As time runs out next week on the fourth special session, Gov. Greg Abbott said he will continue to fight for school choice, despite the Texas House once again decisively rejecting it when 21 Republicans largely from rural districts joined Democrats in stripping it from a $7.6 billion education bill. The Austin American-Statesman reported it is unclear what Abbott’s next move will be.
Some men live only a short life, but one moment can be remembered for generations. James Fannin was a planter, businessman, solider, and family man. He was only 32 when he died during the Texas Revolution. Fannin’s death would be a rallying cry across Texas, but his early life was one far from the concerns of the Texas frontier and the politics of Mexico.
A sweeping border security bill that allows state and local police to arrest undocumented migrants is headed to Gov. Greg Abbot’s desk, The Dallas Morning News reported. The bill also allows state district judges to order those migrants be returned to Mexico.
In one of the most delicate moments in the history of Texas, Anson Jones stood at the center. When Sam Houston became president of the Texas Republic a second time in December 1841, he quickly named Jones as secretary of state. Looking at continuing skirmishes with Mexico and failing finances, Houston hoped to try annexation a second time. Jones, a physician by training, had to navigate the chaotic diplomatic waters.
The Texas Legislature, conceived as a part-time body to meet every other year for 140 days, is now in its record fifth session (counting the regular session). When the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is included, legislators have been in Austin pretty much the entire year, as the Texas Tribune noted. While legislators are paid just $7,200 a year in salary, per diem payments – meant to cover their expenses while in Austin – have mounted. If the fourth special session goes a full 30 days, taxpayers will have spent $4.8 million keeping lawmakers in Austin.
306 West Main St
Atlanta, TX 75551
903.796.7133