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Today’s stories
JEFF LEACH, performing for leadership (and possibly a donor), signaled yesterday morning that the House would be embarking on an exercise in brinksmanship.
In the early afternoon, Leach, along with Speaker Pro Tem Joe Moody (D-El Paso), motioned that the House adjourn until Sunday. With approaching deadlines, the maneuver means the death of several priority measures for the GOP.
Jeff’s tantrum over Phelan’s prioritized Democrat bills and a lack of activity on his own pet project, criminal justice reform, will kill Republican priorities. The Senate is killing Democrat priorities elevated by Speaker Phelan (like Medicaid expansion) and stripping House amendments to otherwise good bills.
The problem with Leach’s position isn’t that his bills don’t have merit; it’s that they are properly prioritized. When lawmakers don’t get to the people's work, pet projects, even ones that deserve attention, get shuffled.
Leach wasn’t the only House Republican signaling yesterday.
Lyle Larson responded to news that a Democrat-conceived amendment to the state budget (carried by Rep. Morrisson) requiring a special session to allocate federal funding had been stripped during conference committee, hinting that the budget might not be approved, forcing a special session.
Lawmakers have had their power stripped during the pandemic, with Governor Abbott ruling via executive order. This measure was one of the only clawbacks that lawmakers mustered the courage to pass, pitiful.
Related: Abbott priority legislation will give CDC power over Texans
CRITICAL RACE THEORY is being forced onto Texas teachers and students. The Daily Wire has reported on Leander ISD threatening teachers that if they “can’t get on board,” they will be “managed out.”
CONCEALED CARRY looks like it will be headed out of conference committee.
Hit the links
4-Year-Old Cash Gernon Died Of Multiple Stab Wounds
Senate passes statewide ban on public campaign
Cornyn calls for a per-mile tax on truckers
Broadband expansion sold as “for the kids.”
Is 30% of Texans vaccinated the ceiling? 30k doses tossed in last two weeks
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