The Texas House Democratic Caucus held a press conference on July 8 in response to the issue agenda released by Governor Abbott for the 87th first special session. A video of the press conference can be found here.
This report is intended to give you an overview and highlight of the discussions on the various topics taken up. It is not a verbatim transcript of the discussions but is based upon what was audible or understandable to the observer and the desire to get details out as quickly as possible with few errors or omissions.
Representative Chris Turner, Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus
- There will be a rally at noon with Black Voters Matter
- Abbott has put forth an agenda that proves he is focused solely on politics
- He is expending state resources to cater to far right extremists
- Solutions to real problems for Texans are being put in the back seat
- Abbott’s defunding of the legislature punishes state employees, not legislatures
- Hurting single parents, the elderly, the unemployed
- Caucus filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court to reinstate legislative funding
- Millions of Texans lack basic access to healthcare coverage
- Our power grid needs work
- Governor’s agenda is attacking the civil rights of Texans
- Democrats are ready to fight for the people
Representative Toni Rose, District 110
- 1 out of 5 Texans lack healthcare coverage
- Texas can expand Medicaid but Governor Abbott refuses
- Republican governors across the country have put partisan politics aside and expanded Medicaid; Abbott needs to do the same
- Democrats are ready to discuss common sense, life-saving healthcare policies
Representative Nicole Collier, Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus
- Governor’s agenda reveals the priorities of the legislature
- Everyone is innocent until proven guilty
- We want bail that is not focused on cash
- We need to improve accountability for officer misconduct
- Reduce arrests for fine-only, nonviolent offenses
- We want to see more issues on the call like the George Floyd Act and the Crown Act
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Representative Armando Walle, District 140
- We will not stand by while Texans’ rights are being trampled
- On behalf of Mexican American Legislative Caucus, we will fight these bills with every option available
Questions & Answers
Q: Has anyone had a chance to read HB 3?
- Turner – Was released last night; we all have concerns about it
- It is based on the lie that there are rampant problems in our elections
- This is all about the false assertion that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election
Q: What parliamentary means would you use to stop these bills?
- Walle – We will use every parliamentary means necessary
Q: Is Abbott going to run for President in 2024?
- C Turner – He seems to be concerned about his opponents in the upcoming primary
- The special session and the border fiasco are for his re-election
- It is widely speculated that he has his eye on other offices as well