National House Democrats to open Austin office
In a sign of the changing times, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is opening an office in Austin ahead of 2020. Dems are looking to flip six House seats next year. Read more about their efforts here.
Surprise! Constitutional carry is dead.
Wasn’t it always? Well, now it’s official. Rep. Jonathan Stickland officially pulled the hearing request for his constitutional carry bill last week after a gun rights activist showed up at lawmakers’ homes, saying that went too far. Read more here.
House and Senate meet about concerns with Deer Park fire; Paxton sues
After multiple chemical fires in the Houston area, AG Ken Paxton has sued the companies responsible, which is rare. Also, TCEQ came under fire in House and Senate hearings late last week after lawmakers said they were too permissive with companies that violate pollution laws. Read more here and here.
Only in Austin…
Did you know that Austin has its own baseball team? Well, sort of. Minor league team the Round Rock Express celebrated its opening day yesterday, playing against the Nashville Sounds.
Governor Abbott has thrown his support behind legislation filed by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) and Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth) that would prevent cities and counties from adopting local paid sick leave ordinances. San Antonio and Austin have adopted ordinances that would require businesses to provide paid sick leave for employees. 
Last year, a federal court in San Antonio ruled that House District 90 must be redrawn before the 2020 election. The court also gave the Legislature a 45-day deadline once session convened. Tomorrow is the 45-day mark, and no proposal has been filed yet. Redistricting maps move through the legislative process just like bills. 
Property Tax reform is front and center this session. Here is a handy primer on how your property tax is currently calculated. 
You never know who you will spot in the gallery of the Texas House. This week El Paso’s mascot, Amigo Man, brightened up the House. 
Monday the Senate Committee on Property Tax voted SB 2 by Chairman Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) out of committee. A major amendment adopted in committee was the ability for smaller taxing entities to opt in to the 2.5% cap on tax rate increases. At the time of writing, SB 2 has not been scheduled for debate on the Senate Floor. 
Tuesday, Democrat Art Fierro was sworn in as the newest Texas House member, joining the El Paso delegation. Fierro represents House District 79, formerly represented by Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso). 
Commissioner Raymund Paredes has announced that he will step down from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board effective August 31, 2019. He has served since 2004. Paredes says he will stay involved in higher education policy. 
Steve Munisteri, former Texas GOP chairman, will begin February 9th as senior advisor to U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s re-election campaign. He will leave his current roles as deputy assistant to the President and deputy director for the Office of Public Liaison at the White House to return to work with the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) and county party chairs. 
This weekend, Cirque Italia, a traveling Italian water circus, is setting up in the parking lot of Barton Creek Mall. Inside its blue and white circus-style tent, there is a stage complete with aerialists, contortionists, Bellagio-style fountains, and a wheel of death! 
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen have both announced committee appointments in their respective chambers. House assignments can be found 
Senator John Cornyn has hired John Jackson to lead his 2020 re-election campaign. Jackson most recently managed Governor Abbott’s successful bid for re-election. Prior to Abbott’s campaign, Jackson worked for the Republican National Committee as the Texas Victory director. 
Yesterday Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a new website, Texas’ Dose of Reality, to provide information on the risks of prescription painkillers. This is a joint project with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). 
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum is the creation of Chef Ling Qi Wu, the former dim sum chef of another Austin hot spot—Wu Chow. Chef Ling prides herself in using healthy, locally sourced ingredients in making authentic Chinese cuisine. Originally from Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, she now calls Austin home, and we are so glad she does! The Dim Sum Brunch is a must do.