February 2, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
Tonight is the State of the State Address, where Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to lay out his emergency priorities for the Legislature. While there is a 60-day period where most legislation cannot yet be passed, these are the issues that they can work on right away.
It is one of several important dates you need to know if you are following the work (or lack thereof) being done in Austin.
To this end, we have compiled a list of the Key Deadlines of the 89th Texas Legislature for your use. I hope you find this useful as we move
through the session!
Featured
Speaker Dustin Burrows confirmed on Monday that the newly adopted Texas House rules, which grant increased power to Democrats, were authored by Democrat lawyer Hugh Brady.
Brady, a consistent Democrat voter according to election records, was first appointed as parliamentarian by former Speaker Dennis Bonnen in 2019, sparking concerns about his partisan background at the time. His resume includes serving as general counsel for the White House Office of Administration under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017 and as parliamentarian for the Travis County Democrat Party.
Brady later served as parliamentarian under House Speaker Dade Phelan, maintaining his role in shaping legislative rules.
Real Texans
In this episode of “Real Texans,” our guest is Ronin Colman. Although he wasn't born in the Lone Star State, Ronin Colman got here as quickly as he could. He arrived in 1980 on a motorcycle with two pistols and $300 to his name. Ronin's story is as Texan as they come.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
New Order From Abbott Seeks to End DEI in State Agencies
Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest directive mirrors a similar order by President Donald Trump.
Lt. Gov. Patrick Reveals His First 25 Priorities for the Senate
Patrick’s top 25 priorities include passing the biennial budget, school choice legislation, banning consumable THC, and addressing problems with the electrical grid.
Aggressive Lottery Ticket Offers Join Ongoing Texas Lottery Controversies
Questions continue to rise as more light is shone on the Texas Lottery Commission and the state lottery.
Local
Houston Mayor Says Police Focus on Local Issues, Not ICE Deportations
The Houston mayor said he can’t control what the federal government does but Houston Police will focus on enforcing local and state laws.
Corsicana Councilman Proposes DOGE-Style City Committee
Councilman Chris Woolsey said too many locally elected officials point fingers rather than fix problems.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 50 Years for Murder of 16-Year-Old Girl in Colony Ridge
Kevin Geovanny Rivera-Ortiz and his accomplices pled guilty to luring, killing, and dumping the body of Emily Patricia Rodrigues in Colony Ridge.
Federal
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy Calls for Termination of Department of Education
This comes as a measure aiming to abolish the department was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Keith Self Sets CFPB Funding to $0
The legislation aligns with the Byrd Rule in the Senate, making it eligible for inclusion in a budget reconciliation package.
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to End Taxes on Tips
President Donald Trump says he will work with Congress to get the measure to his desk.
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