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March 27, 2023

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 24

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 24, by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham:

From The State of Texas Lieutenant Governor

By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

March 27, 2023

State Senator Roland Gutierrez issues statement on Nashville Massacre

Austin, Texas – On Monday, State Senator Roland Gutierrez issued the following statement about the Nashville Covenant School massacre which claimed the lives of 3 students and 3 teachers. “Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Roland Gutierrez District 19

March 28, 2023

TSTA: Senate voucher bill creates a private-school entitlement program for the wealthy; will soon cost taxpayers and public schools $1 billion a year

TSTA President Ovidia Molina released the following statement: Parents have a right to send their children to private schools. They don’t have a right to send their children to private schools at the expense of other taxpayers.

From Texas State Teachers Association

March 28, 2023

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Unanimous Passage of Senate Bill 22

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 22, Assisting Rural Law Enforcement Funding – Increasing Pay and Needed Equipment, by Sen. Drew Springer, R-Muenster:

From Lieutenant Governor of Texas

By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

March 28, 2023

Martina Lemond Dixon Receives Endorsement of Houston Police Officers’ Union for Houston City Council District E

Houston, TX – Today, Houston City Council Candidate Martina Lemond Dixon received the endorsement of Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU), which represents the 4th largest city in the United States

From CAZ Consulting, LLC

March 27, 2023

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CARL SHERMAN’S PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING “BODY CAMERAS FOR ALL” BILL

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Representative Sherman is inviting all local and state-wide media to attend a press conference on Thursday, March 30, 2023 in the Speaker’s Committee Room at the State Capitol in Austin. Representative Sherman will be announcing House Bill 1524 referred to as “Body Cameras for All.”

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Carl O. Sherman

March 27, 2023

Workers Defense Action Fund ‘We Build Texas’ Day of Action Mobilizes More Than a Hundred Workers to Texas Capitol to Demand Protections

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Last Thursday, Workers Defense Action Fund took to the Texas Capitol for a day of action to fight against bills that hurt workers like HB 2127, a preemption bill that, if passed, would prohibit local governments from passing or enforcing basic protections and guidelines on issues like construction worker safety protections.

From Fireside Campaigns

By Workers Defense Action Fund

March 27, 2023

ICYMI: Cruz on Stanford Law School Response: A Victory for Sanity in this Country and a Step in the Right Direction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) celebrated a victory for free speech after he received a letter from Stanford University about their response to the recent on-campus harassment of a federal judge. The letter from Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Stanford Law School Dean Jenny Martinez responded to Sen. Cruz’s March 14th letter and addressed the ways the school was responding to the recent harassment of Federal Circuit Judge Kyle Duncan by Stanford Law School students and one of Stanford’s deans. The letter notes that Assistant Dean and Diversity Administrator Tirien Steinbach has been placed on leave from her position following her involvement in the events that unfolded, and all Stanford Law students will have to attend a mandatory session on free speech.

From Senator Ted Cruz Press Office

March 24, 2023

ICYMI: Dallas Morning News Editorial Board: ‘Local Control is Under Attack in Austin’

AUSTIN, Texas -- Today, the Dallas Morning News editorial board published a piece slamming Texas Republicans’ attempts in the Legislature to strip local municipalities – particularly Texas’ big, Democratic-voting cities – of their ability to self-govern.

From Texas Democrats

March 22, 2023

Senator Borris L. Miles Advances SB 182 Criminal Offenses to Protect the Most Vulnerable

Senator Borris L. Miles passed SB 182, to protect the most vulnerable who are receiving services from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), out of the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Borris L. Miles - District 13

March 23, 2023

Sen. Cruz: “We Need To Be Careful Not To Impose Regulations That Make Flying More Miserable or Costly”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s full committee hearing titled “Enhancing Consumer Protections and Connectivity in Air Transportation” Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed concerns that a rush to re-regulate passenger air travel could make it prohibitively expensive for many customers.

From U.S. Senate Comittee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation

March 21, 2023

Crackdown on Catalytic Converter theft is adopted by Senate Criminal Justice Committee 7-0

Austin, TX – The Criminal Justice Committee chaired by Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston), passed a serious crackdown bill on catalytic converter theft; SB 224 by Senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston).

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

March 22, 2023

Texas Senate’s unprecedented $16.5 billion Property Tax Relief Voted out Unanimously!

Austin, TX – The Texas Senate’s unprecedented $16.5 billion Property Tax Plan that will provide unprecedented relief to homeowners, business owners, and all taxpayers has left the train station! Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s (R-Texas) priority bills, SB 3, 4, and 5, along with the adjoining Constitutional Amendment, SJR 3, passed out of the Senate on a bipartisan and unanimous vote of 124-0

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

March 22, 2023

Sen. Cruz Applauds DirecTV’s Decision to Bring Newsmax Back on Air

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in response to DirecTV’s decision to re-platform Newsmax: “Having Newsmax back on the air is a victory for free speech over powerful corporations that want to put their thumbs on the scale of the national conversation,” said Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas). “This outcome speaks to the power of citizens and their elected representatives working to stop viewpoint discrimination.

From U.S. Senate Comittee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation

March 20, 2023

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Legal Opinion on School Choice

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today in response to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s legal opinion that there is no constitutional barrier prohibiting school choice in Texas:

From The State of Texas Lieutenant Governor

By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

March 21, 2023

A voucher is bad for public school students

ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes has the following statement on this week’s pro-voucher public relations offensive, including a conveniently timed Attorney General opinion, the bussing in of a few dozen “grassroots” voucher supporters for a Capitol rally, and a Senate Education Committee hearing on five voucher bills:

From Association of Texas Professional Educators

March 21, 2023

TEXAS IAF TO HOLD MARCH 21ST PRESS CONFERENCE CALLING ON LEGISLATURE TO INVEST IN STRONG SCHOOLS AND WORKFORCE, AND KEEP CHAPTER 313 “DRACULA FUND” IN ITS GRAVE

Over 250 clergy and leaders from Central Texas Interfaith and the Network of Texas IAF Organizations (Texas IAF) will be joined by legislators and hold a press conference on Tuesday March 21st at 2pm near the north steps of the Capitol, calling on State Legislators to invest in Texas schools, workforce, and healthcare, and to block all attempts to resurrect the failed Chapter 313 “Vampire Fund”, which it helped kill in the last legislative session.

From Central Texas Interfaith

March 21, 2023

Former Gov’t Officials and Members of Congress: “Simply Too Much at Stake To Have the FAA Administrator Trying To Learn the Basics of Aviation on the Job”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of senior former U.S. Department of Transportation officials and Members of Congress with deep aviation and transportation knowledge has sent a letter to President Biden urging him to withdraw the nomination of Phil Washington to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The letter outlines that Mr. Washington lacks the aviation knowledge and expertise required to lead the FAA.

From U.S. Senate Comittee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation

March 21, 2023

Sen. Finance launches final part of Lt. Gov Patrick/Senate Unprecedented Property Tax Relief Package

Austin, TX – Senate Bill 5 & and the Constitutional Amendments for SB 3, SB 4, and SB 5, launched out of the Senate Committee on Finance, Chaired by Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) on Monday, March 20, 2023, on a unanimous bipartisan 17-0 vote.

From State of Texas - Texas Senate

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

March 21, 2023

House Community Safety Committee Holds First Hearing of 88th Legislative Session

March 21, 2023 marks the first hearing of the new House Select Community Safety Committee, tasked with hearing gun bills this session. Lawmakers have filed approximately 300 gun-related bills this year.

From Texas Gun Sense

March 17, 2023

Texas Supreme Court Orders San Antonio Proposition A Vote to Decriminalize Abortion to Continue on May 6 Ballot

Austin, TX -- Today, the Texas Supreme Court released an order on the writ of mandamus filed by Texas Alliance for Life in response to an illegal ballot initiative placed on the May 6 ballot in San Antonio seeking to decriminalize abortion in the City of San Antonio, among other initiatives. On a 6-3 vote, the Court ordered the Proposition A election to be held on the May 6 ballot.

From Texas Alliance for Life

March 15, 2023

Dr. Joseph Seabrooks and Grammy Award Winner, Pamela Dawson Selected As Outstanding Texan Awards

Austin, Texas – Dr. Joseph Seabrooks, President of Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus, and Grammy Award winner Pamela Dawson, DeSoto High School Director of Choral Music, were selected by State Representative Carl O. Sherman to receive the Outstanding Texan of the Year Award during the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TxLBC) Summit in April 2023 celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Carl O. Sherman

March 15, 2023

$15 billion of Sen. Bettencourt’s Property Tax Relief bills advance out of the Senate Finance Committee

Austin, TX – Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) explained the Senate’s unprecedented $16.5 billion property tax bills in the Senate Finance Committee today. After hours of testimony, SB 3 & SB 4, worth $15 billion in property tax relief, were each passed out of the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) on a 17-0 bipartisan vote yesterday. SB 5 (Parker), the $1.5 billion business tax relief bill will be considered on Monday along with their associated Constitutional Amendments SJR 3, 4, & 5.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

March 15, 2023

Senator Borris L. Miles Statement on the State Taking Over Houston ISD

“TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced today that the State of Texas would be taking over Houston ISD, and would be appointing a board of managers and a new superintendent.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Borris L. Miles - District 13

March 15, 2023

Coastal Bend delegation voices strong support for second causeway in Corpus Christi

(CORPUS CHRISTI) – Members of the Texas House and Senate who represent the Coastal Bend joined together this week to highlight the importance of creating a secondary bridge crossing of the Laguna Madre in North Padre Island.

From New West Communications

March 16, 2023

TTARA announces Jennifer Rabb as new VP

Capitol veteran and attorney Jennifer Rabb has joined the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) as the association’s vice president.

From TTARA

March 16, 2023

Rep. Wu Response to the Takeover of HISD

(Austin, TX) – Earlier today, the Texas Education Agency formally announced its plans to takeover the Houston Independent School District (HISD) by installing a Board of Managers and new superintendent in June of 2023.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Gene Wu - District 137

March 15, 2023

TSTA: State takeover is an injustice to HISD students and educators

The Texas Education Agency’s takeover of Houston ISD is an injustice to HISD students and educators, especially at a time when the locally elected board, its administrators and its teachers have been scoring marked improvements in student progress.

From Texas State Teachers Association

March 15, 2023

Senator Bettencourt supports TEA Commissioner Morath installing a Board of Managers for HISD

Austin, TX – Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) states his support for TEA Commissioner Mike Morath installing a Board of Managers for HISD, the state’s largest school district.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

March 13, 2023

Coalition for Education Excellence Applauds SB 2565 and HB 1605 for Supporting Teachers, Promoting Transparency for Parents and Improving Student Academic Performance

Austin, Texas (Mar. 13, 2023) – The Coalition for Education Excellence (CEE) commends Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado) for their unwavering commitment to high-quality education and relief for Texas teachers with the filing of SB 2565 and HB 1605. These crucial pieces of legislation provide incentives for districts to adopt high-quality instructional materials while also offering much-needed support for Texas' overworked teachers.

From The Mach 1 Group

By The Coalition of Education Excellence

March 14, 2023

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 2

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2, Restoring Illegal Voting to a Felony, by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Tyler:

From The State of Texas Lieutenant Governor

By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

March 14, 2023

Landgraf Fighting Against Fentanyl

AUSTIN — State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) is fighting back against fentanyl. In addition to maintaining his long standing commitment to border security, Landgraf is a co-author of legislation to beef up law enforcement’s response to the fentanyl crisis and create harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers.

From Texas House of Representatives

By State Representative Brooks Landgraf

March 10, 2023

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Filing of Senate Bill 2424 – State Authority to Enforce Our Border

AUSTIN - Today, Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, filed Senate Bill 2424. Upon Sen. Birdwell filing the bill, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement:

From Lieutenant Governor of Texas

By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

March 10, 2023

Senator Joan Huffman Files Senate Bill 2344 to Strengthen the State’s Efforts to Stop the Fentanyl Epidemic

AUSTIN — Today, Senator Joan Huffman filed Senate Bill 2344, which if passed into law would allow for prosecutors to charge a person with murder that knowingly manufactures or delivers fentanyl that causes the death of a user.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Joan Huffman - Senate District 17

March 10, 2023

Senator Joan Huffman Files Senate Bill 19 and Senate Joint Resolution 5 to Create the Texas University Fund

AUSTIN — Today, Senator Joan Huffman filed Senate Bill 19 and Senate Joint Resolution 5, which if passed into law and approved by the voters, will create the Texas University Fund. This multibillion-dollar endowment fund will support four Texas universities to achieve national prominence as major research institutions.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Joan Huffman - Senate District 17

March 8, 2023

THE GREATER ROUND ROCK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IS NOW THE CENTRAL TEXAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Round Rock, Texas, March 8, 2023. The Greater Round Rock Community Foundation is excited to announce a name change, and it is now the Central Texas Community Foundation (CTXCF). Established in 2004, the organization already serves donors and nonprofits in Round Rock, Austin, Bastrop, Burnet, Cedar Park, Fort Hood, Georgetown, Hutto, Killeen, Leander, Liberty Hill, Pflugerville, Taylor and beyond. “The foundation has invested in communities across Central Texas for years, so it makes sense that the name of the organization reflects that reality,” said Kerrie Stannell of the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center.

From Central Texas Community Foundation

March 8, 2023

PUCT Enforcement Staff Recommends $1.74 Million Administrative Penalty Against Texas-New Mexico Power Company

Austin, Texas – The Public Utility Commission of Texas’ (PUCT) Division of Compliance and Enforcement (DICE) today is recommending the Commission impose an administrative penalty of $1,747,400 for violations relating to Texas-New Mexico Power Company’s (TNMP) usage estimating practices.

From Public Utility Commission of Texas

March 9, 2023

PUCT Asks for Public Input on Developing a Reliability Standard for Texas Electric Grid

Austin, Texas - The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is asking the public, members of industry, and stakeholders to provide input as the Commission develops a reliability standard for the ERCOT power region. Senate Bill 3, passed in 2021 by the 87th Texas Legislature, requires the PUCT to develop a reliability standard and increase the reliability of the ERCOT grid through both operational and economic improvements.

From Public Utility Commission of Texas

March 9, 2023

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on Power Grid Reforms

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following his press conference with Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford: “Today, the Texas Senate announced a bold agenda to fix the Texas power grid once and for all. Since Winter Storm Uri, I have been abundantly clear that we need to bring new dispatchable (primarily new natural gas plants) generation online as soon as possible to make sure that Texans have reliable power under any circumstance. That is why I named Senate Bills 6 and 7, by Sen. Charles Schwertner, as 2 of my top 10 priorities this session.

From The State of Texas Lieutenant Governor

By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

March 9, 2023

Texas AAPI Advocacy Collective Rally to Protect Freedoms & Embrace Communities’ Full Diversity

AUSTIN, Texas - On the heels of unprecedented community rallies and public testimony calling on state politicians to reject hate and division and fund the shared resources AAPI Texans need to thrive, the Texas AAPI Advocacy Collective (TAAC) released its first-ever policy priorities today for state legislators in the 88th session. From Dallas and Sugar Land to the Gulf Coast and the Panhandle, AAPI Texans are making clear that whether people moved here recently or many years ago, they all deserve the freedom to give their families a better life.

From OCA- Greater Houston

March 9, 2023

ATPE applauds filing of House teacher retirement bills

On Tuesday, House Speaker Dade Phelan announced the filing of House Bill (HB) 600 and House Joint Resolution (HJR) 2 by House Appropriations Chair Greg Bonnen (R-League City). The legislation would address the retirement security of Texas’ retired educators through responsible use of state general revenue and an increase in the state and employee contribution rates. “We wish to thank Speaker Phelan and Chair Bonnen for their leadership on this issue, which is critical not only to current retirees but also to districts’ ability to recruit and retain active educators,” said Shannon Holmes, ATPE executive director. “ATPE looks forward to working with leadership to see these bills across the finish line.”

From Association of Texas Professional Educators

March 9, 2023

Talarico Announces Plan to Replace Child Prisons with System of Rehabilitation

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Representative James Talarico was joined by youth advocates to announce House Bill 4356, dissolving the Texas Juvenile Justice Department by 2030 and replacing it with the Office of Youth Safety and Rehabilitation. Using the savings from closing child prisons, the new office would build a system to rehabilitate kids closer to home—including secure rehab centers for kids deemed a risk to themselves or others.

From The State of Texas

By State Representative James Talarico

March 9, 2023

Family Caregivers in Texas Provide $41 Billion in Unpaid Care to Loved Ones

AUSTIN, Texas — The unpaid care provided by the 3.1 million caregivers in Texas is valued at $41 billion, according to new state data available in AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is a $6 Billion increase in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019. The report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and highlights actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

From AARP

March 9, 2023

UT Tyler Poll Reveals Border Security, Education Among Top Policy Concerns

TYLER, Texas (March 9, 2023) – The latest poll by The University of Texas at Tyler revealed that border security, gun control and education were currently the most important policy concerns on the minds of Texas voters. UT Tyler’s poll began on Feb. 20, days after Gov. Greg Abbott’s State of the State address to announce legislative priorities for 2023. The survey ended on Tuesday, Feb. 28, with 1,190 total interviews of registered voters in Texas that were completed online or by phone.

From University of Texas Tyler

March 9, 2023

Travis County Democratic Party Goes to Trial to Hold Convicted Domestic Terrorist Accountable

On September 29, 2021, Defendant Faircloth firebombed the Travis County Democratic Party headquarters building, causing thousands of dollars of property damage, terrorizing Party staff, and disrupting Party functions, including ongoing election operations. That same night, Faircloth also vandalized the Travis County Granger Administration Building.

From Travis County Democratic Party

March 9, 2023

Senator Bettencourt files “Safety Six” to Strengthen School Safety on Multiple Levels!

Austin, TX – Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) filed his “Safety Six” which is a group of bills to strengthen school safety on multiple levels. During the 2021-2022 school year, there were over 130,000 truancy cases in Houston area school districts. Furthermore, the Robb Elementary School shooter had hundreds of unexcused absences before being involuntary withdrawn from his school district.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

March 7, 2023

Response to Center for Reproductive Rights' Legal Attack on Texas' Abortion Laws

Austin, Texas -- Yesterday, the Center for Reproductive Rights, a New York-based abortion advocacy firm, filed a lawsuit in state district court asking the court to clarify the scope of the exceptions in Texas abortion laws as applied to pregnant women with certain rare but life-threatening medical conditions. The case, filed on behalf of five Texas women and two physicians in the 353rd District Court, is Zurawski v. Texas, D-1-GN-23-000968.

From Texas Alliance for Life

March 9, 2023

Speaker Phelan announces Texas House priorities for 88th Texas Legislature on school safety, teacher pay and mental health workforce

Austin, Texas — Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan today announced several more priorities of the chamber for this legislative session that would improve school safety, better support Texas teachers and provide a cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators in the state.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Speaker of the House Dade Phelan

March 7, 2023

Representative Slaton Files HB 3850, Ensuring That Biological Women Cannot Obtain Abortions By “Identifying” As A Man

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, Representative Bryan Slaton filed HB 3850, which clarifies that any Texas statute prohibiting abortion applies to pregnant biological females, even if they do not “identify” as a woman or female. HB 3850 will simply ensure a pregnant woman cannot obtain an abortion by claiming to be a man.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Bryan Slaton - District 2

March 8, 2023

FREEPORT LNG RECEIVES REGULATORY APPROVAL FOR RESTART OF FINAL LIQUEFACTION TRAIN

Houston, TX, March 8, 2023 – Freeport LNG Development, L.P. (Freeport LNG) today announced that it has received regulatory approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to restart Train 1, the final train of Freeport LNG’s three train liquefaction facility to receive restart authorization.

From Freeport LNG

March 8, 2023

Representative Slaton Files HB 4129, Banning Drag Shows in the Presence of Minors

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, Representative Bryan Slaton filed HB 4129, which would ban erotic performances, including sexualized drag shows, in the presence of minors. Last year, in response to a wave of highly inappropriate drag shows and other erotic performances,[1] Rep. Slaton promised to file legislation banning these performances in the presence of children. Representative Slaton said: “In the wake of these erotic drag performances sweeping our state, I committed last year to filing legislation that would stop this disgusting practice in the presence of children.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Bryan Slaton - District 2

March 8, 2023

Flores Files Legislation to Target Gang and Criminal Enterprise Assets

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Yesterday, Texas State Senators Pete Flores (SD-24) and Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (SD-20) filed Senate Bill 1788 which would create a new racketeering offense in Texas and provide law enforcement officers the statutory authority to target the financial assets of criminal enterprises and gang operations.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senators Pete Flores SD-24 and Juan Hinojosa SD-20

March 8, 2023

Senator Borris L. Miles Statement on Texas A&M University Removing DEI from Hiring Practices and Admissions

“Our diversity is our greatest strength, but as a state, we have not been tapping into this strength. This week, Texas universities followed the governor’s orders and removed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) from their hiring practices, but Texas A&M University took things a step further by including admissions. This shameful decision sends a clear message that students of color are not welcome on Texas A&M campuses.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Borris L. Miles - District 13

March 7, 2023

Speaker Phelan announces Texas House priorities for 88th Texas Legislature on brain health, juvenile justice and parental involvement

Austin, Texas — Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan today announced three additional priorities of the chamber for this legislative session that aim to dedicate more dollars toward brain health research, improve the outcomes of youth in the state’s juvenile justice system and address the rising concern among Texas parents over certain content in public school libraries.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Speaker of the House Dade Phelan

March 7, 2023

GARCIA ON AGREEMENT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH I-45 EXPANSION

Harris County, TX — TODAY, an agreement between state and federal officials has been announced that will let the rebuild of I-45 proceed. The project will dramatically shift Houston’s freeway system. The agreement, “lifts the federal pause placed on the project, and it resolves the audit conducted by federal officials related to TxDOT’s adherence to federal environmental rules,” according to the Houston Chronicle.

From Harris County Precinct 2

March 5, 2023

Senator Borris L. Miles Statement on the University of Houston Removing DEI from Hiring Practices

“I have always said our diversity is one of the greatest strengths of Texas. The University of Houston (UH) is proof of that with its rising national reputation and a diverse community of students, faculty and administration from all backgrounds and more than 130 countries.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Borris L. Miles - District 13

March 6, 2023

Rep. Lynn Stucky files bill to designate 'Lost Battalion Memorial Highway'

AUSTIN — Last week, Texas state Rep. Lynn Stucky (R-Sanger) filed a bill to designate the highway stretching from Decatur to Jacksboro as the "Lost Battalion Memorial Highway." House Bill 3099 would officially name a portion of US 380 in Wise and Jack Counties as a memorial highway for the men imprisoned in Japan during World War II. This bill follows several recent events to highlight these brave Army soldiers.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Lynn Stucky

March 6, 2023

Sen. Cruz Commemorates Texas Rangers Bicentennial

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers. Sen. Cruz and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Texas Rangers Bicentennial Resolution last week, a resolution that commemorates the Texas Rangers. The bill honors the men and women, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to upholding public safety in the Lone Star State as peace officers in the Texas Ranger Division. Their resolution was unanimously agreed to by their colleagues, and passed the Senate.

From Senator Ted Cruz Press Office

March 6, 2023

Representative Slaton Files TEXIT Referendum Bill

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Today, Representative Slaton filed HB 3596, which is commonly known as the “TEXIT Referendum Act.” If HB 3596 is passed, it will place a referendum on the ballot during the next general election, allowing the people of Texas to vote on whether or not the State should investigate the possibility of Texas independence, and present potential plans to the Legislature.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Bryan Slaton - District 2

March 6, 2023

Landgraf’s Playoff Reform Bill Levels H.S. Playing Field

AUSTIN — State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed House Bill 3349 to modernize the University Interscholastic League (UIL) playoff divisions to restore fairness in Class 6A football competition. Although schools within the UIL’s 6A classification are roughly the same size, success in the playoffs has been one-sided in favor of a small number of teams from a handful of the largest counties in Texas.

From Texas House of Representatives

By State Representative Brooks Landgraf

March 2, 2023

Senator Joan Huffman Files Senate Bill 30, the Senate’s Supplemental Budget

AUSTIN — Today, Senator Joan Huffman filed Senate Bill 30, the Senate’s supplemental budget for the 2022-2023 biennium. In total, the bill appropriates $11.8 billion in All Funds and $5 billion in General Revenue in the current biennium to true-up projections for entitlement programs, address unanticipated costs, and fund important legislative priorities.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Joan Huffman - Senate District 17

March 2, 2023

Senator Borris L. Miles Statement on TEA Takeover of HISD

“I have been voicing my unwavering opposition to the potential state takeover of Houston Independent School District (HISD) for years. The situation at HISD that initiated the takeover has changed drastically. From the voters overturning the board of trustees to improving academic performance district-wide, HISD is on a new track of success.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Borris L. Miles - District 13

March 2, 2023

New Partnership Launches to Support Teachers, Parents and Students to Reform Texas Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Austin, Texas (Mar. 02, 2023) - A group of education advocates and business leaders announced today the formation of the Coalition for Education Excellence (CEE), a new organization dedicated to advancing high-quality education for all Texas students and supporting hardworking Texas teachers.

From The Mach 1 Group

By The Coalition for Education Excellence

March 3, 2023

Senator Joan Huffman Files Senate Bill 1527 to Combat Human Trafficking and Support Victims

AUSTIN — Today, Senator Joan Huffman filed Senate Bill 1527 to further the state’s efforts to end human trafficking in Texas. The bill is a culmination of months of input from law enforcement, survivors, and advocates, and contains legislative recommendations from the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Joan Huffman - Senate District 17

March 2, 2023

Senator Bettencourt files SB 3: a 75% Homestead Exemption Increase, with all Texas Senators

Austin, TX – Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) filed Senate Bill 3, and SJR 3, the constitutional amendment which would put to the voters of Texas the single largest ISD Property Tax Homestead Exemption increase in Texas history. SB 3 is part of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s Top 30 Priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session, and all 31 Texas Senators have signed onto them as Joint Authors.

From The Senate of Texas

By Senator Paul Bettencourt - SD 7

February 28, 2023

Rep. Valoree Swanson Announces House Majority Support for the Save Women’s Sports Act

AUSTIN, TX – Representative Valoree Swanson (R-Spring) announced she has 77 coauthors publicly supporting her bill, HB 23, the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” constituting a majority of the Texas House of Representatives.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Valoree Swanson - District 150

February 28, 2023

Texas Senate Democratic Caucus Files Gun Safety Legislation

Austin, TX — Today, the members of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus filed Senate Bill 1274. Four days after the gut-wrenching tragedy in Uvalde, the caucus urged Governor Abbott to immediately call a special session to address gun violence in Texas and pass common sense gun safety legislation.

From The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus

February 28, 2023

Representative Slaton Files HB 2889 Providing Property Tax Relief to Families

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Yesterday, Representative Slaton filed HB 2889, which provides Texas families with property tax relief based on the size of their family. The bill will help promote couples getting married, staying married, and having or adopting children.

From Texas House of Representatives

By Representative Bryan Slaton - District 2

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