The Mignon Memo

Go Coogs!

The University of Houston has been selected to host the final Republican debate before the Tuesday primary elections in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia on March 1, 2016. To read more…

To amend or not to amend? That is the question.

Early voting is underway and voters across the state are being asked to decide on 7 constitutional amendments. 484 of 666 amendments have been approved over the Texas Constitution’s 139 year history. To read more…

Say goodbye to the bowtie.

Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams will step down from his post effective January 1, 2016. Williams was appointed by Governor Perry in 2012. Governor Abbott will appoint a successor to lead the Texas Education Agency. To read more…

Clinton/Castro?

After Hillary Clinton’s visit to San Antonio, coupled with an endorsement by U.S. Housing Secretary Julián Castro, the rumor of a VP bid for Castro has only grown. To read more…

Rest in Peace.

After 11 years of faithful service, Bevo XIV has gone on to greener pastures. He will be missed. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Looking for the perfect costume? Look no further than Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, Austin’s favorite costume shop. This 8,000 square feet emporium on South Congress is jam packed with all you could ever need for your perfect Halloween look.

Let the studies begin!

The Capitol Extension may look empty today, but that will soon change as the interim heats up. Senate interim charges have been announced by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and committees will soon get to work studying their assigned charges. To read more…

Texas pulls one off in honor of Bevo.

Although the beloved Bevo was unable to travel to Dallas for the game due to a recent cancer diagnosis, the Longhorns pulled off a massive win on Saturday defeating No. 10 Oklahoma, 24-17. Bevo will take that win and settle in to an early retirement. Thank you for all of your years of service, Bevo. To read more…

Texas, we have a biennial revenue estimate.

Why it matters: The Comptroller’s estimate gives the Legislature its spending parameters. Because the Texas Constitution states that a budget cannot exceed available revenues, the $113 billion estimate is the starting place when crafting the budget for the next biennium. This estimate is lower than initially anticipated. To read more…

Don’t forget!

Early voting starts Monday, October 19^th and ends October 30^th. Check the Secretary of State website for a list of all the constitutional amendments seeking voter approval and all other things voting. To read more…

Only in Austin…

This weekend marks the 20^th Anniversary of the Texas Book Festival. The Festival will be held October 17-18^th from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. The festival hosts over 300 critically recognized authors in over 20 venues in and around the Capitol. Who doesn’t love a good book? #txbookfest To read more…

Hey Bro. It’s breast cancer awareness month.

Governor Abbott has proclaimed October 2015 to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 15,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year and are not limited to women. About 1 in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in a lifetime. To read more…

The Supremes have reunited.

No, not Diana and the girls, but the U.S. Supreme Court. There are a handful of high profile cases with Texas roots up for review this term. To read more…

On the road again.

That’s the song Joe Weber will soon be singing. 18 months after taking the helm as Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation, he will be stepping down as Executive Director at the end of 2015.  To read more…

TX v. OU. Winning doesn’t have to be everything…

Making the trip to Dallas for the game? Here’s a Longhorn’s guide of how to make it a great weekend. To read more…

Only in Austin…

Austin is one big festival, and we’re just living in it. The first weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival has come and gone, but don’t worry, there is a second weekend for music lovers. Don’t have a wristband? It’s nothing your friendly neighborhood ticket scalper can’t handle. To read more…

Why the tears?

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner announced Friday that he will resign from Congress at the end of October. The House will hold elections for his successor on Thursday, October 8^th. U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX 32^nd District) plans to run for House majority whip, the 3^rd most powerful position in House leadership. To read more…

Recently moved? Or know someone who just turned 18?

The deadline to register to vote in the November 3, 2015 election is October 5^th. Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website to double check your registration status and/or print an application to register. To read more…

Making a run for the east side of the Capitol

Monday, State Representative Susan King (R-Abilene) announced that she will indeed run for Texas Senate District 24. Previously, she announced that she would not seek re-election in the House. The field to replace Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) continues to draw candidates. To read more…

Only in Austin…

The historic fence on the east side of the Capitol grounds has seen better days. Last week, a man crashed his car in an attempt to evade being pulled over. He continued to flee on foot, leaving a passenger behind. The driver has been charged with two felonies—failure to stop and render aid, and evading arrest in a motor vehicle. Restoration of the fence may take several months.  To read more…

Road trip with the Comptroller

This fall, Comptroller Glenn Hegar is touring the state to discuss issues impacting the state economy. The town hall type meetings will be held in 27 cities in 12 economic regions over the next couple of months. See if Comptroller Hegar is making his way to your home town. To read more…

It’s a game changer

You can now toast those Texas touch downs or drown your sorrows over missed kicks. For the first time in University of Texas history, beer and wine can be purchased inside Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. To read more…

Super Refund?

With another presidential candidate bowing out this week, have you wondered what happens to all that Super PAC money when its candidate exits the race? To read more…

Only in Austin…

In 2009, the Gilmore brothers appeared on the local Austin restaurant scene with their food trailer “Odd Duck,” dedicated to supporting local famers and showcasing local ingredients. The trailer closed in 2011 while the Gilmores got Barley Swine up and running. Now Odd Duck is a brick and mortar restaurant sitting on the exact location of where the trailer once sat. Odd Duck has been Team McGarry tasted and approved!

Countdown to the 2015 Constitutional Amendment Election (and Special Election for House District 118)

On November 3, 2015 Texans will vote whether to approve constitutional amendments passed during the 2015 Legislative Session. To see what is on the ballot, click here. Propositions include reducing property taxes, dedicating a certain amount of sales and use tax for transportation funding, and recognizing the right to hunt/fish/harvest.

Residents of House District 118, the south/southeast of San Antonio, will also vote for a new state representative to fill the vacancy left by retiring Rep. Joe Farias. Candidates include:

• Anthony Alcoser (D) – Development Director Texas A&M University System
• Robert A. Casias (R) – retiree; former Marine and National Guard Member
• Gabe Farias (D) – son of Rep. Joe Farias, President of West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
• Michael Holdman (R) – small business owner, GPS Your Way
• John Lujan, III (R) – retired firefighter; Vice-President of an information-technology consulting business
• Tomás Uresti (D) – brother of Sen. Carlos Uresti and Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti; Legal Assistant at The Uresti Law Firm, owner of URC Construction

Early voting begins October 19, 2015. To read more…

Perry drops out of presidential race

Friday, former Governor Rick Perry suspended his presidential campaign. This announcement follows campaign staff scale-backs and failing to make the second GOP debate on CNN. To read more….

For the Aggies (and hot dog lovers) out there

The Texas Aggies are playing in a new Kyle Field this season after it received a $485 million renovation. Not only is College Station home to the biggest stadium in the SEC, it is also home to the new “Aggie Dog,” a 4 foot long, 12 pound hot dog that is now available at Kyle Field. To read more…

Speaking of hot dogs

One Austin commuter bikes to work with a pair of four legged friends. Downtown resident, Sarah Bigelow, pedals to her job in Westlake with her two long-haired dachshunds, Mandu and Kimchi. Only in Austin… To read more…

Only in Austin…

Have you seen one of these driving around town? It is one of Google’s self-driving cars that has been hitting the streets of Austin since July. A second self-driving model is expected to arrive in Austin later this month. To read more…

Governor Abbott’s veto period officially ended Sunday with a total of 44 vetoed bills and several line item vetoes in the budget. He will now shift to campaign mode hosting major fundraising events across the state next week.

Monday, the state moratorium on political contributions ended and candidates are scrambling to raise money before the July reporting period. No one wants an empty war chest for the first reporting period post session.

Poll positions have been drawn  for seven proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Amendments that were passed by the Legislature will need voter approval to become law. Propositions include increasing the homestead exemption, recognizing the right to hunt and fish, and dedicating a portion of sales and motor vehicle taxes to help fund transportation.

Monday, the University of Texas Tower shone with burnt-orange pride in honor of Jordan Spieth’s historic U.S. Open win. Not only is Jordan a former Longhorn, he is the youngest player to win the U.S. Open since 1923. He is also only the sixth golfer to win the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year. Four other Longhorns competed in the U.S. Open.

Only In Austin…

Have you ever wondered what the line is all about at the corner of 51^st Street and Airport Boulevard? It’s all about Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs. Casey’s keeps 60 different flavors on hand, including the infamous proprietary formula for Casey’s Famous Chocolate. The line may be daunting in the summer heat, but the prize of a frozen snowball is worth it.

With summer officially upon us, the Mignon Memo will be taking a seasonal break. The Memo will return to your inbox after Labor Day. 

Happy Summer!

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Jeb! Another presidential candidate with a Texas connection has made his campaign official. Fundraising events have already been scheduled for June 25^th in Dallas and Houston—two cities where Bush family members currently reside.

San Antonio has a new-ish mayor. Ivy Taylor, interim mayor, successfully defeated former state senator Leticia Van de Putte in Saturday’s mayoral run-off by a margin of 3.2%. 

It’s the end of an era in East Texas. Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler) announced that he will not seek re-election. Eltife has served in the Texas Senate since February 2004 when he was elected in a special election to replace Sen. Bill Ratliff. Two state representatives, Rep. Bryan Hughes (R-Minneola) and Rep. David Simpson (R-Longview), have already declared their intentions to run for Senate District 1. Many more candidates are expected to announce.

Only In Austin…

The Wine Down, a summer concert series at ACL Live, has returned for the summer. Every other Tuesday through August 25^th, you can enjoy happy hour sips and bites while listening to live music from 5-7pm. This summer’s lineup includes:

6/16 – The Deer & Chipper Jones with bites by Trace

6/30 – Peterson Brothers Band with bites by Cantina Laredo

7/14 – Walker Lukens Music with bites by III Forks Austin

7/28 – Sour Bridges with bites by Numero28 Ristorante/Pizzeria/Vineria

8/11 – Cilantro Boombox with bites by Living Room at W Hotel

8/25 – Austin Music Foundation presents Quiet Company & special guest Bee Caves with bites by The Bonneville

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It’s official, former Texas governor Rick Perry has officially entered the 2016 Presidential Race. His running mate? A custom country/rap song.

Friday, Governor Abbott announced that he will appoint Chris Traylor as Executive Commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) when current Commissioner Dr. Kyle Janek leaves his post on July 1, 2015. Traylor has served as the Deputy Executive Commissioner of HHSC for the last 3 years. Charles Smith, currently the Deputy for Child Support at the Texas Office of the Attorney General, will take over as Deputy Executive Commissioner of HHSC.

Another retirement… Monday, Patricia Harless (R-Spring), announced that she will not be seeking reelection after serving for 5 terms in the Texas House.

We’re in the money. Comptroller Glenn Hegar has certified the 2 year budget passed by the Texas Legislature, meaning there is enough money in the state’s coffers to cover it. It now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Feeling special? Hopefully not. When asked about calling a special session to consider legislation that would prohibit county clerks from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, Governor Abbott has said he will not. “They got their job done on time and don’t require any overtime.”

Only In Austin…

Looking for a way to cool off now that Summer is here? Barton Springs is the place for you. The Springs were closed temporarily due to damage from the recent floods, but have reopened this week. Barton Springs is open from 5am to 10pm daily.

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Monday, the Texas Legislature adjourned sine die and legislators have headed home to their districts. Some have decided to hang it up or move on to other things. Those who have confirmed that they will not seek re-election:

• Sylvester Turner (D-Houston), retiring after ___ years to run for mayor of Houston.
• Jimmie Don Aycock (R-Killeen), retiring after ___ years.
• Allen Fletcher (R-Tomball), retiring after ___ years to run for Constable.
• Joe Farias (D-San Antonio), retiring after ___ years.
• Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay), retiring after 27 years.

How hot topic issues fared this session

Property Tax Cuts: PASSED. SB 1 increases the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $15,000 to $25,000, providing $1.2 billion in property tax relief over the biennium for Texas homeowners.

Franchise Tax Cuts: PASSED. 25% reduction of the franchise tax on Texas businesses. The cut will provide $2.56 billion in tax relief to businesses over the biennium.

Open Carry: PASSED. Texans licensed to carry concealed handguns will now be able to openly carry handguns in shoulder or belt holsters. Gun free zones (such as hospitals, bars, and schools grade K-12) remain the same.

Campus Carry: PASSED. Will allow those with concealed handgun licenses to carry concealed handguns on public college/university campuses. Universities and colleges will be allowed to establish policies establishing how and where concealed carry can occur on campus.

Statewide ban on texting while driving: DID NOT PASS

Pre-K: SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR. $130 million (about $1,500/eligible child) is set aside for the next two years for school districts whose pre-kindergarten programs meet certain standards.

Transportation Funding: in November, a constitutional amendment temporarily dedicating a portion of the revenue derived from the state sales and use tax to the state highway fund, will be put to a vote for approval.

Border security: PASSED. $800 million has been set aside to increase the Department of Public Safety’s presence on the border.

Legalization of marijuana: DID NOT PASS, but a law legalizing the use of cannabinoid oil for those with epilepsy has been SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR.

Religious freedom/Pastor protection: PASSED. Clarifies that a member of the clergy has the right to refuse to conduct a marriage that violates his or her beliefs.

Only In Austin…

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