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December 7, 2018
Today, State Senator Kel Seliger (R- Amarillo) filed Senate Bill 223, to delink the elected class retirement annuity calculation from the salary of district judges.
Since 1991, the salary used to calculate the service retirement annuity for elected officials, such as state senators, has been tied to the salary of state district judges.
From Senator Kel Seliger
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December 7, 2018
Today, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s Texas Energy Sector Rural Improvement Program received $50 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD grant program to improve roads impacted by the Permian Basin energy boom in Winkler, Reagan and Glasscock Counties.
U.S. Representative Will Hurd (TX-23), was instrumental in securing the funds by penning a bipartisan letter of support signed by 21 members of Congress to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and by advocating for the projects separately to Deputy Assistant Secretary Sean McMaster.
From Representative Will Hurd
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December 7, 2018
State Representative Hugh Shine filed six pieces of property tax legislation on December 7, 2018. The legislation revolves around transparency and property tax reform. Shine has been working with a stakeholder group of sixty plus individuals on all sides of the property tax issue for the past 15 months.
From Representative Hugh Shine
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December 7, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today commended President Trump’s nomination of former U.S. Attorney General William Barr to lead the Department of Justice again:
“In William Barr, President Trump nominated a highly respected attorney and brilliant legal mind who has demonstrated an unfailing commitment to the rule of law and fidelity to the pursuit of justice,” Attorney General Paxton said.
From Office of the Attorney General
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December 7, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman Elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07), Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee; Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MI-02), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee; and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today called on the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate the death of Mariee Juarez days after leaving DHS custody earlier this year.
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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December 7, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement on his support for a revised version of the First Step Act:
“I have long supported criminal justice reform. I believe in reducing mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders, and providing greater opportunities for offenders to be rehabilitated.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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December 7, 2018
Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $1.6 billion in federal funding for Community Health Centers (CHCs) in the fiscal year 2019 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations package. This legislation passed the House and Senate and was signed into law by the President at the end of September before the end of the fiscal year.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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December 7, 2018
Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced today that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is accepting applications from school districts to the 2019 cohort of the System of Great Schools (SGS) Network.
From Texas Education Agency
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December 7, 2018
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) released the following statements after the President signed their bill to rename the U.S. Postal Office in Mission, Texas as the “Mission Veterans Post Office Building” into law:
From Senator Ted Cruz
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December 7, 2018
Today, in light of the resignation of current Secretary of State, Rolando Pablos, Rep. Celia Israel (HD 50 - Austin) is calling on Governor Abbott to appoint a candidate that will focus on improving Texas's critical elections infrastructure. With a majority of Texas voting machines over 10 years old, experts say these machines should not be used for any more time than they already have been.
From Representative Celia Israel
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December 7, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office today announced that a jury found 41-year-old Steven Charles Sumlin guilty on the charge of continuous trafficking of persons, a first-degree felony, for the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl and a 22-year-old woman. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison.
From Office of the Attorney General
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December 7, 2018
Leading a coalition of 10 states, Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting President Trump’s authority to rescind the unlawful Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) progam. DACA unilaterally granted lawful presence and work permits to nearly one million unlawfully-present aliens without congressional authorization.
From Office of the Attorney General
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December 6, 2018
The office of Senator José Rodríguez is coordinating a "Gifts for Good" drive for the youth in the Tornillo detention center, which currently holds 2,400 children. Many from the community have asked how they can help and now the community has an opportunity.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
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December 6, 2018
The Texas Comptroller’s office announced today that Lone Star Tangible Assets (LSTA) has selected MHT Constructors, LLC, as general contractor to build the Texas Bullion Depository.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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December 6, 2018
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today announced the average unemployment insurance (UI) tax rate for all employers will be 1.25 percent for Calendar Year (CY) 2019, dropping from 1.37 percent in CY 2018 to its lowest point since 2009.
From Texas Workforce Commission
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December 6, 2018
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and U.S. Congressmen Will Hurd (TX-23) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) today introduced the Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act of 2018, a bill to help local jurisdictions improve the recording and reporting of missing persons and unidentified remains found along the U.S.-Mexico border.
From Senator John Cornyn
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December 6, 2018
Leading a bipartisan coalition of 36 states, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office today presented a strong case for the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold its longstanding view on states’ authority to prosecute criminals.
From Office of the Attorney General
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December 6, 2018
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Governing Board has named David Cervantes as Acting Director of the agency, effective December 1, 2018. Cervantes succeeds outgoing executive director Tim Irvine who is retiring after 19 years of state service.
From Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
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December 6, 2018
Most individuals find the transition to adulthood difficult – but for alumni of the foster care system, making that transition is uniquely overwhelming. Difficulty acquiring postsecondary education and mental health care, housing instability and homelessness, pregnancy and parenting, and lack of relational support all pose obstacles to a successful adulthood for foster care youth.
From TexProtects
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December 6, 2018
Representatives Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton), Joe Moody (D-El Paso), and Four Price (R-Amarillo) today announced Sharon Carter and Hugh Brady will serve jointly as Parliamentarians for the Texas House of Representatives in the 86th Legislative Session. Today’s announcement follows last month’s formation of a diverse bipartisan working group of ten House Members – selected by Rep. Bonnen and led by Reps. Price and Moody – to search and make recommendations for the next House Parliamentarian.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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December 6, 2018
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and John Kennedy (R-La.) on Wednesday introduced the WALL Act, legislation that would fully fund the border wall along the southern border. Their legislation is also the first bill that will fund the wall by identifying specific funding sources.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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December 5, 2018
“There could not be a clearer warning signal about the seriousness of the state’s nursing home funding crisis than yesterday’s bankruptcy filing by Senior Care Centers LLC. Caring for over 10,000 patients and employing over 11,000 employees, this unfortunate announcement will have impact across the state and across the long term care sector.
From Texas Health Care Association
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December 5, 2018
Every year we hear of stories where the government tries to ban references to Christmas in public schools and on public property. This week, Texas Values announced the launch of its annual “Merry Christmas Texas Project,” a statewide effort to educate and protect the acknowledgment of Christmas in public schools.
From Texas Values
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December 5, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today delivered remarks on the Senate floor honoring the life and legacy of former President George H.W. Bush.
“He will be remembered as a good and faithful servant to his country, whose great legacy of leadership and love of homeland became a family tradition, earned him the admiration of cou
From Senator Ted Cruz
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December 5, 2018
Cornerstone Government Affairs announced the addition of Steve Holzheauser as a Senior Consultant to the firm. Holzheauser comes to Cornerstone having previously been a political consultant with Woodhouse Group Texas.
“Steve Holzheauser is one of the most respected and knowledgeable consultants in Austin.,” said Tony Essalih, Cornerstone Director out of Houston, Texas.
From Cornerstone Government Affairs
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December 5, 2018
Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the extraordinary life and legacy of President George H.W. Bush following his passing. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s floor remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“To his country, he was a devoted public servant who fought to defend our freedoms and led the nation at the end of the Cold War and at the fall of the Berlin Wall.”
From Senator John Cornyn
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December 4, 2018
State Representative Hugh Shine filed House Bill 452 on December 3, 2018 to allow local courts in Bell County to appoint "truancy masters" that will serve in the same capacity as justices and share the caseload from local schools.
"As school populations increase across the State of Texas, we have seen an increase in truancy issues that not only affect school funding, but also student success.
From Representative Hugh Shine
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December 4, 2018
Voting delegates stamped their position on food labeling and regulatory control of imitation meat and dairy products at Texas Farm Bureau's (TFB) 85th Annual Meeting.
Eminent domain and electronic logging devices also topped the list of concerns during the policy session, which concluded yesterday in Corpus Christi.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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December 4, 2018
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today introduced a Senate resolution honoring the late President George H.W. Bush. The full text of the resolution can be read here.
“President George H.W. Bush was a dedicated family man and husband of 73 years,” reads the resolution. “[He] showed unwavering love and devotion to his family, the United States, and the world.”
From Senator John Cornyn
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December 4, 2018
Today, State Senator Seliger (R-Amarillo) filed Senate Bill 213, which allows for the continued use of Individual Graduation Committees. SB 213 gives deserving students who fail one or two state mandated exams, but otherwise meet all other graduation requirements, a path to high school graduation.
From Senator Kel Seliger
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December 4, 2018
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today said state sales tax revenue totaled $2.998 billion in November, 7.7 percent more than in November 2017.
“While slower than the double-digit pace of recent months, state sales tax revenue growth in November was strong,” Hegar said.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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December 4, 2018
The Texas Commission on Licensing and Regulation today honored Keith Bell, the out-going presiding officer of the Electrical Safety and Licensing Board. Bell resigned from the board this afternoon. He will be sworn in as a State Representative in the Texas House of Representatives in January.
From Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
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December 3, 2018
The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA), a trade association representing the 72 municipally-owned electric utilities (MOUs) in Texas and celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018, announced today that longtime Austin public affairs executive Russ Keene has joined the association as its sixth executive director.
From Texas Public Power Association
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December 3, 2018
Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after Governor Greg Abbott appointed Major General Tracy Norris as the Adjutant General of Texas, effective January 1, 2019:
“The Texas Military Department will be well-served by the leadership of Major General Norris,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Throughout her 32 years of service, she has demonstrated unwavering patriotism, dedication, and talent, and I commend her on achieving this appointment to her next role.”
From Senator John Cornyn
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December 3, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) last week penned a letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long urging him to amend the scope of the existing FEMA dredging project on the San Jacinto River near Kingwood to include the mouth bar located on the West Fork of the river.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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December 3, 2018
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the application for the Homeowner Assistance Program is now available in all eligible Hurricane Harvey affected counties. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) allocated $1.098 billion in Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for rehabilitation and reconstruction of thousands of owner-occupied single-family homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
From Texas General Land Office
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December 3, 2018
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the following statement today after helping decorate the Senate Chamber's Christmas tree:
"I am proud to once again bring Christmas to the Texas Senate. Texans of all faiths celebrate during the end of the year holiday season and we will continue to protect that freedom and religious liberty for everyone.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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December 3, 2018
Earlier in November, The Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) elected new leadership at the BHCC 13th Annual Conference in Washington, DC, and Rep. González was elected Vice Chair of the Caucus. The BHCC conference is the largest gathering of Latina/o state legislative leaders in the nation and is the premier policy event for state legislative issues relevant to the Latina/o community.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
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December 3, 2018
Eminent domain reform is agriculture's top state issue for 2019, according to the president of Texas' largest farm organization.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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December 3, 2018
The Texas House Republican Caucus voted today to elect Dennis Bonnen as the new Speaker of the House. Texas Values Action eagerly awaits fresh leadership in the State House and stands ready to work with Speaker Bonnen.
From Texas Values Action
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December 3, 2018
Today, the members of the Texas House Republican Caucus met for the Caucus’ Selection of its Endorsed Speaker Candidate for the upcoming 86th Legislative Session. The Texas House Republican Caucus has selected Representative Dennis Bonnen as its Endorsed Speaker Candidate.
From Texas House Republican Caucus
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December 3, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statement this morning as the world mourns the death of President George H.W. Bush:
"I join all Americans and Texans in mourning the passing of a true patriot and fine president, George H.W. Bush. Across six decades, President Bush served his country courageously and selflessly.
From Office of the Attorney General
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December 3, 2018
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made this statement today after the passing of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush:
“Jan and I express our deepest condolences to the Bush family on the passing of our former President, George H. W. Bush. President Bush was a great Texan whose life and work exemplify public service and love for his country. His lasting legacy will inspire Americans for generations to come.”
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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December 3, 2018
Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement after former President George H.W. Bush passed away:
“Today the nation mourns the loss of a great patriarch who served this country as a war hero, Congressman, CIA Director, Vice President, and President. Just as important, he will be missed by his family as a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A truly honorable and gracious man has gone home to God.
From Senator John Cornyn
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December 3, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the passing of former President George H. W. Bush:
“Today, American hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to President George H.W. Bush. He will be remembered as a good and faithful servant to his country, whose great legacy of leadership and love of homeland became a family tradition, earned him the admiration of countless Americans, and secured him a special place in the memory of every Texan.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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December 3, 2018
"President George Bush lived his entire life in service to his country. History will remember him as a man who made America stronger and more secure, who served bravely as a Navy aviator and led boldly as Commander in Chief, who made difficult decisions even when they weren’t politically convenient, and who governed with strength and pragmatism. He was all of those things, and a statesman in every sense of the word.
From Speaker Joe Straus
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December 3, 2018
Rep. Giddings received the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award this evening at the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) 92nd Anniversary Annual Awards Dinner at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel.
From Representative Helen Giddings
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November 30, 2018
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has appointed Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa to the Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund. The committee met this morning and adopted a sufficient balance of $7.5 billion.
Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:
"It is an honor to be appointed to the Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF).
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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November 30, 2018
The Revenue Workgroup, Chaired by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) today presented their series of recommendations to the full Texas Commission on Public School Finance. The Workgroup voted to advance these proposals to the full commission earlier this week by a 4-1 vote.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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November 30, 2018
Today, the comprehensive committee report of the House Select Committee on Opioids and Substance Abuse was released to the public. The Select Committee, chaired by State Representative Four Price and comprised of 13 House members, was tasked by the Speaker's Proclamation to "develop and present concrete principles and action items to reduce the scourge of opioids in Texas and to provide legislative solutions to address these issues, as well as examine other topics related to substance abuse in Texas."
From Representative Four Price
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November 30, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a lawsuit in Travis County district court against the city of San Antonio, its police department, chief of police and city manager, to require their compliance with Senate Bill 4. Enacted by the Legislature last session, Senate Bill 4 prohibits sanctuary cities in Texas. Earlier this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld virtually all of the law.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 30, 2018
The Senate Finance Committee has issued its interim report – an analysis of several issues facing Texas with recommendations for the upcoming Legislature to consider.
“I appreciate the hard work of the Senate Finance Committee members over the interim to delve into key fiscal issues such as tax policy, fee structure, and the Economic Stabilization Fund,” said the committee chair, Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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November 30, 2018
Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) issued the following statement after being selected by the House Republican Conference to serve as Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee for the 116th Congress:
Congressman McCaul: “I am honored to be selected as the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC).
From Representative Michael McCaul
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November 30, 2018
With the future of the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), often called the "Rainy Day" Fund, emerging as a major issue facing the 86th Legislature, the Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) met today and set the ESF sufficient balance at $7.5 billion with Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, presiding as co-chair.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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November 30, 2018
Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) selected its leadership team for the 116th Congress. Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) will chair the CHC. Joining Congressman Castro on the leadership team will be Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) as First Vice Chair, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) as Second Vice Chair, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) as whip, and Congresswoman-Elect Veronica Escobar (TX-16) as Freshman Representative.
From Congressional Hispanic Caucus
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November 30, 2018
On Thursday, November 29, 2018, the House voted on H.R. 7187, National Flood Insurance Program Further Extension Act. This legislation extends the current National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through December 7. After passage of the bill, Congressman Randy Weber (R – Friendswood) released the following statement:
From Representative Randy Weber
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November 30, 2018
Today Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after the Republican Steering Committee voted to elect Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) to take the helm as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee.
“Congratulations to my friend and fellow Texan, Kay Granger, on being selected as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee for the 116th Congress,” said Arrington.
From Representative Jodey Arrington
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November 29, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration is still separating families at the border:
“The President’s zero-tolerance immigration policy cruelly tore children from their parents and ran contrary to our American values.
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 29, 2018
McGinnis Lochridge is pleased to announce that Travis E. Vickery has joined the firm as Of Counsel in Austin. Vickery will join the firm’s Electric Energy Practice Group, drawing on his administrative law background handling cases in the electric energy, natural resources, and environmental sectors.
From McGinnis Lochridge
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November 29, 2018
Today, Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), and ten other Democratic members sent a letter expressing their opposition to Leader Schumer’s recent comments establishing Senate Democrats’ starting negotiating position of $1.6 billion for a border wall. In the letter, the members made clear that the Democrats should not accept any funding in the FY 2019 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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November 29, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today reminded Texans impacted by Hurricane Harvey who are still rebuilding their homes and businesses that they have until the end of the year to access their retirement accounts without having to pay the ten percent penalty that typically applies. Retirement account withdrawals must be made by December 31, 2018.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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November 29, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released the following statement:
“Today’s guilty plea from Michael Cohen for lying to Congress about Moscow Trump Tower shows that his plea arrangement struck in August has indeed turned into cooperation.
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 29, 2018
Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) today announced Andrew Blifford, the current Chief of Staff in the Office of Speaker Joe Straus, will continue to serve in the Speaker’s Office as Rep. Bonnen’s Director of Finance. In this position, Blifford will be charged with overseeing and directing all budget operations.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 29, 2018
House Bill 421 by State Representative Hugh D. Shine aims to extend the Purple Heart Trail to the section of Interstate Highway 14 in Bell County.
"As a county that is so involved with veterans and with active duty military, we want to honor those that have made sacrifices for our freedom and to show others that come through what we stand for."
From Representative Hugh Shine
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November 29, 2018
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced today he recently completed the transfer of $2.77 billion into the State Highway Fund (SHF) and the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF; commonly known as the "Rainy Day Fund"). Each fund received more than $1.38 billion, or 50 percent of the total transfer.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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November 28, 2018
The Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform met today at Lone Star College-Montgomery to study modifications to the rollback rate, evaluate the operations of appraisal review boards, and study the feasibility of replacing the property tax with a consumption tax.
From Senator Paul Bettencourt
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November 28, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today applauded a decision by the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals to toss out a lawsuit that challenged state licensing of family residential centers, including the Dilley and Karnes centers in South Texas.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 28, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today made the following statement following press reports that more than 2,000 workers at Tornillo have not received background checks:
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 28, 2018
Rep. Hurd released the following statement regarding the Tornillo Facility:
“The problems we are seeing in Tornillo are as shameful as they were in June and symptoms of a much larger problem that we’ve spent years ignoring – a broken immigration system.
From Representative Will Hurd
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November 28, 2018
Yesterday, the Travis County Commissioner’s Court approved the formation of an Indigent Legal Services Work Group to develop a proposal for a public defender office and improved indigent defense in Travis County.
From Texas Fair Defense Project
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November 28, 2018
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped secure $85 million in funding for child abuse prevention in a FY19 Appropriations bill containing the Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bills.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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November 28, 2018
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted a six-month extension for Hurricane Harvey survivors still residing in federally funded manufactured housing units and travel trailers.
From Texas General Land Office
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November 28, 2018
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted a Temporary Housing Units (THU) Sales to Occupants program for Hurricane Harvey survivors still residing in federally funded manufactured housing units and travel trailers.
From Texas General Land Office
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November 28, 2018
Yesterday, Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Michael McCaul (TX-10) announced the passage of H.R. 1567, the United States-Mexico Economic Partnership Act, in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation will bolster professional development and economic growth in both countries, including in the border region in Texas, with a focus on the energy, health, entrepreneurship, and education sectors.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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November 27, 2018
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice announced $2,151,599.51 in federal grants to promote the health and safety of Texas law enforcement officers. The grants, awarded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will be used to protect officers and improve overall public safety.
From Senator John Cornyn
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November 27, 2018
Today at a press conference, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the migrant crisis at the border and the importance for any long-term solution to be bipartisan.
From Senator John Cornyn
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November 27, 2018
Bill filing for the upcoming 86th legislature, which gavels January 8th, opened Monday, November 12th. Representative Phil Stephenson wasted no time in filing House Bill 183, the intent of which is to shore up Texas Retirement System's insolvent pension fund. After serving two terms (4 years) on the House Pensions Committee (83rd, 84th), Stephenson became aware of the impending Texas public sector retirement crises, particularly with regards to TRS.
From Phil Stephenson Campaign
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November 27, 2018
After another Thanksgiving void of one of the most historic collegiate football rivalries, Rep. Larson decided to fill House Bill 412 to start the negotiating process between both institutions to bring back the fabled football game.
For over 100 years, Aggies and Longhorns gathered to honor a tradition of playing a world renowned rivalry football game on Thanksgiving Day. Songs, stories, family legacies and a century of Texas heritage were manifested from this historic gridiron battle.
From Representative Lyle Larson
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November 27, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the passing of Houston Texans late owner Bob McNair:
“As I watched the Texans earn their eighth win in a row last night on Monday Night Football, a franchise record, I was moved by the memorial in honor of my friend Bob McNair. I’ve known Bob for two decades.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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November 27, 2018
Leading an 11-state coalition, Attorney General Ken Paxton today filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to review the case of two Oregon bakers and their constitutionally-protected conscience rights.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 26, 2018
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today released the Tax Exemptions and Tax Incidence report, as required by state law.
The report estimates the value of each exemption, exclusion, discount, deduction, special accounting method, credit, refund and special appraisal available to payers of Texas’ sales, franchise, motor vehicle sales, oil production and gasoline taxes, as well as property taxes levied by school districts.
From Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
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November 26, 2018
Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) today announced Gene Acuña will serve as Communications Director in the Office of the Speaker. Acuña, who has more than 30 years of experience working in communications, state government and broadcast journalism, joins Rep. Bonnen’s team from the Texas Education Agency, where he has served as Director of Communications for over six years.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 26, 2018
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today warned Texans that fraudulent emails are being sent from people impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeting users with fake tax documents. These emails often use the subject line “tax transcripts” in an attempt to bait people into opening links and documents that contain destructive malware specifically designed to steal sensitive financial data.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 26, 2018
As Baby Boomers reach retirement, a perfect storm is set to hit nursing homes as a surge in the number of aging Texans, known as the Silver Tsunami, is projected to affect long term care services across the state.
More than 12 percent of the Texas population is over 65, and that number is growing. According to the Texas Demographic Center, the over-65 population across the state is projected to increase by more than 262 percent by 2050.
From Texas Health Care Association
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November 26, 2018
Texas farmers and ranchers will address policy issues----such as eminent domain reform, transportation and food labeling---- at the 85th annual meeting of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Dec. 1-3 in Corpus Christi.
Members from the state's 206 county Farm Bureaus will work together to craft policy positions and prepare for the challenges agriculture faces.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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November 26, 2018
".... was first elected to District 145 in 2008. Since then she has briskly climbed the leadership ranks and last session was appointed chair of the Urban Affairs Committee. Consider it a sign of the trust that Speaker Joe Straus put in her ability to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans to pass important bills.
From Carol Alvarado Campaign
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November 26, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released the following statement:
“For generations, Republican and Democratic Administration have maintained an orderly, humane asylum process that respects international law while protecting the sovereignty and security of the United States.
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 20, 2018
Texas Nurses Association extends our deepest sympathies to the health care workers of Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago following the shooting on Nov. 19.
For many nurses, Monday’s shooting is just another example of the threat of violence they face every day while trying to care for their patients. According to coverage in the Chicago Tribune, Mercy Hospital had emergency plans in place and conducted an active shooter drill just last month.
From Texas Nurses Association
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November 20, 2018
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the locations of regional Homeowner Assistance Program offices in advance of the application release dates.
From Texas General Land Office
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November 20, 2018
Greenberg Traurig LLP’s has earned recognition as one of the nation’s best law firms in an annual listing published by U.S. News & World Report and The Best Lawyers in America.
The firm’s Texas offices in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston achieved honors in 33 practice areas, with top-tier metropolitan rankings in 15 specific practices.
From Greenberg Traurig LLP
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November 20, 2018
Because of strong investment returns, the State Board of Education (SBOE) voted to increase the funding provided for school operations, instructional materials and technology to $2.212 billion in the 2020-2021 biennium, an increase of $172 million over its preliminary spending rate decision.
From Texas Education Agency
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November 20, 2018
State Rep. Carol Alvarado's campaign for State Senate, District 6 was endorsed yesterday by two key local progressive organizations -- the Houston GLBT Political Caucus and Area 5 Democrats.
From Carol Alvarado Campaign
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November 20, 2018
As Baby Boomers reach retirement, a perfect storm is set to hit nursing homes as a surge in the number of aging Texans, known as the Silver Tsunami, is projected to affect long term care services across the state.
More than 12 percent of the Texas population is over 65, and that number is growing. According to the Texas Demographic Center, the over-65 population across the state is projected to increase by more than 262 percent.by 2050.
From Texas Health Care Association
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November 20, 2018
Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) included funding and language to improve the health and welfare for our troops through medical assistance, wound care innovation, cancer research, and therapy to help facilitate recover after military service in a fiscal year 2019 appropriations bill.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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November 20, 2018
Walter Wilkerson, Jr., MD, of Conroe, Texas, was named the Texas Academy of Family Physicians 2018 Physician Emeritus during TAFP’s Annual Session and Primary Care Summit in Arlington on Nov. 10. Each year, patients and physicians nominate extraordinary, long-serving physicians and a panel of TAFP members chooses one to distinguish as physician emeritus.
From Texas Academy of Family Physicians
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November 20, 2018
After hearing testimony from Texas Values and other religious leaders in their community, the Laredo City Council made a motion and unanimously voted to “table” a so-called “anti-discrimination” ordinance which would have forced private businesses and contractors with the city to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs on same-sex “marriage” and gender identity.
From Texas Values
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November 20, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to review and reverse a lower court’s decision blocking Texas from implementing laws requiring the humane disposition of fetal remains.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 19, 2018
Texas Values will be testifying at the Laredo City Council tonight against a proposed so-called “anti-discrimination” ordinance which would force private businesses and contractors with the City of Laredo to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs on same-sex “marriage” and gender identity.
From Texas Values
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November 19, 2018
Mary Nguyen, MD, FAAFP, of Castroville, Texas, was sworn in as parliamentarian of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians during the 2018 Annual Session and Primary Care Summit in Galveston. Nguyen assumed her duties Nov. 10 at the TAFP Business and Awards Lunch.
Nguyen is a physician practicing at Medina Valley Family Practice.
From Texas Academy of Family Physicians
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November 19, 2018
On November 20th at 12pm, Speaker Joe Straus will administer the oath of office for Representative-Elect James Talarico during a public swearing-in ceremony on the State House floor.
This event is open to the public. All family, friends, supporters, constituents, and members of the press are encouraged to attend.
From James Talarico Campaign
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November 19, 2018
After election results were canvassed in Medina County this morning and across the district over the previous days, Gina Ortiz Jones released the following statement:
“Our campaign was based on the belief that everyone is equal - equally deserving to be heard at the ballot box and served in our communities.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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November 19, 2018
Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the second amendment to the Texas General Land Office's (GLO) $5.024 billion state Action Plan for Hurricane Harvey has been posted for a federally required 30-day public comment period. The amendment details an additional allocation of $652 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to benefit unmet housing recovery needs.
From Texas General Land Office
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November 19, 2018
State Representative Four Price of Amarillo, Texas was presented with the Patient Advocacy Award from the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. He received the award from TAFP President Janet Hurley, MD, at the organization’s Annual Session and Primary Care Summit in Arlington on Nov. 10.
From Texas Academy of Family Physicians
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November 16, 2018
Today, small-business owners of Austin and in Texas received relief from an oppressive Austin city government. With today's ruling by the 3rd Court of Appeals, it's clear that Austin's unacceptable mandates on every private employer to give every employee mandatory leave from work will not stand.
From Representative Paul Workman
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November 16, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued the following statement after the Court of Appeals for the 3rd District of Texas blocked the city of Austin’s paid sick leave ordinance, concluding that it violates the Texas Constitution and Texas law.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 16, 2018
Rebecca Hart, MD, of League City, Texas, was sworn in as president of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians during the 2018 Annual Session and Primary Care Summit in Arlington. Hart assumed her duties Nov. 10 at the TAFP Business and Awards Lunch.
Hart is a physician at South Shore Medical Center in League City, Texas, where she practices family medicine with a special interest in hormone replacement and women’s health.
From Texas Academy of Family Physicians
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November 16, 2018
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller warned that revised social studies curriculum standards for Texas public schools, given final approval today by the State Board of Education, mislead students about key topics in American and world history.
From Texas Freedom Network
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November 16, 2018
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) voted on final approval of streamlined Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Standards (TEKS) today for History and Social Studies. Some SBOE Democrats attempted to rewrite History as they opposed these efforts to preserve teaching that already existed in Texas schools.
From Texas Values
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November 16, 2018
The Texas AFL-CIO condemned today's 3rd Court of Appeals decision striking down Austin's earned paid sick leave ordinance and called for the court to rehear the case.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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November 16, 2018
Data released today by the Texas Workforce Commission show the state's unemployment rate fell to a record low of 3.7 percent in October, with 32,300 new jobs added.
"The Texas job market is booming, and it’s a great time for job-seekers who are interested in new or higher-paying opportunities to be looking," said Chairman Hancock.
From Senator Kelly Hancock
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November 16, 2018
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) released the following statements after their bill to rename the U.S. Postal Office in Mission, Texas as the “Mission Veterans Post Office Building” passed the U.S. Senate:
From Senator Ted Cruz
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November 16, 2018
Texas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in October, down from 3.8 percent in September 2018, reaching its lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976.
From Texas Workforce Commission
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November 16, 2018
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) has selected Gardner Pate to serve as his Director of Policy and General Counsel in the Speaker’s Office. Pate, a private-practice attorney, will become the next Speaker’s chief policy, legal, and ethics advisor on January 8, 2019.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 15, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today joined Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia in filing a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, urging it to overturn a district court ruling that throws Florida’s election recount into more uncertainty and ultimately threatens states’ legal authority to regulate their own elections.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 15, 2018
Rep. Celia Israel (House District 50 - Austin) filed House Bills 361 and 362 today. The bills will modernize Texas' election infrastructure, and improve security and efficiency.
HB 361 would allow Texans to register to vote online, a process that is more secure and efficient than our current paper based system. Over 30 other states have implemented a similar policy.
From Representative Celia Israel
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November 15, 2018
Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the migrant crisis at our Southern border. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s floor remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“Coming from Texas, with a 1,200 mile common border with Mexico, caravans are not unheard of. In fact, we have many caravans showing up on a daily basis at border patrol stations: unaccompanied children, families.
From Senator John Cornyn
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November 15, 2018
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today released final financial accountability ratings for more than 1,200 school districts and charters across the state, with 99 percent of all Texas school districts and charters earning a successful final rating for 2017-2018.
From Texas Education Agency
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November 15, 2018
Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released the following statement:
“The sanctions announced today against 17 Saudi nationals, including close aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is a good first step in bringing justice in the brutal murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 15, 2018
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today addressed the Petrochemical Supply Chain and Logistics conference, North America's largest petrochemical industry gathering. The conference is attended by hundreds of energy industry professionals actively engaged in the petrochemical space.
From Railroad Commission of Texas
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November 15, 2018
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) has selected Shera Eichler to serve as Director of the Office of the Speaker. Eichler, who has served as Rep. Bonnen’s chief of staff for House District 25 for 16 years, will assume her new role on January 8, 2019, the first day of the 86th Regular Session.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 15, 2018
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today made the following remarks in the Judiciary Committee after President Trump announced his support for criminal justice reform legislation yesterday:
“I certainly join in the effort to try to reform what we can of our criminal justice system.”
From Senator John Cornyn
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November 15, 2018
House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Zerwas has filed House Bill 39 and House Joint Resolution 12 (HJR 1
From Representative John Zerwas
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November 15, 2018
Large disparities in child poverty across race, ethnicity and gender persist in Texas due to historical and current discriminatory policies, according to the State of Texas Children report released by the Center for Public Policy Priorities here today.
From Center for Public Policy Priorities
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November 15, 2018
House Bill 338 by State Representative Hugh D. Shine was filed by his office for the 86th session of the Texas Legislature designating the stretch of I-35 between mile marker 294 and 297 in Bell County as Trooper Tom Nipper Memorial Highway to commemorate his service.
From Representative Hugh Shine
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November 15, 2018
The State Board of Education (SBOE) voted on a second reading today to keep important history standards in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Standards (TEKS). Texas Values was pleased to see many aspects were kept in, including the “heroism” of the defenders of the Alamo, Moses, and mentions of our Judeo-Christian heritage.
From Texas Values
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November 15, 2018
Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the temporary deployment of 575 Texas U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to California in response to the migrant caravan:
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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November 14, 2018
Central Health and its partnership with Seton Healthcare Family (the Community Care Collaborative, or CCC), along with Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) will host a health and resource clinic Thursday in an East Austin library parking lot for people currently homeless.
From Central Health
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November 14, 2018
In their first official phone call today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Representative Dennis Bonnen affirmed their commitment to working together in the upcoming legislative session to continue to move Texas forward. Lt. Gov. Patrick said:
“The incoming Speaker and I had a great conversation today.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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November 14, 2018
State Sen. José Rodríguez released the following statement regarding CBP redeployment that will cause lane closures and extended processing times for border crossers:
Total vehicle crossings from Mexico in 2017 totaled almost 40 million, and pedestrian crossings 17 million.
From Senator Jose Rodriguez
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November 14, 2018
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) issued the following statements applauding the passage of their bipartisan National Timing Resilience and Security Act, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to provide for the establishment, sustainment, and operation of a land-based, resilient, and reliable alternative timing system to Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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November 14, 2018
In often party-line votes today and Tuesday on revised social studies standards for Texas public schools, the State Board of Education disregarded calls from hundreds of scholars and teachers to correct key historical distortions on topics ranging from the Civil War and civil rights to the role of religion in American history.
From Texas Freedom Network
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November 14, 2018
Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) has selected Gavin Massingill to serve as chief of staff for the next Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Massingill, who has more than 20 years of legislative experience inside and outside the Capitol, will assume his new role January 8, 2019, the first day of the 86th Regular Session.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 14, 2018
The Harris County Flood Control District and the Harris County Community Services Department are jointly hosting a bus tour for a contingency of state and local officials of the largest single flood mitigation project by the Harris County Flood Control District to date.
From Harris County Community Services Department
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November 14, 2018
Earlier this week, on the first day of early filing ahead of the 86th Legislative Session, Representative Mary E. González filed House Joint Resolution 11, which would authorize $200 million in bonds for water and wastewater projects in economically distressed areas throughout the state.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
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November 14, 2018
The Texas Alliance for Safe Communities is today continuing their series of releases outlining knee-jerk, California/New Jersey-style bail reform efforts that have failed, been rolled back or repealed, or undermined the criminal justice system in a way that adversely affects community safety and the rights of crime victims.
From Texas Alliance for Safe Communities
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November 14, 2018
At Medina County's ballot board meeting yesterday, no board members were permitted to sign or question the board’s review of election results because the machines were zeroed out before the members arrived.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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November 14, 2018
Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) today named a bipartisan working group to identify candidates to serve as the next House Parliamentarian. Bonnen has emphasized his desire for the House to operate from a place of unity in the 86th Legislative Session.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 14, 2018
Ironclad Partners announced today that tech policy expert and public affairs veteran Caroline Joiner will join the firm as Partner.
Joiner comes to Ironclad from TechNet, the national, bi-partisan association of technology companies, where from 2014 to 2018 she served as Executive Director.
From Ironclad Partners
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November 13, 2018
Today, Gina Ortiz Jones held a press conference announcing that her campaign has filed a motion to compel Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen to turn over the county’s list of provisional voters and to delay the deadline to cure provisional ballots by 48-hours. On Monday, a judge ruled Callanen had to turn over the list, but on Tuesday morning, she refused.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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November 13, 2018
Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) has appointed Dr. Brian McCall, chancellor of the Texas State University System, to serve as chairman of his Speakers' transition team. In this role, Dr. McCall will assist Rep. Bonnen in recruiting his senior staff, planning his swearing-in ceremony, and working with outgoing Speaker Joe Straus and his staff to facilitate a smooth transition.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 13, 2018
The next recording of the Texas Water Symposium is planned for 7pm on Thursday, November 15th with a conversation about how man-made infrastructure can influence flooding in Hill Country creeks and rivers. The program, titled The future of flooding in Texas: How do we protect life and property in the face of extreme weather events? will be held at the Texas State University Teaching Theater within the LBJ Student Center in San Marcos, Texas. Texas Water Symposium radio broadcast recordings are free and open to the public.
From Texas Water Symposium
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November 13, 2018
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today after Texas House Chairman Dennis Bonnen announced he has the votes to be elected as the next speaker of the Texas House:
"I congratulate Chairman Bonnen on his announcement today that he has secured a path to be elected the next Speaker of the Texas House. Texas is stronger when leadership works collaboratively.
From Office of the Lieutenant Governor
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November 12, 2018
State Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton), who announced his candidacy for speaker on October 30, 2018, thanked his House colleagues today for their support thus far and stressed the importance of uniting the Texas House before the upcoming session.
From Representative Dennis Bonnen
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November 12, 2018
Today, State Representative Jeff Leach announced his support for State Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) in his bid for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. First elected to the Texas House in 1996, Representative Bonnen currently serves as Speaker Pro Tempore and as Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Representative Leach issued the following statement of support:
From Jeff Leach Campaign
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November 12, 2018
Today, State Representative Dan Huberty filed House Bill (HB) 76 in honor of the late Cody Stephens, a student athlete from House District 127 who died from an undiagnosed heart issue in May 2012.
"Cody was a Senior offensive lineman at Crosby High School who proudly wore number 76.
From Representative Dan Huberty
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November 12, 2018
Today, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa filed seven bills on the first day of the 86th Texas Legislature pre-filing period. Senator Hinojosa's early round of bills focuses on veterans, economic development, criminal justice, and medical education. The 86th Texas Legislature will convene January 8, 2019.
From Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
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November 12, 2018
In response to Chairman Dennis Bonnen’s speaker candidacy press conference today, State Representative Rafael Anchia, Chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC), released the following statement:
From Mexican American Legislative Caucus
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November 12, 2018
Rep. Celia Israel (House District 50 - Austin) filed House Bills 269 and 270 today to prioritize common-sense solutions for Texas's growing congestion issues.
HB 269 would allow public transit to utilize the shoulders of highways in designated areas of Central Texas in order to bypass heavy traffic during periods of construction.
From Representative Celia Israel
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November 12, 2018
As the Texas State Board of Education prepares to finalize revised curriculum standards for social studies, nearly 200 historians and other scholars from across the United States have signed on to an open letter calling on the board to correct standards that distort the history of the Civil War and civil rights.
From Texas Freedom Network
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November 12, 2018
Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, today pre-filed the first 32 Senate bills (SB) of the 86th Texas Legislative Session that will convene on Tuesday, January 8.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
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November 12, 2018
Six days after Election Day and one day before the deadline for voters to cure their provisional ballots, Gina Ortiz Jones released the following statement demanding that elections officials take steps to allow provisional ballot voters to have their votes be counted.
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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November 12, 2018
Today, Representative Cesar J. Blanco (El Paso) pre-filed six bills in his first package of legislation for the upcoming 86th Legislative Session. Today marks the first day members may file bills for next session, which gavels in January 08, 2019.
From Representative Cesar Blanco
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November 12, 2018
Earlier today, Representative Mary González, D-Clint, pre-filed 22 bills for the 86th Legislative Session, which will convene in January 2019. Her legislation addresses critical state issues including public school finance, maternal mortality, protecting the agricultural industry, and more.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
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November 12, 2018
Texas State Representative Lina Ortega filed five bills today, which is the first day that lawmakers can file bills for 86th Legislative Session, which begins January 8, 2019.
"I filed bills relating to health care, consumer protection, and economic development in order to highlight some of the main policy areas I intend to work on when I return to Austin next January," Ortega said.
From Representative Lina Ortega
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November 12, 2018
Earlier today, Representative Mary González, D-Clint, pre-filed 22 bills for the 86th Legislative Session, which will convene in January 2019. Her legislation addresses critical state issues including public school finance, maternal mortality, protecting the agricultural industry, and more.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
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November 12, 2018
Earlier today, Representative Mary González, D-Clint, pre-filed 22 bills for the 86th Legislative Session, which will convene in January 2019. Her legislation addresses critical state issues including public school finance, maternal mortality, protecting the agricultural industry, and more.
From Representative Mary Gonzalez
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November 12, 2018
Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, today filed a package of bills to improve mental health services, protect victims of human trafficking, strengthen the state's cybersecurity infrastructure and reform state fiscal policies as pre-filing began for the 86th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, which reconvenes Tuesday, January 8, 2019 and concludes its business Monday, May 27, 2019.
From Senator Jane Nelson
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November 12, 2018
Seven months ago, I became a candidate for Speaker of the Texas House and spent a great amount of time visiting with members about how we can work together for a stronger, more vibrant Texas. During the course of these conversations and meetings all across the state, I have come to further appreciate the strength and dedication of our members in serving their districts and the wonderful opportunities that exist for our Chamber to lead as a legislative body for the betterment of all Texans.
From Tan Parker Campaign
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November 12, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today released the following statement:
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 12, 2018
Contending that we have outlived the purpose for the daylight saving time law, State Rep. Larson filed House Bill 49 to end the pointless process of changing our clocks each year.
In 1918, Congress passed the law that has Americans continuing to change our clocks twice each year.
From Representative Lyle Larson
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November 12, 2018
“Recently, Representative Dennis Bonnen and I had a number of candid and productive conversations about our vision for the future of Texas and how we can work together to make that future as bright as possible.
From Four Price Campaign
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November 12, 2018
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following open letter to Texans in honor of Veterans Day before participating in the Austin Veterans Day Parade:
From Senator John Cornyn
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November 12, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced several promotions on his senior staff, naming Darren McCarty as deputy attorney general for civil litigation and Amanda Cochran-McCall as division chief of general litigation.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 12, 2018
Today, November 9, 2018, Chairman Garnet Coleman (D-147) released the following statement:
"Texas House Democrats are in their best position in a decade. This is due to the hard work of the individual candidates that flipped 12 House Districts from red to blue.
From Representative Garnet Coleman
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November 12, 2018
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:
“This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the selfless service and unyielding courage of the men and women of our Armed Forces. We say ‘thank you’ to every brave soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and coast guardsman who pledge themselves to the defense of our nation, our Constitution, and our way of life.
From Senator Ted Cruz
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November 12, 2018
Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released an update regarding the migrant caravan currently en route to the U.S.-Mexico Border. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Congressman Cuellar has received several briefings by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding this migration.
From Representative Henry Cuellar
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November 12, 2018
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Senator Judith Zaffirini, D- Laredo, will be inducted into the 2018 Texas Women's Hall of Fame, along with former First Lady Laura Bush and five other groundbreaking honorees.
From Senator Judith Zaffirini
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November 12, 2018
On Tuesday, the 3rd Court of Appeals released a ruling in THSC’s lawsuit against the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC), ending THSC’s nearly five-year-long battle with the abusive agency. Although the court seemed to split the proverbial baby, procedurally, it ultimately handed THSC and other Texas nonprofits a win.
From Texas Home School Coalition Association
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November 12, 2018
Military veterans employed by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office were honored yesterday during a special ceremony held in the rotunda of the William B. Clements Building ahead of the national observance of Veterans Day this Sunday.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 12, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton today announced that the Election Fraud Unit of his office arrested nine individuals accused of participating in an organized illegal voting scheme in Edinburg. The arrests follow an ongoing investigation into a coordinated effort by political workers to recruit people who agreed to fraudulently claim residential addresses so they could vote in specific city of Edinburg municipal races.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 8, 2018
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office today assisted the Travis County District Attorney’s Office in securing a prison sentence for a woman charged with the sex trafficking of a 14-year-old girl.
From Office of the Attorney General
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November 8, 2018
Consistent and timely decisions in our appellate cases is vital to Texas’ system of justice. During the most recent fiscal year, the state’s fourteen courts of appeals continued a trend of strong judicial performance.
The number of opinions issued by each justice increased by 4.5% from Fiscal Year 2017, and the total number of opinions issued by the courts increased by 1.3% to almost 10,000 opinions.
From Texas Office of Court Administration
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November 8, 2018
Representative-elect Erin Zwiener is the first the Democrat to be elected to Texas House District 45 in a decade. Patrick Rose, a conservative Democrat, lost the seat to Rep. Jason Isaac in 2010.
Zwiener stepped up to run in March 2017 before this race was on pundits' and insiders' radar. Over the course of her 21-month campaign, she and a team of volunteers knocked on more than 26,000 doors.
From Erin Zwiener Campaign
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November 8, 2018
On Tuesday night, the Texas 21st Congressional District race was called in favor of Chip Roy.
In a district that voted for President Trump by 9 points and elected Lamar Smith by over 20 points and for 32 years, Roy edged Kopser by less than 10,000 votes.
From Joseph Kopser Campaign
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November 8, 2018
TFC Commissioners today named Michael J. Novak as Executive Director of the agency. Mr. Novak had previously served on the Commission for seven years, most recently as Vice
Chairman.
From Texas Facilities Commission
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November 8, 2018
On Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Congressman Randy Weber (R-Friendswood) announced his bid for Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Congressman Weber released the following statement:
From Representative Randy Weber
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November 7, 2018
Forty-two candidates endorsed by Texas Parent PAC were elected to the Texas Legislature in Tuesday's general election. Texas schoolchildren are the real winners, as this is the largest number of pro-public education candidates the PAC has helped to elect since its inception in 2005.
From Texas Parent PAC
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November 7, 2018
Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, today made the following statement:
From Representative Joaquin Castro
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November 7, 2018
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) issued the following statement after securing a third term in office with 160,592 of the 221,078 votes cast in 1,198 precincts and boxes across the district.
"Thank you to the people of Southeast Texas for so soundly electing me to a third term in Washington.
From Brian Babin Campaign
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November 7, 2018
Eminent domain, transportation and food labeling topped the list of concerns as the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Resolutions Committee discussed proposed policy resolutions to the state's largest farm organization Nov. 5-6.
From Texas Farm Bureau
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November 7, 2018
Candidates endorsed by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Friends of Agriculture (AGFUND), Inc. fared well in the midterm election.
"We need leaders on both sides of the aisle who understand agriculture and the needs of rural Texas," Russell Boening, president of TFB and AGFUND, said.
From Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND
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November 7, 2018
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement praising U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions after his resignation:
“Attorney General Sessions has selflessly dedicated more than 40 years to serving the people of Alabama and the nation.
From Senator John Cornyn
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November 7, 2018
Below the topline election results last night, a huge spike in turnout among younger Texas voters in this this year’s midterms signals a rising progressive tide in the state’s electoral politics, Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said today.
From Texas Freedom Network
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November 7, 2018
In response to the congressional race in Texas’ 23rd District being classified as “too close to call,” the Gina Ortiz Jones for Congress campaign released the following statement:
From Gina Ortiz Jones Campaign
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November 7, 2018
I would like to congratulate State Senator
Sylvia
Garcia on her historic victory last night to the U.S. House of Representatives. She will be one of the first two Latinas to ever represent Texas in Congress. The 29th District will continue to have a strong voice in Washington D.C. and a tested fighter who will fiercely advocate for our communities.
From Carol Alvarado Campaign
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November 7, 2018
The Nov. 6th General Election was competitive and exciting! It was a big win for democracy. Texas has not had a truly competitive election at the statewide level since the 90s. Texans registered and voters showed up in record breaking numbers to vote making this election tight!
From League of Women Voters
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November 7, 2018
After a quarter-century of lopsided partisanship, Texas today changed course and became a battleground as working families reasserted support for an agenda that lifts up everyone, the Texas AFL-CIO said today.
From Texas AFL-CIO
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November 7, 2018
This week, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) was re-elected to serve as Texas Senator for District 3. The district covers 19 counties including the greater part of East Texas and Montgomery County.
From Robert Nichols Campaign
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November 7, 2018
At 11:48pm on November 6th, the Texas Tribune called the race for Texas House District 52 — a district President Trump won in 2016 — for Democratic nominee James Talarico. As of this release, Talarico had won 52% of the vote, or 34,860 votes.
From James Talarico Campaign
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November 7, 2018
The Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC) worked side by side with Democratic candidates to flip 12 State House districts currently held by Republicans. With a fundraising haul of $1.1 million, the HDCC funded the most expansive Democratic legislative focused program in the state.
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
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November 7, 2018
The Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC) worked side by side with Democratic candidates to flip 12 State House districts currently held by Republicans. With a fundraising haul of $1.1 million, the HDCC funded the most expansive Democratic legislative focused program in the state.
From Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee
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November 7, 2018
“It has been a long election night in Texas, but the conservative majority has once again chosen statewide leaders who are committed to making sure that Texas remains the job creator for the nation and an economic engine for the world.
From Dan Patrick Campaign
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November 7, 2018
While Texas overall set a record for turnout in a midterm election, we’re more hopeful than ever that we can set Texas on the right path for our students after seeing educators more energized and engaged in voting and election work than ever before.
From Texas AFT
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November 7, 2018
Lizzie Fletcher issued the following statement tonight on her victory in the 7th District.
“We are at a critical moment in our history. Tonight’s results have shown that we have the power to change the direction of our country—that’s what we did with this race.
From Lizzie Pannill Fletcher Campaign
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November 7, 2018
Tonight, Senator Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) secured a critical reelection victory in the campaign to represent Senate District 5; a ten-county region of Central and East Texas that includes Williamson County and the Brazos Valley.
From Charles Schwertner Campaign
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November 7, 2018
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller has the following statement on tonight’s election results in Texas:
“Regardless of the final tallies tonight, the turnout among young Texans in this election sends a powerful message. A vast sea of young voters under the age of 30 is finally stirring.
From Texas Freedom Network
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November 7, 2018
The Texas Election Protection Coalition, a nonpartisan group led by Common Cause Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project, had nearly 400 volunteer poll monitors at polling sites in 46 counties across Texas today. This was in addition to dozens of attorneys and voting rights experts who were answering calls coming into the 866-OUR-VOTE election protection hotline.
From Common Cause Texas
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 Copyright December 10, 2018, Harvey Kronberg, www.quorumreport.com, All rights are reserved
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