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May 22, 2020
Former U.S. Congressman John A. Culberson, a Member of Clark Hill Strasburger, has been nominated by The White House to serve as a Member of the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group (UAG). Vice President Mike Pence, who chairs the National Space Council, announced the revised roster of the UAG. The members serve as what Pence once called the “brain trust” for the council, providing insights and recommendations on the future course of America’s space program to the President and Vice President.
From Clark Hill PLC
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May 22, 2020
UPDATE: Exec Order Finally Posted at 3:38am Nearly 15 hours After Judge Hidalgo’s Press Conference
What would happen if Governor Abbott was posting orders hours after his announcements?
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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May 22, 2020
During a press conference on Monday, May 18, Governor Abbott was asked, “Is the state health department comingling the numbers with antibody testing and live-virus testing?” Abbott responded, “The answer is ‘no.’ They are not comingling those numbers.”
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 22, 2020
This week in an interview with Fox San Antonio, Cornyn dismissed Texans’ right to expanded vote by mail: “[t]he truth is, we don't have the infrastructure in place, right now, to accommodate universal mail-in ballots and there are some fraud concerns.”
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 22, 2020
On Tuesday, May 26, at the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will begin reopening driver license (DL) offices by appointment only and with limited services. The reopening of DL offices will happen in a phased approach, in order to allow DPS to keep customers and our staff as safe as possible, while also adhering to new safety guidelines and social distancing practices in place due to COVID-19.
From Texas DPS
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May 22, 2020
State Republican Executive Committeeman Tom Roller today endorsed Josh Winegarner for US Congress. Roller represents Republicans in Senate District 31, which covers the Panhandle and Permian Basin. Roller resides in Amarillo.
From Josh Winegarner Campaign
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May 22, 2020
Last month, Representative James Talarico (D - Round Rock) sent a letter to Governor Abbott signed by 63 Democratic and Republican legislators demanding emergency funding, transparent reporting, and universal testing for long-term care facilities—including nursing homes, state-supported living centers, and group homes.
From Representative James Talarico
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May 22, 2020
U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) issued the following statement after the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced the details of the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
From Representative Brian Babin
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May 21, 2020
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement applauding the confirmation of Rep. Ratcliffe as the Director of National Intelligence:
“I’m grateful the Senate has confirmed my friend John Ratcliffe to serve as the Director of National Intelligence.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 21, 2020
Former Texas Republican Party Chairman and Amarillo businessman Tom Mechler today endorsed Josh Winegarner for US Congress.
Winegarner is seeking the 13th Congressional District seat currently held by Mac Thornberry, who will retire at the end of this term.
From Josh Winegarner Campaign
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May 21, 2020
Flip-flopping Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn has flipped and flopped once again, this time on expanding unemployment benefits for the nearly two million Texans who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 21, 2020
On Wednesday, San Antonio native and Iraq War veteran Gina Ortiz Jones hosted a virtual town hall on restoring our democracy as the legal battle to expand vote-by-mail access in Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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May 20, 2020
Harris County Republican Party Chairman Paul Simpson released the following statement today after the Democrat-led Harris County Commissioners Court appointed Texas Democrat Party official Christopher Hollins to oversee elections as interim County Clerk:
“It's critical that we have an independent County Clerk dedicated to meeting important election challenges.
From Harris County Republican Party
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May 20, 2020
State Rep. Erin Zwiener shared her disappointment in Attorney General Ken Paxton taking the side of polluters in an ongoing legal case regarding pipeline permitting and Endangered Species Act permitting. Texans fighting the Kinder Morgan Permian Highway Pipeline see the case as an opportunity to get needed environmental review and protections before construction is completed.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
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May 20, 2020
AARP Texas announced today its support of a proposed amendment to the City of Austin’s payday and auto-title lending regulations to shore up protections for consumers.
From AARP
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May 20, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement after indicted-Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, opposing a federal court ruling that allows all Texas voters, regardless of age, to qualify for a mail-in ballot during the coronavirus pandemic.
From Progress Texas
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May 20, 2020
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today announcing the release of a video graduation message to the Texas High School Class of 2020. The video was distributed to every school superintendent in Texas to be delivered directly to graduating seniors.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 20, 2020
Last week, The Texas Democratic Party put the four Texas Supreme Court justices up for re-election on notice after the all-Republican court, at the request of indicted Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, voted to put the expansion of voting by mail in Texas on hold.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 20, 2020
State Representative James Talarico (D-Round Rock) spoke at a personal Zoom graduation for a nurse in his legislative district.
Round Rock resident Rachel Spence was set to graduate with a degree in nursing when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the university to cancel her graduation ceremony.
From Representative James Talarico
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May 20, 2020
Yesterday, a Bexar County federal court ordered that while the coronavirus pandemic continues any eligible Texas voter can cast their vote by mail in the upcoming elections.
Justice Biery’s order comes after a back and forth on the expansion of vote by mail in state court.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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May 20, 2020
The Texas State Teachers Association said that June 1 is too early to reopen school buildings for summer school classes and demanded that the state and local school districts agree to enforce a detailed list of safety requirements for school campuses before reopening buildings to students and school employees.
From Texas State Teachers Association
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May 20, 2020
Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) held an open meeting during the Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter demanded that the oil and gas agency be stricter on pollution enforcement and be more transparent about their actions with the public.
From Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter
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May 20, 2020
The Trump Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have initiated new attempts at separating children from their families.
On Friday, May 15, 2o2o families held at three immigration detention centers, two of which are in Texas – the South Texas Family Residential Center and Karnes County Residential Center – reported being coerced by ICE to sign forms without a translator or the presence of their lawyer.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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May 20, 2020
The following can be attributed to Lauren Banister, TexPIRG associate:
“It’s simple, stay at home means vote at home. It’s puzzling that state leaders will only let restaurants open at 50% and then turn around and ask everyone to go to the polls. Vote at home is a safe, non-partisan way to protect our democracy and our health at the same time.
From TexPIRG
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May 20, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement after a federal judge ordered that all Texas voters, regardless of age, qualify for a mail-in ballot during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Vote by mail is a common-sense solution that should be extended to all voters, not just a few,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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May 20, 2020
Senator Peter P. Flores issued the following statement regarding local governments potentially raising property taxes:
"Increasing property taxes at this time would kick Texans while they’re down," said Sen. Flores.
From Senator Peter P. Flores
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May 20, 2020
Today, Judge Fred Biery of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas granted the Texas Democratic Party’s motion for preliminary injunction in the vote-by-mail lawsuit enabling counties to permit the use of absentee ballots due to COVID-19 and preventing Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton from threatening the prosecution of voters.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 20, 2020
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Rules Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Trey Trainor to be a member of the Federal Election Commission (FEC):
“I’ve known Trey for more than two decades and, during that time, he has been a friend and an effective advocate for the rule of law.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 19, 2020
Last week, Attorney General Paxton sent a letter to the City of Austin and Travis County regarding their local orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and used that opportunity to undermine basic protections for the LGBTQ community. In response, the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement:
From Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
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May 19, 2020
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller says new revelations that activists paid Norma McCorvey, plaintiff in the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, to support the anti-abortion movement later in her life further expose the lies behind that movement.
From Texas Freedom Network
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May 19, 2020
"Today's announcement of details for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program is welcome news for Texas farmers and ranchers suffering economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The coronavirus has placed an unprecedented strain on commodity markets, the food supply chain and our producers' ability to continue operating.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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May 19, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement after the news that Norma McCorvey, the anonymous plaintiff in the 1973 Roe v. Wade case that protected abortion rights, told a documentary crew in a 2017 “deathbed confession” that she was paid to support the anti-abortion movement during the later years of her life, the Los Angeles Times reports.
From Progress Texas
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May 19, 2020
This weekend, amidst record-breaking cases and the highest number of deaths in Texas since the coronavirus outbreak began, the Texas Observer reported that Texas was including antibody testing as part of its test case count.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 19, 2020
The Center for Public Policy Priorities will honor Sister Norma Pimentel with the 2020 Texas Legacy Award. Sister Norma joins a distinguished group of leaders who have dedicated their lives to strengthening public policy to expand equity and opportunity for Texans of all backgrounds.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
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May 19, 2020
Today, on the heels of announcing our first set of panelists, the Texas Democratic Party unveiled our second set of panels and panelists for the Texas Democratic Convention. Hosting the largest virtual state convention in the country, the Texas Democratic Party is excited to announce the second set of panelists and hosts who will take part in our historic event.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 19, 2020
Today, the Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Chris Turner, State Representative Celia Israel, and State Representative Gene Wu hosted a press conference call following Republican Governor Abbott’s press conference assailing Trump and Abbott’s mismanaged response to the coronavirus crisis.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 19, 2020
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement to honor the lives lost at Santa Fe High School two years ago:
“Two years ago, the community of Santa Fe was forever changed. A deranged student took the lives of eight students and two teachers and left many others badly wounded.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 19, 2020
Annie’s List, the statewide political organization that works to elect pro-choice, progressive women to office in Texas, announces a Virtual Conversation and Q&A with Valerie Jarrett. The conversation will be moderated by Royce Brooks, Annie’s List Executive Director, and will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 1pm – 2pm CT.
From Annie’s List
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May 19, 2020
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan joined officials from four other counties in a brief filed with the Supreme Court today explaining that voters should not have to risk their health in order to exercise their constitutional right to vote in an election.
From Harris County Attorney
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May 19, 2020
On Friday, Republican Texas Supreme Court justices formed the new Republican death panel by forcing Texans to put their lives at-risk in the middle of a pandemic.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 19, 2020
Senator Peter P. Flores issued the following statement on Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement today to further Open Texas:
"Let’s move forward, based on data and doctors, to open Texas," said Sen. Flores. "I applaud Governor Greg Abbott’s leadership––protecting lives and preserving livelihoods.
From Senator Peter P. Flores
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May 19, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement and question for Gov. Greg Abbott ahead of his press conference on Monday, May 18.
“A majority of Texas voters support vote by mail expansion in order to keep Texans safe during this pandemic,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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May 19, 2020
Key local endorsements continue to stack up for Josh Winegarner in his race to be the next US Representative for the Panhandle, Texoma, and North Texas. Texas Senator Charles Perry today endorsed Winegarner in Texas’ 13th Congressional District. Winegarner was also recently endorsed by US Senator Phil Gramm and former TX Senator Bob Duncan.
From Josh Winegarner Campaign
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May 15, 2020
Business leaders in Texas today sent a letter to Governor Abbott urging continued support for online tools and e-commerce platforms vital to preserving small business activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Connected Commerce Council (3C), the letter was signed by over 200 Texas-based leaders representing a range of digitally empowered small businesses, including Madeworthy Magazine in Fort Worth.
From Connected Commerce Council
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May 15, 2020
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that two of her bills have been included as a part of The Heroes Act, legislation introduced in the House this week to continue Congress’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Representative Lizzie Fletcher
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May 15, 2020
“We are astonished by the cruelty of today’s decision by the Texas Supreme Court to resume eviction proceedings in the midst of a historic pandemic. Unemployment has continued to rise in our state, and more people than ever are struggling to afford their rent. Just yesterday, Houston's $14.4 million rent relief fund was exhausted in only 90 minutes."
From Gulf Coast AFL-CIO
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May 15, 2020
As Governor Greg Abbott was among the first governors in the country to reopen, Texas faces its highest coronavirus death toll ever: 58 Texans died of the novel coronavirus yesterday, the largest single-day death toll since the pandemic started.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 14, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement after the Fourteenth Court of Appeals of Texas upheld a previous order allowing for vote by mail expansion throughout the state.
From Progress Texas
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May 14, 2020
Former Texas Senator and former chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Bob Duncan, endorsed Josh Winegarner as the next member of Congress from Texas’ 13th District. The District covers the Panhandle, Texoma, and North Texas. Duncan's endorsement follows on the heels of an endorsement by U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) earlier this week.
From Josh Winegarner Campaign
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May 14, 2020
Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta has become the new Chairman of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties.
As Chairman, Judge Sebesta will preside over meetings of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for directing the business of the Association and provide leadership on legislative and policy issues for the 34 member counties of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties.
From Texas Conference of Urban Counties
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May 14, 2020
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced his support for The Heroes Act, the latest legislation to address the continued public health crisis and provides desperately needed relief for struggling families and essential workers. This critical legislation provides $3 trillion in funds for testing and tracing measures, key support for frontline workers, and strengthened assistance for the American people.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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May 14, 2020
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) released the following statements after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved of the nomination of Drew Tipton to fill a judicial vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in Corpus Christi, the last federal judicial vacancy to be filled in Texas:
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 14, 2020
Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today led a bipartisan letter with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-5) and 91 of their colleagues to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy urging congressional support for independent music venues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Representative Roger Williams
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May 14, 2020
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Cap Metro) in Austin was awarded a federal grant of $101,901,480 to help transit providers continue to operate throughout the novel coronavirus outbreak, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced today. The funding, which was appropriated by Congress last month as part of the CARES Act, comes through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 14, 2020
As Gov. Greg Abbott reopens the state in the midst of a rising infection and death rate, the officials surrounding him have shared alarming messages – while the state threatens Democratic-led cities over safety precautions.
From Progress Texas
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May 14, 2020
Yesterday, the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) filed an amicus brief in support of expanding vote by mail for Texans during the COVID-19 pandemic. MALC’s brief argues that General Paxton’s interpretation of Texas vote by mail laws will discriminate against Texans in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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May 14, 2020
Today, the Texas Democratic Party unveiled our first set of panels and panelists for the Texas Democratic Convention. Hosting the largest virtual state convention in the country, the Texas Democratic Party is excited to announce the first set of panelists and hosts who will take part in our historic event.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 13, 2020
Today, amidst falling poll numbers that show him ranked 11 of out 12 big-state governors in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Abbott released a video highlighting his mismanaged response to the coronavirus pandemic from day one.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 13, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement after indicted-Attorney General Ken Paxton’s latest attack on vote-by-mail efforts that would protect Texans’ health, safety, and right to vote.
“Our indicted-Attorney General Ken Paxton is effectively asking the Texas Supreme Court to order Texans to risk their lives and health to vote,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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May 13, 2020
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released an important and alarming new study today that examines the loss of employer-sponsored health insurance due to job losses associated with COVID-19. Their study found that nearly 1.6 million Texans lost their employer-sponsored health insurance in the last two months; it is unknown how many found coverage elsewhere.
From Texas House Democratic Caucus
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May 13, 2020
U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Will Hurd (TX-23) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Mexico’s Foreign Secretary Marcel Ebrard calling for a coordinated definition of “essential” in order for businesses in both countries to have the same guidelines. The goal is to provide businesses with clarity and ensure cross-border trade and international supply chains can continue moving properly.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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May 13, 2020
Court filings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas reveal that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBS) has been ordered to pay more than $108.3 million in damages and attorneys fees to Little River Healthcare, which had operated rural hospitals in Rockdale and Cameron, Texas until the facilities were forced into bankruptcy in 2018.
From Knox County Hospital District
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May 13, 2020
Texas State Rep. Gina Calanni (Democrat - House District 132) released the following statement after writing a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott encouraging him to sign an executive order to allow Texas distillers to sell more than two bottles per person within 30 days at their distilleries.
From Representative Gina Calanni
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May 13, 2020
The Texas Transportation Department (TxDOT) was awarded a federal grant of $74,581,554 to improve transportation infrastructure in rural areas to help transit providers continue to operate throughout the novel coronavirus outbreak, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced today.
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 13, 2020
The American Jewish community experienced the highest level of antisemitic incidents last year since tracking began in 1979, with more than 2,100 acts of assault, vandalism and harassment reported across the United States, according to new data from ADL (the Anti-Defamation League).
From Anti-Defamation League
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May 12, 2020
Today, Affordable Care Repeal’s “Top Salesman” John Cornyn went on PBS Austin and encouraged Texans who have lost their jobs to sign up for Obamacare.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 12, 2020
Over the last several weeks, I’ve read a lot about the impact of the Coronavirus on the economy and our State budget. Several newspapers even published editorials about how Texas will fund, or not fund, the K-12 education system next legislative session. Therefore; I would like to offer my view for consideration.
From Representative Dan Huberty
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May 12, 2020
As Gov. Greg Abbott reopens the state in the midst of a rising infection and death rate, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top member of the White House coronavirus task force, warned U.S. Senators today about the danger of new COVID-19 outbreaks caused by premature reopenings.
From Progress Texas
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May 12, 2020
Former United States Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) today endorsed Josh Winegarner to be the next member of Congress from Texas’ 13th District, which covers the Panhandle, Texoma, and North Texas area. The Republican Primary Runoff for Congress will be held on July 14th.
From Josh Winegarner Campaign
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May 12, 2020
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission today announced the launch of a statewide pilot program allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to purchase groceries online at participating retailers for curbside pickup or delivery starting Wednesday.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
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May 12, 2020
Today, Dr. Fauci testified before the Senate that if states do not meet White House benchmarks before reopening, “the consequences could be really serious.”
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 12, 2020
Representative Dade Phelan today applauded the issuance of a formal legal opinion by the Texas Attorney General that protects the rights of Texas property owners. Under Attorney General Paxton’s opinion, which Representative Phelan sought as Chairman of the State Affairs Committee, local county judges and mayors are not authorized to issue emergency declarations that discriminate on the basis of residency to prevent Texans from occupying their own private property.
From Representative Dade Phelan
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May 12, 2020
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan yesterday asked an appeals court for an order clarifying that the County can proceed with vote by mail applications for the July 14th primary runoff.
From Harris County Attorney
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May 11, 2020
Harris County Republican Party Chairman Paul Simpson released the following statement today regarding Democrat Harris County Clerk Dr. Diane Trautman’s resignation:
“On behalf of the Harris County Republican Party, I am sorry to hear of Dr. Trautman's health issues and we wish her the best during this difficult time.
From Harris County Republican Party
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May 11, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Texas’ plan to provide SNAP benefits to households with children eligible for free and reduced price school meals, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which Sen. Cornyn supported when it passed in March, required states to submit their plans for expanding SNAP benefits to these families to USDA.
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 11, 2020
Central Texas Interfaith (CTI) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, May 13 at 11 a.m. (by Zoom) calling on the City of Austin to allocate $40 Million to emergency rental assistance for families in need due to COVID-19. According to federal data, even before the crisis, there were over 70,000 “cost-burdened households” (those spending more than 30% their income on housing), which is about the same number of Austinites who have not paid their May rent due to COVID-19 if national trends hold locally.
From Central Texas Interfaith
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May 11, 2020
As Texas doctors and nurses still lack adequate personal protective equipment, a new report surfaced this weekend that this was yet another example of coronavirus mismanagement from the Trump administration.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 11, 2020
Today, the Texas Democratic Party and Nexstar announced the official Democratic United States Senate Debate during the Texas Democratic Convention. The debate will be held Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 PM on Nexstar stations across the state of Texas and will be streamed online. The debate will be moderated by KXAN-TV’s anchor team of Robert Hadlock and Sally Hernandez, and Dallas Morning News political writer, Gromer Jeffers, Jr.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 11, 2020
Taking advantage of 21st century technology, the Railroad Commission of Texas launched a statewide drone inspection team last month. Drones will help inspectors to quickly respond and inspect sites that are unsafe or inaccessible during emergencies such as fires, flooding and other natural disasters.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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May 8, 2020
Texas State Representative Tom Oliverson released the following statement today on the launch of the website www.HarrisCountyTattleTale.com:
“No one liked the tattletales on the playground at school, and we won’t stand for it. The liberal big-government democrats and social engineers are in high gear here in Harris County. Like the Nazi and Vichy French, they think honest hard-working people will rat-out their neighbors.
From Tom Oliverson Campaign
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May 8, 2020
During an election year, Republican Senators like John Cornyn are licking their chops to fill any vacancies the Supreme Court might have this year.
Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell is prepared to push through a Supreme Court nominee should there be a vacancy this year, despite refusing to do so following the death of Antonin Scalia in 2016.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 8, 2020
Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP) today issued the following statement in support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s Texans Back to Work Task Force recommendation that contract requirements between Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and physicians be waived entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the Texas Legislature consider a complete review of APRN delegation rules.
From Texas Nurse Practitioners
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May 8, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott should revise Texas's ill-considered, inconsistent, and largely unenforceable rules for reopening the economy.
The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated in stark terms that work connects us all. Texans are seeing with new eyes the ways frontline workers keep our state running every day.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 8, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott today approved the Texas Medical Board's request to extend the previously issued waiver which temporarily suspends Title 22, Chapter 174.5 (e) (2)(A) of the Texas Administrative Code, as the measure is still necessary to protect public health by providing patients access to ensure on-going treatment of chronic pain and curbing the spread of COVID-19. The suspension is in effect until June 6, 2020.
From Texas Medical Board
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May 8, 2020
Several health centers in the Austin area were awarded a total of $3,913,171 in another round of federal grants to help expand the range of testing and testing-related activities with respect to the novel coronavirus, U.S. Senator John Cornyn announced today. The funding, which was appropriated by Congress last month, comes through the Department of Health and Human Services.
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 8, 2020
Last week, Texas Workforce Commission took steps to make it easier for Texans who cannot return to work because of the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to receive unemployment. Now Texans who have lost childcare, have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases in their household, have someone in their household at high risk for COVID-19, or have other concerns about the safety of their workplace have an option to stay home.
From Representative Erin Zwiener
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May 8, 2020
Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today applauded the distribution of funds to Texas rural hospitals under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“Rural hospitals bring lifesaving and essential care to neighborhoods across the 25th District – there is no replacement for the vital role they play in our communities.
From Representative Roger Williams
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May 8, 2020
America has always been a prayerful nation. In times of joy and in hardship, Americans have reverently turned to prayer for peace, comfort, and strength. Created after two world wars and an economic collapse, and with the Cold War only just beginning, the National Day of Prayer was a bipartisan call to men and women of all faiths to pray for America.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 8, 2020
Mary Nan Huffman, the Republican nominee for Harris County District Attorney, issued the following statement today after a repeat criminal committed a triple homicide in Houston Wednesday evening:
“The people of Harris County are not safe with Kim Ogg as their District Attorney. Because of Ms. Ogg’s failures, dangerous criminals are free to walk the streets and prey upon the good people of Harris County.
From Mary Nan Huffman Campaign
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May 8, 2020
AARP Texas voiced support today for an Austin City Council resolution that calls for more resources to combat the high numbers of COVID-19 cases in area nursing homes.
From AARP Texas
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May 8, 2020
As Republican Governor Greg Abbott visits Donald Trump to declare ‘mission accomplished,’ new coronavirus cases continue to rise.
This comes on the heels of a leaked audiotape of Abbott privately admitting “when you have a reopening... it actually will lead to an increase and spread.”
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 8, 2020
State Representative Philip Cortez and over 40 members of the Texas House of Representatives sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott Tuesday requesting reforms to impact the upcoming July 14th runoff elections and November presidential elections.
From Representative Philip Cortez
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May 8, 2020
Yesterday, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's Texas Back to Work Task Force issued this report with over 400 recommendations on a range of topics. Voting came up only once and the recommendations were that Texas should not use the federal funds intended to expand vote by mail for that purpose, and that elections should be delayed or consolidated, which has already happened.
From Common Cause Texas
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May 6, 2020
TAASA joins the many voices of survivors, advocates, and victim serving organizations in expressing our deep dismay at the new Title IX regulations. The rules released by Secretary DeVos severely undermine progress made over the last two decades to lessen the effects and reduce the stigma of experiencing sexual violence and harassment.
From Texas Association Against Sexual Assault
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May 6, 2020
In leaked audio of a private conference call, Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned state House Republicans that reopening businesses across the state would lead to an increase in coronavirus infections. Despite this explicit knowledge and warnings from health experts, GOP legislators supported reopening anyway.
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
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May 6, 2020
State Representative Jared Patterson is among a growing chorus of state officials who are outraged at the 7-day jail sentencing of Shelley Luther, the owner of a Dallas hair salon who defied county orders to shutter her business. "While Dallas County has elevated the status of hardened criminals in this pandemic, releasing over a thousand of them from jail, a Dallas judge has now decided to 'throw the book' at a working mother and a job creator for other working moms.
From Representative Jared Patterson
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May 6, 2020
Dr. Alma Arredondo-Lynch, a dentist and rancher from Uvalde County who finished third in the nine-way Republican primary for Texas’ congressional district 23 on March 3, is endorsing Tony Gonzales in the primary runoff.
From Tony Gonzales Campaign
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May 6, 2020
The Texans Back to Work Task Force presented its final report to Lt. Gov. Patrick today.
Texans Back to Work Task Force Chair Brint Ryan said:
“Using the knowledge gained since the pandemic began, the Task Force strongly believes that business owners can use their creativity and ingenuity not only to formulate safe and effective protocols for their businesses to stay open, but also to rebuild the economy that has been devastated by the pandemic.”
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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May 6, 2020
Last night, the Texas Democratic Party filed a motion for emergency relief to ensure that Texas government officials follow the law and a valid court order ensuring that counties and voters do not fear applying for and processing vote-by-mail applications in Texas.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 6, 2020
County Judge KP George, Constable Wayne Thompson and State Rep. Ron Reynolds sent the following letter to the Members Texas Board of Criminal Justice. The text is below. The letter itself can be downloaded at this link.
From Fort Bend County’s Coronavirus Public Information Task Force
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May 6, 2020
Earlier today, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott requesting the Governor use his disaster powers to freeze 2020 property appraisals at 2019 values for local taxpayers.
From County of Galveston
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May 6, 2020
San Antonio native and Iraq War veteran Gina Ortiz Jones, Democatic nominee in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, continues to reach voters across South and West Texas by running a digital-first campaign in English and Spanish.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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May 5, 2020
Today, following the bombshell leak of an audiotape where Governor Abbott admitted that by prematurely reopening Texas, he’s putting Texans’ lives at-risk, Abbott held a press conference today announcing the reopening of more industries before Texas is ready.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 5, 2020
Today, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that hair salons and gyms could reopen assuming they follow guidelines set forth in the announcement. The following can be attributed to Bay Scoggin, Director of consumer and public health group TexPIRG:
From TexPIRG
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May 5, 2020
Today, under pressure from oil and gas companies that are running out of places to store excess production, Texas regulators voted to waive rules which prohibit companies from storing their product in productive or depleted oil or gas reservoirs and other underground geological formations.
From Environment Texas
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May 5, 2020
Nurses are reluctant to call themselves heroes. But across the state, Texans have seen nurses go above and beyond in responding to COVID-19, putting their own lives at risk to care for patients in need.
From Texas Nurses Association
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May 5, 2020
In a bombshell leaked audio, first reported by Quorum Report, Governor Greg Abbott finally admitted what we’ve known all along: Prematurely reopening Texas will lead to an increase of spread of COVID-19.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 5, 2020
As Gov. Greg Abbott reopens the state in the midst of a rising infection and death rate, leaked audio from a call with Texas Legislators reveals that he knows reopening will put more Texans at risk.
From Progress Texas
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May 5, 2020
The Texas Travel Alliance (formerly TTIA), in conjunction with The Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) and The Atkins Group has launched a campaign to encourage Texans to start dreaming and planning to travel Texas when stay at home restrictions are lifted and it is safe to begin venturing beyond our homes.
From Texas Travel Alliance
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May 5, 2020
The political arm of the Texas AFL-CIO today delivered a dual endorsement of M.J. Hegar and Royce West in the U.S. Senate race.
The Texas AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education (COPE) endorsement leaves the decision on which candidate to support in the July 14 Democratic runoff election to individual unions.
From Texas AFL-CIO COPE
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May 5, 2020
Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) hosted a virtual open meeting where the commissioners discussed common carrier pipeline and refinery storage capacity, the report produced by the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Oil Economic Recovery, and proration.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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May 5, 2020
Austin Community College (ACC) announced a plan yesterday to power two campuses, ACC Round Rock and ACC Elgin, with 100 percent renewable electricity beginning in June 2020.
With this announcement, ACC joins other higher education leaders in Texas such as Southwestern University and the University of North Texas in shifting to clean, renewable electricity.
From Environment Texas
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May 5, 2020
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced Representative John Ratcliffe (TX-04), who has been nominated to be the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), at today’s hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
From Senator John Cornyn
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May 5, 2020
Dallas businesswoman and Republican candidate for Congress in Texas’ 32nd Congressional district Genevieve Collins released the following statement regarding the vote-by-mail resolution being considered by the Dallas County Commissioners Court today:
From Genevieve Collins Campaign
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May 5, 2020
Central Texas Interfaith calls on the City of Austin to provide at least $40 milllion in rental assistance for economically distressed families in the COVID-19 crisis. Currently the City of Austin puts about $1.2 million earmarked for rental assistance, and $7 million overall toward housing assistance.
From Center Texas Interfaith
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May 5, 2020
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Senate colleagues sent a letter today to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Acting Director Regina Lombardo encouraging them to protect peoples’ Second Amendment rights during the coronavirus pandemic.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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May 4, 2020
Today Commissioner George P. Bush announced the Texas General Land Office (GLO) is releasing a survey to gather input from local officials, councils of government and river authorities for its Disaster Recovery Planning Studies Survey for Mitigation Funding. The survey requests input on planning study topics local leaders would like to prioritize using federal mitigation funding to lessen the impact of future disasters.
From Texas General Land Office
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May 4, 2020
U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) today announced that more than $2.8 million has been allocated to Texas from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance. The funds will be used to fund the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides assistance to very low-income families, the elderly and disabled to ensure access to proper housing. The outpouring of funds is a result of the CARES Act, which Hurd helped get signed into law.
From Representative Will Hurd
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May 4, 2020
This weekend, a new poll by the Dallas Morning News came out showing Biden and Trump tied in the state of Texas (43-43), John Cornyn earning at-most 37% of the vote (abysmal for an incumbent whose been in Washington the past twenty years), and Abbott less trusted than county judges and mayors because of his mismanaged and rushed response to the coronavirus pandemic.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 4, 2020
With nursing homes and other long-term care facilities hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, AARP Texas is holding virtual meetings with members of Texas’ congressional delegation to urge more help for older Americans and their families.
From AARP Texas
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May 4, 2020
Ft. Bend County Judge, KP George, stunned me with his remarks in the Fort Bend Herald this past Thursday. His ill-informed accusations against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) are irresponsible and misleading. By temporarily relocating prisoners to the Jester Unit, TDCJ has made a move to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in our state prisons.
From Representative Phil Stephenson
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May 4, 2020
As Gov. Greg Abbott reopens the state in the midst of a rising infection and death rate, Texans are voicing their concerns. Progress Texas releases the following statement and excerpts from Texans’ stories collected via survey.
From Progress Texas
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May 1, 2020
“Yesterday was the deadliest date in Texas so far. Today, Texas workers are forced to make an impossible choice between their health and their jobs. A choice no one should ever have to make.
From Texas Democratic Party
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May 1, 2020
U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23) today announced over $5.6 million in additional relief-funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This relief is the result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Hurd fervently supported and advocated on behalf of.
From Representative Will Hurd
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May 1, 2020
) Today, Texas Conservative Grassroots Coalition leaders from Grassroots America - We the People PAC, Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TURF), and Texans for Toll-free Highways are praising Governor Greg Abbott and his Texas Transportation Commission's vote to fund the first critical segment of the Interstate-35 expansion through downtown Austin without tolls.
From Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom
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May 1, 2020
Following Governor Greg Abbott's issuance of Executive Order GA-19, the Texas Medical Board's Executive Committee today adopted rules on an emergency basis.
The adopted rule amends 22 TAC Chapter 190.8 Violation Guidelines, and adds to the definition of "Unprofessional and Dishonorable Conduct" under 22 TAC §190.8(2)(U).
From Texas Medical Board
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May 1, 2020
Working people in Texas should be able to choose to stay home without penalty if their workplace does not meet widely accepted safety standards in the pandemic, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said today:
"Too many Texas workers who are receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits face a terrible choice, starting tomorrow, between risking their health at work and the twin disasters of losing their jobs permanently and losing benefits.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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May 1, 2020
As Texas recorded its highest number of COVID-19 deaths in a single day on Thursday (50, up from 42 deaths the day before), the Texas Public Interest Research Group (TexPIRG) warned Gov. Abbott that it is too soon to lift the shelter in place order, an action which could cost lives.
From TexPIRG
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April 30, 2020
TFN PAC, the political arm of the Texas Freedom Network, today proudly announced its endorsement of progressive Sara Stapleton-Barrera in her race for the Democratic nomination in Texas Senate District 27.
Stapleton-Barrera, an attorney and native of the Rio Grande Valley, faces longtime incumbent Sen. Eddie Lucio in the July 14 runoff.
From Texas Freedom Network PAC
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April 30, 2020
– Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led a call for Congressional leadership to include Houston-area transportation priorities in any upcoming infrastructure legislation. She was joined by Representatives Al Green (TX-09), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) in this effort.
From Representative Lizzie Fletcher
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April 30, 2020
TxDOT is right to prioritize I-35 through Austin, but in these times of twin economic crises of oil and COVID-19, Texas should again utilize private funding and managed toll lanes to fix I-35 rather than spending $3.4 billion from TxDOT’s discretionary fund at this time.
From Texas Association of Business
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April 30, 2020
Public housing authorities and Section 8 voucher programs Central Texas received several federal grants totaling $1,101,133 to help with coronavirus-related improvements and maintenance to local public housing programs, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced today.
From Senator John Cornyn
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April 30, 2020
Fort Bend County’s Coronavirus Public Information Task Force: Judge KP George Statement On COVID-19 Positive Felons Sent To Fort Bend County
From Fort Bend County’s Coronavirus Public Information Task Force
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April 30, 2020
The Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation applauds Harris County Commissioners Court’s creation of a $15 million relief fund to assist vulnerable working families struggling with the sudden loss of a job or wages due to the coronavirus pandemic and funding for the expansion of voting by mail.
From Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation
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April 29, 2020
Progress Texas releases the following statement on the need for expanded vote by mail after a new lawsuit filed claims the Texas election code violates the 26th Amendment’s protections against voting restrictions that discriminate based on age.
“All voters deserve the option to vote by mail regardless of age – anything less is age discrimination,” said Ed Espinoza, executive director of Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
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April 29, 2020
Today a group of advocates for workers wrote to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to encourage the agency to fix rules so Texans don't have to choose between their safety and their paychecks. The letter — signed by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, the Texas AFL-CIO, United Ways of Texas, and others -- asks for clarification of TWC rules that currently force workers back into potentially unsafe working conditions as businesses reopen from COVID-19 closures.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
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April 29, 2020
Today, the Texas Democratic Party amended our federal vote-by-mail lawsuit and filed a motion for preliminary injunction to provide Texas voters and election officials the clarity they need in advance of the July 14 primary runoff election. Following the Texas Democratic Party’s victory in Travis County District Court, indicted Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter where he not only contradicted Judge Tim Sulak’s decision, in disregard for the rule of law, but threatened to prosecute third-party groups who provide voters with basic information in compliance with Judge Sulak’s ruling.
From Texas Democratic Party
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April 29, 2020
Representative James Talarico sent Governor Abbott a letter signed by more than one-third of the Texas House asking for emergency funding, transparent reporting, and universal testing for long-term care facilities—including nursing homes, state-supported living centers, and group homes.
From Representative James Talarico
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April 29, 2020
Today the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board announces the upcoming September launch of a new loan repayment program benefitting recently appointed peace officers who have student loan debt.
Many law enforcement agencies have difficulty filling vacant positions. In June 2019, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law SB 16 (86th Texas Legislature) authorizing the Peace Officer Loan Repayment Assistance Program (POLRAP) to provide an incentive for Texans to pursue law enforcement careers and remain on the job to help pay off their student loan debt.
From Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
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April 29, 2020
Today, the Texas State Law Library and Harris County Law Library announced a new partnership to expand digital services for all Texans. Beginning on Law Day, May 1, 2020, law librarians from both institutions will work together to offer expanded chat services in English and Spanish Monday through Friday. Anyone who needs assistance with legal research can contact a law librarian through either libraries’ website to access expansive collections of digital resources.
From Texas State Law Library
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April 29, 2020
The League of Women Voters of Texas conducted its fifth survey of Texas county websites in late February and early March 2020. The League celebrates a tripling of outstanding websites in the Texas Primaries when compared to the Nov. 2019 review! The League reviewers found 58 “outstanding” and 37 “very good” county election websites out of 254 counties in Texas.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
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April 29, 2020
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy commended U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, and the other 12 Democratic members of the Texas congressional delegation for proposing a temporary boost for unemployed Texans.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 28, 2020
The Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) is excited to announce new staff hirings and a team restructure. Jaclyn Uresti will rejoin MALC in a new capacity as President. Jaclyn was previously MALC Executive Director during the 85th and 86th Texas Legislature. Jaclyn brings her extensive legislative experience to advance MALC’s mission during an unprecedented interim and the upcoming 87th Legislative Session.
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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April 28, 2020
Today, the Texas Equity PAC, the political action committee of Equality Texas, the largest statewide organization solely dedicated to securing full equality for LGBTQ Texans, endorsed Sara Stapleton Barrera, Senate Candidate for District 27 in the Rio Grande Valley. She forced incumbent Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., who has been in office for three decades, into a run-off in the July 14, 2020 Democratic Primary.
From Texas Equity PAC
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April 27, 2020
Senator Peter P. Flores issued the following statement on Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to open Texas:
“I support Governor Abbott’s plan to open Texas,” said Sen. Flores. “We must balance public health with economic sustainability. I look forward to working with our communities across Senate District 19 to return back to work and normal daily life as quickly and as safely as possible.”
From Senator Peter P. Flores
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April 27, 2020
AARP Texas Director Tina Tran issued the following statement today:
“States are experiencing different levels of COVID-19 activity, however according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the novel Coronavirus pandemic is not over.
From AARP Texas
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April 27, 2020
– Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a new executive orders regarding how the state of Texas will respond to the novel coronavirus and its resulting disease, COVID-19.
Rep. Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement in response:
“We all want businesses to safely reopen as soon as possible and that’s why I’m disappointed we did not hear more details on how Texas’ COVID-19 testing would increase.
From Texas House Democratic Caucus
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April 27, 2020
In his just-concluded press conference on "re-opening Texas", one topic that Governor Abbott did not address was the upcoming elections in July and November.
As it stands at the moment, a judge in Austin ruled that all Texans would be allowed to vote by mail using the disability clause.
From Progress Texas
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April 27, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to start reopening Texas businesses lacks critical elements that would protect Texans who are required to return to their work premises, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said today.
"Superseding local stay-at-home rules without the full virus-fighting infrastructure recommended by medical experts is a recipe for disaster for working families and all Texans," Levy said.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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April 27, 2020
– Today, San Antonio native and Iraq War veteran Gina Ortiz Jones, Democratic nominee in Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, issued the following statement after Governor Abbott announced an end to Texas’ stay-at-home order:
“Public officials must make their decisions based on evidence and facts.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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April 27, 2020
Today, Republican Governor Greg Abbott is planning on hosting a press conference where he is going to lay out steps to prematurely open Texas back up, putting all Texans at risk.
From Texas Democratic Party
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April 27, 2020
On April 22, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the unprecedented custody case known as In re CJC. Texas Home School Coalition, one of the nation’s leading authorities on parent and family rights, with more than three decades of experience in the space, has filed a brief in the case and is leading the grassroots effort to protect the parental rights of the little girl’s father.
From Texas Home School Coalition
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April 27, 2020
New campaign finance reports released by the Federal Elections Commission show Josh Winegarner with a commanding fundraising lead in the election to pick the next U.S. Representative for Texas’ 13th District.
Winegarner finished on top in the March Republican primary with nearly 40% of the vote and a lead of nearly 20 percentage points over his closest rival.
From Josh Winegarner Campaign
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April 27, 2020
Today the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Greater Texas Foundation, and Trellis Foundation launched the collaborative Texas Emergency Aid Grant Program to support students across Texas public, private, and non-profit higher education institutions during the COVID-19 crisis.
From Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
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April 27, 2020
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw today issued the following statement on the death of former DPS Director James B. Adams.
“Colonel Adams had a storied career in law enforcement, one that was filled with accomplishments and accolades, and he leaves a behind a legacy that still benefits the law enforcement profession today,” said Director McCraw. “During his seven-year tenure at DPS, Colonel Adams provided outstanding leadership and fully supported the men and women at DPS who risked their lives daily to protect and serve Texas.
From Texas DPS
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April 27, 2020
– Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to the Senate Work Group on Economic Impact & Budgeting.
“Our first priority is to protect the public, but we need to set a plan in motion to safely re-open businesses, get people back to work and make this economy roar again,” Senator Nelson, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said.
From Senator Jane Nelson:
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April 24, 2020
Representative Dade Phelan has submitted an opinion request to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on whether a local governmental entity under an emergency declaration has the authority to prevent an owner of a second home from occupying their property.
From Representative Dade Phelan
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April 24, 2020
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced today that he has established six Senate working groups to discuss challenges the state will face in the next legislative session as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic:
“COVID-19 has changed our lives in Texas and in America in ways that will continue to impact us going forward as we re-open our state.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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April 24, 2020
Today, the Texas Democratic Party unveiled more details and launched a video showcasing our virtual Texas Democratic Convention. We have shifted our convention to an innovative, digital space, hosting the biggest online convention and virtual experience in Democratic Party history.
From Texas Democratic Party
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April 24, 2020
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against LeadGen Sales and Marketing for initiating deceptive robocalls that violate the Texas No Call Act, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and fraudulently describes their purported health insurance for COVID-19 testing and treatment as “Trump Care health plans.” LeadGen is not sponsored by or affiliated with the federal government.
From Office of the Attorney General
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April 24, 2020
The University of Texas at Austin was awarded a federal grant of $190,337 to promote best practices for disinfection and provide sanitary workers with proper personal protective equipment (PPE), U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced today. The funding comes through the National Science Foundation as part of their “RAPID: COVID Response” program.
From Senator John Cornyn
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April 24, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will provide a series of free online trainings to help local officials understand, acquire, and administer federal assistance available to the state of Texas and municipalities through the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
From Senator Peter P. Flores
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April 24, 2020
Friday morning, Representative Steve Toth (R-Conroe) revealed his letter to Texas Department of Transportation Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. calling for the agency to stop assisting Texas Central. The company’s proposed high-speed rail from Houston to Dallas has been the topic of much controversy, raising concerns from landowners across Texas.
From Representative Steve Toth
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 Copyright May 25, 2020, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
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