6 days until early voting.
The first day of early voting in the Texas primary is February 20th. Curious about the most competitive primary races? Here is a rundown of some hotly contested races. To read more…
Another Appellate Appointee.
Andrew Oldham, currently Gov. Abbott’s general counsel, has been tapped for the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Oldham previously served as deputy solicitor general, and only moved over to the Governor’s office after Jimmy Blacklock filled a vacancy on the Texas Supreme Court. To read more…
8th Wonder has 9 Lives.
The Harris County Commissioners Court has approved a $105 million plan to renovate the Astrodome. The project will make changes to the stadium to use it for festivals and conferences. To read more…
Only in Austin…
Valentine’s Day is here! Here is a list of the best places to get Austin-made chocolates. From the tried and true Lammes Candies (opened in 1885) to the newest kid on the block, Maggie Louise Confections (opened in 2015). Nothing says love like chocolate. To read more…
Speaker Joe Straus has asked the House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics to delve into the Health and Human Services Commission’s practices for contract oversight after a state audit report found practices by a managed care organization (MCO) violated its contract with the state. $29.6 million in bonus and incentive payments were paid out by the MCO. The Uniform Managed Care Manual specifically prohibits incentive payments. 
Three Texas athletes will be representing Team USA during the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Jonathan Garcia (Houston) in long track speedskating, Sam McGuffie (Cypress) and Justin Olsen (San Antonio) in bobsledding. The much talked about Nigerian women’s bobsled team also has a Texas connection. Seun Adigun ran track for the University of Houston. 
Ruby’s BBQ, a UT campus staple for almost 30 years, will be closing February 20th. Ruby’s was named for the BBQ joint in Sidney Lumet’s, “The Fugitive Kind,” and not after its owner Pat Mares, although she’ll answer to Ruby. Go by and get your last plate of Ruby’s all-natural brisket and your favorite side before it’s too late. 
Fonda San Miguel has consistently been named one of the country’s top Mexican restaurants since it was founded in 1975. The food is deliciously authentic interior Mexican, and the hacienda style building is beautifully decorated with Mexican antiques, Talavera tiles, and hand-thrown pottery. Happy Hour in the courtyard is an Austin bucket list to do. 
The Dallas County Republican Party has sued to get over 120 Democratic candidates off the ballot, alleging the Democratic county chair did not sign ballot applications before submitting them to the secretary of state’s office as required by state law. The list includes candidates for U.S. House down to local races for Justice of the Peace.
Less than one month remains until early voting begins for Texas’ March 6th primary elections. Early voting is February 20-March 2. The deadline to register to vote in the March 6th election is February 5th. Find out if you are registered by clicking below:
Rep. Dan Huberty (R-Houston), current Chair of the House Public Education Committee, no longer has a primary challenge as his challenger, Reginald C. Grant, Jr., has been declared ineligible due to residency requirements. Grant’s name will remain on the ballot, and should he win, district precinct chairs will vote on a replacement candidate. Huberty did not draw a Democratic opponent. Grant is working on an appeal. 
Governor Abbott has unveiled a plan he believes will slow property tax growth in Texas. His proposal would limit local taxing entities—like cities, counties, and school districts—from collecting more than 2.5% in property tax revenue than they did the previous year. Any increase over 2.5% would require voter approval under Abbott’s plan. 
The U.S. Department of Education has found that Texas violated federal law by setting a target for the maximum percentage of students receiving special education services. The DOE has ordered TEA to design a plan to identify students who were kept out of special education and take corrective action. 
Look no further than the South Congress Hotel’s Otoko for an exclusive Japanese dining experience. Head Chef Yoshi Okai offers a 12-seat multi-course omakase sushi dinner. Omakase really means letting the chef choose your order. Up for the challenge? Snag your tickets to be one of 12 at a seating. 
On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, $23 million in grants for rifle-resistant vests to 453 jurisdictions around the state was announced at the Dallas Police Association. Legislation was passed last session and funding was set aside in the budget for this purpose. An estimated 32,842 rifle-resistant vests are expected to be purchased with the $23 million. 
The Joint Interim Committee on Prescribing and Dispensing Controlled Substances has been appointed. Senate membership includes: Sen. Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown), Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), Sen. Dawn Buckingham, MD (R-Lakeway). House membership includes: Rep. J.D. Sheffield, DO (R-Gatesville), Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin), and Rep. Dewayne Burns (R-Cleburne). Drs. Schwertner and Sheffield will co-chair the committee.
In 7 weeks, early voting will begin for the primary election in Texas. 9 weeks until Primary Election Day on March 6th—the earliest in the country. Bookmark this list for a great reference on candidates and election summaries—from statewide office to the State Board of Education. 
A new year, a fresh start, and new restaurants to open in Austin in 2018! Hopefully these future foodie stops don’t hinder too many of your healthy New Year’s resolutions. 
The candidate filing period ended Monday after several twists and turns. At least 13 Texas House members will not be returning because of retirement or because of running for another office. At least one Texas Senator, maybe two, will not be returning because of congressional races. Seven members of Congress are also not returning to the U.S. House of Representatives. This link leads you to what continues to be our favorite spreadsheet of candidates. 
Anne Idsal, the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) Chief Clerk has been named the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional administrator for region 6. Region 6 includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Previously, Idsal was general counsel at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). 
What do you love/not love about the Mignon Memo? Let us know! We want this to be something fun and useful for you. This link will take you to a 1 minute survey. 
Last night, the first light of the menorah outside of the Texas Capitol was lit. Chanukah continues through Wednesday, December 20th with an additional candle being lit each evening.
