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April 9, 2020
TDP: Congratulate Presumptive Democratic Nominee Joe Biden
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement: “The Texas Democratic Party congratulates Vice President Joe Biden on becoming our presumptive Democratic nominee for President. With Biden’s nomination, America is on the path to restoring hope, decency, and competent leadership in a time of crisis.
From Texas Democratic Party
April 9, 2020
Genevieve Collins Campaign: Collins Announces First Quarter Fundraising Total Of $719,795
Dallas businesswoman and 32nd district Republican nominee for Congress Genevieve Collins announced today she will report a total of $719,795 raised in the first fundraising quarter of 2020. Genevieve has brought in nearly $1.7 million in just eight months. Her outright victory in the primary combined with her strong and consistent fundraising totals makes her very-well positioned to beat Colin Allred and flip the 32nd district in November.
From Genevieve Collins Campaign
April 9, 2020
Texas Medical Board: Waiver For Chronic Pain Patients Extended By Governor Abbott
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 only in effect
From Texas Medical Board
April 9, 2020
TDP: Cornyn Continues To Oppose Vote-By Mail, Says “If You Can Go To The Grocery Store, You Can Go To The Polls”
John Cornyn continues to hit a new low every day on his mishandling and undermining of the coronavirus crisis. This time, in an interview, Cornyn stated “if you can go to the grocery store, you can go to the polls,” showing an appalling lack of understanding of the crisis we are facing and a willingness to put Texan lives at risk for his own partisan political agenda.
From Texas Democratic Party
April 9, 2020
Texas Impact: Joins Amicus In Landmark Case Trump V. Pennsylvania
Texas Impact and the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy have joined with numerous other religious organizations in filing an amicus brief in Trump v. Pennsylvania. The brief urges the U.S Supreme Court to reaffirm that governments cannot give preference to one faith over another.
From Texas Impact
April 9, 2020
Senator Paul Bettencourt: 16 Harris County Misdemeanor Magistrate Judges, Sheriff Gonzalez, All Democrats, Also Join In ACLU Suit To Sue Governor Abbott Over Order Preventing Release Of Criminals With Violent Offenses
Senator Bettencourt reacted to the lawsuit filed by the ACLU, et al, in a Travis County court challenging Governor Abbott’s order which is meant to prevent the release of inmates accused or convicted of “a crime that involves physical violence of the threat of physical violence.”
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
April 8, 2020
Railroad Commission of Texas: RRC Follows Up On Recommendation To Temporarily Halt Gas Disconnections
A few weeks ago the Railroad Commission of Texas recommended that gas utilities temporarily suspend disconnecting residents facing financial constraints during the current COVID-19 State of Disaster.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
April 8, 2020
Senator John Cornyn: Austin Area Health Centers Receive $7.8M In New Rounds Of Coronavirus Relief Funds
Several health centers in the Austin area were awarded a total of $7,802,795 in another round of federal grants to help fight the spread of 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
April 8, 2020
Senator Ted Cruz: Statement In Observance Of Passover
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in observance of Passover: “Heidi and I would like to wish a Chag Sameach to the Jewish community in Texas, America, Israel, and around the world. Today at sun down, Jews around the world will read from the Haggadah to remember the Israelites exodus from Egypt to freedom.
From Senator Ted Cruz
April 8, 2020
Senator Paul Bettencourt: UPDATED: Sen Bettencourt, et al, Filed Amicus Brief Objecting To Release Of Inmates From Harris County Jail
Senator Bettencourt, joined by Representatives Harless, Huberty, Paul, Cain, Oliverson, Bohac, Swanson, and Murphy, filed an Amicus Brief in Federal Judge Lee Rosenthal’s Court in the case of Russell vs. Harris County to “object to the wholesale release of individuals accused of felony offenses from the Harris County Jail.” Citing a burden of concerns of the “mass release of individuals accused of felony offenses currently housed in the Harris County Jail” this group of Harris County legislators called for the dismissal of the current lawsuit.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
April 8, 2020
Representative Donna Howard: Denounces 5th Circuit Ruling On Texas District Court’s Temporary Restraining Order
Today, the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, in a two-to-one split decision led by Circuit Judges Stuart Duncan and Jennifer Elrod, issued a writ of mandamus effectively allowing Texas to continue banning abortions as part of its statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Representative Donna Howard
April 8, 2020
Texas Alliance for Life: Statement On The 5th Circuit Court Of Appeals Granting Of A Writ Of Mandamus To Uphold Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA 09
This afternoon, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a writ of mandamus directing the federal district court in Austin to vacate its Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by federal Judge Lee Yeakel on March 30, 2020, and to allow the application of Governor Abbott's executive order delaying elective medical surgeries and procedures, including elective abortions, until April 21 to stand as stated.
From Texas Alliance for Life
April 8, 2020
TDP: Texas Democrats Unite Against Weeks Of Racist Remarks From Texas Republicans
Today the Texas Democratic Party, State Representative Gene Wu, Democratic nominee for Texas 22nd Congressional District and former diplomat Sri Kulkarni, Chairwoman of the Asian-American Democratic Club Ling Luo, and Emgage Texas Executive Director Nabila Mansoor hosted a press conference call to unite against weeks of Anti-Asian racism from Texas Republicans.
From Texas Democratic Party
April 7, 2020
Progress Texas: Abbott, Indicted-Paxton Continue To Play Abortion Politics During Pandemic
Progress Texas releases the following statement in response to today’s Fifth Circuit ruling that attacks abortion care in the state, again, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Gov. Abbott and indicted-Attorney General Ken Paxton are actively ignoring the advice of many medical professionals and playing politics during a global pandemic,” said Tara Pohlmeyer, communications manager at Progress Texas.
From Progress Texas
April 7, 2020
Texas Freedom Network: Texas Rising, In Ongoing Shift To Online Organizing During Pandemic, Launches Civics, Y’all!
Texas Rising, the Texas Freedom Network’s youth organizing arm with a presence on more than 20 college and university campuses, today announced a series of online organizing training sessions and “weeks of action” that aim to keep young people engaged and involved in the political process during this time when on-the-ground organizing is difficult or impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Texas Freedom Network
April 7, 2020
Office of the Lieutenant Governor: Patrick Appoints Business Task Force To Re-Start The Economy: Brint Ryan Will Chair
When Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was first elected in 2014, he established a Business Advisory Council comprised of business leaders from a broad range of businesses around the state to provide him with input on a variety of issues.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
April 7, 2020
Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Texas Provides Guidance For Nursing Facilities
Texas Health and Human Services is releasing current guidance to nursing facilities across the state on how to respond in the event of a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 7, 2020
Senator Ted Cruz: Sens. Cruz, Hoeven & Reps. Fletcher, Burgess To Introduce Legislation Providing $3 Billion In Funding To Fill Strategic Petroleum Reserve With U.S. Crude Oil
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.), along with Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas) and Michael Burgess (R-Texas), and House and Senate colleagues today announced they are introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to provide $3 billion in funding to purchase crude oil produced in the United States for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The legislation aligns with the request made by President Trump and Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette to fill the SPR.
From Senator Ted Cruz
April 7, 2020
Representative Lizzie Fletcher: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Michael Burgess, And Senator John Hoeven Announce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill To Fund Purchase Of Crude Oil For Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX-26), and Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) announced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to provide $3 billion in funding to purchase crude oil produced in the United States for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
From Representative Lizzie Fletcher
April 7, 2020
Senator John Cornyn: Hosts Coronavirus Call With Texas Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Groups
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today joined the Texas Council on Family Violence, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, and their coalition members across Texas for a video conference call to hear how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
From Senator John Cornyn
April 7, 2020
Senator Paul Bettencourt: Bettencourt, Et Al, Files Amicus Brief Objecting To Release Of Inmates From Harris County Jail
Senator Bettencourt, joined by Representatives Harless, Huberty, Paul, Cain, Oliverson, Bohac, Swanson, and Murphy, filed an Amicus Brief in Federal Judge Lee Rosenthal’s Court in the case of Russell vs. Harris County to “object to the wholesale release of individuals accused of felony offenses from the Harris County Jail.” Citing a burden of concerns of the “mass release of individuals accused of felony offenses currently housed in the Harris County Jail” this group of Harris County legislators is calling for the dismissal of the current lawsuit.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
April 7, 2020
Office of the Lieutenant Governor: Texas Senate Steps Up To Help Answer Workforce Commission Calls
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced today that members of the Texas Senate – both Democrat and Republican – are volunteering staffers to assist the Texas Workforce Commission in answering calls from Texans who are seeking unemployment help.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
April 7, 2020
Representative J.D. Sheffield: Appoints James Parker As New Chief Of Staff
James Parker has been appointed Chief of Staff to Texas State Representative J.D. Sheffield, effective immediately. He succeeds Amanda Tollett, who now serves as Chief of Staff to Tarleton State University President James L. Hurley and as Vice President for University Relations.
From Representative J.D. Sheffield
April 7, 2020
TDP: Files Federal Lawsuit Against Governor Abbott And Secretary Of State Ruth Hughes To Demand Vote-By-Mail Election
Today, the Texas Democratic Party filed a lawsuit in United States District Court against Governor Abbott, Secretary of State Ruth Hughes, the Travis County Clerk, and the Bexar County Elections Administrator in our ongoing effort to demand mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
From Texas Democratic Party
April 7, 2020
Senator John Cornyn: Supports Legislation To Fund $3B In Crude Purchase For SPR
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced today that he will cosponsor forthcoming legislation to provide $3 billion in funding to purchase crude oil produced in the United States for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Text of the legislation is available here.
From Senator John Cornyn
April 7, 2020
TexPIRG: 9 Texas Legislators Demand Amazon, Other Online Marketplaces End Coronavirus Price Gouging
Nine Texas legislators are calling on the country’s top online marketplaces to crack down on price gouging amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Together, 347 legislators representing 45 states, joined TexPIRG Education Fund in sending a letter Tuesday urging Amazon, Craigslist, eBay, Facebook and Walmart to quickly implement preventative measures on their platforms to ensure that consumers don’t get taken advantage of during this public health crisis.
From TexPIRG
April 6, 2020
Railroad Commission of Texas: Commissioner Craddick Asks Comptroller Hegar To Issue Delay On Severance Tax Collections
Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick sent a letter to Comptroller Glenn Hegar requesting he extend the monthly deadline to file crude oil and natural gas production taxes, as he has done with the state's franchise tax deadline.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
April 6, 2020
Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Texas WIC Expands Eligible Foods, Launches Updated App
Texas Health and Human Services announces Texas WIC, the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, is expanding the number of food items eligible for purchase through the program. It is also updating the MyTexasWIC app to ensure Texans who need access to nutritious food will be able to find it in their local grocery stores.
From Texas Health and Human Services Commission
April 6, 2020
Texas Farm Bureau: Texas Farmers, Ranchers Answer The Call During COVID-19 Outbreak
Texas farmers and ranchers are in a unique position in regard to the COVID-19 outbreak and our nation's response. Each of us is battling the impacts of the pandemic on our own farm or ranch, while at the same time, committing ourselves to feeding our country at a time when food security matters most.
From Texas Farm Bureau
April 6, 2020
Conservative Texans For Energy Innovation: Dub Taylor Joins Advisory Board Of Conservative Texans For Energy Innovation
Conservative Texans for Energy Innovation (CTEI) announced today that Dub Taylor has joined the organization’s Advisory Board. For more than 25 years, Dub Taylor has helped advance cost-effective, clean energy technology and policy through his work in the public sector.
From Conservative Texans For Energy Innovation
April 6, 2020
Senator John Cornyn: Supporting Texas’ Nonprofits Through The Coronavirus Pandemic
Sen. Cornyn has been working to provide relief for Texas nonprofits struggling to serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas’ extensive nonprofit network reaches all corners of our state, and Sen. Cornyn has successfully delivered multiple legislative solutions to keep them afloat, allowing them to serve their communities and their employees, during this crisis.
From Senator John Cornyn
April 6, 2020
League of Women Voters of Texas: Working To Expand Vote My Mail In Texas In Light Of COVID-19, Voters Need Flexibility To Vote Safely
Thursday April 2, 2020, the League of Women Voters of Texas and the League of Women Voters of Austin Area requested to join as intervenors in a lawsuit arguing that Texas law expressly permits expanded vote by mail options due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
From League of Women Voters of Texas
April 6, 2020
Texans Against High Speed Rail: A Financial Disaster
In the days since the COVID-19 pandemic has descended upon the US, the Texas Central High-Speed Rail proposal has suffered insurmountable setbacks and increasingly devastating financial news. On March 27, the company announced layoffs of “approximately 28 employees” and uncertainty about its financial future and construction timeline.
From Texans Against High Speed Rail