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March 5, 2023
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
As the legislative session in Austin continues, a divide is beginning to emerge between the Texas House and the Texas Senate.
The Texas Senate, so far this session, has been quicker than the House. For example, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced committee assignments on January 23. House Speaker Dade Phelan, meanwhile, waited until February 8.
Once committees were assigned the Senate, they got to work hearing priority bills—such as election integrity—with haste. The House, meanwhile, has not heard any legislation in committee as of yet.
The schism has shown itself on priorities, too. Patrick has announced 30 priorities for the Senate, with many of them overlapping with the priorities of the Texas GOP and Gov. Greg Abbott. Phelan's priorities, however, haven't had any overlap and have included issues such as expanding medicaid, corporate welfare, and removing the sales tax on tampons.
Perhaps there's been no bigger signal of the coming conflict between the chambers than the speeches given by Patrick and Phelan at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Summit in Austin last week. You can read about that in today's News Digest below.
This week...
- The Texas Senate is scheduled to return on Monday Mar 6, at 2:00 pm.
- The Texas House is scheduled to return on Tuesday Mar 7, 11:00 am.
- The deadline for filing bills in the House and Senate is Friday March 10.
Featured
by Brandon Waltens
“School choice. I can tell you that the Senate likes it, TPPF likes it, Donald Trump likes it, so it should be good enough for the House,” said Patrick.
In fact, when it comes to the issue of parental empowerment and educational freedom, Patrick went even further, indicating he may be willing to force a special session if the House does not pass school choice before the regular session ends.
“We should not leave here this year until we pass school choice. I don’t care how many special sessions it takes,” said Patrick, while noting that he has not made any summer plans.
State
Democrat Committee Chair Chastises Republican for Saying ‘Illegal Immigrants’
“I’m not going to have anyone dictate the terms I use or don’t use.”
Gov. Greg Abbott Holds Strategic Tour Stops in Campaign for School Choice
“This session, we will empower every parent with the ability to choose the best high-quality education option for their child.”
Disgraced Former House Speaker Dennis Bonnen Opens Lobbying Firm
“They trade on their government contacts, and their clients pay top dollar for the access and influence.”
Local
Dallas Abortion Clinic Closes Doors Permanently
Dallas’ largest abortion facility shuts down nearly a year after Roe was overturned by U.S. Supreme Court.
Chaos in Laredo: Texas Attorney General Investigating Voter Fraud
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office is investigating a Laredo City Council race.
Facing Recall, Head of Tarrant Appraisal District Board Resigns
Kathryn Wilemon stepped down after the Keller City Council initiated a recall of the bureaucracy’s board chair.
Education
Middle School Teacher Arrested for Improper Relationship With a Student
The victim attends a school different from the one where the middle school teacher worked.
South Texas Teachers Arrested for Sex With Students
If convicted, the educators face two to 20 years in prison.
Where’s the ‘Independent Investigation’ on Prosper ISD’s Sex Abuse Scandal and Cover-up?
“It definitely raises questions.”
INTRODUCING...
Texas Scorecard TV App!
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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...
"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light."
- George Washington
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