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Good morning,

In this week's One Click Survey, we're asking if there should be consequences for lawmakers who don't show up for work.

This is the Texas Minute for Monday, March 31, 2025.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Most Texas House Members Skipped Work

• Only 65 of the chamber’s 150 members were shown as being present on Friday, falling far short of the constitutionally mandated quorum of 100. House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) was forced to ask lawmakers to come in on Saturday, but once again, lawmakers did not show up. They will try again at 4 p.m. today.
      
• As Brandon Waltens reports, an initial roll call on Friday using the chamber’s electronic voting machines indicated 118 of the 150 House members were present—more than enough to meet the two-thirds quorum threshold. Yet it was readily apparent that the number was inflated, leading State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) to call for a verification vote that revealed the actual attendance.
           
• This marks the third legislative session in a row that the Texas House has lacked a quorum during at least one day. Democrat lawmakers infamously fled the state for Washington, D.C., in an attempt to block election integrity legislation in 2021. Then, in 2023, when school choice legislation was being considered, House members again failed to reach a quorum on numerous occasions.

State Investigating Muslim Compound for Fair Housing Violations

• Gov. Greg Abbott announced yet another investigation into the controversial East Plano Islamic Center, this time by the Texas Workforce Commission, for potential violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act.
      
• This adds to a growing list of legal and regulatory actions being taken by the state against EPIC and its planned 402-acre development in Collin County, commonly referred to as EPIC City—a compound centered around a mosque, Islamic school, and residential community. The housing development has advertised itself as an exclusive conclave for Muslims.
     
• According to the governor’s office, the probe focuses on whether EPIC and its affiliated entities may be refusing to sell or rent housing based on religion or other protected characteristics—a direct violation of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
      
• The project has drawn national attention from critics who say it could function as an exclusionary, religious enclave attempting to operate outside of state and federal law.

Superintendent Salaries Continue to Climb as Schools Claim They’re Underfunded

• Newly released data from the Texas Education Agency for the current school year shows 11 superintendents receive taxpayer-funded salaries that top $400,000—more than the president of the United States. Another 90 superintendents make $300,000 or more. As Erin Anderson reports, those numbers are on the rise.
       
• The lucrative salaries are supplemented by benefits such as allowances for cars, phones, and housing, along with large pension contributions. Superintendents often get hefty bonuses as well. All are provided at taxpayers’ expense.
        
• While superintendents’ salaries are rising, students’ academic performance continues to fall, leaving taxpayers to wonder if they are getting their money’s worth. And, contrary to what one might think, the salaries do not correlate with the number of students enrolled in a district.
       
• Several lawmakers have proposed measures to cap superintendent salaries, including limiting them to twice the annual salary of the district’s highest-paid classroom teacher and restricting them to no more than the governor’s salary, currently $153,750.

OTHER EDUCATION NEWS

Red Oak ISD Teacher Says He Experiences ‘Gender Euphoria’ Around Students

Zachary Sandri, who now goes by “Rosalynn,” began a video posted on social media by describing himself as a “transgender goddess.”

New Braunfels ISD Teacher Faces New Student Assault Charges

A former teacher and coach in New Braunfels Independent School District is facing new charges in connection with accusations that he sexually abused a female student two years ago.

Teacher’s Aide Accused of Sending Explicit Videos to 14-Year-Old Student

Jerel Griffin allegedly sent his victim illicit sexual communications using a phone he gave the minor.

Houston’s Efficiency Project Expanded

• Houston Mayor John Whitmire has expanded an efficiency study conducted by Ernst & Young to include Houston Public Works and the city controller’s office. As Joseph Trimmer reports, the study has found waste of city taxpayer dollars, misuse of city credit cards, and an inefficient city government.
      
• According to city records, the expansion brings the cost to taxpayers of conducting the study to $1.35 million. The study’s early findings triggered a hiring freeze and a voluntary retirement program offered to 2,700 eligible employees.
     
• Houston Controller Chris Hollins recently told the council the city may run out of money within the next several months and that he might not be able to certify next year’s budget.

Congressional Subcommittee To Question Prosecutor of Texas Children's Hospital Whistleblower

• After a doctor exposed Texas Children's Hospital for performing “transgender” medical interventions on minors, he found himself at the center of a politically motivated prosecution. Now, a subcommittee of the powerful U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary—chaired by Texas' Chip Roy—wants to hear from the former lead prosecutor. Sydnie Henry has the details.
       
• In May 2023, Dr. Eithan Haim revealed that Texas Children’s Hospital had continued to administer cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers to minors, despite the hospital’s previous announcement that such treatments had been paused. 
       
• Shortly after, the Biden administration pursued criminal charges against Haim, which were later dropped when Donald Trump took office.

Quote-Unquote

"The die is now cast. The Colonies must either submit or triumph."

– King George III​

One Click Survey

Since the Texas Legislature convened in January, the Texas Senate has advanced legislation dealing with property taxes, criminal justice, and school choice. The Texas House has not debated, let alone passed, a single measure.

On Friday, a majority of the Texas House simply refused to show up.

Should the Texas Constitution be amended to dock lawmakers' pay and benefits when they do not attend?

Once you’ve clicked an answer, reply to this email with any thoughts you’d like to share!