House & Senate Budget Conferees Announced
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan announced their picks to work on negotiating the differences between the Senate’s and House’s version of the state’s budget.
Senate Conferees:
Chairwoman Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound)
Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston)
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)
Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville)
Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood)
House Conferees:
Chairman Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood)
Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake)
Rep. Mary González (D-Clint)
Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston)
Rep. Terry Wilson (R-Marble Falls)
Texas Gains Two Congressional Seats
On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced Texas will gain two additional congressional seats—the most of any state in the nation. Texas will now have 38 congressional seats as a result of the 2020 census data. Texas is one of six states to gain seats.
The census data puts the state’s population at 29,145,505—up from 25.1 million in 2010—after gaining the most residents of any state in the last decade. Census estimates show that the population growth has been driven by people of color. More detailed data, which lawmakers will use to redraw legislative and congressional districts, isn’t expected until early fall. Lawmakers are expected to be called back for a Special Legislative Session at that time.
Saturday is Election Day
This Saturday, May 1, is Election Day all over Texas! Voters in Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and other cities will be voting for congressional members, mayors, and other local officials and ballot propositions.
One race many will be watching is Texas’ 6th Congressional District (southeast of Dallas). Texas state Rep. Mike Ellzey (R-Waxahachie) is one of 23 candidates running to succeed Rep. Ron Wright, R-Arlington, who died in February from COVID-19 and complications from cancer. The crowded field includes Wright’s widow, a former wrestler, and several Republicans who served in the Trump administration.
Only in Austin…
Rep. Armando Walle (left) and Rep. Joe Moody (right) proudly showed off their great fashion choices during the budget debate on Thursday. Both were shown wearing Biggie Smalls socks on the House floor.
No word yet on who wore them better…
