Welcome back, friends
In today's newsletter, we cover significant developments in Texas politics and law. State Rep. Shawn Thierry has switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party, highlighting the shifting dynamics in Texas's political landscape. Meanwhile, the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus has requested a federal investigation into potential voter rights violations, reflecting ongoing concerns about election integrity. Additionally, Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit challenging the State Fair of Texas’s firearm ban, a case that could have implications for gun laws across the state.
Today’s Insights:
- State Rep. Shawn Thierry Switches to GOP
- Texas Voter Rights Violations Investigation
- Court Challenges Texas State Fair Gun Ban
State Rep. Shawn Thierry Switches to GOP
Houston State Representative Shawn Thierry has switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party, citing her belief that the Democratic Party has "lost its way." Thierry’s decision comes after facing criticism within her former party for supporting a GOP-led bill restricting transition-related healthcare for minors.
Texas Voter Rights Violations Investigation
The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus has formally requested the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate potential voter rights violations in Texas. This request follows concerns that recent election-related actions may have disproportionately impacted minority voters. The request specifically mentions concerns about voter roll purges, restrictions on mail-in voting, and the placement of polling locations, which Democrats argue could suppress voter turnout in vulnerable communities.
The Democrats' request for an investigation highlights the broader national debate on voter rights and election integrity. This investigation, if pursued, could lead to federal oversight or legal action aimed at ensuring compliance with the Voting Rights Act and other federal protections
Court Challenges Texas State Fair Gun Ban
Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit challenging a gun ban at the State Fair of Texas, arguing that the ban contradicts state laws allowing licensed gun owners to carry firearms in most public places. The Texas State Fair begins September 27th
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#43 - Wes Benedict: Bridging Policy and Community with Texans for Reasonable Solutions
Welcome to Episode #43 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Wes Benedict, Grassroots Manager at Texans for Reasonable Solutions.
Wes brings years of advocacy experience and a steady, practical approach to community engagement. The conversation explores how Texas communities can navigate political tension, build cross-partisan coalitions, and create space for meaningful dialogue in an increasingly polarized environment.
They dive into the organization’s focus on key statewide issues including housing, infrastructure, water, and the evolving relationship between local and state governments. Wes breaks down why these policies matter for both everyday Texans and the business community, and how reasonable, bipartisan solutions can move conversations forward.
The episode closes with insights on how individuals can get involved, what success looks like in grassroots policy work, and what Texans should be watching as the special session unfolds.
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Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas voters approved one of the largest property tax relief packages in state history on Tuesday, raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and granting new tax breaks for seniors, people with disabilities, and small businesses. In Austin, residents rejected Proposition Q, a plan to fund public safety, homelessness programs, and city facility initiatives through a property tax hike, forcing city leaders to rework the budget and brace for service cuts. Meanwhile, Bexar County voters narrowly passed Propositions A and B, greenlighting up to $311 million in tourism-funded support for a new downtown Spurs arena and upgrades to the Freeman Coliseum grounds.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends,
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at 84, remembered by former President George W. Bush as a “patriot” whose intellect and conviction shaped decades of U.S. policy. In Texas, the Education Agency announced a sweeping takeover of Fort Worth ISD, the state’s second-largest intervention, citing years of academic underperformance and plans to install new local managers. And in Washington, a United Airlines flight was evacuated after a bomb threat, prompting an FBI investigation that later found no explosives, allowing operations to resume safely.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
