The Mignon Memo

Beat the Clock – 5 days remaining in session.

265 days until early voting in the Texas primary begins. (Too soon??)

Midnight on Tuesday marked a major deadline for the Texas House: Senate bills had to have a favorable vote by that time in order to proceed further. With 30 minutes to spare,campus carry was approved by the House. Two amendments were adopted—one excluding medical schools and health science centers from the legislation, and the other allowing universities to adopt limited bans in certain areas of campus. Now, the Senate and House versions of the bill will have to be reconciled before heading to the Governor’s office.

Many important bills are still working their way through conference committees and we will report on them after the session once we know for sure they have become law.

Day of the Duke: Yesterday, the Legislature still made time for a little fun. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick declared Tuesday John Wayne Day in Texas. The Capitol played host to Wayne’s children and grandchildren to mark the actor’s 108th birthday.

The conference committee report for the budget has been signed and filed. Each state agency, institutions of higher education, and our public school system is funded through this budget. Additionally, language is often contained within the individual agencies directing them to govern in specific ways.The report will need to “lay out” for 36 hours before it can be adopted by the full House and Senate. This will likely happen on Friday, the 137th day of session. The final budget will total: $209.4 billion all funds and $106.6 billion in general revenue. The details of our state budget hold all the keys on how state government will function for the next two years.

Only In Austin…

The recent Memorial Day storms brought record-breaking rainfall, flash flooding, and destruction to Central Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in several counties and emergency responders continue to work around the clock.  While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Texans may need to batten down the hatches once again as more thunderstorms are forecasted to hit the area later this week. Those looking to help victims of these historic floods can donate in a number of ways. There are several organizations working to provide aid to affected areas. Local relief organizations include:

Austin Disaster Relief Network
ADRN is raising donations to help flood victims that are seeking assistance by providing gift cards directly to the victims. They have also opened a warehouse at the Oak Meadows Baptist Church for donations of goods.

American Red Cross of Central Texas
The American Red Cross is taking donations in person or via check, phone call, text (text REDCROSS to 90999) or their website.

United Way of Greater Austin
Donations can be sent to United Way either by texting UWATX to 85944 or going to the website.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram! 

The Final Countdown – Regular Session officially ends June 1 at Midnight.

–  Governor Greg Abbott vetoed his first piece of legislation this week, a resolution recognizing mental health professionals during National Health Month. The resolution contained language regarding certain billing practices and codes. Abbott said the added language would create law and is outside the scope of a ceremonial resolution.

–   Open carry legislation is heading to the floor of the Texas Senate after being approved by the Senate State Affairs committee on Monday. The legislation will allow licensed gun owners to openly carry handguns. Proponents of “campus carry” may use this bill as a vehicle for an amendment that would allow concealed weapons on university and college campuses.

–   An investigation into illegally registered committee witnesses is ongoing. Representative Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) came under fire when witnesses registered to testify about his red light bill were not present at the Capitol. Although Stickland’s attorney says the State Representative has been cleared of wrongdoing, the Travis County DA says the DPS investigation is still in final review.

–  Banning the ban: Governor Abbott signed legislation known as the Denton Fracking bill on Monday, preventing local municipalities from banning hydraulic fracking. Local and State authorities across the country have wrestled for control over fracking as the drilling method expands.

–   Hannah Giles and husband Joseph Basel, co-founders of the foundation that has been covertly filming Texas legislators, spoke to Texas Monthly about their motivations and goals. They hope their videos “disrupt the narrative.”

–   After weeks of tense negotiations over the tax cuts, sources say the House and Senate have agreed to implement some form of property tax relief. Lawmakers disagree about the appropriate timeline for rolling out the state’s new tax plan but, with the end of session looming, both chambers are under the gun to reach a compromise.

Only in Austin…

After 30+ years of serving North Austin residents at their Burnet location, The Omelettery is moving to a new location.  Austin’s favorite egg haven will now be serving-up their famous breakfasts on Airport Boulevard. The Omelettry can only be described as old-school. A simple menu of cooked-to-order items has remained largely unchanged since the joint opened in 1978.  The new location will be up and running in mid to late May.

19 Days Left, But Who’s Counting?

With less than 20 days left in session, lawmakers are scrambling to make their legislative mark. This is a week of crucial deadlines in the House. If a House bill has not been considered on the House floor calendar by Thursday at midnight, it is dead, at least in that form. As bills are dying, a handful have reached Governor Abbott’s desk and have been signed into law. Three are effective immediately:

SB 149, Seliger: This bill will allow high school students who fail state exams to pursue an alternate route to graduation; effective immediately.

SB 219, Schwertner: This bill is a technical clean-up and clarification of the statutes addressing the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and its agencies.

SB 293, Nelson: This bill makes changes to ensure that ESPN, NASCAR, and UFC events are eligible to receive funding from the Major Events trust fund.

• Swan Song for Sylvester Turner: Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston) will retire from his long tenure in Austin in pursuit of becoming the Mayor of Houston. Turner has served in the Texas House for over 20 years. He has witnessed (and, at times, orchestrated) dramatic shifts in the state’s political climate. Representative Turner and his abacus will be missed.

• Candid Camera: The fallout continues this week over the secret filming of Texas lawmakers by a group called the American Phoenix Foundation. It’s unclear who funds the foundation or what their exact intentions are, but they’ve turned over the videos to conservative news outlet Breitbart Texas.

Only In Austin…

Walking into Nau’s Enfield Drug is like stepping into a time machine. This neighborhood drug store hasn’t aged a day since it first opened its doors back in 1951. The original grill and soda fountain in the back still serve up the original menu of burgers, shakes, and fried sandwiches. You can’t get fries with that old timey hamburger but you can get a heaping helping of nostalgia for the good old days gone by.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

Bills, Bans, and Ballyhoo

• A fracking bill is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk after being approved by the House and Senate. The bill would override local efforts to regulate oil and gas activities. The bill is largely considered to be a response to Denton’s ban on hydraulic fracking within its city limits.

• A“Double-Dipping” ban has passed the House, but don’t worry about your chips and queso. The bill actually closes a loophole that allowed former Governor Rick Perry to collect a pension before leaving office.

• Testimony was heard in the Senate State Affairs committee over a bill that would allow clergy to refuse to marry same-sex couples. Critics argued that the bill should only apply to religious marriage ceremonies, and not to secular marriage licenses.

• SJR 5, a constitutional amendment that would address transportation funding by dedicating certain funds to the state highway fund, has been passed by the House and Senate. Both chambers agree funding is necessary, but differ on how to achieve this goal. Conferees have been named and will work out an agreement to present to both chambers for majority approval before heading to the Governor’s desk. Transportation is one of Gov. Abbott’s emergency items.

Senate Conferees:

• Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), Chair of Senate Transportation
• Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound)
• John Whitmire (D-Houston)
• Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler)
• Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)

House Conferees:

• Joe Pickett (R-El Paso), Chair of House Transportation
• John Otto (R-Dayton)
• Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas)
• Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton)
• Patricia Harless (R-Spring)

• The budget battle continues between the House and Senate as both chambers fight to forward their respective tax cut plans. Lt.Gov. Dan Patrick’s battle plan calls for no retreat or surrender. Patrick said the Senate is doubling down on property tax relief with no plans to compromise or bargain with the House.

• Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Jim Wright, passed away this morning. Wright began his political career as a congressman from Ft. Worth, and was re-elected to the U.S. Congress 17 times. He is best known for his exemplary representation of the DFW area and the state of Texas.

Only in Austin…

If you’re looking to treat mom to a special Mother’s Day, look no further than Chez Zee. This American style bistro has been serving Austinites southern classics and award-winning desserts since 1988 and this Sunday, Chez Zee is extending its hours to serve up an extra special Mother’s Day. Nothing says “I love you mom” like Crème Brulee French Toast and bottomless mimosas. So this Sunday, treat mom to brunch (unless you think your $2 Hallmark card will suffice).

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

The Plot Thickens

• Budget conferees have been announced and are tasked with ironing out a final budget for the 2016-2017 biennium. Conferees have started meeting to negotiate a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the budget.

House conferees:

John Otto (R–Dayton)

Sylvester Turner (D–Houston)

Trent Ashby (R–Lufkin)

Sarah Davis (R–West University Place)

Larry Gonzales (R–Round Rock)

Senate conferees

Jane Nelson (R–Flower Mound)

Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D–McAllen)

Joan Huffman (R–Houston)

Lois Kolkhorst (R–Brenham)

Charles Schwertner (R–Georgetown)

• Few things inspire more anxiety in Capitol regulars than the phrase “special session.” However, with federal decisions on redistricting and voter ID pending, Texas lawmakers could be heading back to the office for some legislative overtime.

• The House and Senate agree that they want to lower taxes—but which taxes? The Texas House approved a 4.9 billion dollar tax cut on Tuesday, which would not only cut the franchise tax but also lower sales tax for the first time in Texas history. The House plan, which included no cuts to property tax, conflicts with the Senate’s tax plan, which focuses on property tax. In the coming weeks, the Legislature may be headed for a tax-cut showdown!

Only in Austin…

The 84^th Session’s Silliest Bill captions: This session has seen its fair share of serious bills but some silliness slipped through the legislative cracks. In no particular order, check out some of the captions:

1. Relating to honesty in state taxation.
2. Relating to a written agreement concerning a projectile that travels across a property line.
3. Relating to the naming by the Texas Historical Commission of certain areas without historical value that are on historic sites.
4. Designating #Texas as the official hashtag of Texas.
5. Relating to the sale and purchase of shark fins or products derived from shark fins; creating a criminal offense.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

Movin’ Right Along

• Dr. Greg Fenves was confirmed as the new president of The University of Texas at Austin. Fenves, 58, first came to the University to serve as Dean of Engineering, and is currently the University’s executive vice president and provost. Fenves will succeed Bill Powers June 3, 2015.

• Bob Saget would be so proud. After Tuesday’s special election run-off for José Menéndez’s old seat in Texas House District 124, we finally have a full House. The last vacant seat in the chamber will be filled by Former Bexar County prosecutor Ina Minjarez. Minjarez won out over fellow Democrat Delicia Herrera, a former member of the San Antonio City Council, earning 55% of the vote.

• Gov. Greg Abbott has promised to sign open carry legislation that reaches his desk.  The Texas House approved open carry legislation on Monday, which will allow concealed handgun license holders to carry their side arms openly. Similar legislation has already passed the Senate. The bill will now most likely go to a conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions.

• What the Frack?  The House has approved legislation that would prevent cities and counties from passing local fracking bans. The will of the House did not side with local control on this hot button issue.

Only in Austin…

If a 50’s diner and a cowboy had an illegitimate love child, it would be named Ranch 616. The special concept of the restaurant is South Texas Ice House, based on the personal background of chef and owner Kevin Williamson. The cuisine encompasses flavors from the Gulf of Mexico to the border towns of Texas. In addition to its innovative food philosophy, the Ranch’s ambiance echoes its eclectic Texas influences. The restaurant looks like something right out of a Douglas Adams novel with dead animals on the wall, snakeskin booth seats, Jesus candle water glasses, and “damn good” margaritas on the menu.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!

Singing a Different Tune

• Award winning singer and songwriter, John Legend, is coming to Austin, but not on tour. Rather, the singer will lend his voice to something different: criminal justice reform. Mr. Legend will meet with Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Houston) and other Texas legislators to discuss the end of mass incarceration. Thompson, whose criminal justice reform bill HB 3326 was recently heard before the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, has long been a proponent for criminal justice reform.

• Former Bexar County prosecutor Ina Minjarez and former San Antonio City Council Member Delicia Herrera  will face-off in a special election run-off to fill the seat of former Representative now Senator José Menéndez- House District 124 (San Antonio). With 46 days left in the session, this election will effectively fill the final open seat in the Texas Legislature.

• Let’s get fiscal: The Texas Senate approved a two-year, $211 billion budget.  After weeks of number crunching, the bill will now go on to a conference committee, where it will be reconciled with the House budget. The two chambers are expected to haggle over the various tax breaks introduced in the proposals.

• Jumping the gun: After flying through the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety, HB 910, which would allow for open carry, has hit a roadblock. The bill was pulled from the House floor following a point of order by Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (San Antonio), who noted a discrepancy in the reports of witness testimony. The bill was sent back to committee for clean up and will hit the floor Friday.

Only in Austin…

Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garten was opened  back in the Summer of 2012. The establishment may be young but this new kid on the block is making a name for itself in the Austin food scene. Equal parts German beirgarten and cozy cabin, Bangers is a quintesential Rainey Street bungalow, complete with open-air patio seating and live music.  The bar boasts over 100 beers on tap but it’s the innovative menu that’s making headlines. Patrons are advised to bring an appetite and an open mind. The restaurant features the largest sausage selection in Austin and features creative combinations like the Duck, Bacon, & Fig sausage and South Texas Antelope & Venison Merguez. Innovative meals stand alongside classic favorites like Bangers & Mash.

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave

• The legal tangle for professionals trained in the art of African hair braiding is nearing its end. A federal court has ruled that Texas laws restricting braiders’ ability to open hair braiding schools are unconstitutional. State lawmakers are now considering legislation to drop restrictions on the hair braiding industry altogether. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will likely be getting out of the hair of the state’s professional braiders.

• “Tax Cuts” is the phrase that pays this session.The Senate has already approved its tax relief package totaling $4.5 billion in cuts to property and business franchise taxes. Today, Rep. Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (committee of jurisdiction for tax issues), released the House’s tax relief package. The House proposal totals $4.9 billion in tax-relief, cutting the sales tax rate to 5.95% from the current 6.25%. Bonnen’s plan also includes a 25% cut in the state business tax rate.

• Chair of the House Public Education Committee, Jimmie Don Aycock (R-Killeen), rolled out his school finance proposal to address funding concerns raised in the pending school finance lawsuit. The House Public Education Committee will take testimony on Aycock’s proposal next week.

• As US Senator Ted Cruz enters the 2016 presidential race, he won’t be running alone. Four Austin-based super PACs will back Cruz as he campaigns for the Republican nomination. They expect to raise a whopping $31 million during their first week. Although super PACs have radically changed the pace of political fundraising, the Cruz haul is remarkable. There are no known cases in which an operation backing a White House hopeful has collected this much money in less than a week. Cruz is no longer alone in the 2016 presidential race. Rand Paul, a U.S. Senator out of Kentucky with Texas roots, has formally announced a bid for the Republican nomination. Cruz’s fundraising blitz may give him an edge in what is sure to be a packed race.

Only in Austin:

Hidden deep within the Capitol, the Legislative Research Library (LRL) is a sanctuary from the typical hustle and bustle under the rotunda. The LRL was established in 1969 and charged with the task of satisfying the reference and research needs of the Legislature, its staff, its committees. Whenever possible within this framework, the library also assists the public and other state agencies with legislative research. Today, the library’s collection has grown to approximately 49,400 titles and 134,772 volumes.

No Foolin’ Here…

•  Your state representative may look a little groggy this morning. After 18 hours and 350+ amendments, the Texas House tentatively passed a $210 billion budget at 6a.m. this morning.  Once the Senate approves a budget of its own, a conference committee composed of members from both chambers will negotiate a compromise.

• The race to replace former State Representative, now Senator José Menéndez in House District 124 continues.  A run-off will be held between Democrats Ina Minjarez (won 42% of the vote), a former Bexar County prosecutor, and Delicia Herrera (won 28% of the vote), a former member of the San Antonio City Council. The winner of this run-off will take the seat formerly held by now Senator Menéndez. The run-off election date has yet to be announced by Governor Abbott.

• After an exhaustive search, Gregory Fenves is the sole finalist for the presidency of The University of Texas at Austin. Fenves has served as UT Austin’s provost and executive vice president since 2013. Current UT president Bill Powers will step down in June after serving a nine-year tenure.

• The Texas House on Wednesday tentatively approved a ban on texting while driving.  The proposed bill would make it a misdemeanor statewide to use a portable wireless device for reading, writing or sending a text while driving.  More stringent hands-free regulations already in place will not be affected by the bill. Now the measure will be debated in the Texas Senate.

Only in Austin…

For foodies with a sense of adventure look no further than Odd Duck.  Now one of Austin’s favorite upscale eateries, Odd Duck began as a humble food trailer, serving street cuisine with ingredients from local Austin farms. Odd Duck now operates as a full restaurant on the exact lot where the original trailer once stood. The commitment to craftsmanship is evident in a menu filled with fresh Gulf seafood, local produce, and legendary bread baked in-house.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram! 

Good bye, South by!

To the relief of many Austinites, SXSW wrapped up on Sunday, and downtown Austin is back to normal. Well, not too normal, we are still in session.

• The good news is we’ve made it halfway through the legislative session with 68 days remaining. The not so good news is that much mischief can happen between now and June 1st!

• It is tax day in the Senate. Debate on several tax-related bills backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, including a $4.6 billion tax cut in property and business taxes. The business community, appears to be split in its support of this tax proposal.

• U.S. Senator Ted Cruz announced his candidacy for President on Monday, confirming rumors that have been swirling about a potential Presidential bid. In his campaign kick-off speech at Liberty University, Cruz outlined a few major points of his campaign platform, such as securing the border and abolishing the IRS. In a sign of the times, the initial announcement came the night before, on Cruz’s Twitter account.

• After a month of hearings, the House Appropriations Committee has endorsed a $209.8 billion dollar budget. That’s $7.7 billion more than the current budget, but still leaves $8.4 billion on the table (not including the state’s savings account—the Rainy Day Fund). The bill will be debated on the house floor next Tuesday.

•  The House of Representatives will take a crack at School Finance this session, ahead of a possible court ruling, and has included an additional $3 billion to the state’s public education budget. The major public school finance lawsuit, involving two-thirds of the state’s school districts, is still pending before the Texas Supreme Court.

Only in Austin…

If you’ve ever driven down 5th street, you may have passed by one of these sassy signs.

The self proclaimed “Cultural Center of the Universe”, El Arroyo has been serving Austinites for over 25 years. This laid back Tex-Mex hideaway is a favorite of college students and natives alike (including country singer Pat Green) and is ideal for a quick queso fix.  El Arroyo also boasts an unbeatable deal on one dollar margaritas every Thursday night. Stop by and you might spot a new entry sign. Here are a few favorites:

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram!