3 Days Left in the First Called Special Session of the 87th Legislature
Time Running Out On Special Session
As lawmakers head into the last week of the special legislative session, enough House Democrats to prevent a quorum are still in the nation’s capital.
Gov. Abbott has promised to keep calling lawmakers back until the priority elections bill has reached his desk. But the standoff over that bill is no closer to a resolution, as Republicans believe they have already compromised enough, while Democrats are distrustful of their GOP colleagues. Stay tuned for the presumed start of the next special session next week…
Senate Panel Explores Future of College Sports
Texas lawmakers sought to explore their legislative oversight over future athletic decisions made by the University of Texas and other universities.
The Senate Select Committee on the Future of College Sports in Texas, which Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick created last week for lawmakers to study the athletic and economic impact to Texas schools and communities by the Longhorns’ decision to find a new home in the SEC, met at the Texas Capitol on Monday. University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell publicly defended the school’s decision to leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference along with the University of Oklahoma in 2025 and denied Texas lawmakers’ claims that the school violated Big 12 bylaws in doing so.
Former Rep. John Wray Seeks Return to Austin
After voters of Texas U.S. House District 6 chose Texas House Rep. Jake Ellzey last week as their next representative in Congress, former Rep. John Wray announced his intention to run for his old seat. “I took time off to spend more time with my family and our Ellis County community, but with Jake [Ellzey] heading to Congress, I can’t stay on the sidelines,” Wray said on social media in announcing his candidacy. “We need a strong, experienced legislator who knows what they are doing and can hit the ground running.”
Only in Austin…
Badge holders call it “a comedy lover’s dream” for a reason. Moontower Comedy Festival returns next month.
Moontower Comedy Festival this year will feature a diverse and hilarious mix of over 100 comics from around the world who will take over 10 venues across downtown Austin for four days of stand-up shows, podcasts, parties, and special events. Moontower Comedy Festival badges are on sale now and available for purchase at moontowercomedyfest.com.