Following the conclusion of the regular 88th Legislative Session, Texans for Vaccine Choice has released a scorecard judging state senators on how they voted, which measures they authored or supported, and any amendments they offered when medical liberty measures were debated.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the issue of medical liberty, senators voted on several measures relating to the issue.
State Sens. Bob Hall (R–Edgewood), Bryan Hughes (R–Mineola), Lois Kolkhorst (R–Brenham), and Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston) all received A+ ratings on the index, and State Sen. Charles Perry (R–Lubbock) received an A.
“Medical liberty was one issue that fared far better in the Senate than the House, especially—though not exclusively—amongst Republicans,” Texans for Vaccine Choice Political Director Michelle Evans told Texas Scorecard. “While dozens of Republicans in the lower chamber received a C grade or lower, most Senate Republicans can boast a B or above. Even Democrat Cesar Blanco proved to be an ally in the 88th Legislative Session, casting strong votes in the powerful Health and Human Services Committee.”
Indeed, of the 19 Republicans in the Senate, 15 received A or B ratings, with four notable exceptions.
State Sens. Kelly Hancock (R–North Richland Hills) and Joan Huffman (R–Houston) received C- ratings, while Pete Flores (R–Pleasanton) received a D and Robert Nichols an F.
Evans said, “Senator Robert Nichols failed to protect the interests of his constituents, opting instead to support taxpayer-funded lobbying and medical discrimination by government-contracted doctors.”
“While there is still much work to be done, heroes like Sens. Kolkhorst, Hall, Hughes, Middleton, and Perry are willing to continue the battle against Big Pharma tyrants in the interim and next legislative session,” added Evans.
The full legislative report card can be viewed here.