Good morning,

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan

Thursday, April 22, 2021

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Later today the Texas House will start debate on the state’s budget. Jeramy Kitchen previews [[link removed]] the $246.7 billion spending proposal and contrasts it with the $250.7 billion plan adopted by the Senate two weeks ago.

It is important to note that neither the House nor the Senate’s versions include the $32 billion payment Texas is set to receive from the federal government under Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Like the Senate, the House’s budget contains no new provisions for relieving Texans property tax burdens.

The 150 House members have filed 246 amendments. For example, Republican Tony Tinderholt [[link removed]] (R–Arlington) would take away all of the funding to the office of the governor in the event a disaster or emergency declaration is issued without convening the Legislature for a special session after 60 days. On the other hand, Democrat Donna Howard [[link removed]] (Austin) has an amendment that would allow tax dollars to be spent on abortion. Throughout the House debate, you will hear a lot about BILLIONS of dollars, articles, strategies, percentages of increases, and the like. None of which is very meaningful to the average family. I thought I’d compare what the billions in state spending means [[link removed]] in practical terms.

Here’s a different way [[link removed]] to think about the state budget. Remember every single dollar spent by state government comes from your pocket, directly or indirectly.

Under the $250.7 billion “all-funds” budget approved by senators, Texans would pay $360.20 per person per month – that’s $360.20 for every man, woman, and child.

For a family of four, that’s $1,440.80 per month. Every month. That’s more than the monthly payment of a new 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum Edition (approx. $1,200 monthly for five years). Amazing truck; rides great, rich leather seats, all the bells and whistles. And when those payments are over, you own the truck. That $1,440.80 a family pays the state... well, you just keep paying. Texas Scorecard will be live-streaming the entire House budget debate [[link removed]] on our website [[link removed]] and Facebook [[link removed]] page. We will be partnering with the good folks at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility [[link removed]] to answer questions, explain the proceedings, and comment on the debate. A majority of the Texas House has signed on to legislation expanding Medicaid under the terms of ObamaCare. Brandon Waltens has the details [[link removed]].

The Republican Party of Texas’ platform directly opposes the effort: “We oppose any further expansion of Medicaid.” Nonetheless, nine Republicans (so far) are joining Democrats in supporting the measure including Lyle Larson [[link removed]] (San Antonio), Steve Allison [[link removed]] (San Antonio), Kyle Kacal [[link removed]] (College Station), Dan Huberty [[link removed]] (Humble), Ernest Bailes [[link removed]] (Shepherd), Travis Clardy [[link removed]] (Nacogdoches), Stan Lambert [[link removed]] (Abilene), Phil Stephenson [[link removed]] (Wharton), and John Raney [[link removed]] (Bryan). “Corporations that have criticized election reform — including Apple, American Airlines, and Uber — have received over $2 billion in Texas public dollars collectively.” Get the details from Brad Johnson at The Texan [[link removed]]. The Texas House approved legislation yesterday reforming the state’s asset forfeiture laws.

Iris Poole reports [[link removed]] law enforcement agencies use asset forfeiture to confiscate cash, belongings, and assets that they suspect are associated with criminal activity. Yet, unlike the associated criminal proceedings where innocence is presumed, asset forfeiture takes place in civil court where individuals must prove their property was not used in a crime – even when the property owner was never involved!

Conservatives have long argued the practice results in innocent people losing property and other assets. Therefore, the legislation by Matt Schaefer [[link removed]] (R–Tyler) “raises the standard of proof” before property can be forfeited to the government.

Only five lawmakers voted against Schaefer’s reform: Rafael Anchia [[link removed]] (D–Dallas), Michelle Beckley [[link removed]] (D–Carrollton), Ann Johnson [[link removed]] (D–Houston), Ray Lopez [[link removed]] (D–San Antonio), and J.M. Lozano [[link removed]] (R–Kingsville). New numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show homeschooling has undergone a surge in Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joshua Pierce has the details [[link removed]]. Voters in the city of Dallas are being asked on their May 1 ballot to decide if non-citizens should be eligible for appointments to positions on boards and commissions created by the city’s charter... including the redistricting commission. Robert Montoya has the details [[link removed]].

Meanwhile, voters in Austin will decide if there should be a ban on the homeless camps taking hold in public spaces around the city. Crime has been spiking in the state’s capital ever since city officials revoked a city ordinance in 2019. Jacob Asmussen has that story [[link removed]].

Early voting for local government elections is open. Election day is Saturday, May 1.

Our republic only works when citizens know the score. Make a donation today [[link removed]] to help expand the reach and mission of Texas Scorecard!

🔒 Donate to Texas Scorecard 🔒 [[link removed]] Budget Quotes

“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”

– P.J. O’Rourke

“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

– Winston Churchill

Number of the Day

38

Number of days remaining in the 87th Session of the Texas Legislature.

[Source: calendar]

Your Federal & State Lawmakers

U.S. Senator

John Cornyn - R

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U.S. Senator

Ted Cruz - R

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Governor of Texas

Greg Abbott - R

(512) 463-2000

Lt. Governor

Dan Patrick - R

(512) 463-0001

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PO Box 248, Leander, TX 78646 Produced by Michael Quinn Sullivan and Brandon Waltens, the Texas Minute is a quick look at the news and info of the day we find interesting, and hope you do as well. It is delivered weekday mornings (though we'll take the occasional break for holidays and whatnot).

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