In an interview during the legislative session, Joe Straus reiterated his support for giving in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens, saying, “You can’t just legislate based on campaign slogans or headlines.” Straus then proceeded to kill a bill that would have reserved tuition subsidies for American students, not even letting the bill have a hearing.
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In contrast, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick made repeal of in-state tuition for illegal aliens a central tenant of his campaign, and Gov. Greg Abbott said he would sign legislation to end the policy if it reached his desk.
Straus appointed Rep. Bryon Cook to chair the House committee that typically deals with issues related to illegal immigration. Cook has spent the last two sessions working with Democrats to give driver’s permits to illegal aliens.
Straus and Cook have repeatedly killed bills that would have eliminated sanctuary cities, refusing to acknowledge the policies exist even as Gov. Abbott has condemned them. In 2011, Straus and Cook killed an anti-sanctuary cities bill despite Gov. Rick Perry calling a special session on the issue.
Straus Facts is a project of Empower Texans, shining a light on the record of House Speaker Joe Straus.
