#TXLEGE: Abbott's Campaign Spending suggests GOP in good shape in Texas house

"and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times."
Matthew 16:3

Interesting:

I've got @GregAbbott_TX's campaign spending $1.8M across 20 battleground state House races on the latest TEC filings (Sept. 25-Oct. 24). The candidate breakdown: pic.twitter.com/wzcaXn7w7t

— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) October 28, 2020

Thoughts:

• It's fascinating that he's spending more on two central Texas districts currently held by Democrats than anywhere else.  Since he's Greg Abbott, he must obviously have polling data that suggests this is a good investment.  Think our distinguished #atxcouncil's police defunding policy had anything to do with this?!?

• Steve Allison won in 2018 by close to ten points, it's hard to imagine him being in real trouble.

• Ditto Craig Goldman...although we're less confident about that one based on his actions.

• That being said, Abbott seems to have completely written off Lacey Hull and Morgan Meyer.

• The only incumbent on this list who seems any realistic shot at losing is Jeff Leach, but even that one doesn't seem like a done deal.
• Note: If Leach actually wins, it likely means R's gain seats in the chamber.

• We'll see what happens with Matt Shaheen, but we'd be surprised if any of the seats below him on this list flip.

• All of which is to suggest there will be between 80 and 86 R's in the Texas house next session.
• Note: Absent our distinguished #atxcouncil's police defunding actions, that range is probably 78 to 84.

Remember: Abbott polls EVERYTHING.

Bottom Line: While there might be some tinkering around the edges, something roughly resembling the status quo seems likely to prevail.

#TXLEGE: Leach, Shaheen, ignore First Rule of Competitive General Elections

 

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (kjv)

How to lose a competitive general election in one press release:

My Joint Statement along with Representatives Jeff Leach, Scott Sanford & Justin Holland regarding Speaker Bonnen. #txlege pic.twitter.com/LcfiVUZeAg

— Matt Shaheen (@MattShaheen) October 18, 2019

In terms of substance, all four representatives should be embarrassed. But at least Justin Holland and Scott Sanford represent safe seats. Jeff Leach and Matt Shaheen do not:

Yet these geniuses are vocally defending Bonnen.

It doesn't take a genius to see how this plays out: Leach and Shaheen are attacked as lackeys of corruption.  They reply with a complicated, political, answer.  The public, hating those sorts of answers in the same way that they always have, votes for the non-incumbent.

Leach and Shaheen lose.

Rule #1 of competitive general elections: Additional baggage is bad.  It's difficult enough to get across the finish line on your own.  Other people's drama can only sink you.  All the blockwalking, messaging, and money in the world won't save you.

Yet Leach and Shaheen chose to do exactly that with Bonnen.

Like we said, doesn't take a genius.

Bottom Line: This will be one of the most predictable political attacks in the history of political attacks...and Leach and Shaheen won't have a good answer.

#TXLEGE: Oh, Dennis

"The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools."
Proverbs 3:35

Even from 1500 miles away, it was pretty difficult to miss to continued devolution of the Bonnen saga.

To write a full analysis of the past week would require more time than we have interest, but some thoughts:

• When we've been saying, for years, that state government in Texas is astonishingly corrupt...this is a pretty good example.

• The members defending Bonnen are a bunch of dickless chodes.
• aka. Mayes Middleton, Matt Shaheen, Drew Springer, Craig Goldman, and...especially...Jeff Leach.
• Update: Add James White, Scott Sanford, Brad Buckley, and Cole Hefner to the list.
• Update II: Add Tom Oliverson.

• We haven't seen this level of willful blindness to serious misconduct since Wallace Hall.

• Whether or not Bonnen survives as speaker is irrelevant.  Anyone who can get to 76 votes will be a scumbag.  Gib Lewis, Pete Laney, Tom Craddick, Joe Straus, and Dennis Bonnen have all sucked.

• This is the same Texas house that, nearly two years into the scandal, has yet to say a word about Jim Murphy.

• Does the Travis County DA have jurisdiction?!?

• This is FUN!!!

Bottom Line: These people brought this on themselves and deserve everything that's coming....

#TXLEGE: Repeal THIS protectionist racket for a small-ball health care win

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,"
Ephesians 3:20

Did you know that Texas has some of the most restrictive laws on who can provide medication in the country?!?  Neither did we, until we attended this afternoon's TPPF event: "Physician Dispense Laws: Can Texas Make Medications More Affordable?" Texas is worse than California on this.

Currently in Texas, if a Doctor writes a prescription, the patient is required by law to make a separate trip to a pharmacy to fill the prescription.  This despite the fact that it's legal in 46 other states for a doctor to dispense medication in their office.  That's asinine, and it drives up costs to consumers.

In some cases, those cost increases are dramatic: Panelists mentioned cost escalations of 60% to 80% on some drugs.

Fortunately, there's hope: HB 460, by Matt Shaheen, would address this issue.  The bill was heard last week.  It's currently pending in committee.

Shaheen specifically asked the public to talk to members of the Public Health committee.  Senfronia Thompson is chair.  We'll post her office contact info below.

If we're ever going to fix the health care system, this sort of small-ball effort is how you build the credibility necessary for that sort of undertaking.

Bottom Line: Honestly, the fact that California is better than us on this issue speaks for itself.

--------

Representative Senfronia Thompson:
Chair, House Committee on Public Health
(512) 463-0720

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Minjarez Physician Dispense... by on Scribd

#TXLEGE, #TribFest18: Freedom Caucus outlines plans for next session

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

[Note: We lost our notes from this panel, so this post is written from memory.]

Three members of the Matt caucus (Krause, Rinaldi, Schaefer) discussed next session during a Tribfest panel this afternoon.

On the speaker's race, their "powder is still dry."  No decisions have been made.  This is probably the appropriate course until after November.  That being said, we found it interesting that Travis Clardy attended the panel:

As for priorities, property taxes and a more rational school funding system.  All were open to the idea of more state funding to "buy down" school taxes.  It's a worthwhile idea, although there have to be some conditions.

We asked if it was, realistically speaking, possible to improve the property tax system without first abolishing taxpayer funded lobbying.  All three seem to think it can be done.  Consider us skeptical.

Guns and babies were also discussed.  Schaefer gave a really good answer as to why red flag laws don't solve the problem at hand.  He also spoke eloquently about how the job of government is to protect life.

Bottom Line: It's too soon to make any predictions, but next session is going to be interesting....

Taxpayer Funded Lobbying: Financial and Spiritual ABOMINATION

"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage."
2 Peter 2:19

This morning, TPPF hosted a Policy Orientation Panel, "Should local governments use Taxpayer Money to hire lobbyists?!?"  Obviously, anyone who's read this website for more than 5 minutes knows where we stand.  But it was still an interesting discussion.

From a strategic perspective, the most important takeaway is that nobody was willing to show up to defend the practice.  This despite the fact that TPPF extended "over 20" invitations to groups one would expect to be supportive.   That's notable because we've learned from experience that when people are no longer willing to show up at TPPF to defend a practice, it's often a sign that those involved know they've lost the argument.

The panel featured local Austin attorney Roger Borgelt and a staffer for Representative Matt Shaheen [Note: Shaheen had been originally scheduled to speak on the panel, but came down with the flu yesterday].  Borgelt began by explaining how, during the annexation debates the past few sessions, all of the support came from average citizens while all the opposition was taxpayer funded.  This is true for any number of public policy reforms that would reduce the size of government.

Moderator Chuck DeVore asked if, in banning taxpayer funded lobbying, we would simply be transferring the problem to local governments who would hire bureaucrats dedicated to "government relations."  That's obviously one workaround political subdivisions would try, but it would still represent an improvement over the status quo.  At a minimum, if a political subdivision wants to hire a full-time bureaucrat to perform "government relations," they'll have to disclose it in their budgets.  Furthermore, it's better to have a local bureaucrat representing their political subdivision full time rather than a capitol lobbyist who could have any other number of clients with any number of other potential conflicts of interest.

During Q&A, TPPF attorney Chance Weldon pointed out that taxpayer funded lobbying is a form of compelled political speech.  As such, it's flagrantly unconstitutional.  We'd never thought about that before, but Weldon is absolutely correct and there should probably be a lawsuit.

As for this Author, we asked a question that pointed out how taxpayer funded lobbying is a gatekeeper issue that needs to be addressed before any number of other limited government reforms (eg. Property Taxes, Bond Transparency, Parental Educational Choice) can become politically feasible.  Taxpayer funded lobbying inherently tips the scales in favor of big government.  Disconcertingly, we also learned that public sector unions are growing faster in Texas than anywhere else in the country.

Bottom Line:  Local governments have no right to use taxpayer money to lobby the legislature.  For every public entity that lobbies, there's a private entity that holds the same position.  Ending this practice is a necessary step if we're ever going to get serious about restoring government in Texas to it's constitutional framework.

#TXLEGE: Freedom Caucus DOMINATES Early House Fundraising!!!

"Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by labor will increase."
Proverbs 13:11

We obviously know about the Governor and Lt. Governor's fundraising, but did you know that 7 out of the top ten fundraisers on the House side are Freedom caucus members?!?

Your 10 largest Republican fundraisers in the #TXHouse for the July reports. @BriscoeCain is #2, under @SpeakerStraus. #txlege pic.twitter.com/lywWqdB44y

— Luke Macias (@effectualchange) July 18, 2017

While we're on the subject, among challengers Thomas McNutt (running against Byron Cook) raised over $320k and has $250k cash on hand; Mayes Middleton (running against Wayne Faircloth) has $480k cash on hand and has over 100 individual donors including former good UT regent Alex Cranberg!

Bottom Line: This tells you everything you need to know about where the energy and momentum lie.

#TXLEGE: Senate passes Local Debt Transparency bill!!!

"The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender."
Proverbs 22:7

Last week we highlighted a local debt transparency bill being heard in the House.  In news that will probably surprise no one, the Senate had apparently already been working on a similar measure.  We had been unaware of this effort until the full chamber passed it out of the full chamber today.

SB 461: Relating to the notice required before the issuance of certain debt obligations by political subdivisions.

TPPF released the following statement:

“The Texas Senate took an important step today to make sure that voters have important tax information about bond propositions up for a vote,” said Quintero. “By giving voters more details about new debt, the Senate has improved the process and put Texans in a better position to make informed decisions.”

We still think Shaheen's house bill is stronger, but SB 461 is significantly better than the status quo.  And passing anything along these lines out of a full chamber is noteworthy.  Even more interesting, it was passed unanimously.

The taxpayer funded lobbyists will hate this.

Bottom Line: They're far from perfect, but this is another example of the Senate delivering tangible action in the right direction.....

Leach and Shaheen WORK TOGETHER to accomplish elusive conservative objective

"As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17

Film subsidies are a particularly obnoxious piece of corporate welfare that in a world with unlimited bandwidth we would dive into eliminating.  All the traditional arguments about government not picking winners and losers apply.  Furthermore, we know from experience how badly the state film incentive program distorts Austin's local creative ecosystem.

And thus we commend Collin County representatives Jeff Leach and Matt Shaheen for working together to defend film subsidies in the House budget.

Via Empower Texans:



Highlights:

• Shaheen introduced budget amendment that eliminates funding for the Texas Film Commission.

• Leach came up with the idea to divert the money to a women's health program.

• Returned a subsidy to core government services.

The amendment still needs to survive the budget conference committee, so it's far from a done deal, but its a lot easier for legislative language to make it out of conference if it's in one of the original chamber documents.

Bottom Line: Congratulations to Representatives Leach and Shaheen for their joint accomplishment working together to defund the Texas Film Commission.

#TXLEGE: House to hear Major LOCAL DEBT TRANSPARENCY Bill today....

"The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender."
Proverbs 22:7

[Note: The saga of how this bill was killed two sessions ago great illustration of how business is done in the Texas Legislature.]

This is a fantastic idea that should have been done two sessions ago:

Relating to certain information included with ballot propositions for elections to authorize state and local general obligation bonds.

Shaheen's bill would specifically require the following information to be printed on the ballot for every bond election:

The bill is up this afternoon in the House Elections committee.

Bottom Line: Local government debt is one of two obvious macroeconomic catastrophes on the horizon for Texas' economy; ballot transparency is the bare minimum we need to turn it around.

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Update: TPPF has released the following statement on HB 738....

“Local governments are drowning in a sea of red ink....Common sense transparency and accountability measures are urgently needed so that today’s taxpayers and tomorrow’s Texans can continue to enjoy the bounties of our state.”

House Freedom Caucus outlines 85th #TXLEGE Priorities....

"As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17

The House Freedom Caucus held their first press conference this afternoon:



Highlights:

•  Matt Schaefer
• First principles and the grassroots.
• Coordinating with grassroots.

• Jeff Leach
• 89 days left in session.
• Author's Note: Move we adjourn sine die.
• Life #1 issue -- Support ANY bill that defends preborn babies.

• Matt Krause
• Religious liberty isn't just a Sunday thing.
• Parental rights a guiding principle.
• Defending anonymous political speech.
• Ethics reform.
• Reduce occupational licensing.

• Jonathan Stickland
• Unapologetically supporting constitutional carry.
• No state funding for unconstitutional anti-#2A federal laws.
• Elimination of gun-free zones.

• Matt Rinaldi
• Budget Reform
• Constitutional spending limits
• Eliminate corporate welfare.
• Property tax reform
• Elminate Margins tax
• Parental educational choice.

• Matt Shaheen
• Coordinated and unified with grassroots.
• Already had two conference calls w/ grassroots.

• JoAnn Fleming
• Texas should be leading on Freedom and Liberty.
• Author's Note: LOL

• Q&A:
• Grassroots will be "force multiplier" when bills are in calendars.
• Municipal debt subcategory of transparency component.

Bottom Line: Our expectations are low, but this doesn't hurt.

#TXLEGE House Announces formation of Freedom Caucus!!!

"As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17

This can't hurt:

FREEDOM CAUCUS FORMED IN THE TEXAS HOUSE TO EMPOWER GRASSROOTS TEXANS

The Texas Freedom Caucus was launched today in the Texas House of Representatives. The Texas Freedom Caucus’ mission is to amplify the voice of liberty-minded grassroots Texans who want bold action to protect life, strengthen families, defend the bill of rights, restrain government and revitalize personal and economic freedoms in Texas.

The Texas Freedom Caucus (TFC) will be focused on first principles that are the hallmark of liberty-minded Texans. The policies supported by the TFC will be developed thru collaboration with grassroots leaders to identify priorities that are often dismissed in Austin.

“Go five blocks in any direction from the Texas Capitol, and you will see what interests are hard wired into the Austin establishment,” Caucus Chairman Rep. Matt Schaefer (Tyler) said. “The mission of the Texas Freedom Caucus will be to hard wire liberty-minded grassroots into policy making in Austin.”

The TFC will engage grassroots Texans on matters before session, during session, and long after session when policies are implemented at the agency level. The caucus is committed to restoring first principles – the right to life, liberty and property that are at the core of the freedom of America and the exceptionalism of Texas. The caucus will outline a set of legislative priorities after it holds a series of discussions with grassroots representatives from all across Texas. Thereafter, the TFC will support or oppose legislation in accordance with those principles.

“We don’t want our priorities to be determined from Austin down, but from the grassroots up. That includes taking things like the Texas Republican Party platform seriously,” said Schaefer. “There are thousands of people too busy working and raising their families to embed themselves in the legislative process. Their voices matter too, and we want to make sure they are heard, and their efforts are multiplied.”

The Texas Freedom Caucus will share many policy goals with other existing conservative organizations and caucuses, and it will buttress and complement rather than compete with those groups. The TFC will distinguish itself by providing a specific focal point for grassroots Texans interested in conservative policy-making in Austin.

The Vice Chair of the Caucus will be Rep. Bill Zedler (Arlington). The Policy Director will be Rep. Jeff Leach (Plano), the caucus Grassroots Liaison will be Rep. Matt Shaheen (Plano) and the Secretary-Treasurer will be Rep. Tony Tinderholt (Arlington). Other members include representatives Kyle Biedermann (New Braunfels), Briscoe Cain (Houston), Matt Krause (Fort Worth), Mike Lang (Granbury), Rep. Matt Rinaldi (Irving), Jonathan Stickland (Bedford) and Valoree Swanson (Spring).

James Bernsen will serve as Executive Director for the Texas Freedom Caucus.

Learn more about the group here.

Toll Free Day at the Texas Capitol

"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1

Toll Free Texas held their lobby day today at the Capitol.  The coalition is led by Texans United for Reform and Freedom and encompasses grassroots groups from around the state.  Toll Free Texas seeks to roll back toll roads, eliminate waste in transportation spending, and restore transportation spending to a pay-as-you-go basis.

The event was notable for the changes it reveals in the 84th legislature compared to the 83rd.  Senators Don Huffines and Lois Kolhorst, neither of who was in their current position last session, were featured prominently.  On the house side, every representative who spoke had voted for Scott Turner at the beginning of the session.  House leadership was conspicuous in their absence.  Given the unpopularity of toll roads in this state, it would not surprise use to see House leadership boxed in on this issue.

According to organizers, this session is the first of the five they've been active that good bills outnumber bad bills (and that by 3:1 margin).

Cathie Adams (Texas Eagle Forum):



Highlights:

• In the past, Texas used to make toll roads free after their construction costs were paid off.

• Public/Private "partnerships" are a grotesque form of cronyism.

Sen. Bob Hall:

Highlights:

• No eminent domain for toll roads.

• Go back to pay-as-you-go.

• End Public/Private "Partnerships"

Sen. Don Huffines:

Highlights:

• Roads a fundamental function of government.

• No double taxation.

Rep. Jeff Leach:

Highlights:

• "My district is surrounded by toll roads."

• Collin County reps committed to getting rid of tolls.
• Author's Note: Then where the heck was Jodie Laubenberg?!?

Mike Openshaw (North Texas Tea Party):

Highlights:

• "A number of my friends are paying more in toll fees than in city taxes."

• "H.O.V lanes are a social experiment that has failed."

Rep. Matt Shaheen:

Highlights:

• Texas needs to put an end to toll roads.

• Once debt is paid off, tolls are removed.

Rep. Molly White:

Highlights:

• Need proper funding for toll free roads

• Supports toll-free Texas.

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (Part 1):

Highlights:

• Tea Party really began with fight against trans-Texas corridor.

• Transportation is a tough issue.

• 5000 to 9000 entities in this state have eminent domain authority.

• People are paying more in tolls than utilities in Texas.

• SB 1601 -- Restricts ability to use eminent domain for high speed rail.

• "We have waste at TxDOT and we're working on that."

Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (Part 2):

Highlights:

• SB 5 covers ending diversions.

• Make tollways send annual statements.

• People on mobility authorities should be elected.

• Transparency, transparency, transparency....

• We should have a statewide policy for state highways.

Sen. Don Huffines (Second Appearance):

Highlights:

• Filed 11 bills on this topic

• "It is a new day."

• They want to toll every highway in DFW.

• Traffic is a natural consequence of population growth.

• Transportation should be 35% of the budget, currently 8%.
• Author's Note: See here

• Roads are a fundamental function of government.

• Filed a bill to end diversions.

• "No one in this building is talking about fully funding TxDOT."

• There's a lot of money to be saved by simple actions.

Stickland Punks Straus

"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:1

Last November, Jonathan Stickland filed his bill to repeal in-state tuition for illegals.  Three months later, Stickland's bill has yet to be referred to committee.  With Straus obviously trying to kill Stickland's bill, Stickland isn't having any of it:



Dallas Morning News has more:

A tea party-backed, northeast Tarrant County House lawmaker is demanding to know why GOP Speaker Joe Straus is sitting on his bill to repeal a law granting those in the country illegally a break on the cost of higher education.

Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, wants to eliminate the measure allowing unauthorized immigrants to pay lower, in-state resident tuition rates at state colleges and universities.

He complained Thursday that Straus, R-San Antonio, has not referred his in-state tuition repeal bill to a House committee, though more than three months have passed since he filed it.

Stickland, a foe of Straus’ bipartisan leadership coalition in the chamber, took to the back microphone to complain about the speaker’s inaction.

Straus, who wasn’t presiding at the time, came out of his office and relieved Collin County freshman Rep. Matt Sheehan, who was wielding the gavel temporarily, so he could answer Stickland directly.

“Mr. Stickland, I’d be happy to visit with you about your concerns,” Straus said.

Shortly thereafter, Stickland could be seen conferring off the floor with Jesse Ancira, Straus’ chief of staff.

Read the whole thing here; Austin American-Statesman has more here.

Speaker Joe Straus: (512) 463-1000

Plano Pervert Protection ordinance repeal press conference

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men."
Matthew 5:13



Matt Shaheen:

• Nobody knew about the vote when it happened, and citizens didn't have time to vet proposition.

• Either by repeal petition or by lawsuit, citizens will be allowed to express their views on this ordinance.

Pastor Sam Fenceroy:

• "How many letters are they going to add to their little group?!?"

• "If we as Pastor's can't preach the whole Bible, we may as well quit."

• "It is better to obey God than men."

Rafael Cruz (yeah baby!): 

• "There is an attack on Juedo-Christian beliefs in this country."

• "We have been too passive."

• "It is sad that we have to do something reactive about this ordinance."

• Christians: "Stop sitting in your pews."

• "The progressives want to stamp out Christianity and Judeo-Christian values from this society."

• "We are to be salt and light in this society."

• Proverbs 29:2: "The problem is the people of faith have said politics is a dirty business and washed their hands of it"so the wicked elect the wicked.

Mike Buster:

• Plano CC intends to silence people of faith in the workplace.

• Sending out petitions to get this in front of the voters.

Dave Welch:

• "One of the infamous Houston Five."

• "Had no basis in legitimate political need."

• Criminalizes everyday interaction "that wasn't a crime the day before."

• "If this is a legitimate need...let's put it before the people and take a test."

• Ballot box repeal, lawsuit, new city council: "Whatever it takes."

Q&A:

• Ordinance was deliberately passed right before Christmas, when people were least prepared to mount an opposition campaign.

• Wedding vendors have been fined in other venues under similar ordinances.

• Similar bathroom issues as Houston ordinance for private businesses.

• "If you are a non-profit that receives city money...."
• Author's note: This is EXACTLY why non-profits (faith based or otherwise) shouldn't accept money from the government.

• "We're essentially turning business owners into gender police."

• In Houston, they need 17,000 signatures in 30 days and they go 50,000.

• Pastors can ask people to sign petitions from pulpit.

More information and sign the petition (PLANO RESIDENTS ONLY) here.