House establishes quorum; Election bill advances

State Capital Highlights


 

 

Enough House Democrats entered the floor Thursday evening for Speaker Dade Phelan to announce a quorum was present for the first time in six weeks. Nearly 50 House Democrats decamped to Washington, D.C. in May to stop work in the House. As the Austin American-Statesman reported, bitterness remains after the walkout and Phelan’s attempt to have Democrats arrested and forcibly brought to the House floor. None were arrested.

In addition to the elections bill, which would ban drive-through voting and other provisions aimed at increasing turnout, Abbott placed bail reform, distribution of federal pandemic relief funds, border security and several other items on the agenda. This second special session ends Sept. 6.

TxDOT launches DUI prevention campaign

The Texas Department of Transportation has rolled out a campaign to share stories of Texans who must deal with the consequences of a drunk driving crash. The “Faces of Drunk Driving” will feature events around the state and includes testimonials on video from families dealing with those consequences.

In 2020, there were 963 alcohol-related vehicle fatalities — one every nine hours.

Court issues injunction in fight over Medicaid waiver

A federal district judge last week temporarily reinstated a 10-year extension of a Medicaid program worth billions of dollars to the state for health care for the uninsured.

The waiver provides nearly $4 billion in annual funding for uninsured treated in Texas hospitals, as well as mental health services.

GARY BORDERS is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. You may reach him at gborders@texaspress.com

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