Good morning!

Wasn't sure what to expect when we asked about deporting illegal aliens regardless of federal rules... But readers had some very definite opinions on the matter.

You will find the results of yesterday's survey, and a sampling of the responses, at the end of today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 

Texas Medical Doctor Cannot Define 'Woman' In House Committee

• Among those testifying on legislation that would ban child gender mutilation before the Texas House Committee on Public Health was Houston Dr. Jessica Zwiener, an endocrinologist from Houston. When asked during her testimony to define what a woman is, Zweiner refused – saying it is "complicated." Sydnie Henry has the story.
      
• There were other doctors present who could, like Dr. Quinton Van Meter, a pediatric endocrinologist and immediate past president of the American College of Pediatricians. He explained a woman "produces ova." Dr. Van Meter was among those supporting the ban.
      
• It should be noted that Dr. Zwiener specializes in initiating and managing therapy for “transgender” adolescents and adults. She opposed the proposed ban.
     
• In other words, Zwiener profits off the mental illness of others.
     
• State Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) is a medical doctor who authored the ban under consideration by the House committee.
      
•  “Multiple systemic reviews say there is no high-quality scientific evidence that hormone therapies, puberty blockers, or surgery help children overcome gender dysphoria or lower the risk of suicide,” said Oliverson.

Cracking Down On City Regulations

• As more cities pass ordinances contradicting state law, a Lubbock Republican is trying to restore the state's constitutional balance. Emily Wilkerson has the details. According to the Texas Constitution, “the legislative power of this state shall be vested in a Senate and House of Representatives.”
     
• Yet heavy regulation by cities has been growing at an exponential rate in recent years, and it is only getting worse.
   
• To address the problem, State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) has introduced the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act. The measure would prohibit local governments from adopting ordinances more strict than state law. It would also give citizens the ability to bring legal action against cities for any damages caused by such rules and regulations.
      

• Back in 2016, the city of Austin passed an ordinance prohibiting most private employers from asking applicants about their criminal history.
      

• Currently, city officials in Dallas are preparing to make it illegal for businesses and residents to use gas-powered lawn mowers by 2027.
      

• Legislation similar to Burrows' was proposed in the Senate back in 2019, but was killed in the State Affairs Committee by Dade Phelan, who was then the committee’s chairman and now serves as Speaker of the House. Phelan at the time insisted on adding a “nondiscrimination” rider to appease LGBTQ activists.
          

• Burrows' legislation has been left pending in the State Affairs Committee by Chairman Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi).

Black Caucus' 'Stank' Leadership Exposed By Democrat

• In a fiery resignation letter, Democrat State Rep. Harold Dutton of Houston announced he is leaving the Texas Legislative Black Caucus after learning he was denied a prominent speaking opportunity at the organization’s upcoming legislative summit. Darrell Frost has the story.

     
• Dutton accused Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Ron Reynolds (D-Houston) of retaliating against Dutton for supporting the takeover of Houston Independent School District by the Texas Education Agency. Reynolds and other Houston Democrats, however, have denounced the takeover.
      
• “You are engaging in stank leadership which ignores the plight of Black Texans. You should be ashamed,” wrote Dutton.
      
• Dutton also accused Reynolds of being ungrateful for publicly defending him when Reynolds was charged and convicted for barratry. After an unsuccessful appeal, Reynolds served about four months in a Montgomery County jail in 2018, during which time his constituents re-elected him to another term.
      
• Just a nice reminder that the Democrats have their problems, too.

📺 Macias Explains Why Casino Gambling Is Dead

• In the latest edition of his show, Luke Macias explains how Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has stepped up to help conservatives kill crony legislation that Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan were trying to pass.
      
• You can watch the show on the Texas Scorecard website, YouTube, Roku TV, or Apple TV. Alternatively, you can catch it on the free app for your iOS or Android device, or, listen to it anywhere you listen to podcasts. 

Travel With Scorecard!

Fort Worth Schools Gave Children Access To Pornographic Comic Book

• As communities throughout Texas condemn public schools for keeping inappropriate books in their libraries, Fort Worth ISD came under fire this week for giving students access to the sexually explicit book “Flamer.” Katy Marshall has the story.

     

• In a series of social media posts sharing images from the obscene book, Fort Worth grassroots activist Carlos Turcios reported that the book was available in several campus libraries. "Flamer" is a graphic novel (comic book) that is among more than 135 other books tagged as “LGBTQIA+” in FWISD libraries.

     
• “Why does FWISD continue to have books that are inappropriate for minors?” asked Turcios.
      
• That question is made all the more relevant when one considers that only 38 percent of students can read at grade level.

Sheila Jackson Lee Enters Race for Houston Mayor

• After nearly 30 years in Congress, Democrat U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee has announced she will be making a run for Houston mayor this year. Brandon Waltens has the story.

     
• Jackson Lee made the announcement at the City Cathedral Church in Houston, saying in third person, “Sheila Jackson Lee wants to come home to be your Mayor, for the City of Houston.”
       
• The field is currently led by State Sen. John Whitmire (D–Houston), who announced his intention to run for the position in November 2021 and has largely been seen as the frontrunner ever since. Other declared candidates include Chris Hollins, Amanda Edwards, Robert Gallegos, Lee Kaplan, and Gilbert Garcia.
       
• “Sheila Jackson Lee running for mayor is definitely going to make an otherwise mundane race entertaining,” said Charles Blain, the president of Urban Reform Institute. “But Houston has serious problems, pending lawsuits that, if lost, have the potential of bankrupting the city, an annual budget hole plugged with one-time COVID relief aid, an unrelenting crime wave, and we’re no better prepared for the next disaster than we were for the last, so this election isn’t one to be taken lightly despite the comedic relief candidates may bring."
       
• The election will take place on November 7, 2023. She doesn't have to resign to run.
      
• The good news for America is that by electing her as mayor, Houstonians would no longer plague the nation with Sheila Jackson Lee's rampant incompetence in Congress. The bad news for Houstonians is that by electing her, she would direct her rampant incompetence entirely at Houston. Good luck.

Y'All Answered

A U.S. Supreme Court case and federal immigration rules say states cannot deport illegal aliens – that is, people who entered the country illegally. In yesterday's One Click Survey, readers were asked if –regardless of the federal government's rules and policies – Texas should deport people who have entered the country illegally.

Among readers, 97.2 percent say Texas should deport people who have entered the country illegally, while 2.8 percent said no. 

Here's a sampling of responses from my inbox...

• “Someone has to do something about illegals swarming this country and using every available social service that should be for citizens only. This year while writing my check to the IRS, I was more enraged than usual.” – Diana Firestone
     

• “Defying the Supreme Court by deporting immigrants to Mexico is a losing game. But Texas should continue to deport illegal immigrants to New York, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts and California. They want them in the country, let them pay the costs.” – Jerry Harben
     

• “What is it about the word ‘illegal’ that people don't understand?” – Ron Farren
      

• “You have to draw the line somewhere. The federal government is not holding up their end of the Constitution, so I guess Texas has to lead the way.” – Jim Stewart
      

• “Deport them to New York, Illinois, and California.” – Blair Cherry
      

• “Like an abused spouse in a relationship, Texas has the right to stand up and defend itself. And to ask for and receive help from friends in that defense. And, to leave that relationship if the abuse continues.” – Karen Breazeale
      

• “Deport the illegals and bill the fed for the expense.” – Bob Poimbeauf
      

• “No, Texas should NOT deport illegal aliens.  Doing so would be doing at our expense what the federal government should be doing.  Instead, every single illegal alien should be immediately transported to Washington, D.C.  Nothing will ever change unless our elected unrepresentatives are subjected to the same issues that come from open borders that Texans are subjected to.  It’s time to fight fire with fire, not water!” – Bill Parks
      

• "If the Biden regime were enforcing immigration law in the first place, that would be one thing. But the administration has opened our borders, and clearly is disregarding laws already on the books. Therefore, Texas has an obligation to protect its citizens when the feds will not. Deport them, or don’t let them in at all. Enough is enough!" – Cheryl Alexander
      

• “Think of it as putting a dent in the Democrat voter base, the crime rate, and the taxpayer funded welfare program all in one package!” – Ken Bintliff
      

• “Texas has been experiencing an encouraged invasion since day one of the Biden administration. D.C. has no intention of enforcing any immigration laws. Texas must close the border, build the wall, and deport all illegal invaders. Texit is truly the only real hope.” – David Clark
     

• “If the feds can’t/won’t stop the illegal entry of foreigners, then the State of Texas should protect our borders. This should not even be debatable.” – Steve Sullivan
      

• “Texas should deport anyone caught being here illegally. We have laws that allow entry legally and the should be followed. Also, we need to do away with the anchor baby law.” – Sam Bridges
      

• “I have absolutely no faith in the federal government enforcing our immigration laws until we have a regime change in DC.  It falls to us to make sure the citizens of Texas are defended by these invaders that mean nothing but harm to our people.” – Rick Goncher
      

• “My recommendation: set up a tent city on the grounds of the governor's mansion, and hopefully then adequate attention will be noticed.” – Ken Jenkins
      

• “Texas needs to provide the protection that the federal government refuses to provide. This should include deportation of illegal aliens, building the border wall, protecting elections, protecting school systems, and protecting the healthcare system from this illegal invasion.” – Thomas Camardo
      

• “Democrats have no issue blatantly violating laws and court decisions that they don't like. Why shouldn't Texans do the same? Good for the goose…” – Jason Kerr
      

• “Illegal does NOT mean a sick bird. If the laws are not being enforced at a federal level, then the states have a RIGHT and a DUTY to enforce them.” – Arthur Potter
     

• “I guess I am going to show my naivety here, but what is the use of having Border Patrol and organizations like ICE if you are not going to deport the illegal aliens you apprehend? They should get in line and go through due process to enter legally or be prepared to be treated as foreign invaders during war.  Time for us to quit straddling the fence; let them in or treat them like the invaders they are and make damn sure they stay out.” – Garry Ludwig 

Directory of Your U.S. & Texas Lawmakers

This information is automatically inserted based on the mailing address you provide to us. If you'd like to update your contact information, please visit our subscriber portal.