Texas House finally makes quorum, but Democrats say Republicans cheated to get there
There were 99 members registered as present Thursday evening, the exact number needed to end the 38-day Democratic quorum break over the GOPโs priority elections bill. But not all of those members were physically on the floor.
Black lawmakers, NAACP and students push back on UT-Austinโs โThe Eyes of Texasโ report, urge school to lose the song
โItโs humiliating to be required to sit for the song or be in the presence,โ said Gary Bledsoe, president of the Texas NAACP. Students have also called on the school to stop playing the song from the bell tower. In his report, Alberto Martinez provided documentation linking the phrase โThe Eyes of Texasโ to a statement made in reference to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. This complicates its understanding and explains how different people experienced the song in vastly different ways.โA UT-Austin spokesperson said the university stands behind its report. AdOn Monday, a UT-Austin band member said said the implications of protesting the song were unclear for students.
Reforms pushed in Texas as trial nears in George Floyd death
FILE - In this Monday, June 8, 2020, file photo, local residents and alumni of Jack Yates High School take part in a candlelight vigil to honor George Floyd, in Houston. The George Floyd Act was scheduled to get its first hearing in the Texas Capitol on Thursday, March 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)AUSTIN, Texas โ Outside of George Floyd's public memorial last summer in Texas, Republican Gov. Earlier this month in Congress, House Democrats passed the most ambitious effort in decades to overhaul policing nationwide under the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Ad___Find APโs full coverage of the death of George Floyd: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd
Texas House Democrats launch climate, environment caucus with one goal: Talk about climate change in the Legislature
(Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune)Seventeen Democrats in the Texas House launched a climate, environment and energy caucus this week with one simple goal: To talk about climate change at the Texas Capitol, where conversations on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases have been sidelined for years. Led by state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, the caucus includes Democrats from major cities across the state. Members pointed out that the Legislature didnโt hold a single hearing on any bill related to climate change during the last session. Instead, they have their sights set on a more modest goal they hope is achievable โ holding at least one hearing on climate change. โMinority communities are facing the brunt of these injustices,โ said state Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, a civil rights attorney.