Hello, True Texans!
Who needs sports when you've got Texas politics to entertain you???

In last week's newsletter, I let you know how Speaker Dade Phelan conducted business on the House floor while drunk.  His slurred speech and movement (which is on video) shocked many, but when asked for an explanation, he offered nothing.  I doubt he thought it was a big deal, given that House members are apparently often drunk on the floor, as we've seen this session!  Some tried to give Phelan the benefit of the doubt and said maybe he'd had a stroke, but no medical treatment was given, no time off was taken, etc. In fact, one reporter put together a montage of all the times Phelan has done this during the session!

I'm excited to give you an update!  Attorney General Ken Paxton showed some wisdom (and cajones) and called for Phelan to resign.  He also initiated an official investigation.  Hats off to AG Paxton for doing what the grassroots have been longing for -- fighting fire with fire!  Of course Phelan tried to then wordsmith his way out of it and put out a statement saying Paxton was just trying to get revenge due to a subpoena he'd issued to Paxton... but Phelan still has never denied or explained his behavior.  Not only that, but if you wanna go tit for tat, Paxton's request for Phelan to resign came 2 hours before he received Phelan's subpoena.  Discerning minds will not fall for Phelan's attempt to distract.  It is way past time for Texans to demand better than a frat house. 

You may be interested to know that there is literally a complimentary (FREE, open) bar adjacent to the House floor for our elected representatives to partake.

Some have called for our legislators to have random drug testing.  I think that's a great idea.

On the other hand, as one of my friends quipped, "Phelan should resign based on his actions while sober."

I agree!  And the real question we should be asking is, "Why did your State Rep vote for him in the first place?"  Check out Fran's legislative update below for more info on the failures of the Texas House under Dade's leadership.

Last Week In Pictures...

The Hill Country team had a fun strategy meeting!

Rockstar Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi wrote a great letter.

And speaking of pictures... if you have not yet received your picture with Kari Lake from the Texas Tough gala, please reply to this email and let me know.  Most of them came out weeks ago, but for some of you, your email server is bouncing them back, so we're having to figure out a work-around.  Even if you've reached out to us already, please do so again if you don't yet have your photo. This is for those who were VIP guests and took a professional picture with Kari.

Fran's Legislative Update

We are now literally in the final days of the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature, which will be spent taking care of final administrative tasks and resolving differences in conference committees.  And now - it looks like an impeachment vote is coming! More about that below.

Unfortunately, the entire legislative process is subject to the evil legislative clock that shows no mercy.  Good bills have died in committee after passing the deadlines, or on the Calendars of the chamber when there is not enough time to vote on them.

But don't be fooled!  There is always time for them to do what leadership wants done.  The evil clock is not the only bill killer in the TX Legislature. Speaker Phelan and Lt Gov. Patrick control the action in their respective chambers. Bills get killed in multiple ways at the direction of House or Senate leadership.

Starting Tuesday, you're going to see legislators rushing to social media to pat themselves on the back for all the great things they accomplished and shed tears over the ones for which they "just ran out of time!"  So when you confront your representatives next year in the Primary, be sure you know exactly what they did or did not do to promote conservative priorities or to kill some of the ridiculous bills that have been filed. Attend our legislative review meetings this summer for help with that!

As for our Legislative Priorities - I will provide a summary report next week on wins and losses.  We have had several important wins this session, but hundreds of good bills have died a dreadful death in the hands of the committees, or the clock, while things like corporate welfare and electronic absentee voting are approved.

The soap opera that is the TX Lege continues!  (as the #txlege turns)  Speaker Phelan and the General Investigation Committee (chaired by Rep Andrew Murr) filed articles of impeachment against AG Ken Paxton,  HR2377, on Thursday.  The charges are sketchy, and some say not only bogus, but a disenfranchisement of Texas voters who elected Paxton in 2022.  Is Phelan retaliating because Paxton pushed the drunk Dade issue?  Maybe.  It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.  This update is being written on Friday to be emailed out on Sunday, and the vote is on Saturday at 1pm, so find current updates on our social media.

No trip to Austin this Tuesday!  No one will be there, since session ends on Monday.  But don't hang up your activist hat just yet!  We will be back at the Capitol doing what we do for any special sessions called.  All indications are that there will be at least one special session.

For more leg details, read my full Friday Report here.  I'll see ya in the special!

Thanks for staying engaged!

Fran

Got Books?

Lots of us spend a lot of money on good books relevant to our movement.  If you have a good one you've finished, why not donate it to the cause?  Bring the books you're done with to your next True Texas Project meeting and hand them off to the co-director (or anyone on leadership).  The co-director will use them as prizes for trivia questions during the meeting. Fun for everyone, and a great way to recycle!

DEADLINE!!!

Early Voting Starts Tuesday!

Yes, it is time to vote AGAIN!  Many will be heading out of town for graduations, weddings, and family vacations just at the time we need to head back to the polls.  Plan accordingly!  Early voting for the Runoff Election is May 30-June 6, and Election Day is June 10.  Don't miss it!

The TTP website has a few recommendations in case you need input.

Heads up❗ We're starting a new month, so check out our June meetings and social events calendars. 📆 How many of these will we see you at?  Better yet... who can you invite?!?

This week at True Texas Project...

You can always see our upcoming events by checking the Events page at this link but below is a complete list of the week ahead. Click on the images to enlarge them, or right click to save them for sharing!  And remember 💡 no matter where you live, you are welcome at any meeting or event.