Special Session Is Over…for Now
After nearly 60 days of special sessions, three quorum breaks by House Democrats, and passing 14 out of 18 items of the Governor’s special session agenda, the Texas Legislature adjourned its second special session last week, calling it quits four days early.
Yesterday, Gov. Abbott announced the third special session will begin on September 20th. Abbott announced the agenda for lawmakers will include:
• Redrawing Political Maps
• Allocating Federal Funds
• Banning Vaccine Mandates
• Legislation Relating to the Unlawful Restraint of a Dog
• Transgender Student-Athletes in Public School Sports
Rep. Ben Leman Will Not Seek Re-election
State Rep. Ben Leman (R-Anderson) said last week he will not seek reelection to the Texas House in 2022.
Leman has represented House District 13, which spans 7 counties nestled between Houston and Austin.
In a statement, Leman said he decided to retire after his responsibilities and duties outside of elected office will require more of his time moving forward.
San Antonio Special Election Date Announced
Gov. Greg Abbott has picked September 28 as the date of the special election to replace former state Rep. Leo Pacheco (D-San Antonio). Pacheco resigned effective Aug. 19 to take a job with San Antonio College.
The candidate filing deadline is Monday, and early voting starts on September 20. The race has already drawn several candidates from both parties, and Republicans are eager to make inroads in the San Antonio-area district. These are the candidates that have filed so far:
• John Lujan (R), who briefly held the seat in 2016.
• Adam Salyer (R), the 2020 GOP nominee for this seat.
• Katie Farias (D), a member of the Southside Independent School District Board of Managers.
• Frank Ramirez (D), a former legislative staffer who most recently was zoning and planning director for the city of San Antonio. Pacheco has endorsed Ramirez to fill the seat.
Texas A&M Football Rises to #5
Following a win over Kent State on Saturday, the Texas A&M Aggies rose to the No. 5 spot in the latest Associated Press Rankings. Here’s a list of how the other favorite Texas schools performed.
Texas A&M: Win over Kent State University, 41-10
UT: Win over the University of Louisiana, 38-18
Texas Tech: Win over the University of Houston, 31-21
University of Houston: Loss against Texas Tech, 31-12
Baylor: Win over Texas State University, 29-20
TCU: Win over Duquesne University, 45-3
SMU: Win over Abilene Christian University, 56-9
Only in Austin…
From New York to Singapore and now Austin, the delicious Museum of Ice Cream is calling the Domain it’s temporary home.
Guests are welcome to enjoy a Shirley Temple soft serve in the 1960s retro diner or ride on a life-size animal cookie in the Carnival Room. The experience wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a dip and slide into the world-famous sprinkle pool.
For the first time in Sprinkle Pool history, guests are invited to exclusively reserve one of the pool-side cabanas for their private events, giving them the opportunity to sip and enjoy the space all day.
The exhibition will go on until Oct. 31.