Good morning,

Today marks the end of the first special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023, in which he asked lawmakers to tackle property tax relief and a small aspect of border security. The "Number of the Day" reflects what they accomplished.

Here is the Texas Minute for Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

DeSantis Unveils Border Policy: 'Use Force'

• Speaking at an event in Eagle Pass on Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would “use force to repel” criminal illegal aliens attempting to enter the U.S. Sydnie Henry has the details.
     
• The Republican presidential hopeful also promised not to entertain asylum claims from those who passed through multiple other countries on their way to claim “asylum” at the southwest border.
   
• “The state of Texas has a right to declare an invasion,” said DeSantis. “When I’m president, your state, people here, will be able to deport across the border, 100 percent. But I think they should be doing that right now.”

Texans Call For Impeachment of Joe Biden

• As the Biden administration refuses to address the border crisis and the Hunter Biden scandal continues to plague the president, Emily Medeiros reports two Texans serving in Congress are explicitly calling for Joe Biden to be impeached. 
      
• In the U.S. House, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy blasted the Biden administration and Democrats for expressing false compassion toward illegal aliens while allowing dangerous cartels to infiltrate the United States.
     
• U.S. Sen. Cruz is also urging the House to begin impeachment proceedings against President Biden after two IRS whistleblowers gave testimony alleging that the U.S. Department of Justice covered up Hunter Biden’s tax fraud investigation.

New Poll Shows Texans Want School Choice

• While the Texas House killed school choice legislation, a new poll from the University of Texas shows an exponential increase in support for the concept.

      
• The results of the UT poll show 66 percent of rural voters in support of school choice legislation, along with 59 percent of urban voters and 55 percent of suburban voters.
     
• School choice advocate Corey DeAngelis criticized Texas House members who have opposed school choice by claiming it is unpopular in rural areas.
      
• “Times have changed and now the fake Republicans in the Texas House who have historically opposed parental rights in education need to get with the program.” – Corey DeAngelis

Tyler Library Keeps Sexually Explicit Book Available for Minors

• Despite parents’ requests to move two sexually explicit books from the teen section to the adult section, Ryan Hughes reports the Tyler Public Library maintains that one of the books in question belongs in the teen section.
          
• “Out of Darkness” depicts sexual abuse—including rape—between a stepfather and underage stepdaughter, as well as other sexually explicit scenes. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” tells the story of LGBT activist George M. Johnson. The book goes into detail about the sexual trauma Johnson experienced as a child at the hands of a relative and his sexual encounters as a young adult.
       
• The city's library board decided to move “Out of Darkness” into the adult section while keeping “All Boys Aren’t Blue” readily available to minors.
      
• “I don’t see really any rhyme or reason to that because both books have sexually explicit content. But they both should’ve been moved to the adult section,” said Christin Bentley, who represents the area on the State Republican Executive Committee.
      
• The Tyler Public Library board is appointed by the Tyler City Council.

Abbott Vetoes House Measure, Citing Potential For Election Fraud

• Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a measure aimed at expanding the voting rights of disabled Texans because he believes the vague wording would have put the election system at more risk of malfeasance. Matthew DeLaCruz has the story.
      
• House Bill 3159, authored by State Reps. Jeff Leach (R–Plano) and John Bucy III (D–Austin), sought to provide “certain voters” access to an electronic absentee ballot. That included "blind, visually impaired Texans, people with dyslexia, or persons with limited dexterity."
      
• The governor expressed concerns about the vague language of the legislation, saying that while the "intent is laudable" he had concerns about unintended consequences arising from the actual text of the measure.

Parental Rights Advocate To Challenge Smithee In Amarillo

• Parental rights advocate Jamie Haynes has announced her 2024 Republican campaign for Texas House District 86, which is currently represented by John Smithee.
     

• Haynes has previously served as a Randall County Republican precinct chair and founded Texans Wake Up, an organization that seeks to “arm parents with knowledge about what is happening in public schools” and “provide support to handle those challenges.”

      
• Smithee has served in the Texas House since 1985 and ran uncontested in 2022.

Y'All Answered

With Independence Day approaching, we asked readers if they plan to celebrate by shooting off fireworks or going to watch someone else.

Just over 17 percent of readers say they will shoot off fireworks, while 82.8 percent will watch someone else.

Here's a sampling of the replies...

• “I wonder how many of those watching the 'fireworks' really know why we celebrate the 4th of July?” – John R. Makow
      

• “We usually go see at least 1 firework show & also shoot off a couple of our own when we get home.” – Harold A. Wright
      

• “In days gone by with two children, we fired off our own or used the grandparents' boat to watch fireworks on Lake Granbury. As we’ve gotten older, sunset seems to come later and bedtime comes earlier. To the rest of you: have fun and be safe!” – Steve Sullivan
     

• “I prefer to let someone else spend their money on these overpriced Chinese fireworks!” – Don Shilling
      

• “We do neither, as our diva dog is terrified by the sudden sounds and pops. She now associates thunder and heavy rain with fireworks.” – Melba Cunningham
       

• “I have always loved any event for America and what America has always stood for. I usually get teary-eyed. The meaning for me has been magnified tenfold since our own people are desperately working against us to change it into an unrecognizable nation. We must stand strong in our faith!  God Bless America!” – Jan Goria
      

• “The threat of wildfire is too great to safely shoot off fireworks in populated areas.” – Thomas Camardo
       

• “I celebrate that others wish to have the fun--just stop the noise before midnight.” – Arthur Potter
       

• “I choose to celebrate my country's origins with family and friends, and giving praise to God for His great mercies, at allowing me to be born in such a wonderful land of liberty! What a privilege we share!” – Randy Miller
     

• "We wish our neighbors would go see someone else’s fireworks! Every year we stand ready with hoses as those idiots shoot fireworks toward our house." – Cheryl Alexander

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