February 9, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
Gov. Greg Abbott outlined seven emergency priorities in his State of the State address last week, giving lawmakers their first set of issues to tackle immediately.
During the first 60 days of a legislative session, lawmakers are barred from passing legislation unless it is designated as an emergency item by the governor. Abbott’s decision to deliver his address less than three weeks into the session reflects a faster pace than in some past years.
The following are the emergency items given to the legislature:
-Property Tax Relief
-Water Investment
-Raise Teacher Pay
-Expand Career Training
-School Choice
-Bail Reform
-Texas Cyber Command
The Senate has made quick work of school choice legislation, having already passed their proposal last week and sent it to the House.
The House, meanwhile, does not yet have committee assignments.
As a reminder, below are the important deadlines in the 140-day legislative session:
Featured
Revelations that millions of federal tax dollars have flowed to national and even international news organizations have raised questions about journalistic integrity and government-fed propaganda.
A review of state spending records finds that agencies in Texas have also been spending heavily on leftwing publications.
Since 2016, the Comptroller’s website reveals state agencies have given $342,850 to the Texas Tribune, a publication that has been aligned with leftist financier George Soros. Another $173,911 has gone to the Austin-based Quorum Report, a liberal gossip website.
The same database finds state agencies have also paid more than $253,050 to Politico.
Real Texans
Richard Raymond
On this week's REAL TEXANS episode, State Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo) frankly discusses his party's prospects in the face of a rejuvenated GOP under Donald Trump.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
UT-Austin Offers Core Math Classes Focused on ‘Racial Inequality’
The university offers the courses Numbering Race and Measuring Racial Inequality.
Betting Beyond Borders: Lottery.com To Sell Texas Lottery Tickets in Europe and Africa?
A company with a history of selling tickets abroad announces a renewed international push.
EXCLUSIVE: Protestors Rally Against ICE at Texas Capitol
The anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement demonstrators waved foreign flags and marched around the city.
Local
Harris County Empowers Attorney to Sue Trump Administration Over Executive Actions
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee recently joined a lawsuit against Trump’s order blocking birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens.
After Girls’ Sports Investigation, Irving ISD Faces Legal Threat Over Censorship
Accuracy in Media is warning that a lawsuit will be filed if the district does not reverse course and stop censoring criticism.
Amarillo ISD Wrestling Coach Charged With Student Sex Crimes
Nick Herrmann coached at Tascosa High School, where he was once a state-champion wrestler.
Federal
Cruz Files Constitutional Amendment To Prevent Democrats From Packing SCOTUS
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’ proposal would protect the U.S. Supreme Court from Democrat attempts at sweeping change and intimidation.
AG Paxton Signs Immigration Enforcement Agreement With Trump Administration
The agreement allows the federal government to collaborate with state law enforcement to apprehend illegal aliens.
US Rep. Cloud Introduces Bill to Codify Ending DEI in Federal Government
The legislation aims to prevent future administrations from reviving DEI policies.
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