Good morning, 

Here is the Texas Minute for Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

– Sydnie Henry 

Illegal Aliens Accused of Murdering 12-Year-Old Girl Initially Entered the Country Through El Paso

• The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the alleged murderers of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray initially entered the country illegally at El Paso, where they were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol and then released into the country. Will Biagini has the details. 
   
• Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Jose Martinez-Rangle, 22, allegedly lured the young victim under a bridge in Houston after she reportedly snuck out of her home at night. The two then stripped off her clothes below the waist and assaulted her before strangling her and dumping her body in a bayou.  
   
• Though both Pena and Martinez Rangel face capital murder charges, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg suggested that they currently are not eligible for the death penalty based solely on the age of the victim. However, if evidence confirms that she was raped, then execution may be on the table. 
   
• "Kill kids in Texas; you get the death penalty. That little girl would be alive today if Biden enforced immigration laws at the border." - Gov. Greg Abbott

Medical Lobby Goes Full Authoritarian

• Over the weekend, members of the Texas Medical Association—the state’s largest medical lobbying group—took controversial positions on forced medical intervention, including administering vaccines to patients. Daniel Greer analyzes the results. 
   

• Dr. Mary Talley Bowden posted to X about the series of resolution votes, writing, "At their annual meeting, 500 delegates struck down resolutions supporting free speech, bodily autonomy and informed consent and voted against a resolution that would add the term 'evidenced-based care' to their gender policy."
   

• The TMA is a state-based branch of the American Medical Association, which has a history of misleading its members and the public, including bolstering Anthony Fauci’s claims of doing "science."
   
• During the 2023 legislative session, measures creating protections from COVID-19 vaccinations and policies enjoyed limited success. However, measures that would apply more broadly to the practice of medicine in Texas have yet to move. 

A 'Republican' Mayor to Serve on Committee for LGBT Agenda-pushing Group

• Fort Worth's Republican Mayor Mattie Parker will now sit on Girls Inc.'s inaugural advisory committee, an organization known to support abortion and celebrate the LGBT agenda on its social media platforms. Emily Medeiros has the story.
   
• The Tarrant County Commissioners voted against allocating more than $115,000 in state grants to Girls Inc. last year in a 3-2 vote. The three commissioners who voted against it said they were concerned about the messaging put on display by the national organization. 
   
• "Most people see Fort Worth as a conservative stronghold, honoring and protecting our values. That is why it is so disappointing to see our Republican Mayor supporting an organization that celebrates killing babies and the Marxist agenda of 'Pride' month." - Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French

Stafford Considers Implementing Property Tax

• Now one step closer to asking voters to levy a property tax for the first time in nearly thirty years, the Stafford City Council laid out their plan to bring in revenue to meet the city’s needs. Charles Blain has the details. 
   
• Under former Mayor Leonard Scarcella, Stafford gradually reduced its property tax revenue while increasing its sales taxes to fill the gap. The city operated under this mechanism for the duration of Scarcella’s long-running term, nearly thirty years, but since his death, new leaders have started calling for a property tax.
   
• Under the proposal, they would increase the homestead exemption to the highest allowable by the state—20 percent—and council members say that 80 percent of the property tax revenue will come from commercial taxpayers.
   
• The final proposal would come when they consider the budget on July 19. 

San Antonio Public Library Pushes Gender Ideology with ‘Transgender 101’ Guide

• The San Antonio Public Library published a "Transgender 101" guide on its website promoting gender ideology, information about transitioning, and resources for financing surgeries. Debra McClure has the story. 
   
• Following a lengthy definition of "transgender" and an explanation that those who choose to transition seek to "bring their body into alignment with their gender identity," there is a notice to readers stating "At all San Antonio Public Library locations, patrons can use the bathroom with which they identify."
   

• The SAPL guide offers resources about how to "navigate health insurance," apply for grants and scholarships, and suggests personal and home-equity loans, fundraisers, or installment plans to help finance surgeries.
   

• However, there is no mention of support or advice if someone seeks to detransition.

Quote-Unquote

"Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."

– Sam Houston

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