Abbott, Paxton File Suit To Challenge Dallas School Mask Mandate

[#TexasPolitics365]

Gov. Greg Abbott and state Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday filed a petition to halt a judge's order requiring face masks inside schools and businesses in Dallas County. The order was signed despite Abbott previously banning government entities and officials from implementing mask mandates in Texas.

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins on Wednesday signed an order requiring public schools, child care centers and businesses in Dallas County to develop health and safety plans that include, at minimum, face mask requirements for employees and visitors, CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reports. Jenkins cited rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as the reasoning behind the mask mandate.

(Full story here.)
--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.

#Dallas Officials Greenlight Underground Light Rail

[#TexasPolitics365]

Dallas officials endorsed the latest version of a $1.7 billion proposed underground light rail line through downtown, paving the way for possible federal funding.swswqwe

The Dallas City Council voted Wednesday to continue to move forward with the D2 subway project, re-upping prior approval of the route in 2017.

--------------------------------------------------

** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? Om aretexaspolitics365@gmail.com

Advertisement

For advertising opportunities, email us.

Rep. Drew Springer Defeats Salon Owner Luther For State Senate Seat

[#TexasPolitics365] 

State Rep. Drew Springer has defeated Dallas salon owner Shelly Luther for an open state senate seat in a district 30 runoff.

The Muenster, Texas Republican won Saturday's election 56% to Luther's 43%. Springer received 32,599 votes, while Luther garnered 25,146.

“As your next senator, I will continue advancing the conservative priorities of our district like reducing property taxes, securing the border, and standing up for our law enforcement and first responders who keep our communities safe,” Springer said in a Facebook post.

With a consistent lead throughout the night, Springer declared victory at 8:30 p.m.

The special election was held to replace State Sen. Pat Fallon. Fallon was elected to Congress in Texas' 4th Congressional District, a seat vacated by John Ratcliffe when Pres. Trump appointed him Director of National Intelligence, according to NBCDFW-TV. Springer and Luther were the top vote-getters in a September special election contested by six candidates.

Early in the night, Governor Greg Abbott tweeted out his congratulations to Springer.

"Congratulations to @DrewSpringer on the overwhelming victory tonight for Texas Senate District 30. We look forward to working with you to secure our border, support police, protect unborn, cut taxes, safeguard 2nd Amendment rights, fund schools & open up businesses in Texas."

Springer had Governor Abbott's endorsement and support, while Luther, who hails from the Dallas suburb of Pilot Point, ran an outsider's campaign without Abbott's support.

Luther made national headlines after she defied Gov. Abbott’s COVID-19 restrictions and built her campaign around opposing them. A political newcomer, Luther called Abbott a tyrant and pledged to rein in his power. In response, Abbott funneled thousands of dollars to Springer's campaign.

Senate District 30, which is heavily Republican, stretches across 14 counties in north Texas.

--------------------------------------------------
** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com

Dallas PD Gets State Assistance Amid Crime Spike After Budget Cuts

[Texas Politics 365] 

Gov. Greg Abbott is sending aid to the Dallas Police Department after they requested help following $7 million in cuts to their overtime budget by city leaders. It comes amid a spike in crime in the city, reports Breitbart.

"Abbott responded to a request from the Dallas Police Department to provide direct support in reducing violent crime, the governor’s office reported. The Texas Department of Public Safety is sending multiple resources to help the city that is currently in the midst of a spike in violent crime.

Those resources include DPS special agents, state troopers, and intelligence analysts. The additional manpower will be directed at helping support gang and drug enforcement operations."

Abbott said in a written statement: “Every Texan deserves to feel safe in their own community, and the State of Texas will continue to provide the city of Dallas with the resources they need to crack down on this heinous activity and protect Dallas residents.”

--------------------------------------------------
** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? tips@texaspolitics365.com