House Could Effectively 'Abolish' Death Penalty Today
Members of the Texas House are slated to debate and vote today on legislation effectively abolishing the death penalty in the Lone Star State. Brandon Waltens has the details.
House Bill 727 by State Rep. Toni Rose (D-Dallas) would exempt criminals found to have had a “severe mental illness” from capital punishment. According to the proposal, this is defined as a person who has schizophrenia, a schizoaffective disorder, or a bipolar disorder.
According to data from the Treatment Advocacy Center, 10 percent of all homicides in the United States are committed by individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. For mass killings, the percentage is approximately 33 percent.
The legislation was unanimously approved by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, which is chaired by Democrat State Rep. Joe Moody of El Paso. Moody himself is a staunch opponent of the death penalty.
Representatives from the Texas Municipal Police Association, the Houston Police Officers Union, and Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells’ office are all opposed to Rose's proposal.
Despite today being the 79th day of the 140-day legislative session, it is one of the first bills to be considered by the House so far. None of the priorities of the Republican Party of Texas have been considered.
Senate Moves Against Perpetual Emergency Orders
Texas has been in a state of emergency over COVID for more than three years. Yesterday, the Texas Senate approved legislation cracking down on perpetual emergency orders and disaster declarations.
Legislation by State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury) would prevent a governor from issuing an emergency declaration for more than 30 days without calling a special session of the state Legislature to approve the effort. As a constitutional amendment, Birdwell's proposal will require adoption by voters before it can take effect.
Identical legislation in the House has been referred to the State Affairs Committee, but has so far not been scheduled for a hearing.
Of course.
Texas Medical Board Suspends Doctor's License Over Mask Mandate
A doctor's medical license has been indefinitely suspended after he refused to abide the Gov. Greg Abbott’s COVID-era mask mandate in 2020.
Dr. Eric Hensen is an ear, nose, and throat doctor in East Texas. He has been fighting the TMB for years over the policy. In 2021, the TMB first sent him a letter stating he violated Abbott’s mask order in 2020 after a patient turned him in.
“This arbitrary ridiculous order by the Texas Medical Board required him to put masks on all his ears, nose and throat patients, who already have difficulty breathing,” explained Hensen’s lawyer, Paul Davis. “So, bottom line, the Texas Medical Board is taking a doctor’s license in the state of Texas, shutting down his practice, because he refused to do harm to his patients.”
Hensen says he will be immediately filing a lawsuit against the TMB for pulling his medical license.
It should be noted that the Texas Medical Board consists of 12 physician members and seven public members, all appointed for a six-year term by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Democrat Lawmaker Condemns Explicit Books in School Libraries
A Democrat state representative is raising eyebrows for agreeing with a Republican activist trying to get lawmakers to remove sexually explicit books from public school libraries. Darrell Frost has the details.
State Rep. Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) strongly condemned the content of "Gender Queer" – one of many sexually explicit "graphic novels" (comic books) found in libraries around the state.
Thierry suggested the book was intended to “encourage kids to try extreme sex acts” and minimizes the risks associated with underage sex and pornography. She challenged her colleagues to read the book aloud in the Texas House, insinuating it is inappropriate for public consumption.
Legislation dealing with the issue, by giving parents more tools to challenge sexually explicit materials, has been dismissed by many Democrats.
The Texas Deep State
This week, Texas Scorecard's Robert Montoya is reporting on a months-long investigation of Child Protective Services – the scandals and the reforms.
Number of the Day
184
The number of inmates on death row in Texas.
[Source: Texas Department of Criminal Justice]
Quote-Unquote
"In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other."
– Voltaire
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Tampon, Formula, Maternity Clothing Sales Tax Elimination Priority Bill Recieves Initial Passage in Texas House With the initial passage of its first set of bills, the Texas House is off and rolling as sine die approaches at the end of May. Brad Johnson20 hours ago Rep. Donna Howard. (The Texan/Brad Johnson)
The Texas House passed its first bills on Tuesday, which included unopposed support for the elimination of sales taxes on feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby bottles, maternity clothing, and similar items.
That bill, House Bill (HB) 300, is the first priority bill of the chamber to pass on a floor vote. Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin) is the author alongside 38 joint authors or coauthors, including 12 Republicans.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Comptroller Glenn Hegar have both given their support to the legislation, the latter of whom called taxes on such products “archaic.” Before the vote, the Texas House Republican Caucus sent out a member notice that it is neutral on the bill, indicating some intra-caucus opposition. Just before Howard’s bill came up, Rep. Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands) pulled an amendment he had planned for HB 300, removing any speed bump the bill might have faced.
According to the original fiscal note for the bill, it’d reduce state sales tax collections during the next biennium by $195 million.
“HB 300 would help by alleviating some of the financial burden families have when trying to take care of their family,” Howard said, laying out the bill.
Howard then moved passage and the body approved it by voice vote with no objection.
The three other bills passed included:
HB 446 that’d strike the term “mentally retarded” as part of the statutory definition of someone with an intellectual disability HB 590 that’d establish requirements for “Texas honey” product labeling HB 608 that’d add Diwali to the list of holidays before which fireworks may be sold
All passed with little, if any, opposition.
While this is the first set of bills considered on the House floor, both chambers have been busy holding committee hearings and the Senate has already sent over 50 passed bills to the House.
The upper chamber’s first bill passed was the restoration of felony status for illegal voting; others include the $16.5 billion property tax relief slate and a priority bill that’d move certain responsibilities from the Department of Family and Protective Services to the Health and Human Services Commission.
The biggest potential pressure points between the two chambers — school choice, appraisal reform plans, professor tenure restrictions, postpartum Medicaid coverage extension, and electricity market reform — have either not yet made their way into, or been brought up for consideration in, the opposite chamber.-- excerpt, rest at link above --
Great.....
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Texas Scorecard first reported last week that Carroll Independent School District’s board of trustees was going to consider ending their membership in the left-wing Texas Association of School Boards. Well, they did so. While Carroll ISD is the first to leave, Texas Scorecard’s reporters are hearing it won’t be the last.
Legislation was brought before the Texas House yesterday that critics say is part of an effort to abolish the death penalty. The measure was authored by Democrat State Rep. Toni Rose of Dallas but pushed by Republican State Rep. Jeff Leach of Plano. Their bill passed, but with a majority of Republicans against it.
As Brandon Waltens observed, "A Democrat bill was passed out of a committee led by a Democrat and then approved by Democrats in the House. Aren't Republicans supposed to be in control of Texas?"
'All-Ages' Drag Venue Bans Journalist
A drag show venue in Fort Worth denied journalist Sara Gonzales entry – correctly fearing she would expose them for targeting children with highly sexualized performances.
Sydnie Henry reports the venue, Tulips FTW, promoted the show as an “all-ages” event.
While Gonzales was not able to get in, her colleague Tayler Hansen and other activists did. Hansen reported that the lead performer sat “with his legs open and exposed his crotch to children in the crowd.” He also reports the children present were encouraged by their parents to tip the drag queens and wave trans flags.
At the event, performer "Salem Moon" – who exposed himself to children at the event – urged everyone present to "apply pressure" against conservatives. Those comments came the same day a trans activist killed three children and three adults at a Christian school in Nashville.
Security Plan Proposes Way To End 'Border Invasion'
While Texas experiences the hardship of a porous southern border and unprecedented levels of illegal crossings under the Biden administration, a Dallas-based think tank is proposing that Texas take control of the border. Katy Marshall has the details.
Put forward by the Huffines Liberty Foundation, “Operation Clean Sweep” calls for Texas’ governor to declare an invasion at the southern border using Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
“The federal government has abandoned its duty under the Constitution to protect Texas from invasion,” explains former State Sen. Don Huffines in introducing this plan. “Illegal aliens are pouring across the Texas Border and invading our state. We are overrun with murderers, rapists, human traffickers, and drugs. The rule of law has been completely subverted.”
The plan asserts that after declaring an invasion, Texas’ governor would have the power to activate the Texas National Guard, state law enforcement, and all other state military forces to enforce immigration laws and repel and expel illegal aliens.
The proposal also calls on the state to apply economic pressure against Mexico until that country does more to address illegal immigration on their side of the border. The Huffines Liberty Foundation recommends the state discourage tourism into Mexico, while increasing the inspections on all trucks and other shipments coming across the border.
Senate Passes Ban On Gender Reassignment Procedures On Children
The Texas Senate has approved legislation banning gender mutilation for children, but not before making a significant change to limit its effect. Brandon Waltens reports the legislation still prohibits medical providers from performing “gender transition” surgeries or prescribing cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers to children under the age of 18 suffering from gender dysphoria.
The measure would also require the Texas Medical Board to strip the license of any physician who provides these treatments, and would prohibit the use of public funds for these procedures or drugs.
Before it was voted on, however, the measure was amended to add a grandfather clause. The amendment allows procedures and treatments to continue on children who started receiving puberty blockers and hormones before June 3, which is 90 days prior to the law taking effect.
Chris Hopper, the president of the Texas Family Project, told Texas Scorecard he is glad the ban is moving forward. However, he fears that – because of the language added to the bill – there will be a push to "funnel kids into clinics all across the state in order to obtain their prescription puberty blockers, medications that will cause irreversible damage in the lives of the most troubled members of our society."
Also In The Senate... Women's Sports Get Legislative Protection
Senators gave their final approval yesterday to legislation prohibiting biological men from competing in women’s sports at the collegiate level in Texas.
Senate Bill 15 was authored by Galveston Republican Mayes Middleton with the strong support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The measure passed along party lines – 19 Republicans voted for it, while eight Democrats were opposed (three Democrats didn’t vote and a fourth was absent).
"Allowing men to play women’s college sports, in denial of basic common sense, deprives them of the right to be the best in their sport." – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Higher Ed Status Quo Secure With Latest Regent Picks
Even as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has embarked upon a bold set of higher education reforms, including the appointment of high-profile conservative Christopher Rufo to the board of one institution, conservative Texans have wondered whether their own governor would follow suit. Gov. Greg Abbott has now answered that question, reports Adam Cahn.
Amid the clamor of an ongoing legislative session, earlier this month Abbott quietly renominated Janiece Longoria and James “Rad” Weaver for a second term on the University of Texas Board of Regents. In addition, Austinite Robert Gauntt replaces Dallas businessman Steve Hicks.
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Good morning, Here is the Texas Minute for Thursday, April 20, 2023. – Michael Quinn Sullivan
UPFRONT: With the Texas House and Senate feuding over what kind of meager property tax relief to give, I would like to propose a compromise: eliminate school property taxes.
There is plenty of money available, and no new taxes are required – just fiscal discipline. The folks at Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Huffines Liberty Foundation, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation have all shown how it is possible.
The cancer of property taxes is killing Texans, and everyone in the Legislature seems to be telling us to take two aspirin and check back in two years.
House Votes To Stop 'Patchwork' Of Local Ordinances
Legislation that would roll back a “patchwork” of county and municipal ordinances in multiple areas of policy passed the Texas House this week. Darrell Frost explains what lawmakers are trying to do.
The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act essentially repeals any local ordinance that conflicts with state law and prohibits any attempt to enact or enforce such an ordinance. The legislation, which passed the House by a vote of 92-55, allows those harmed by such ordinances to sue the governmental entity – though only for injunctive relief and the recovery of attorney fees but not damages.
The legislation's author, State Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), told his colleagues that businesses in Texas currently have to “navigate a Byzantine array of local regulations that twist and turn every time they cross a city limit sign.”
For those who argued that the measure violates cities' "autonomy," Burrows noted cities "are a creation of the state and enshrined in the Texas Constitution" and therefore exist under state law and not independent of it. Cities and counties would still be able to enact ordinances regarding anything the state doesn’t regulate.
Lawmakers Block Sexually Explicit Books For Texas Schools
Legislation to remove sexually explicit material from public school libraries received initial approval in the Texas House yesterday, marking the first Republican priority to pass the chamber since the session began. The measure passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 95-53.
Authored by State Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), the legislation requires library material vendors to rate content as “sexually explicit” or “sexually relevant” if warranted, and it prohibits school libraries from holding, acquiring, or purchasing “sexually explicit” material. Schools will be required to obtain a parent’s written consent before allowing a child to check out a book marked as “sexually relevant.”
Democrats offered token opposition, falsely claiming the measure was a "book ban." They also claimed the legislation was part of an effort to “lock up librarians” and “silence minority voices.”
“This bill does one thing and one thing only—restricts explicit books from unaccompanied minors and Texas public schools,” said Patterson.
Looks like the Groomer Caucus in the Texas House has 53 members...
Schools Propose $25 Billion In New Debt, Higher Taxes
More than 100 Texas school districts have put a combined $25 billion in school bond debt on the May 6 ballot. As Erin Anderson reports, all of the debt would have to be repaid – with interest – by local property taxpayers.
Some school officials claim their new bond debt won’t raise taxes because the school district doesn’t plan to increase its property tax rate right away. Yet as property values rise, property owners’ tax bills will increase even if the rate stays the same—which is a tax increase.
Is your school district one of those pushing more debt? Find out...
‘Got-aways’ Increase Danger for Border Residents
As the border crisis continues, with 84 percent of illegal aliens crossing into the U.S. outside the legal ports of entry, citizens living along the border are fed up with the dangerous conditions. Sydnie Henry has the details.
“We have seen nothing but a constant and steadily increasing flow of groups of illegals cutting through our properties since this administration took office,” said Alison Anderson, a border resident. “We have groups of illegals loading out of our property regularly, and the amount of dangerous smuggling pursuits in our area has also skyrocketed.”
Banning Red-Flag Laws
Local, state, and federal government officials would be prohibited from enforcing "red-flag" laws in Texas under legislation considered this week in the Texas House Select Committee on Community Safety.
Red-flag laws allow law enforcement, under a judge’s order, to confiscate firearms from anyone they believe is at risk of committing a crime. The laws, definitionally, deny citizens the right of due process involved in abridging their civil liberties.
“There doesn’t have to be any evidence of you making any threats, and of course, you don’t even have to have committed a crime,” said Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights.
U.S. Navy Veteran Kimberly Moyers told lawmakers that an anonymous complaint was filed by someone jealous of Moyers' pregnancy. Without evidence, and without being given the opportunity to defend herself, Moyer said her life was turned upside down – and remains so to this day.
Gun control advocates turned out against the legislation, saying government officials should have the ability to violate citizens' Second Amendment rights.
Why The House Leadership Is Confused On Transgender Grooming
In the latest edition of his show, Luke Macias talks about the week's goings on at the Texas Capitol – and uses the "flip-flop" of State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) to explain how lawmakers have tied themselves up on the issue of protecting children from sexual grooming.
Watch the Luke Macias Show on either the Texas Scorecard website or YouTube channel, or using the free Texas Scorecard apps on Apple TV and Roku devices.
#DecisionTexas Group Publishes 2023 School Board Candidate Evaluations
With school board elections beginning in less than a week, iVoterGuide is providing voters with candidate evaluations. Soli Rice has the story.
The site grades candidates using a political ideology scale based on their answers to a questionnaire provided by iVoterGuide, as well as documented political scorecards, contributions, and endorsements. iVoterGuide includes evaluations of nearly 300 candidates across more than 140 races in 58 Texas school districts.
“Some of the candidates we have evaluated should be nowhere near children or have any influence on policy impacting students,” said Don Stroud, iVoterGuide’s director of strategic operation. “Unfortunately, they are likely to be elected because they have the best ‘ballot name’—unless enough parents and taxpayers take the time to get informed and then go vote.”
Stroud described school board elections as having a “low turnout of responsible citizens, but high turnout of those advocating agendas hostile to families.”
Early voting in Texas’ local government elections runs from April 24 through May 2. Election Day is May 6. Not all school districts have elections this year, and some school districts have their elections in November.
Quote-Unquote
“My goal is to eliminate the school property tax that’s imposed in the state of Texas, so that people can genuinely own their own home without being taxed out of it.”
– Greg Abbott
Number of the Day
62.4%
Percentage of housing units in Texas that are owner-occupied.
[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]
Today in History
On April 20, 1898, President William McKinley asked Congress to declare war on Spain. They did so on April 25, 1898; the war officially ended in December of that same year.
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Some people want to be thought of as unwilling draftees in the cause of liberty; I feel honored to even be allowed on the team! More on that at the conclusion of today's Texas Minute.
– Michael Quinn Sullivan April 28, 2023
Democrat Pushes Driver's Licenses For Illegal Aliens
Democrat State Rep. John Bucy of Austin is attempting to ease the way for illegal aliens to receive Texas driver’s licenses. Sydnie Henry has the details.
Significantly, when illegal aliens are "caught" and then released, they are issued a notice of their "pending" status. It is this documentation that Bucy wants to make an acceptable form of identification for the issuance of a driver's license in Texas.
The Democrat wants to allow any illegal alien crossing the Texas-Mexico border who receives a “pending” status from the federal government to immediately receive a Texas driver's license.
Rather than a driver's license, how about we drive them back across the border?
“The Biden Administration has, over the course of the previous two years, abused and circumvented federal immigration law to create literally millions with ongoing pending legal status that may be covered by this bill. If this bill is passed, Texas may be forced to issue driver’s licenses to people who have no legal right to reside in the United States, but who have been given a pending status by illicit programs created by the current presidential administration.” – Chris Russo, Texans for Strong Borders
Lawmakers Slow to Act on Child Gender Mutilation Ban
With just over a month left in Texas’ 88th Legislative Session, the Senate has approved a measure to ban child gender mutilation but the House has yet to take action. Katy Marshall examines the status of the legislative push in the context of the constitutional calendar.
The issue is one of the Republican Party of Texas’ legislative priorities, calling for a complete ban on "chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, genital mutilation, bodily alteration surgery, psychological/social transitioning, and any other methods applied to or performed on children."
Yesterday, the Texas House Calendars Committee – staffed with Speaker Phelan's most loyal legislators – voted unanimously to further delay action on Senate legislation designed to protect children.
House Restores Penalties For Illegal Voting
Texas GOP priority legislation to restore felony penalties for illegal voting has finally advanced in the state House, with Republicans approving the measure and Democrats opposed. Erin Anderson has the story.
Republicans are fixing a problem they themselves created (at the behest of the Democrats) two years ago. That's when an amendment to comprehensive election reform legislation reduced the penalty from a felony to a misdemeanor. Yesterday's party-line vote in the Texas House restores the penalties to what they had been.
Democrats opposed the fix, calling it unnecessary and claiming it would create a “chilling effect” on voters.
The Senate passed a similar measure more than a month ago.
Corrupting Texas Education
All week the investigative team at Texas Scorecard has been looking at the influence of leftwing non-profit entities in the state’s public schools – ones that have ties to the Communist Party in China.
The series concludes at noon today with a look at the woke Dell Foundation's involvement in Texas public education.
For the series, a review of multiple documents from the Texas Education Agency, the U.S. Department of Education, and other sources reveal that while the Gates and Dell Foundations, as well as other institutions, market themselves as doing good for underserved communities, they are pushing the indoctrination of students and teachers with leftist propaganda.
In the cases examined in this series, these entities have offered faulty solutions to poorly identified problems, only for their proposed programs to crumble – leaving school districts and parents picking up the pieces.
Texas Cities Want More Debt Backed By Property Tax Burdens
Ten Texas cities have put a combined $1.7 billion in bond propositions on the May 6 ballot. Bond debt is used to finance spending on big projects, reports Erin Anderson, and all the borrowed bond money must be repaid with interest by local property taxpayers.
Texas cities currently owe a combined $40 billion in property tax-backed bond debt, plus another $50 billion in revenue-supported debt, according to the Texas Bond Review Board. Streets, parks, and even an airport top the list of projects that cities want to finance with the proposed bonds.
The cities are Arlington, Devine, Flower Mound, Frisco, McKinney, New Braunfels, Pearland, Richardson, Round Rock, and Rowlett.
Frisco is asking for nearly $500 million in new debt. The City of Arlington calls their proposed bond package a “five-year” program, but city property taxpayers would be footing the bill for 25 years – until the bonds are paid off in 2048.
📺 WATCH: The Headline
On this week's edition of The Headline with Brandon Waltens, State Sen. Brandon Creighton discusses the Senate’s efforts to rid higher education of CRT and DEI programs, as well as the status of his school choice proposal.
You can watch The Headline on the Apple TV or Roku apps, on an iOS or Android phone, or on the Texas Scorecard YouTube channel.
Friday Reflection: Stones and Dry Bones
by Michael Quinn Sullivan
Listen to the Reflections Podcast
Not long ago I was chatting with a fairly well-known conservative personality. He was lamenting that he “had” to be in the fight. As he talked about all the other things he thought he would “rather” be doing than be engaged in the cause of liberty, my thoughts turned to a bunch of dry bones.
The Prophet Ezekiel was told by God of the rebirth of Israel. In the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, that prophesy is followed up by a vision. In it, Ezekiel was taken to a valley full of bones. At God’s insistence, Ezekiel spoke words over the bones and they began to regather into men – taking on muscle and skin until eventually the valley was filled with a mighty army.
There are numerous interpretations of that section of scripture which are a lot more theologically heady than what I will offer here.
My read of that passage, and applying it to my own life, is similar to how I take the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3. There, we find John warning people about the arrogance of their lineage. “God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.”
In other words, I might not be as necessary as I may like to presume!
With that in mind, I find great joy in being allowed to do what I do every day. I meet men and women who joyfully volunteer their time and fortunes in the fight for liberty in our Republic. They are the rule, not the exception.
But some people – such as the fellow mentioned above – like to grumble. They want to be seen as reluctantly recruited into the fight because of some uniquely exulted quality they possess. They seem to suggest that were it not for being conscripted, they wouldn’t care about the issues confronting our Republic – much less be involved.
That’s exhausting.
If we are honest, very few of us are actually up to the task of saving the Republic. There is little doubt that what we do could be done more efficiently and effectively by a stone turned into a son or a heap of dry bones given new life. I don’t know about you, but I’m just excited to be on the team. Whether I get to make a big play or sit on the sidelines, I think it is cool I get to wear the jersey of a patriot engaged in one of the most consequential battles of human history.
Rather than grumble about our tasks and responsibilities, we should greet each new twist and turn in the journey as a joyful reminder that we get to be in the fight.
Quote-Unquote
"I fight on, I fight to win."
– Margaret Thatcher
Now Available: 'Reflections on Life & Liberty'
Drawing from scripture, history, and personal experience, “Reflections on Life and Liberty” focuses on the importance of citizenship and self-governance in the fight to save the American Republic.
The book comes in three formats: hardcover, paperback, and digital download. For now, "Reflections on Life & Liberty" is only available at Amazon.
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Quote: Tinker wrote in post #6Anyone here who did not know what the result of Dade Phelan getting re-elected Speaker would be cannot claim they weren't told.
The Texas Minute, presented by Texas Scorecard READ ONLINE
Good morning,
Promises of meaningful, lasting, and historic property tax relief seem to be fading. In today's One Click Survey, sound off on which property tax relief proposal you find most attractive.
Here is the Texas Minute for Monday, May 1, 2023.
– Michael Quinn Sullivan
Trump Gives Support In Texas Property Tax Fight
In a Sunday posting to his "Truth" social networking site, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the debate between the House and Senate property tax relief proposals. Brandon Waltens has the story.
The House and Senate have passed differing versions of property tax relief. The chief feature of the Senate’s proposal, championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, would increase the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $70,000 and allow seniors or disabled adults to get an additional $30,000. The House’s version, promoted by Speaker Dade Phelan, would reduce the maximum compressed rate for school taxes and limit how much the taxable value of a property can increase each year.
“I fully support Dan Patrick’s, and the Senate’s, $100K senior homestead exemption & $70K for those under 65,” wrote Trump, while calling “California Dade’s” plan a “disaster for Texas.”
Patrick has repeatedly criticized Phelan’s proposal as being similar to appraisal caps implemented in California which he blames for destroying their housing market, giving Phelan the nickname “California Dade” in the process. Patrick serves as the chair of Trump’s Texas Elected Leadership Team.
This is not the first time Trump has opposed Phelan. In 2021, Trump took aim at Phelan over election security issues and pledged to work against him in the 2022 primary election. Phelan, however, ultimately ran unopposed.
House Moves Measure to ‘Rein In Rogue Prosecutors’
Under legislation advanced in the Texas House, district attorneys will need to think twice about turning a blind eye to certain crimes under the guise of “prosecutorial discretion.” Darrell Frost has the details.
House Bill 17 by State Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield) expands the definition of “official misconduct” to include “a prosecuting attorney’s adoption or enforcement of a policy of categorically refusing to prosecute specific criminal offenses under state law.”
Residents who believe the prosecuting attorney is engaging in such misconduct can submit a petition for the prosecutor's removal from office. Public statements expressing an intent not to enforce certain laws would be sufficient grounds for removal.
Cook said the purpose of the legislation is to “remove politics from prosecution,” arguing that failure to enforce the law “set a dangerous precedent.”
The Texas Senate passed a similar version of the bill in early April.
Senate Sets (Limited) ‘Guardrails’ Against COVID Mandates
Senators passed legislation last week designed to protect individual rights from restrictions and mandates related to COVID-19, but not any other communicable diseases.
The measure was authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham). The legislation blocks schools and institutions of higher education, both public and private, from requiring students to receive a vaccine for COVID-19. It also bars the Department of State Health Services and the Health and Human Services Commission from revising the list of required childhood vaccinations without legislative approval.
Hospitals and medical clinics would not be allowed to deny service on the basis of a patient’s COVID-19 vaccination status, and any facility that violates this restriction would become ineligible to receive Medicaid funds.
The lone exception to that policy was inserted at the behest of State Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills). He wants hospitals to be able to require a COVID-19 vaccine in order to receive an organ transplant or treatment for cancer.
The legislation must pass the House within the next month before it can go to the governor’s desk.
Court Sides With Dad Who Exposed Explicit Materials In School Library
When outraged parents exposed explicit materials in school libraries this past year, one Texas dad was banned from school property for speaking out––a months-long suspension that has only just been lifted. Sydnie Henry has the details.
Samuel Hall, whose children attend schools in McKinney Independent School District, spoke out against the explicit materials in an April 2022 school board meeting, stating that “I’m here to protect these kids and I expect you to do the same.”
When Hall attempted to attend McKinney ISD’s May 2022 school board meeting, he was intercepted by police outside the building and blocked from entering on the orders of School Board President Amy Dankel – who spent months rejecting parents’ concerns.
Police officers accused Hall of calling the school board “a bunch of pedophiles,” but Hall denied the accusation, stating, “I did not call them pedophiles. I said they support pedophilia.”
Now, an administrative judge with the Texas Education Agency has ruled the trespass citation invalid, because Hall was never given a verbal warning first and “because it would severely impair his ability to partner in his children’s education.”
Hall told Texas Scorecard the judge’s ruling is a "huge win for parents and families."
McKinney ISD’s conservative board member Chad Green told Texas Scorecard the district’s actions over the past year have been disappointing. “I am very happy that Mr. Hall has been vindicated by the Texas Education Agency and his rights to participate in the education of his children restored.”
Hundreds Gathered at Capitol to Support Border Security
A crowd stood on the south lawn as speakers from across the country encouraged Texas to stand in the gap to secure the border as the federal government refuses to enforce U.S. law. Sydnie Henry covered the event.
🎧 LISTEN NOW: Episode 3 of EXPOSED: Border Invasion
Season 5 of Texas Scorecard's highly acclaimed EXPOSED podcast series is titled "Border Invasion."
Listen now to Episode 3: "The Frontlines." Texas is facing an unprecedented open border crisis. As Mexican drug cartels smuggle indentured servants and drugs across the southern border, Texans are struggling to fend off the invasion.
EXPOSED is available everywhere you listen to podcasts.
Today In History
On May 1, 1718, the San Antonio de Valero Mission was founded in present-day San Antonio. The mission moved several times in the 18th Century before settling in 1724 at the location that became known in 1793 as the Alamo.
Quote-Unquote
"If a man's from Texas, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him by asking?"
– John Gunther
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
U.S. troops are being sent to the border... to help process illegal aliens into the country. Meanwhile, Democrats are being allowed to push radical climate policies in the Texas House.
This is the Texas Minute for Thursday, May 4, 2023.
– Michael Quinn Sullivan
BUT FIRST... Last month saw the publication of my book Reflections on Life & Liberty. If your church group, club, or organization would like for me to speak about the book or the topics it covers, jump over to our website and complete the speaker request form.
Travis County Refuses To Prosecute Leftist Disruptors
Earlier this week, the proceedings of the Texas House were disrupted by left-wing, transsexual activists during consideration of legislation designed to protect children. Sydnie Henry reports one protester was arrested for assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and disrupting a public meeting.
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza is refusing to prosecute the case.
Not surprisingly, Garza's campaign for office was bankrolled by an organization funded by leftist financier George Soros.
Democrats Don't Like The 10 Commandments
Texas public schools could soon be required to display a copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, but a Democrat lawmaker has criticized the proposal as “idolatrous,” “exclusionary,” and “arrogant.” Darrell Frost has the story.
Senate Bill 1515 by State Sen. Phil King (R–Weatherford) passed the Texas Senate by a vote of 17-12 on April 20 and was considered during a hearing of the House Public Education Committee this week. The House sponsor, Candy Noble (R-Lucas), told her colleagues that the Ten Commandments “are foundational to our American education system and to our American judicial system.”
The language proposed for the required posting is identical to that found on the Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the State Capitol.
State Rep. James Talarico (D–Austin), however, attacked the legislation. He suggested – seriously – that schools should get parental consent before the Ten Commandments are posted in their children’s classrooms.
Talarico has opposed efforts to rid school libraries of porn, but he’s troubled by the Ten Commandments. Those two things are most definitely related.
HALL: Democrats are Passing Radical Climate Policies
Radical climate policies are getting the green light in the GOP-dominated Texas House. In a new commentary, Terri Hall explains that Green New Deal proposals "are sailing through the House Transportation Committee with barely a whimper of opposition from Republicans."
This is happening, she notes, because Democrats chair significant committees, including House Transportation, where these policies are being pushed.
On the legislative docket for today, warns hall, is HB 3418 by State Rep. Terry Canales (R-Edinburg). It authorizes a study on the ways to "impose a state mileage tax" on Texans.
"Where is the Republican pushback to these radical environmental policies aimed at punishing drivers?" – Terri Hall
Biden Sends Troops To Help Process Illegals Into The U.S.A.
As the deadline for Title 42 hovers over border states, President Joe Biden has approved sending 1,500 U.S. troops to the southern border. But as Emily Wilkerson reports, they will not be used to repel the invasion but rather assist in processing the illegals into the country.
Title 42 was issued at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was designed to allow customs enforcement to send illegal aliens from “COVID-19 impacted” countries—such as Canada and Mexico—back to their country of origin without processing them. The Title 42 authority expires on May 12.
According to administration officials, the troops being sent to the border would come from a variety of active duty Army units and would mostly serve administrative and transport roles.
So, basically, the U.S. military is being used to aid and abet the open-border policies of this administration rather than block the cartel-driven invasion.
MILLER: "Professional and Respectful Work Attire"
In a new commentary, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller explains why he decided to adopt a "professional and respectful" dress code for his agency.
"The handful of people screaming bloody murder over this are radical activists who have found a small but vocal community of the easily outraged willing to project their nonsense onto the rest of us via social media and left-captured national media," writes Miller. "What you do in your own time is your own business. What you do at the TDA, on the taxpayers’ dime, is very much my business and the business of every other TDA employee, contractor, and Texan we work with … but not woke bullies with an axe to grind."
U.T. Tried To Replace Women...
The University of Texas has been caught endorsing the idea of replacing "women" with "wimmin." Seriously. Katy Marshall has the (laughable) details.
Investigative journalist Christopher Rufo posted images from the University of Texas at Austin’s website showing a glossary of terms from the university’s Financial and Administrative Services department. The “Language Matters” glossary defined the radical gender theory term “wimmin.”
After Rufo exposed the UT FAS’ language glossary, the university removed the document from its website.
Woke Congressman Launches Failing Campaign
In a presidential election year certain to be bad for Democrats in Texas, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D) is giving up his seat in Congress to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Soli Rice has the details.
In his campaign announcement, Allred played up his status as a former NFL player and focused less on his left-wing record in Congress. He has amassed a legislative record in direct contradiction to what polling and election results show are important to Texas voters.
It has been almost 30 years since Democrats in Texas have held a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Number of the Day
10,917
Number of days since June 13, 1993 – the last day a Democrat served in the U.S. Senate from Texas.
[Source: calendar]
Today in History
On May 4, 1776, Rhode Island became the first colony to declare independence from England.
Quote-Unquote
"Socialists cry 'power to the people,' and raise the clenched fist as they say it. We all know what they really mean: power over people, power to the State."
– Margaret Thatcher
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Here is the Texas Minute for Thursday, May 11, 2023.
– Brandon Waltens
As Trump-era Border Policy Ends, Invasion Gets Worse...
With the Trump-era Title 42 immigration policy expiring at midnight tonight, thousands are preparing to flood across into Texas and the country illegally. Katy Marshall has the details.
Title 42 is a public health order that allows customs officials to send illegal aliens from “COVID-19 impacted” areas back across the border without processing them through the federal court system.
The Biden administration has reportedly ordered Border Patrol officers to release illegal aliens into the U.S. without proper processing when the order expires.
According to a new report, if nongovernmental organizations run out of resources to house illegal aliens, Border Patrol will release them without setting a court date or registering them with the immigration program “Alternatives to Detention.” Although they will be on “parole,” Border Patrol will only instruct them to visit an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office.
Already, Border Patrol has apprehended 26,000 illegal aliens and reported more than 7,000 “got-aways” entering the country. A “got-away” is an illegal alien crossing the border seen on camera or involved in a pursuit, but never apprehended.
...But Don't Count on the Texas House to Stop It
As Texas braces for the coming onslaught, several border security measures were approved in a late-night meeting of the Texas House that lasted until nearly 2 a.m. Sydnie Henry followed the action.
The centerpiece bill, however, was defeated after House Speaker Dade Phelan sustained a point of order on the bill, sending it back to committee past the deadline for bills to be considered.
House Bill 20 by State Rep. Matt Schaefer (R–Tyler) would have created a Border Protection Unit to operate under the authority of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The BPU would be responsible for the construction and maintenance of a physical barrier wall. It would include commissioned and noncommissioned officers in accordance with the needs of the BPU.
Most importantly, per a legislative finding or order from the governor that a state of invasion or imminent danger persists under Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, the BPU would have the authority to return illegal aliens to Mexico if certain conditions were met.
State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D–Dallas) raised a point of order, arguing that the measure addresses two subjects and that the bill caption was insufficient. House Speaker Dade Phelan (R–Beaumont) sustained Anchia’s motion, killing the bill. Although 10 members can appeal the ruling of the chair, allowing the full body to vote on whether to sustain the ruling, no such vote took place.
Army Sgt. Daniel Perry Sentenced to 25 Years
Following the trial of Army Sgt. Daniel Perry, who shot and killed an armed Black Lives Matter protester in the summer of 2020, a verdict has been reached, sentencing Perry to 25 years in prison.
His sentence could be cut short, however, as Gov. Greg Abbott has asked for an expedited review of the case to issue a pardon. Emily Wilkerson has the story.
In early April, a Travis County jury convicted Perry of murdering 28-year-old Garrett Foster. In downtown Austin on July 25, 2020, Foster had pointed an AK-47 at Perry while a group of BLM protestors surrounded his car and began to bang on it. Perry, who was stationed at Fort Hood and was driving for Uber for extra income, says he honked his car horn at protestors blocking an intersection. Perry’s defense team says Foster raised the firearm at Perry, leading him to use his handgun in self-defense.-- excerpt, rest at link above --
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Legislation to expand parental choice in education has experienced yet another setback in the Texas House, as the clock ticks on the legislative session in Austin.
Passed by the Senate over a month ago, Senate Bill 8 by State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R–Conroe) would fund education savings accounts at $8,000 per student a year and provide a reimbursement of $10,000 to rural school districts with fewer than 20,000 students for each student who withdraws from public school.
In addition to creating ESAs, Senate Bill 8 would expand parental rights by standardizing the district grievance process, requiring consent for the administration of any psychological tests, providing transparency of instructional materials, and prohibiting teaching on sexual orientation or gender identity.
While the bill has stalled for over a month in the House, a new version—known as a committee substitute—is being proposed that would further limit the number of students the bill would apply to as well as remove the parental protections on radical gender ideology in school curriculum.
Even this further watered down version is having issues in the House.
While committees are required by the House rules to give three days’ notice before meeting, it is customary for House members to grant exceptions so that committees can pass bills out, especially in the final days of the session.
When the chair of the Public Education Committee recently attempted to do just that, however, the House voted 65-76 against their meeting.
The Border Invasion Gets Worse
Thousands of illegal aliens are flooding north to, and past, Texas’ border with Mexico, as Title 42 comes to an end. Throughout the day on Thursday, they were seen crossing the border south of El Paso without any consequences or resistance from state and local officials. Michael Quinn Sullivan reports from El Paso.
As federal officials, military personnel, and state law enforcement looked on, illegal aliens brazenly cut through freshly laid razor wire to enter holding areas established by federal officials.
In El Paso, one young man told Texas Scorecard he had been “bused” through Mexico from El Salvador. He wore new shoes, apparently a gift from one of the groups enabling the flow of illegal aliens once they come into the country. He did not want to answer questions about how his trip was funded. When asked why he came to the U.S., the young man smiled and walked away.
During the day Thursday, migrants—individuals who were not yet in the U.S. illegally—could be seen often running to holding areas. They were not being chased, but rather attempting to get in line ahead of hundreds—possibly tens of thousands—of others coming behind them.
📺 WATCH: Ted Cruz on The Headline
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joins The Headline today to talk about the disastrous failures that have led to this crisis on the southern border.
You can watch The Headline on the Apple TV or Roku apps, on an iOS or Android phone, or on the Texas Scorecard YouTube channel.
Legislation to Combat Child Trafficking Heads to Governor
Texas lawmakers delivered legislation to the governor’s desk that strengthens state and local officials’ authority to investigate, prosecute, and prevent child sex trafficking—a multibillion-dollar racket that is one of the fastest-growing organized crime activities in the United States. Erin Anderson has the details.
In 2016, an estimated 79,000 minors were victims of sex trafficking in Texas.
Senate Bill 1527 by State Sen. Joan Huffman (R–Houston), which includes several provisions to crack down on criminals who sexually exploit children, was finally sent to Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week.
The legislation increases penalties for certain sex trafficking and child pornography crimes, allows more evidence to be considered during prosecutions, and adds protections for trafficking victims.
Texas A&M Pushes DEI
Another public Texas university is promoting critical race theory and other divisive racial ideologies to students.
Katy Marshall details a new report from investigative journalist Christopher Rufo explaining how Texas A&M University is expanding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts across all college departments in a “stunning process of ideological capture.”
Rufo shared documents from A&M’s Office of Diversity describing the university’s Academic Affairs Climate and Diversity Committee, which is implementing the school’s “Diversity Plan.”
Another document shows how university leadership embraced the idea that Texas A&M is a “systemically racist institution” following the racial unrest sparked by George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Earlier this week, the Texas House Higher Education Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 17, which would prohibit public universities from establishing a DEI office, using DEI criteria in their hiring practices, or requiring employees or prospective employees to attend DEI trainings.
Although the issue is one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities, the House committee left SB 17 pending.
Friday Reflection: Just Keep Doing Good!
by Michael Quinn Sullivan
Listen to the Reflections Podcast
There are a lot of quirky phrases we use every day, and everyone knows what we mean when we say them, even if we don’t exactly know where they come from … phrases like “face the music” or “keep your eyes peeled.” I’m honored to have my brain picked, but I’m worried when someone says they have a bone to pick with me.
Perhaps my favorite such phrase is “Idle hands are the Devil’s workshop.” Okay, “favorite” might be a stretch. Perhaps it is better to say that phrase has been used often in my life, directed at me … by myself as often as by others.
No one gets in more trouble than someone who is idle. We were made to be active and productive. Something deep within our created spirit knows that “doing nothing” isn’t natural, and so in idleness, we start doing what we shouldn’t.
St. Paul addressed that in his second letter to the people of Thessalonica. In the NIV translation, the letter warns the readers “to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.” In the ESV, it is rendered as “keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”
Whichever of those you prefer, the ordering is purposeful. The warning is against spending time with those believers – those “brothers” – who are idle. Like a virus, the state of being idle is a degenerative disease. When it grips its victim, even the “believer” is drawn into disruptive activities and – very quickly – outright sin. As Paul later adds, “some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.”
We see this all the time.
In my experience, lawmakers go bad – and get trapped in scandal – because they spend free time away from their families, friends, and the accountability of honest work back home. They end up hanging out in places they shouldn’t with bad company, rather than making the effort to go home – even if it is to “face the music” from their constituents. They justify it by the sympathy-inducing claim of needing to “get rest.” But more often than not, that “rest” turns into idleness, which leads to distractions that are altogether unrighteous.
A friend, who knows himself and his own susceptibility to vice, likes to say he can get rest when he’s dead. That’s probably the right way to look at it, scripturally. By the standard of St. Paul’s life, I certainly think he would agree with the sentiment.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul made a pretty explicit promise. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”
I take that to mean this: When I am feeling weighed down by a calling to be in the fight, I need to fight harder. When I’m feeling tired of being engaged, I need to look for more to do. I am called to be faithful in fighting forward.
Our high calling as citizens is to never, never, never give up. But our even higher calling, as a people of faith, is to keep pressing upward in doing good.
Quote-Unquote
"I begin to think, that a calm is not desirable in any situation in life... Man was made for action."
– Abigail Adams
Now Available: 'Reflections on Life & Liberty'
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Yesterday, we asked if readers thought Gov. Greg Abbott should call a special session if lawmakers don't deliver on comprehensive school choice legislation.
Find the answers at the conclusion of today's Texas Minute.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging a new border policy by the Biden administration that is allowing thousands of illegal aliens into the country. Emily Wilkerson has the details.
The new policy was implemented last week and allows illegal aliens to be released into the country through the means of a "humanitarian parole" if U.S. Customs and Border Protection faces overcrowding. Rather than giving court dates to the illegal aliens, the new policy would allow them to provide mailing addresses and promise to appear at an ICE facility within 60 days to ask for a court date.
Paxton says the new policy is a deliberate attempt to destroy American border security.
Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are among the states that have joined Paxton's lawsuit. They argue the policy is unlawful because it wasn’t adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit also argues that states like Texas will be required to spend additional funds on law enforcement, education, and healthcare for illegal immigrants, costing state taxpayers tens of millions of dollars each year.
The Biden plan was pushed as the Trump-era "Title 42" border protections were allowed to expire.
Gov. Abbott Ships More Illegals To Kamala Harris' Residence
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has resumed busing illegal aliens to Vice President Kamala Harris’ front door. As Katy Marshall reports, dozens of illegal aliens were bused to Washington, D.C., outside the official residence of Vice President Kamala Harris.
In March 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Harris as his administration’s “border czar” and tasked her with finding ways to alleviate the border crisis. Abbott said Harris has failed in her assignment.
“Texans and Americans deserve a real Border Czar who will step up and face Biden’s border crisis head on,” said Abbott.
The governor has said Texas taxpayers' have bused more than 17,000 illegal aliens from the Lone Star State to self-described "sanctuary cities" for illegals. More than 9,000 have been sent to Washington, D.C.
Patrick Says Senate Won’t Waste Time on Sports Gambling Legislation
Despite taking up hours of debate in the Texas House last week, legislation to expand gambling is officially dead on arrival in the Senate. Brandon Waltens has the story.
As part of a lobby-driven effort from out-of-state corporations to expand gambling in Texas, State Rep. Jeff Leach (R–Plano) wanted to allow online sports betting in the Lone Star State. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the measure does not have support from Republican senators, and therefore will not see the light of day.
"I’ve said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP. I polled members this week. Nothing changed. The Senate must focus on issues voters expect us to pass. We don’t waste time on bills without overwhelming GOP support." – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
The comments come as part of Patrick’s increasingly public frustration with the House’s slow pace toward passing conservative priorities while instead pushing instead items that have little public support.-- excerpt, rest at link above --
"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:22 am (Last edited: Mon May 01, 2023 10:54 am)
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