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 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 (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 (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 in practical terms.
       
• Here’s a different way 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.

• Texas Scorecard will be live-streaming the entire House budget debate on our website and Facebook page. We will be partnering with the good folks at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility 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.
      
• 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 (San Antonio), Steve Allison (San Antonio), Kyle Kacal (College Station), Dan Huberty (Humble),  Ernest Bailes (Shepherd), Travis Clardy (Nacogdoches), Stan Lambert (Abilene), Phil Stephenson (Wharton), and John Raney (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.

• The Texas House approved legislation yesterday reforming the state’s asset forfeiture laws.
     
• Iris Poole reports 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 (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 (D–Dallas), Michelle Beckley (D–Carrollton), Ann Johnson (D–Houston), Ray Lopez (D–San Antonio), and J.M. Lozano (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.

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

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