King Abbott Calls A Special Session

Abbott's motto: If I don't get my way, I'll force the legislators to work until I do.

Just as we were all ready to breathe a sigh of relief that the legislature had concluded this year. The King of Texas, Greg Abbott, said, “Not so fast.” Last night he called a special session for 30 days, effective immediately. Both chambers will gavel in today and begin their work on more oppressive legislation to hurt hard-working Texans.

Here was Abbott’s proclamation:

Now, here’s the thing. While Abbott says the priorities are “property taxes and border security,” the legislators can introduce and work on any bill they want during the special session.

In contrast, here is Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s wish list:

Most of those bills were killed by Democrats or died their own natural death. The only thing on Patrick’s wish list that would benefit Texans is teacher pay raises.

SB9 was supposed to be the bill that gave teachers pay raises. Still, after Republicans added a voucher program to the bill, Representative Dutton postponed it, essentially killing it for the session.

So, we’ll have to see what Republicans will push for over the next 30 days and how many bad bills Democrats can kill. While we are outnumbered, we have faith in the Democratic Representatives, who are smarter and more well-prepared than their Republican counterparts.

And if Abbott doesn’t get his way again? He’ll call another session.

Now is when we need to rally behind elected Democrats in the House. They are on the front lines fighting against a fascist agenda. They’ll need all the support they can get.

Paxton’s impeachment trial still looming.

The Senate has until August 28 (at the latest) to get the trial underway. The House impeachment managers have been assigned and are:

• Andrew Murr (R)

• Ann Johnson (D)

• Charlie Geren (R)

• David Spiller (R)

• Oscar Longoria (D)

• Joe Moody (D)

• Terry Canales (D)

• Jeff Leach (R)

• Morgan Meyer (R)

• Briscoe Cain (R)

• Cody Vasut (R)

• Erin Gamaz (D)

Every one of the impeachment managers, except Charlie Geren, are attornies when they aren’t legislators. They will serve as the prosecutors in the impeachment trial.

In the meanwhile, Dan Patrick appointed a Special Committee to Recommend Rules and Procedures on Impeachment. Sitting on the committee:

• Brian Birdwell (R) - Chair

• Chuy Hinojosa (D) - Vice Chair

• Brandon Creighton (R)

• Pete Flores (R)

• Joan Huffman (R)

• Phil King (R)

• Royse West (D)

The Senate Committee will present the rules and procedures to the Senate on June 20. After that, they will schedule a date for the impeachment trial to begin.

It should be an interesting summer. Stay tuned.