting Governor Abbott, she stated: "the faith that people have in their democracy is linked to the trust they have in their elected officials.
From Representative Hugh Shine
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
Hundreds of Texas pastors and faith leaders rallied at the state Capitol Thursday morning in support of legislation to keep men out of little girls' showers, restrooms, and changing areas.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s confirmation of former Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to be the next U.S. ambassador to NATO. Sen. Cruz introduced Hutchison at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today applauded the Senate’s passage of the Right to Try Act of 2017. This bill allows for the unrestricted manufacturing, distribution, prescribing, and dispensing of experimental drugs, biological products and medical devices that are intended to treat a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Sen. Cruz is an original cosponsor.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) as U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
“Kay has always been known for tireless advocacy on behalf of Texans and her ability to work across the aisle to get things done,” said Sen. Cornyn.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
Too many Texas women need affordable family planning services, but state leaders have made ill-advised and politically motivated decisions that limit access to critical services.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
Several government watchdog groups, members of the “Integrity Texas” network of consumer and public interest organizations, voiced their strong support today for Rep. Sarah Davis’ (R-West University Place) request for the Governor to add ethics legislation to his special session call.
From Public Citizen
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
GOPAC, a national organization dedicated to growing the next generation of Republican leaders, has presented Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Senator Nelson has demonstrated true conservative leadership both during her long-standing tenure as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee as well as in her current roles as the Senate’s highest-ranking Republican and the first woman to serve as the state’s Senate Finance Committee Chairman.
From Jane Nelson Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Barrasso (R-WY), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) today introduced the Building America’s Trust Act, legislation that increases resources at our borders, boosts trade through ports of entry, and strengthens enforcement of existing laws. A summary of the legislation is attached.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
Today, the Trump Administration unveiled the RAISE Act, a measure that would effectively slice legal immigration rates in half from 1 million a year to roughly 500,000 according to initial reports. The measure stands to devastate economic growth across the country by reducing sales and restricting workforce access for critical industries that rely on legal immigration to meet labor demands.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality unanimously ruled against Clean Harbors San Leon, Inc. – subsidiary of an international corporate conglomerate – in its attempts to avoid performing toxicity testing on the 105,000 gallons of hazardous waste Clean Harbors plans to dump into a tributary of Dickinson Bayou daily.
From The Wilbanks Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 3, 2017
Today, Representative R.D. "Bobby" Guerra announced that he will be seeking re-election to serve as a state representative in the Texas House of Representatives in 2018.
"It has truly been an honor to serve the constituents of House District 41, representing their interests at the Texas Capitol and working to improve the quality of life in South Texas," Rep. Guerra stated.
From Representative R.D. "Bobby" Guerra
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2, 2017
Gina Ortiz Jones, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and national security expert, announced today that she is running for Congress in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, a seat that stretches from San Antonio to El Paso and encompasses the largest shared border with Mexico of any Congressional District.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2, 2017
Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) praised the Senate’s passage of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017, legislation to ensure veterans have access to timely care.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2, 2017
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said today that state sales tax revenue totaled $2.56 billion in July, 7.9 percent more than in July 2016.
“Sales tax receipts from all major economic sectors were up compared to last year,” Hegar said
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2, 2017
With Texas ranking as of the worst states in the nation for transparency, campaign finance, ethics and public disclosure laws, the governor should follow through with his pledge to make major ethics reform a priority, Public Citizen said today.
From Public Citizen
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2, 2017
The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition (TCJC) calls on Governor Greg Abbott to expand the call of the Special Legislative Session to fix the state’s dangerously outdated drug policies.
From Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 2, 2017
From Committee On General Investigating & Ethics
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
The Texas State Securities Board on Aug. 1 appointed Travis J. Iles as Securities Commissioner, effective Sept. 1.
Iles, a 16-year veteran of the agency, has served as Deputy Commissioner since September 2016. He previously served as Assistant Director of the Enforcement Division and worked as an attorney in the agency's Inspections & Compliance Division.
From Texas State Securities Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
The Texas House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday for two bills that aim to help retired teachers.
The House voted for House Bill 20, which appropriates $212 million to help defray rising premium, deductible, and out- of-pocket costs for retired teachers. House Bill 80 provides the Teacher Retirement System with the opportunity to provide retirees with a cost-of-living adjustment.
From Speaker Joe Straus
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
Today, House Members and members of their staff gathered to take the David's Law Anti-Bullying Pledge to end cyberbullying in the state of Texas. The pledge reads "I pledge to NEVER use my device as a weapon." During the 85th legislative session, SB 179 formally known as David's Law passed with bi-partisan support.
From Representative Ina Minjarez
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
State Representative Armando Walle (D-Houston) released the following statement following the House passage of House Bill 10, his bill to extend and modify the duties of the state Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force.
From Representative Armando Walle
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it would allocate to the State of Texas an additional $18,996,000 to support disaster recovery efforts:
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
Grimes County officials have released a statement regarding the county’s lawsuit against Texas Central Partners, in which Judge Albert McCaig permanently enjoined Texas Central or its agents from conducting surveys that would alter or damage county rights-of-way, and Texas Central has now appealed this ruling.
From Texans Against High-Speed Rail
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
Following today’s House passage of House Bill 28, Representative Lina Ortega released the following statement:
"I am grateful to have unanimously passed House Bill 28, which adds both a labor and delivery nurse and a critical care doctor to The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force.
From Representative Evelina Ortega
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
On Monday, July 31, 2017, Representative Ce?sar J. Blanco, chair of the Texas House Border Caucus, authored a letter in response to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's June 29th letter to the Trump administration, in which Paxton and ten other state attorneys general called on the U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to end the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).
From Representative Cesar Blanco
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
Today, Former Texas Governor Mark White announced his endorsement of Alex Triantaphyllis for Congress and released the following statement:
“I am proud to support Alex Triantaphyllis for Congress. Alex’s experience building bridges in our community, paired with his business experience, prepare him well to represent Texas’s 7th district in Congress.
From Alex Triantaphyllis Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today introduced bipartisan legislation — the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act — to ensure justice for victims of sex trafficking and ensure that websites such as Backpage.com – based in Dallas, Texas – that knowingly facilitate sex trafficking, can be held liable and brought to justice.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
Drew Lawson is excited to announce the launch of Lawson Strategies LLC, a full service political consulting and public affairs firm based in Austin. Lawson Strategies will provide political candidates, PACs, professional associations, corporations, non-profits and individuals the highest quality political consulting and public affairs service.
From Lawson Strategies
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, will receive two awards from the Conservative Roundtable of Texas in recognition of her leadership during the 85th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
A broad coalition of mainstream Texas religious leaders today spoke out against Senate Bill 3 and other so-called “bathrooms bills” that would discriminate against transgender youths and adults.
From Texas Impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
University of Texas Regent Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda of McAllen has announced that he will run for Chief Justice on the 13th Court of Appeals as a Republican.
Judge Aliseda has over 17 years of judicial experience, is currently a member at the national law firm of Dykema Cox Smith and serves as a municipal court judge for the City of McAllen
From Ernie Aliseda Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 1, 2017
The following statement on Chairman Huberty’s new school finance bill and House Committee approval of House Bill 21 should be attributed to Dr. Guy Sconzo, Executive Director, Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC):
From Fast Growth School Coalition
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
The Texas Association of Business conducted surveys in five GOP-controlled legislative districts across the state the week of July 24th.
“Texas business has long opposed the bathroom bill because it is unnecessary and will have significant negative economic impact on Texas.
From Texas Association of Business
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
Two radio ads will begin airing this week in the Houston and Austin broadcast markets featuring Texans in support of a bill this special legislative session to keep men out of little girls' showers, restrooms, and locker rooms.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
Public comments regarding the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated state plan for Texas are now being accepted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The comment period runs through Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
Today, the Texas House of Representatives approved four bills that would improve the effectiveness and extend the tenure of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force. HB 9, HB 10, HB 11, and HB 24 enjoyed strong bipartisan support and easily passed on second reading.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
Friday marks the close of the federal comment period on Texas’ latest backdoor attempt to “defund” and block care at Planned Parenthood. If the Trump Administration grants Texas’ request to bend the rules and upend longstanding federal policy, the results could be devastating for women nationwide.
From Planned Parenthood
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
State Representative Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) has filed House Bill 360 and House Bill 359, which would limit the growth of property taxes for seniors and the disabled, and restrain the growth of taxable property values, respectively.
From Representative Jason Villalba
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
Bishop C. Andrew Doyle of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, joined by other faith leaders and Texas Impact, a statewide interfaith organization whose membership includes more than two dozen Christian, Jewish, and Muslim denominational bodies, filed an amicus brief Sunday in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio in support of several Texas cities seeking to halt the implementation of Senate Bill 4.
From Texas Impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2017
State Representative Hugh D. Shine and members of the Texas House of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee took major steps in providing property tax relief and reform to Texans by preparing key pieces of legislation that will be debated later next week.
From Representative Hugh Shine
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2017
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, R-Houston, on Thursday announced his appointment of Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, to the Texas Access to Justice Commission. Created by the Texas Supreme Court in 2001, the commission is charged with increasing access to justice for low-income Texans.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2017
Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin), who represents Fort Hood, one of the largest United States military installations in the world, released the following statement Thursday after the House passed S. 114, the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act.
From Representative Roger Williams
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2017
Privacy in government and public school showers, locker rooms and bathrooms is again taking center-stage as Texas Values and Vision America made several visits today to remind several prominent members of the Texas House of Representatives that a majority of Texans are behind this important legislation.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2017
Last week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that it would begin charging local law enforcement for crime lab services despite receiving a second supplemental biennial appropriation of $800 million for the upcoming biennium.
From Representative Roland Gutierrez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2017
Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3180, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018:
From Representative Joaquin Castro
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 28, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) yesterday spoke with reporters following the Senate’s health care vote. Below are excerpts of the Senator’s comments. Watch highlights of Sen. Cruz’s comments here.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced appointments to the Access to Justice Commission, the Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee, the Energy Council, the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program Advisory Board, the Joint Oversight Committee on Government Facilities, the Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force, and the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Oversight Board.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
The Mach 1 Group, a leading public affairs and strategic communications firm headquartered in Austin is pleased to announce the addition of a new senior strategist to its growing team.
From The Mach 1 Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
Today U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-TX) introduced the Secure Miles with All Resources and Technology (SMART) Act with Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), David G. Valadao (R-CA), Steve Knight (R-CA), Steve Pearce (R-NM), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Keith Rothfus (R-PA) to ensure that the United States implements the most effective and fiscally-responsible strategy to achieve operational control of our southern border.
From Representative Will Hurd
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
Yesterday, immigrants’ rights activists (including four DACA recipients) protested against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent attacks on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) at the Texas Capitol, culminating with their arrest and detention in the Travis County Jail.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
The Texas Senate, led by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, has completed a legislative “tour de force” and passed eighteen major pieces of legislation is just three days. This is in addition to the sunset legislation that the Texas Senate previously passed, totaling 20 bills for the special session.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
On Thursday, Representative Uresti laid out House Bill 117 before the House Transportation Committee, which would create a statewide "hands-free" driving law for hand-held device usage.
From Representative Tomas Uresti
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
Rod Bordelon, an 11-time gubernatorial appointee, joins Granite Public Affairs where he will lead the firm’s insurance and regulatory affairs practice. Well respected throughout state government and industry, Rod brings more than 30 years’ experience working with consumers, regulators, legislators, and stakeholders.
From Granite Public Affairs
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
The National Association of Counties annual conference in Columbus, Ohio (July 20-24) adopted two resolutions by Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick. The first resolution urges Congress to maintain the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act’s (GOMESA) revenue sharing provisions that benefit oil producing states, counties and parishes in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
From Jefferson County
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today spoke on the House floor to voice his opposition for H.R. 3219 that would add nearly $1.6 billion in federal taxpayer funds to begin construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 27, 2017
When the Texas Senate recessed on Wednesday, July 26th, 18 bills (plus Senate Bill 20 and Senate Bill 60 - Sunset Bills) included on the Special Session proclamation by Gov. Greg Abbott had passed the Senate.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
The Texas Senate voted 19-12 today in favor of Senate Bill 6, also known as the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act. The bill protects homeowners and businesses from forced annexation and makes the municipal annexation process in Texas more democratic, addressing one of Governor Abbott's 20 priority items.
From Senator Donna Campbell
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Today, Senator Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) filed three bills to protect immigrants and immigrant families. One bill, Senate Bill (SB) 108, will prevent police from actively enforcing immigration laws in certain "safe places." The others, SB 109 and SB 110 will repeal SB 4, the "anti-sanctuary cities" bill, passed during the regular legislative session earlier this year.
From Senator Sylvia Garcia
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Two days of intense debate in the Texas Senate and record votes, led by members of the Texas Senate Republican Caucus, have seen eleven important pieces of legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the Texas House. These eleven bills are in addition to the sunset legislation, Senate Bills 20 and 60, that the Texas Senate has previously passed.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) invited his Democratic colleagues to join the effort to provide relief for the millions of Americans hurt by the Affordable Care Act.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Last night, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 19 (85-1) which transfers 405 million dollars out of Health & Human Services, Managed Care Organizations to pay for teacher pay raises and TRS Care.
The Bill Analysis for SB 19 states that the $405 million transferred out of MCO payments will be funded by deferring payments that are due in August 2019 to September 2019.
From Representative Poncho Nevarez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Working after midnight, the Texas Senate voted 19-12 to pass Senate Bill 1, by Senator Bettencourt (R-Houston) to bring property tax reform and relief to hard pressed Texas home and business owners.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Today, Representative Rodriguez filed House Bill 321 to increase state contributions to TRS-Care, the health insurance program our retired educators rely upon.
"We can no longer address the Teacher Retirement System through piecemeal funding each session—it is clear we need a long-term solution.
From Representative Justin Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement:
“America’s armed forces need every patriotic person willing to serve and defend our country. The President’s policy announcement today is gratuitously discriminatory and will damage our national security.
From Representative Joaquin Castr0
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
The Texas Senate has approved SB 19 by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, providing additional compensation and benefits for Texas teachers. The bill, which passed by a 28-3 vote, next moves to the Texas House of Representatives for further consideration.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin), who is coach of the Republican Baseball Team and was injured at practice the morning of the shooting in June released the following statement on Wednesday, two days after the House passed a bill that will assist Capitol Police officers injured in baseball shooting:
From Representative Roger Williams
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement following the passage of Senate Bill 19 on second reading with a strong bipartisan 28 to 3 vote. Final passage of the bill will be later this evening:
"Just before Special Session began, I announced it was my priority to direct more of our education funding to teachers.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
Despite slowdown tactics employed by Senate Democrats, the Texas Senate Republicans have continued their work to quickly pass the conservative legislative agenda outlined by Governor Abbott for the ongoing special legislative session. The Texas Senate today passed the Texas Privacy Act, Senate Bill 3, on second reading by a vote of 21-10.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today delivered a floor speech to discuss the merits of the Consumer Freedom Amendment in the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017. According to a report conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Consumer Freedom Amendment expands coverage by more than two million individuals and reduces health insurance premiums by more than $7,000 per year.
From Senator Ted Cruz
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
This evening the full Texas Senate passed the Texas Privacy Act (SB 3) by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, by a bipartisan vote, 21-10. Democrat Senator Eddie Lucio supported SB 3 along with all the Republicans. SB 3 protects privacy in showers, bathrooms, and locker rooms in public schools and government buildings.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 26, 2017
With its preliminary approval on second reading of a “bathroom bill” this evening, the Texas Senate over the past two days has rushed through approval of bills discriminating against transgender people and making access to abortion care even harder for Texans.
From Texas Freedom Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Congressman Roger Williams (R – Austin), vice chairman on the Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade on the House Committee on Financial Services, released the following statement Tuesday in response to the passage or H.R. Resolution 111, CRA Joint Resolution Disapproving the CFPB Anti-Arbitration Rule.
From Representative Roger Williams
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
The Texas Moms Matter Act (HB 11) takes an innovative "bottom-up" versus "top-down" approach to solving the alarming women's health crisis. Beyond extending the statutory authority of the maternal mortality task force, the bill specifically directs that the task force prioritize their research towards African American mothers given that they are three time more likely to die than all other groups.
From Representative Shawn Thierry
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
On Sunday morning in San Antonio, more than one hundred people were found in a locked trailer in sweltering heat. Eight were dead. Two more died at the hospital. According to authorities, dozens suffered dehydration, and many who were hospitalized will suffer long-term injury, including brain damage.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds shoppers they can save money on certain items during the state's annual sales tax holiday. This year, the sales tax holiday is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11-13.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Today at a press conference, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the open amendment process where Senators on both sides of the aisle can offer amendments on the health care legislation following today’s vote.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced today that a public comment period for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) consolidated state plan will begin Monday, July 31. The ESSA consolidated state plan is scheduled to be submitted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to the U.S. Department of Education later this year.
From Texas Education Agency
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Yesterday, the House Public Education Committee heard House Bill 21, the school finance reform package authored by Chairman Dan Huberty (R-Humble). The proposal closely resembles Huberty’s HB 21 from the legislature’s regular session with tweaks—one being new facilities funding for charter schools.
From Texas Aspires
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
The US Senate just narrowly voted to proceed with the legislative process toward gutting Medicaid and ripping health care away from millions of Americans.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Answering the call of hard-pressed Texans from the panhandle, to Houston, to the I-35 corridor, from big towns and small towns, the Texas Senate yesterday preliminarily passed Senate Bill 1, by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) to bring about property tax reform and relief for all Texas home and business owners.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
On Thursday, House Bill 117 by Representative Tomas Uresti will be heard before the House Transportation Committee. HB 117 would create a uniform standard across Texas to prohibit hand-held device use while driving.
From Representative Tomas Uresti
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) President Dudley Brown was in Austin on July 24th advocating for Constitutional Carry legislation on behalf of NAGR state affiliate, Texas Gun Rights (TXGR).
TXGR briefed its members during a press conference, praising the pro-Second Amendment leadership of State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, while calling on Governor Greg Abbott to add Constitutional Carry to his agenda for the special session.
From National Association For Gun Rights
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
The Republican Members of the Texas House are committed to working diligently to successfully address the conservative legislative agenda put forth by Governor Abbott in this special session.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
This Special Session Representative Phil Stephenson (House District 85) has refiled the Pension Revenue Enhancement Strategy (House Bill 101) which authorizes the governing boards of all 93 prefunded pension plans to conduct a study as to its feasibility.
From Representative Phil Stephenson
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Attorney General Ken Paxton yesterday joined West Virginia’s amicus brief in Robinson v. United States along with Indiana, Michigan and Utah in the United States Supreme Court to protect against unjustified frisk searches occurring on the suspicion that a citizen is armed.
From Office of the Attorney General
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 1 on third reading by a vote of 147-0. The legislation will keep several state agencies (including the Texas Medical Board) in operation through the interim so the sunset process can be revisited in the 86th Legislative Session.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
As the Texas Senate gavels today, it is expected to approve legislation to protect privacy, it is important to consider the popular support for the bill across Texas.
SB 3, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, keeps men out of girls' showers, restrooms, and locker rooms in schools and government buildings.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 25, 2017
Senator Borris Miles continues his commitment to women's health by successfully adding an amendment to SB 17 dealing with the opioid epidemic and maternal mortality.
From Senator Borris Miles
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Eleven Austin-area physicians have been selected for leadership positions in the Texas Medical Association (TMA). TMA held elections and appointments in conjunction with its TexMed conference and expo, held this year in Houston.
From Texas Medical Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and U.S. Congressmen John Carter (TX-31), Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Filemon Vela (TX-34) today introduced bills to honor the fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. for his service by renaming the Border Patrol checkpoint where he was assigned, along U.S. Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, after him.
From Senator John Cornyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
The Texas Alliance for Life (TAL) Executive Director, Joe Pojman, Ph.D., and the TAL Board of Directors announce the hiring of Melissa Duncan as the new Director of Communications.
"Continuing our commitment to pro-life issues across Texas we strongly believe Melissa is a great asset to TAL. With years of experience and respect, we are eager to have her join our team and expand our work towards the mission of changing hearts and saving lives," said Dr. Pojman.
From Texas Alliance for Life
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Yesterday afternoon, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick posted a statement on his Facebook page blaming “sanctuary cities” for the tragic deaths of several people in an apparent human trafficking operation this weekend.
From Representative Eddie Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Last week, the Texas Legislature convened in Austin for a special session called by Governor Abbott to address a series of pressing issues facing the state, including property tax reform.
From Representative Andrew Murr
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
The Catholic Bishops of Texas join Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in offering their sincerest condolences to the families of the migrants who were tragically killed as human smuggling or trafficking victims from heat exhaustion and suffocation in San Antonio overnight.
From Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
In the wake of the tragic deaths of 10 immigrants whose bodies were discovered over the weekend in an overheated truck in San Antonio, Texas AFL-CIO President John Patrick issued the following statement:
From Texas AFL-CIO
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement after several immigrants were found dead in a truck at a San Antonio Walmart:
“These deaths are tragic and avoidable. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.
From Representative Joaquin Castro
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Texas Senate Republicans continued their work to pass Governor Abbott’s complete conservative special session legislative agenda by hearing multiple bills today. The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, the Select Committee on Government Reform, and the Finance Committee address pro-life issues, limiting the growth in property tax bills, and fighting for Texas teachers.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Taxpayers all over Texas turned out to testify in favor of property tax reform and relief today. From a taxpayer in the panhandle who came to say “let the people vote!” to a gentleman from Collin County who said, “trust the people to vote”, the Senate Committee on Government Reform took public testimony today on Senate Bill 1, and other legislation, regarding property tax reform and relief in Texas.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
The Senate Finance Committee today approved SB 19 by Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, providing pay and benefit increases for Texas teachers. The legislation will next come before the full Senate for consideration.
From Senator Jane Nelson
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
The Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs approved SB 3, a bill to protect privacy in showers, restrooms, and locker rooms in schools and government buildings, by a bipartisan vote of 8-1 late Friday night. Democratic Sen. Eddie Lucio voted with Republicans and Sen. Judith Zaffirini voted no.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
On Friday, the Texas Senate will hold a committee hearing on SB 3, filed by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, to keep men out of girls’ bathrooms. Texas Values is calling on its supporters and volunteers to give testimony and show support for the bill.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
State Representative Armando Walle (D-Houston) filed key legislation this week to address the state’s ongoing maternal mortality crisis.
“The issue of rising maternal mortality rates in Texas and its disproportionate impact among African-American mothers is not recent,” Rep. Walle said.
From Representative Armando Walle
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 24, 2017
Austin City Council Members Leslie Pool and Sabino “Pio” Renteria joined Democratic Congressional Candidate Elliott McFadden (TX-21) in calling for the Trump administration to roll back proposed budget cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
From Elliott McFadden Campaign
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 21, 2017
Texas Senate Republicans continued their work to pass conservative solutions to Texas’ challenges in the special session by conducting multiple public hearings throughout the day on several of Governor Abbott’s legislative priorities today.
From Texas Senate Republican Caucus
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 21, 2017
Yesterday, Senator Konni Burton (R-Colleyville) filed SJR 1, a constitutional amendment that would dedicate money from the state lottery to education and require fifty-percent of these funds to be used to provide salary increases and bonuses for experienced classroom teachers beginning with the 2020 fiscal year.
From Senator Konni Burton
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 21, 2017
This just in: Texas Values renews our support this special session for protecting privacy in our restrooms, showers, and locker rooms.
The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the Texas Privacy Act, SB 3, today(July 21) starting at 9 a.m. Texas Values and others will be available for commentary at the hearing or by phone.
From Texas Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Copyright August 22, 2017, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
|
