Texans want secure elections, strong and reliable rural broadband, a resilient electric grid, and good pro-life policies. I'm glad to report that the Texas Senate has passed Comprehensive Legislation on each of those topics.
"The least we can do for our brave men & women who have died fighting for our great country, and for those who are actively defending our freedom, is to have our national anthem played before sporting events, which would not be possible without them," said Senator Dawn Buckingham of her bill passed by the Senate on Thursday.
Recent polling indicates that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Biden’s handling of our border security and immigration system.
State Representative Jacey Jetton expressed his full support for House Bill 6, following extensive and thorough public testimony in the House Elections Committee.
Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined Ranking Member Kay Granger (TX-12) and his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee in a letter urging Democrats to keep all existing pro-life protections in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) appropriations bills.
“Looking at Biden’s infrastructure plan and tax increases, and when migrants are welcome but American Jobs & Businesses aren’t – that's Joe Biden’s America,” said Cong. Kevin Brady, discussing the Biden Border Crisis, the President’s plan to raise taxes, and more on the Sam Malone Show.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today said state sales tax revenue totaled $2.63 billion in March, 2.4% less than in March 2020.
"Last year we had the lowest illegal immigration in 45 years, and on week one Joe Biden ripped that to pieces and caused the Border Crisis. AOC’s tweeting, ‘The answer to this is abolish ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement,) just shut down ICE altogether and have open borders’,” Sen. Ted Cruz said of the border crisis and the president’s lack of leadership.
In Donna, Texas, 4,100 migrants – many of which are unaccompanied minors – have been packed into a facility meant to hold 250 individuals during the pandemic. President Biden repealed effective immigration policies established under the Trump Administration simply because of politics.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that President Biden understands the frustration of both the Gun Control & the Open Borders Advocates, but noted the administration will first engage with Congress to push legislation to increases taxes while pushing his Climate Change & Infrastructure Spending Plan.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick congratulated his fellow Senators after passage of Senate Bill 24, the "Law Enforcement Transparency Act" by Sen. Joan Huffman, and Senate Bill 5, a "Statewide Broadband Access" bill by Senators Robert Nichols, Kelly Hancock, Charles Perry and Royce West.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds business owners that for many property types, April 15th is the deadline to file Property Tax Renditions with their County Appraisal Districts. Different deadlines apply for different properties.
"Texas is a pro-life state, and these bills reflect our commitment to protecting innocent life," said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick following the passage of Senate Bill 8, the "Heartbeat Bill," and Senate Bill 9, the "Abortion Ban Trigger" on Tuesday.
"In these cages, children – little boys & girls – they’re not six feet apart, they’re not even six inches apart. They’re lying on the floor, there are no beds. Its a full-blown crisis," said Sen. Ted Cruz after leading a group of 18 of his Senate colleagues on a tour of the rapidly growing Border Crisis that is now beginning to spread across the entire state of Texas.
The Texas Senate passed SB 394, authored by Sen. Eddie Lucio, to enact state-level safeguards not only protecting unborn children, but also providing safeguards for women while making them aware of the serious side effects of chemical abortions.
“This settlement sends a strong message that we will not allow the health of Texas women to be placed in jeopardy by businesses who place profits over patients,” said Paxton, announcing that Boston Scientific will pay $188.6 million to 47 states and the District of Columbia, of which Texas will receive $13 million.
Texas’ 10 largest metro areas have become unaffordable to households with median incomes, according to one study. Another indicates that about half of all Texas households are spending more than 30 percent of their incomes on housing costs and utilities alone.
"With more vaccines on the way, and more Texans eligible, we'll continue to make tremendous progress to ensure that every Texan who wants a vaccine will get one," said Gov. Greg Abbott earlier today, announcing a new "Save Our Seniors Program" partnership between the Texas Health & Human Services Commission several other organizations.
"Many of my constituents and other Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders around the country have expressed concerns for the safety of their families and their businesses," said Rep. Jetton, who represents parts of Ft. Bend County outside Houston, the most diverse county in America.
“Texas employers continue working around the clock to open their businesses while safely serving all Texans in their communities,” said Aaron Demerson, the Texas Workforce's Commissioner who represents Texas' Employers, as the state's unemployment rate increased from 6.8% in January 2020 to 6.9% in February 2021.