| Special Session Starts Tomorrow |
With less than 24 hours to go until the first special session of the 87th Legislature, Governor Abbott has not yet issued the formal proclamation including what topics lawmakers can address.
For reference: A legislative special session can last no more than 30 days and deal only with issues chosen by the governor. Yesterday, Speaker Phelan announced the formation of the House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights and Remedies. This 15-member select committee will hear special session agenda items relating to constitutional issues.
Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson Will Not Seek Reelection
| State Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) announced Monday she is not running for reelection. Nelson has been the top budget writer in the Senate and is the most senior Republican in the chamber, serving since 1993. “It has been a great honor to represent our community in the Texas Senate,” Nelson said in a statement. “I promised to listen, work hard, and deliver results and have strived to fulfill that pledge. Our accomplishments have improved the lives of Texans, which makes me proud.” |
Election Season is Heating Up
After announcing he would not seek reelection to the Texas House after six terms in office, Rep. James White (R-Hillister) announced last week that he is running for agriculture commissioner, making him the first major primary opponent for incumbent Sid Miller.
In the Governor’s race, Governor Abbot has drawn another challenger. Texas GOP Chairman Allen West announced over the weekend he is challenging Governor Abbott. Other declared candidates against Abbott include former state Sen. Don Huffines of Dallas, who launched his campaign in early May. No word yet on whether Matthew McConaughey will enter the race…
Only in Austin…
The St. Elmo Public Market, a massive, 40,000-square-foot space pegged as Austin’s version of New York’s Chelsea Market and Seattle’s Pike Place Market, is finally set to open this year. Located at 4329 South Congress Avenue in the St. Elmo area of the East Congress neighborhood, the market will be home to new concepts and new locations from some of Austin’s best restaurants.
Here is a guide to the restaurants opening at the hotly anticipated St. Elmo Public Market when it opens this year.