Why redistricting is the biggest issue facing Texas
Since the Democrats finally gave up their futile attempt to stop the Texas Legislature from doing its job, progress has finally been made on critical issues that affect our state’s future.
The second special session of the 87th Texas Legislature has adjourned, and here are some of the critical changes the legislature passed:
Election Integrity (SB 1): The errant Democrats, who wasted an entire special session and cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in their flight to D.C., have spouted that this common-sense election integrity legislation suppresses the vote of special populations. However, the law specifically states, “Any provision of this code may not be interpreted to prohibit or limit the right of a qualified individual…from requesting a reasonable accommodation or modification to any election standard, practice, or procedure mandated by law or rule that the individual is entitled to request under federal or state law.”
Social Media Censorship (HB 20): The second special session also produced strong legislation protecting Texans from being banned from social media platforms because of their political views. The bill also creates protections for “preventing the sexual exploitation of children and protecting survivors of sexual abuse from ongoing harassment” on social media. Your current representative in the state house voted against this legislation, which would ave allowed social media platforms to grant access to predators.
Bail Reform (SB 6): This bill, named the Damon Allen Act after the fallen state trooper who was tragically murdered in the line of duty by a violent criminal released on bond, will prevent defendants charged with violent offenses from being released back onto the streets.
While these bills are critical to Texas’ future, there is still more work to be done. The next special session will convene on Monday, September 20, and cover several issues you can read about in Governor Abbott’s proclamation. One I want to highlight is redistricting, the biggest and most controversial issue legislators will tackle.
Why Redistricting Could Change the Course of Texas’ Future
Every 10 years, the legislature is tasked with redrawing district lines for both state and federal legislators. This process is used to ensure each district accommodates a roughly similar population and, at the federal level, that electoral college votes are apportioned correctly. The political machinations driving the redistricting process will influence the outcome of Texas’ elections for the next decade. With the Texas House of Representatives just a few seats away from losing the Republican majority, the outcome is critical for our state’s future. If liberal Democrats succeed in drawing lines to dilute conservative communities and lean enough districts their way, Texas may become a de facto blue state.
Citizens need to make sure that redistricting legislation is fair and consistent throughout the state — driven by community identity, not political partisanship. You can be proactive by making your voice heard.
Redistricting committee hearings are already beginning, and any Texas resident can sign up to testify in person or virtually. Click here for a list of upcoming hearings and instructions on registering to testify.
I’ll keep you updated as redistricting progresses.