Texas Legislature: North Texas Democrats outline their priorities
DALLAS - Texas lawmakers will return to the state capitol on Tuesday to begin the 89th Texas Legislature.
Democrats in North Texas held a news conference on Sunday before heading to Austin. It’s a new session, but they’re in a familiar position as the minority in both the House and Senate.
Here’s a preview of what those lawmakers will prioritize.
Speaker of the House
The political fireworks could pop off on the House floor immediately as members try to elect a new speaker.
State Rep. Dad Phelan, who has been the speaker since 2021, withdrew from the race.
GOP caucus nominee David Cook from Mansfield has a majority of the Republican votes but not the 76 needed to win.
Dustin Burrows from Lubbock has some Republican and Democrat support.
If Cook wins, he said he would not allow Democrats to hold committee chair positions.
"This is not about Democrat chairmanships. It’s about working for the people of Texas. We plan to serve Texans when it comes to access to healthcare, when it comes to fully funding public education, and making sure citizens can thrive in this state," said State Rep. Rhetta Bowers, a Democrat from Garland.
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School Vouchers
Regardless of who gets the speakership, Democrats said they will hold their ground on ensuring a school voucher bill fails.
Gov. Greg Abbott has said he has enough votes to get it passed, something he didn’t have last session.
"It’s not choice for everyone. Lower-income families in Arizona are not using this program," said State Rep. Mihaela Plesa, a Democrat from Plano. "Texas Democrats are again committed to forming a bipartisan coalition who understands the importance of preserving and strengthening our public school system."
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Healthcare and Abortion Rights
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A group of Texas Democrat lawmakers, doctors and women's reproductive rights advocates held a news conference in response to a recently-published article detailing the circumstances that led to the death of two pregnant women in Texas.
"We believe every child deserves a great education. Every family should have access to quality healthcare," Rep. Bowers said.
Texas Democrats are hoping their colleagues on both sides of the aisle will listen to polls indicating a majority of Texans believe the state’s abortion ban is far too harsh, especially when the mother’s health is in jeopardy.
"The stakes could not be higher this session and I am optimistic we will build a Texas that works for everyone and just the wealthy and elite," added State Rep. Venton Jones, a Democrat from Dallas.
The Source: The information in this story comes a news conference hosted by Democrats in North Texas.