Texas Weekly

July 30, 2024

Here's what we're tracking...

1.?? Customary pre-session budget priorities letter from Abbott, Patrick and Phelan causes stir

In their customary letter to state agencies outlining their Legislative Appropriations Requests (LARs), Texas’ Big 3 leaders - the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speake of the House - have caused a pre-session stir.

• Typically they issue one letter signed by all 3, but this time Speaker Phelan did not join the letter with Abbott and Patrick. While the two letters were almost identical, there was one major difference...

2. ?? Texas agency outlines how it will spend $1 billion for water infrastructure projects

Last week the Texas Water Development Board held a public meeting to discuss and outline details on how it will spend $1 billion for water infrastructure projects.

• In 2023 the Texas Legislature passed legislation and Texas voters then voted to approve $1 billion for a “Texas Water Fund” to fund projects to address a range of water issues, including water loss and quality, acquiring new water sources, and deteriorating pipes.

Why it matters: In last week’s meeting the TWDB began dividing the $1 billion in taxpayer approved money among different types of water infrastructure and supply projects, including...

3. ?? Governor Abbott announces Sentinel School Safety System

Governor Abbott has announced the launch of Sentinel, a new safety and security system for Texas schools. Sentinel is provided by the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Office of School Safety and Security and is available to all schools in the state at no cost.

Why it matters: In light of increasing concerns about school safety and recent incidents of gun violence in schools, “Sentinel represents a continued focus on student and staff safety” says Texas School Safety and Security Chief John P. Scott. Sentinel aims to improve...

4. ?? Harris and Biden make trips to Texas following Presidential election candidate shake-up, plus Biden announces SCOTUS reform proposals during Austin speech

VP Kamala Harris, who is now the presumptive 2024 Democrat Presidential nominee, traveled to Houston last week on Thursday to address the annual conference of the American Federation of Teachers.

President Joe Biden was in Austin today for a rescheduled appearance at the LBJ Presidential Library to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. He also outlined...

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