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February 26, 2023
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
The best word to describe the state of the current legislative session in Austin? Slow.
Once again, the Texas House packed up for a 5-day weekend. Only State Reps. Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington), Bryan Slaton (R–Royse City), and Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) objected to the move. When's the last time you got a five-day weekend? Let alone, back to back!
House Speaker Dade Phelan announced the first of his four priorities last week. Notably, none of them are priorities of the Republican Party of Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott, or Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
- House Bill 4 by State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R–Southlake) would provide recourse for citizens regarding how businesses collect, process, and profit from consumers’ data.
- House Bill 12 by State Rep. Toni Rose (D–Dallas) would extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers to a full year following the child’s birth.
- House Bill 18 by State Rep. Shelby Slawson (R–Stephenville) would help protect minors from private data collection and algorithm manipulation online.
- House Bill 300 by State Rep. Donna Howard (D–Austin) would exempt certain baby items such as diapers and wipes as well as feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax.
Speaking of priorities, Texas Scorecard is introducing our new Texas GOP Legislative Priority Tracker. This legislative tracker follows the status of bills deemed “priorities” by the Republican Party of Texas. The Democrat Party of Texas does not select legislative priorities.
This week...
- The Texas Senate is scheduled to return on Tuesday Feb. 28 at 11am
- The Texas House is scheduled to return on Tuesday Feb. 28 at 2pm.
- Big issues are already slated to be discussed in Texas Senate Committees this week, including the power grid and election security.
- Speaker Dade Phelan says he will continue to release additional legislative priorities in the coming days.
Featured
by Sydnie Henry
Embracing the destination resort-style casinos envisioned in multiple legislative proposals this session, Abbott signaled his support for a “gaming version of the Great Wolf Lodge” in an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The Republican Party of Texas platform, crafted by grassroots party activists but routinely ignored by GOP lawmakers, opposes any expansion of gambling, including legalized casino gambling.
State
Gov. Greg Abbott Teases Potential Return of ‘Immoral’ Corporate Welfare Program
The program has drawn criticism from both the right and left.
Texas A&M Students Say They Don’t Feel Like They Belong On Campus
After spending millions of dollars on diversity officers and programming, students at Texas A&M feel alienated.
Oscar Longoria: The Democrat in Charge of the House Business & Industry Committee
A liberal South Texas Democrat will lead the majority-Democrat House Business & Industry Committee.
Local
Boyd Teacher Arrested for Sending Nude Photos to Student via Snapchat
“What we are seeing over and over again is an evil creep into our schools.”
Austin Professor Sues UT for Violating First Amendment
After UT administrators’ attempts to silence him, the professor is seeking to “vindicate” his free speech rights.
Texas Lawmakers Call on AG Paxton to Investigate Dallas’ Abortion Support
The resolution would make Dallas a sanctuary city for abortion.
Investigative
We recently released an investigative series taking a look at the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs infecting Texas. If you missed that series, Pushing Hate, check out the full series below:
Pushing Hate: ‘The Woke Mind Virus’
Examining the cultural threat to Texas.
Pushing Hate: Wokeness Invades Texas
California comes to Texas.
Pushing Hate: Making Texas California
The cultural virus of DEI is turning local governments against timeless Texas values.
Pushing Hate: Woke War in Texas
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.”
INTRODUCING...
Texas Scorecard TV App!
Texas Scorecard has launched streaming video apps for Roku and Apple TV.
In addition to our growing library of shows and video content, the Texas Scorecard TV app will include gavel-to-gavel live coverage of the Senate and House chambers.
The app is available for free right now: simply go to the Roku or Apple TV app store, and search for "Texas Scorecard."
Quoting...
"I have always supported measures and principles and not men."
- Davy Crockett
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The Texas Scorecard Journalism Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed for conservative Texans under the age of 25 with an interest in public policy, effective civic engagement, political accountability, and Texas history.
