The results of the 2019 legislative session have been labeled “purple” by grassroots activists, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has said he was “frustrated” conservative priorities were not adopted. That led to citizens around the state to create the Lone Star Agenda—11 reforms strongly supported by Texans that have been ignored by the crony culture in Austin.
Here’s what Texas legislators are saying about the Lone Star Agenda, in their own words.
Some of have been explicit in calling for and supporting a special session. For example, State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) told Texas Scorecard:
I strongly support the Lone Star Agenda, especially Election Security, CPS Reform and the Protection of Children from Elective, Irreversible Medical Treatments. I would also like to see the top polling issue in SD 2, Electric Grid Security, added to the list. I am grateful that the grassroots have coalesced behind these time-critical conservative issues that warrant a special session.
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington), wrote this on his Facebook page:
I fully support the Lone Star Agenda. Multiple people have asked, and I’ve made it clear that not only do I support the agenda, I also believe we need to call for a special session. We need to pass a conservative agenda, reform the powers of the Speaker’s office, and elect a Speaker who will successfully bring us through the next election cycle. These things will unite Republicans as we go into November 2020. Liberals are coming for Texas, and we have to push back.
State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) shared Tinderholt’s statement on Facebook: “This is what real conservative leadership looks like! Thank you Rep. Tinderholt for taking a stand for Texas. I agree with you 100%.”
In a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott on Nov. 8, 2019, State Rep. Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands) wrote:
I respectfully ask you to call a special session to select a new Speaker of the House and to address the legislative priorities of conservative Texans outlined in the Lone Star Agenda.
On Facebook, State Rep. Scott Sanford (R-McKinney) wrote:
Advancing meaningful legislation to protect and advance the liberties of Texans is always a welcome opportunity. Therefore, I support the Lone Star Agenda and call for these advancements in a special session, and in all future legislative sessions.
State Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) has declined to give a public statement to Texas Scorecard. Julie McCarty, the CEO of the True Texas Project, posted on Facebook:
Representative Jared Patterson is the latest to join our efforts publicly calling for a Special Session in support of the Lone Star Agenda. Thank you, Jared, for doing the will of the people! Thank you, Tom and Toni Fabry, for working with him to make it happen! Great job!
It is worth noting that Jared’s opponent James Trombley endorsed the LSA and a Special weeks ago.
Others, meanwhile, support the items on the agenda but have not publicly announced they were calling for a special session.
On his website, State Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R-Fredericksburg) wrote:
Many of my constituents have signed the agenda and I join them in supporting it. In fact, if a special session is called, I will be filing multiple pieces of legislation on the agenda and sponsoring any other bills filed. If not, I will be filing portions of the agenda in 2021. There are some other items I also believe should be high priorities for conservatives in Texas and I will continue to meet with my colleagues and grassroots activists to ensure our coalition is united for the next 2 years.
Meanwhile, State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) posted to Facebook:
Many activists and friends around the state have inquired as to my position on the proposed Lone Star Agenda. Let me be clear:
In the event the Governor uses his authority to call for a special legislative session, I would stand in support of the Governor and in support of bringing the issues laid out in both the Lone Star Agenda and those listed as RPT Platform priorities to the forefront of consideration.
I say this as someone who has been consistently rated one of the most Conservative members of the Texas Legislature and who actively works to promote Conservative ideas amongst the membership and my constituency.
Similarly, State Rep. Matt Krause (R-Fort Worth) wrote:
I think the Lone Star Agenda is a great start. Although I think it could be strengthened a bit – especially in the areas of pro-life policies and fiscal accountability. So, do I support the Lone Star Agenda? Definitely. Do I think more could/should be added to it? Absolutely.
As far as the special session goes, I take the same position that the letter states below. Should the Governor exercise his prerogative and call a special session, I will support the policies of the Lone Star Agenda, whether they are on the call or not. (as I did with the medically fragile children’s issue in the special session of 2017 – it was not on the call but I supported efforts to strengthen the program)
In a statement provided to Texas Scorecard, State Rep. James White (R-Hillister) wrote:
I support any opportunity whether it is a regular or special session, agency rulemaking, Attorney General opinions, and any other appropriate statutory and constitutional means that promote Life, our 2nd Amendment rights, family values, election integrity, our historical monuments, and safe communities.
NOTE: Originally published Nov. 20, 2019, this article will be updated as members of the Texas Legislature offer comments.
