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April 29, 2023
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
Can you believe this is the last day of April? This year is really flying by.
That's doubly true in the state capitol, where lawmakers have just four weeks left in their legislative session.
While this may be the time that many Texans solidify plans for a summer vacation, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick won't be making plans anytime soon.
That's what he told us during a recent exclusive interview with Texas Scorecard. In our conversation, Patrick described how the Senate was able to pass all 30 of its legislative priorities so quickly.
He also discussed the Senate’s property tax plan and school choice legislation.
But when it comes to talks about a potential special session—legislative overtime after the regular session concludes—Patrick says he's keeping the door open if some priorities don't pass.
“I never ever make plans for the summer after session,” said Patrick. “We had a special in [2017]. Of course, the Democrats walked out in [2021] and we were there through October. There’s nothing wrong with a special session, people elected us to work and get the job done. And it is tough.”
This week...
- The Texas House will return on Monday, May 1, at 1pm.
- The Texas Senate will return on Monday, May 1, at 10am.
- Senate Bill 14, which would ban child gender mutilation in Texas, is finally set to be debated in the Texas House on Tuesday, May 2.
- Election Day in many local elections across the state is Saturday, May 6.
Upcoming Calendars...
Featured
by Sydnie Henry
Hundreds rallied at the Texas Capitol Saturday in support of border security as the invasion on Texas’ southern border continues.
A crowd stood on the south lawn as speakers from across the country encouraged Texas to stand in the gap to secure the border as the federal government refuses to enforce U.S. law.
State
Texas Ag Commissioner Requires Employees to Dress According to Biological Gender
Employees who refuse to follow the dress code may face termination.
Texas’ Republican House Speaker Wants a Vacation
House Speaker Dade Phelan of Beaumont is apparently looking forward to a “gnarly” summer vacation.
Texas Democrat Wants to Give Illegal Aliens Driver’s Licenses
Legislation considered in a Texas House Committee would allow any illegal alien crossing the Texas-Mexico border who receives a “pending” status from the federal government to immediately receive a Texas Driver’s License.
Local
3 Antifa Members Arrested During Drag Protest in Fort Worth
The members were arrested during attacks on Fort Worth police officers and protestors.
10 Texas Cities Put Property Tax-backed Bonds on May Ballot
Early voting is underway now through May 2. Election Day is Saturday, May 6.
UT Arlington Charges Conservative Students $26,000 to Host Event
UTA ordered the students to pay for the event’s security personnel.
Investigations
Texas Scorecard's investigative team has been looking at the influence of radical-left non-profit entities in the state’s public schools that have connections to the Chinese Communist Party and other statists.
Check out the 4-part series here.
Texas Scorecard TV App!
Have you checked out Texas Scorecard's streaming video apps for Roku and Apple TV?
In addition to our growing library of shows and video content, the Texas Scorecard TV app also includes gavel-to-gavel live coverage of the Senate and House chambers.
The app is available for free right now: simply go to the Roku or Apple TV app store, and search for "Texas Scorecard."
Quoting...
"There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily."
- George Washington
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The Texas Scorecard Journalism Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed for conservative Texans under the age of 25 with an interest in public policy, effective civic engagement, political accountability, and Texas history.
