Good morning –

Readers overwhelmingly rejected the Democrats’ call for everyone to vote by mail in the July primary runoffs.

But first, here is today’s Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan

Thursday, March 26, 2020

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Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is sounding the alarm on the economic impact the Lone Star State is suffering as a result of the Chinese coronavirus and governments ordering business closings in order to fight it. Cary Cheshire reports [[link removed]] the comptroller predicts lawmakers are “going to have to use part of the Economic Stabilization Fund” to make up expected shortfalls. Likewise, the comptroller’s office has signaled the need for additional revenue – or spending cuts – so the state can meet its obligations.

Hegar has said the state’s unemployment rate could be approaching 9 percent.

Tax increases must be off the table. Republican legislators must commit instead to prioritizing tax relief as a way to most directly assist already over-burdened Texas families during a time of financial hardship.

If you have ideas or suggestions about ways state and local government can reduce expenditures, we’d love to help you explore their feasibility. Send those ideas to: [email protected].

Dallas County’s “shelter in place” order was issued by Democrat County Judge Clay Jenkins without input from, or the consent of, the four county commissioners. Robert Montoya reports [[link removed]] those same commissioners are asking why... and also why Jenkins used a flawed infectious disease model on which to base his draconian mandate.

Taking a slightly different approach than others, Collin County has ordered residents to restrict their movements to contain the spread of the Chinese coronavirus – but is encouraging businesses to stay open if they can do so safely. Erin Anderson has the details [[link removed]].

Meanwhile, the City of Allen has its first new mayor in more than two decades [[link removed]] – though it is only temporary until the municipal elections in November. Former mayor Steve Terrell was forced to resign his post when he mounted a losing campaign against the incumbent conservative Collin County Commissioner Darrell Hale.

The state’s largest population centers have forced businesses to shut down and Texans to stay home, thereby driving up unemployment. Darrell Frost wants to know [[link removed]] if those same local officials will be cutting their own pay.

“Politicians are notorious for making decisions that don’t directly affect them but have a drastic effect on their constituents. If millions of Texans are restricted from working and being forced to alter their routines, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that reductions in pay should be on the table for those responsible.” – Darrell Frost [[link removed]] In yesterday’s Texas Minute I asked whether the Lone Star State should adopt the Democrats’ call for statewide vote-by-mail for the July primary runoff elections. The response? An overwhelming “No!”

Only 6 percent of readers said they would want vote-by-mail, even if “just this once.”

“Democrats have proven time and again that they are irresponsible with counting votes. Why would we want to do anything they suggest?” – Ray H.

Joseph G. said there was “too much voter fraud opportunity.” That was the same sentiment expressed by Fred M., who described it as a “bad precedent.” It’s happening! The Jim & Michael Show returns to Facebook Live [[link removed]] at 3pm today.

We might be socially distant, but as long as we have our voices the message of life and liberty won’t be quarantined, sheltered in place, or locked down! In this week’s Empower Texans staff Bible study, Jacob Asmussen led a discussion on one of the names of God: Jehovah Rapha, meaning “the God Who Heals.” Check out his lesson [[link removed]]. Number of the Day

9.2%

Texas’ highest recorded unemployment rate, posted in November 1986.

[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic [[link removed]]]

Quote-Unquote

“The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.”

– Mark Twain​

Who Is A Hero?

Have you seen someone step up as a citizen-leader, volunteering in your neighborhood to help the less fortunate during the coronavirus panic? Big ways, small ways, it all counts and will encourage others. Tell me who they are and what they’ve done so we can recognize them!

Your Federal & State Lawmakers

U.S. Senator

John Cornyn - R

(202) 224-2934

U.S. Senator

Ted Cruz - R

(202) 224-5922

Governor of Texas

Greg Abbott - R

(512) 463-2000

Lt. Governor

Dan Patrick - R

(512) 463-0001

U.S. House, District

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Texas Senate, District

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Texas House, District

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Managed / Update Your Email Preferences [[link removed]] Request A Speaker [[link removed]] Contribute [[link removed]] Michael Quinn Sullivan

CEO, Empower Texans

Texas Scorecard & Texans for Fiscal Responsibility

​www.EmpowerTexans.com

www.TexasScorecard.com

(888) 410-1836

PO Box 49730 | Austin, TX 78765

PO Box 700981 | Dallas, TX 75370

PO Box 36875 | Houston, TX 77236 The Texas Minute is a quick look at the news and info of the day that we find interesting, and hope you do as well. It is produced on week days and distributed at 6 a.m. (though I'll probably take the occasional break for holidays and whatnot).

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