By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
August 6th marked the end of the first special session called by Governor Abbott. On August 7th, the second special session called by the governor began and will last until September 5th.
In this second special session, the governor has placed many items identical to those found on the previous call, including election integrity, bail reform, border security, family violence prevention, financial support for Texas retired teachers, property tax relief, and improvements to our foster care system.
As a result of the evolving circumstances around COVID-19, the governor has also added education and federal relief appropriations to the agenda. These items were added to ensure Texas students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade continue to receive a high-quality education through the ongoing pandemic.
It is important to note that in Texas, a special session may only be called by the governor, and only issues put on the agenda by the governor may be addressed.
You might recall that last month a group of jet-setting Democratic lawmakers fled the Texas Capitol for Washington, D.C. in an act of political theatre to temporarily stall the legislative process in the Texas House of Representatives. Not only did they run away from reasonable debate but they also absconded their duties as elected representatives and left their own constituents without a voice in the people’s House.
Their vacations in Washington D.C. and elsewhere have unnecessarily put another special session on the taxpayers’ dime. The time Democrats have spent away from their jobs at the Texas Capitol has not been productive and has only been used to malign election integrity legislation and promote division among members of the legislature. Contrary to their allegations, the legislation will make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. The purpose behind the legislation continues to be instilling confidence in the security and integrity of our elections and promoting access to the ballot box for all Texans.
In order to secure the quorum necessary to continue business, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) signed 52 arrest warrants to bring back the absent Democrats. As your state representative, I voted with 79 other members of the Texas House of Representatives to authorize the civil arrest of the members that have abandoned their post. It is time for Democrats to return.
I, along with my Republican colleagues, stand ready and eager to resume our duties in the Texas House of Representatives and get work done on behalf of the people of Texas. We have the opportunity to accomplish many incredible legislative victories that will benefit all Texans in our great state. As we march through this second special session, I will continue to fight on behalf of West Texas and make sure our voice continues to be heard.
As always, if you need me I’ll be here at my post in the Texas Capitol.
God bless Texas!
