Texas received $16.3 billion from the federal government as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The money is to help Texas recover from the impact of the pandemic. The legislature passed Senate Bill 8, appropriating $13.3 billion ARPA dollars to specific needs. The balance of $3 billion will be allocated by the next legislature.Largest … [Read more...]
Billions in Federal Dollars Being Invested in Texas
87th Texas Legislature May Finally be Over
After 140-days of regular session and 90-days of special called sessions, it appears Governor Abbott is sending the legislature home, at least for the rest of the year. What came out of the special legislative sessions? Redistricting was the main thing and all four maps which needed to be redrawn and signed by the Governor passed the House and … [Read more...]
Early Voting Continues Today for November 2nd Election
The 87th Texas Legislature, during the regular session, passed 8 changes to the Texas Constitution. These required a two-thirds vote of both the state House and Senate and approval by the Governor. In addition, they must be approved by Texas Voters. These 8 “Propositions” are on the November 2nd ballot. Early voting for that election continues … [Read more...]
Legislative Special Session 3: Seven More Days
The Texas House has introduced 157 bills in the third special session not counting House Resolutions and Joint Resolutions. Seventy-seven percent (121 bills) have not been referred to committee as of today. Today the House is taking up HB1 which calls for approval of the Redistricting Committee map. There were 70 prefilled amendments to be debated. … [Read more...]
Redistricting: Texas Senate Map Look Final, House Map Still in Process
Pending the certain litigation to come, the Texas Senate has redrawn the 31 Texas State Senate districts. The new map has been passed in the Senate and sent to the House for approval. Traditionally the House does not change the Senate map. Passed in the House it will go to the Governor for signature.Redistricting for the Texas House, Senate, State … [Read more...]
Governor Abbott Calls Second Special Session
Governor Greg Abbott has called the Legislature back for a second special session of the 87th Texas Legislature to begin at noon on Saturday, August 7th. All of the 11 items on the call for the first session are on the second call plus 6 items added by the Governor for this session.Only items included on the “call” can be considered by the … [Read more...]