Latest News
State Sen. Nathan Johnson: Nobody in the Capitol ‘would ever call me timid’
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 21, 2023
State Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) said he's not worried about having an opponent to run against because it will show constituents what he is capable of as a legislator. Johnson was recently challenged in the upcoming election by fellow state Democrat Victoria Neave Criado who currently serves as a state Representative in the Texas House.
Texas business groups announce the creation of a childcare task force
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 21, 2023
A coalition of Texas business groups has announced the formation of an Employers Childcare Task Force, which will devise a strategic childcare policy agenda for the 2025 legislative session. The coalition is spearheaded by the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Association of Business, Early Matters Texas, and Texas 2036.
ACLU of Texas challenges Senate Bill 4 in court
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 20, 2023
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas has announced that it is filing a lawsuit to challenge Senate Bill 4 (SB-4), following its signing into law by Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican from Texas. SB-4 permits local and state law enforcement officials in Texas to detain anyone they suspect of illegally entering the state.
Texas Classroom Teachers Association announces importance of upcoming primaries in ongoing school choice and school funding debates.
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 14, 2023
The Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) has expressed its belief that the issue of education savings accounts, despite being defeated in the 4th Special Session, will persist. The association also advocates for significant increases in public school funding in Texas.
The ACLU of Texas is very concerned about SB-4
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 12, 2023
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, a prominent civil rights organization, has partnered with other groups in the state to express apprehension about the potential consequences of Senate Bill 4 (SB-4). This legislation authorizes state law enforcement to arrest individuals suspected of illegal entry into the country. Prior to Governor Greg Abbott's signing of the bill last week, the ACLU voiced legal and ethical concerns regarding the proposed law.
ALEC names Senator Paul Bettencourt '2023 Legislator of the Year'
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 30, 2023
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the largest nonpartisan organization of state legislators, gave Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt (SD-7) the "2023 Legislator of the Year" for his work to pass historic property tax relief in Texas this year. This award recognizes lawmakers who demonstrate leadership and commitment to ALEC’s principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.
Rep. Andrew Murr becomes the seventh House Republican to not seek re-election
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 27, 2023
Representative Andrew Murr (District 53) recently announced that he will not seek re-election, saying the sacrifices he and his family have made are too great to continue in the Texas House. This move marks him as the seventh House Republican in recent times to make such a decision.
Efforts to pass school choice in Texas grind to a halt in the 4th special session
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 20, 2023
On Friday a much anticipated vote on HB1, the omnibus school funding legislation, was set on the House floor. There was a lot of speculation about what the outcome would be on the package which included Governor Greg Abbott’s top public policy priority, education savings accounts (ESAs).
New report says Texas faces an elevated risk of insufficient electricity supplies this winter
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 17, 2023
Texas and other parts of the U.S. face an elevated risk of energy emergencies in extreme conditions for the upcoming winter. In a new report, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) says that Texas is at higher risk of insufficient electricity supplies this winter than last year.
TPPF applauds passage of major border security bills in Texas House
By Press Release | Nov 16, 2023
Today, the Texas House passed two major border security bills that are essential to reining in the border crisis, protecting Texas communities, and asserting Texas sovereignty. Senate Bill 3 has been amended and will return to the Senate. Senate Bill 4 will head to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk.
Senator Cesar Blanco voices opposition to a bill creating a criminal offense for crossing the border
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 15, 2023
Senator Cesar Blanco, recently voiced his opposition to Senate Bill 3, an effort by the Texas Legislature to make border crossings a criminal offense, saying it would be a costly and ineffective solution and that immigration is an issue for the federal government, not the State of Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 4 - State Authority to Enforce the Border
By Press Release | Nov 10, 2023
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 4, State Authority to Enforce the Border, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock.
Texas Homeschool Coalition encouraged by the support for homeschool children in school choice bills
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 9, 2023
The Texas Homeschool Coalition, an organization that represents homeschool parents and children in Texas, is responding positively to the support for homeschool parents and children in SB1 and HB1. However, it still has reservations about other provisions of the legislation. Jeremy Newman from the coalition expressed his optimism on this legislative initiative stating, "Yes, we're definitely encouraged. It appears to us that the legislature is taking this seriously enough that an ESA bill will actual pass either during this session session or a subsequent one."
Governor Abbott Announces Fourth Special Session Agenda
By Press Release | Nov 8, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott today announced Special Session #4 and issued a proclamation identifying agenda items for the special session that begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
State Sen. Drew Springer Will Not Seek Reelection
By Sen. Drew Springer | Nov 7, 2023
Today, I announce my decision not to seek reelection after 12 incredible years in service to the people of Texas. This decision has been a deeply personal one, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported me throughout this journey.
Ken King Seeks Re-Election as State Representative for House District 88
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 6, 2023
Chairman Ken King announced today he intends for run for the seat he currently holds representing 19 counties in the Texas Panhandle. South Plains, and the Permian Basin. Chairman King was first elected to the Texas House in 2012 and has had a highly successful run representing the hard-working Texans of House District 88.
Representative Ellen Troxclair: 'Empowering parents improves outcomes for all students, including public school students'
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 6, 2023
Texas State Representative Ellen Troxclair expressed her optimism for the future of Texas students, as legislative progress is being made towards an education freedom bill that allows parents more agency in their children's education. Additionally, plans are underway to further fund public schools and boost teachers' salaries.
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Mandy Drogin at TPPF optimistic the legislature will pass Education Savings Accounts
By Lone Star Standard | Nov 6, 2023
Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director for Next Generation Texas at the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), expressed her belief that an Education Savings Accounts (ESA) bill will pass in the House this session. While Senate Bill 1, which aims to establish ESAs, is a significant step forward, she urged the House to improve the legislation by extending its reach to more Texan families.
Senator Drew Springer assists Chhaupadi in handing out free period supplies
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 26, 2023
Senator Drew Springer, a Texas Senator, recently joined forces with the nonprofit organization Chhaupadi Inc. to distribute free period supplies outside a Walmart store. The initiative aimed to combat period poverty and raise awareness about the importance of feminine hygiene.
Representative Jarvis Johnson enters race for Senate District 15 to continue building a better Texas
By Press Release | Oct 25, 2023
State Representative Jarvis Johnson of House District 139 announced his bid to serve the constituents of Texas Senate District 15 as the Texas Legislature continues to play games with the lives of children and seniors. and everyday Houstonians.
