State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Abbott: No government mandated vaccine passports in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order last week banning state agencies, cities or counties from creating a “vaccine passport” requirement.

Texas Senate Review

SENATE PASSES PRIORITY BILLS The Senate this week passed several bills listed as major priorities by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Though most bills are numbered in the order in which they are filed, Patrick reserves the first thirty numbers for legislation he feels are top priorities for the state.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month The latest report on child maltreatment fatalities and near fatalities, compiled by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, indicates 251 children in Texas died in fiscal year 2020 due to abuse and neglect.

Senate Panel Considers ERCOT Reform

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee heard testimony on a bill that would increase oversight for the independent organization that runs the state power grid.

Steady in the Boat…

It’s an expression tossed about regularly; calling it “trite” would be an understatement for the proverb originating in 12th century Germany that is still valid today.

HE IS RISEN!...

This Sunday we get to celebrate the greatest event in all of history! The resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was the GodMan who humbled himself by coming to earth, living a perfect life and dying on the cross, in our place, for our sins.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

BM tightening voting restrictions in Texas passes Senate committee A Texas Senate committee on Friday passed an elections bill that would tighten the state’s voting rules by limiting extended early voting hours, requiring proof of disability to qualify for mail-in voting and prohibiting...

Blessed are the Poor...

Abilene Christian University’s stunning 53-52 win over the University of Texas at the NCAA Basketball Championship Tournament is a great example of why the annual event is called “March Madness.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

PUC chair resigns in wake of call to energy investors Arthur D’Andrea, the chair and sole remaining member of the Public Utility Commission, resigned late last week at the request of Gov. Gregg Abbott. D’Andrea pledged to remain on the PUC until Abbott names a replacement.

A Revolting Development…

My intent was to write a tribute to a long-ago university chancellor. He handled problems with dignity and grace, typically responding with a twinkle in his eye, beaming countenance and droll wit. Were he still living, he would have chuckled at my misadventure in finding the definition of “droll.