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Abel Herrero Voting Record & Scorecard | Institute for Legislative Analysis

TX Representative

District: 34 • Democrat

2023 Alignment:

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Title

Lawmaker Position

Protecting Taxpayers and Promoting Student Success by Ensuring School Funding is Directed to Teachers Instead of Wasteful Administration.

The Harrison and Leo-Wilson amendment #1 to a public school funding bill. This amendment provides that a school district is only eligible to receive the basic allotment funding if more than 50% of the district's maintenance and operations expenditures the previous school year were spent on salaries and benefits for full-time teachers.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment is designed to ensure school districts are using taxpayer funds to provide the best education possible for students, rather than wasting funds on administrative and other unnecessary expenses.
Against
Limited
Government

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for Electricians.

This bill creates an additional alternative pathway for electricians to obtain an occupational license. Under the bill, an aspiring electrician may complete a career and technology education program as opposed to the 4,000 hours of training otherwise required. These programs can be offered by public or private schools and colleges and universities.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers.
Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
Supports
Limited
Government

Growing Government Dependency and Wealth Redistribution through the Creation of a New "Free" Pre-K and Childcare Program Delivered through Community Providers.

This bill creates the "Prekindergarten Community-Based Child-Care Partnership Grant Program" to provide grants to school districts for pre-K and childcare services delivered through community providers.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government dependency.
Instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for the childcare costs of other individuals, lawmakers should advance de-regulatory policies across the childcare industry to lower costs and expand competition. This free-market approach is the best way to make childcare more affordable.
Against
Limited
Government

Expanding Government Power to Shutdown Competition within the Optometry Industry.

This bill primarily targets a business model within the optometry industry which has been deployed by Visionworks of America, which is owned by an insurance company called Vision Services Plan (VSP) Insurance Co. The bill prevents VSP from incentivizing its enrollees to utilize the optometry company it owns (Visionworks) through the offering of discounts or other value-added benefits. Other optometry companies have alleged that since VSP owns its own optometry company and can "steer patients" it is provided an unfair competitive advantage in the industry.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents one of the worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to stifle competition.
This protectionism merely enriches select businesses and prevents the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Farmers from Government Overreach by Preventing Local Governments from Imposing Additional Regulations on the Agricultural Industry.

The bill prevents localities from imposing additional regulations on farmers and ranchers engaging in agricultural operations. Under the bill, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is directed to develop a list of "generally accepted agricultural practices" that do not pose a threat to public health, which cities also may not prohibit or restrict.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights by combatting overreaching local regulations.
While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
Supports
Limited
Government

Fueling Runaway Spending and Enriching Government-Favored Educational Entities through the Creation of the "Lone Star Workforce Future Fund".

This bill creates the "Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund" which provides grants to select public junior colleges, technical institutes, and nonprofits for workforce training programs. The bill allows the grants to be utilized for a wide range of purposes including staff salaries and curriculum development, with entities eligible to receive a grant of up to $15,000 per participant.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to determine the most in-demand career fields and direct resources to the most effective training entities.
This measure merely enriches government-favored entities (some which may be ineffective) while further increasing out-of-control spending.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights by Limiting School "Gun-Free Zones" to Only School-Owned Property.

This bill amends the existing state law which prohibits firearms on school grounds or buildings when a school-sponsored activity is taking place. Under this bill, the "gun free zone" only applies to the actual premises owned by a school (not off-campus locations).
Support is the Limited Government Position as "gun free zones" do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law.
While the restriction should be eliminated entirely, this measure serves as a step in the right direction.
Supports
Limited
Government

Strengthening Medical Freedom and Reducing Addiction by Permitting Physicians to Prescribe Low-THC Cannabis in Cases where Opioids would Otherwise be Prescribed.

This bill expands the list of medical conditions for which a physician may prescribe low-THC cannabis (medical marijuana). Under the bill, physicians who would otherwise prescribe a patient an opioid could now prescribe cannabis. The bill also increases the maximum dosage that may be prescribed by replacing the 1% THC cap with a 10-milligram cap. Texas' medical marijuana program is currently among the strictest in the nation.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens medical freedom by ensuring physicians - not politicians - are able to determine and provide the most effective treatment for their patients.
The bill also helps combat the addiction crisis currently plaguing our nation.
Supports
Limited
Government

Expanding Individual Liberties and Tax Revenue by Allowing the Sale and Consumption of Alcohol at a Fine Arts Performing Venue in Arlington.

This bill permits the Arlington Independent School District to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts facility.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands consumer choice and individual liberties while also generating additional sales tax revenue for taxpayers.
Supports
Limited
Government

Reducing Employment Barriers and Expanding Competition Through an Alternative Licensing Pathway for HVAC Technicians.

This bill amends the licensing requirements for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians by establishing an alternative pathway to become licensed. The bill recognizes completion of a career and technology education program at a public school or institution of higher education as satisfying the certification training program requirements for licensure. The bill also provides for a waiver of any renewal fee and reduction in the number of required continuing education hours for technicians who provide instruction in a career and technology education program.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers.
Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Individual Liberties and Lowering Property Taxes by Legalizing Online Sports Betting.

This bill, the Texas Sports and Entertainment Recovery Act, legalizes online sports betting. Under the bill, Texas would join neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana which have legalized sports gambling. The bill imposes a 15% tax on adjusted gross wagering revenue, with some of the revenue utilized for addiction treatment and all remaining funds dedicated to property tax relief.
Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors such as betting.
Not only does this measure provide desperately needed property tax relief which will make housing more affordable, but it also helps eliminate the financial fraud and other significant societal harms that the current black market in gambling presents to Texans.
Supports
Limited
Government

Blocking School Choice by Removing the Provision Creating Educational Savings Accounts from the Education Bill.

The Raney amendment #2 to the education omnibus bill. This amendment removes the school choice provision from the bill which provides voucher-like educational savings accounts (ESAs). Each qualifying student would receive an ESA with $10,500 towards private or parochial school tuition.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment worsens educational outcomes for all students by blocking competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
Against
Limited
Government

Blocking School Choice by Prohibiting Any Appropriations within the Budget for School Choice Programs.

The Herrero amendment #45 to the appropriations bill. This amendment prohibits any funds in the bill from being used for school choice programs, including school vouchers, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships, or grants that allow students to attend private schools.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment worsens educational outcomes for all students by blocking competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Limiting Annual Property Assessment Increases.

This bill, the Property Tax Relief Act, contains a couple key provisions designed to limit increases in property taxes. Most notably, the bill lowers the appraisal cap from 10% to 5% and would expand the cap to also include business property owners, such as restaurants and apartment complexes, rather than just residential.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect homeowners and businesses from even greater levels of taxation.
While this bill serves as a step in the right direction, lawmakers should advance additional reforms to provide broad-based property tax relief, which will help spur economic growth.
Supports
Limited
Government

Reducing Frivolous Litigation by Updating the Residential Construction Liability Act to Limit Liability and Provide Clarifications.

This bill updates the Residential Construction Liability Act to provide additional liability protections for contractors. Under the bill, contractors are not liable for residential construction defects unless actual physical damage occurs, part of a building is unable to be used for its intended purpose, or there is a verifiable danger to the residents. Contractors are also not liable for damages that result from a failure to provide timely notice of a defect. The bill also amends various provisions related to lawsuits arising from construction defects, such as allowing contractors additional time to make a settlement offer.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps maintain housing affordability by reducing frivolous construction related litigation which drives up costs for developers and consumers.
Against
Limited
Government

Threatening Public Safety through a Mass Jailbreak for Prisoners who Committed Murder and other Violent Crimes as Juveniles.

This bill initiates a large release of prisoners within the state correctional system by significantly shortening the sentences of prisoners who committed violent crimes when they were under the age of 18. Under the bill, prisoners who committed first degree felonies as a juvenile must now only serve a quarter of their sentence or 15 years (whichever is shorter) and prisoners who committed capital offenses (sentenced to life in prison) must now only serve 20 years before being eligible for parole. Additionally, the bill establishes certain factors parole boards must consider that are expected to result in earlier releases such as "greater capacity of juveniles for change, as compared to that of adults".
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government.
Unfortunately, this bill is one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
Against
Limited
Government

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay up to $5 Million Annually for a New Rural College and Career Pathways Program.

This bill establishes the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program to "expand opportunities for underserved students to succeed in school and life while promoting economic development in rural areas." The bill provides up to $5 million in funding annually for rural school districts to partner on college and career pathway programs, with districts receiving outcome bonuses based on whether a student is considered economically disadvantaged.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize educational programs for individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state.
Against
Limited
Government

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize an Even Greater Range of Events (Bull Riding and Bassmaster) under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund".

This bill expands eligibility under the "Major Events Reimbursement Fund" to include a larger range of events ranging from the Bassmaster Classic to motorcycle racing and equestrian competitions.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to select the most desired events and provide the necessary funding (via tickets and other user fees).
The major event reimbursement fund should be eliminated entirely as the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Property Rights by Allowing the Removal of Ashe Juniper Trees Without Property Owners being Forced to Pay into a Tree Fund.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring property owners to pay a "tree mitigation fee" in order to remove an Ashe juniper tree on their property. The bill also ensures that localities can't impose any ban which prevents the removal of the tree.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties.
While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Against Overreaching Local Regulations by Allowing Businesses to Sue to Block Enforcement.

This bill allows most businesses subject to state licensing requirements to sue localities to prevent the enforcement of local regulations that are more stringent than state regulations or that can be shown to "result in an adverse economic impact."
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect against overreaching local regulations that most often restrict competition and drive-up business costs.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Authorizing Retired Judges to Carry a Firearm into Courthouses and Other Restricted Places.

This bill allows retired judges who have a handgun license to carry a firearm into restricted places, such as courthouses, schools, and polling locations.
Support is the Limited Government Position as disarming individuals through pointless "gun control" measures merely make law-abiding citizens targets to criminals who do not abide by the law.
And while all law-abiding individuals should be permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and defend themselves in these locations, this bill serves as a step in the right direction in helping protect individuals who may be at elevated safety risks.
Supports
Limited
Government

Expanding Government Overreach through New Annual Mandates on Ridesharing Drivers Pertaining to Human Trafficking Training.

This bill requires all individuals who provide ridesharing services (through companies such as Uber and Lyft) to undergo annual training on human trafficking awareness and prevention. The training materials provided by rideshare companies must meet a long list of requirements and be approved by the Attorney General.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while human trafficking is certainly a tragedy which society should work to combat, the solution is not the further expansion of the government regulatory state and imposition of new mandates and costs onto the private sector.
A much more laudable approach is for the private sector and companies within to invest and establish their own individual procedures to solve societal problems as opposed to the imposition of one-size-fits all government mandates.
Against
Limited
Government

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Services.

This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) to now include behavioral health intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services. The expansion is estimated to cost an additional $12.3 million over the next five years.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state.
The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Against
Limited
Government

Worsening Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Additional Subsidies to Companies Already Receiving Federal Grants through the Texas Technology and Innovation Trust Fund.

This bill establishes the Texas Technology and Innovation Program to provide matching or supplemental funds to businesses that already receive federal funds through the federal small business innovation research and small business technology transfer programs.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is best equipped to drive economic growth.
The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
Against
Limited
Government

Growing Government Central Planning and Runaway Spending by Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Grocery Stores in "Food Deserts".

This bill creates the "Texas Grocery Access Investment Fund" "to construct, rehabilitate, or expand grocery stores in underserved low-income and moderate-income areas." The bill requires at least 25% of funds be in the form of grants or forgivable loans, and recipients may use funds to acquire property, construct grocery stores, and for other purposes.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of grocery stores across the state.
Additionally, taxpayers in one part of the state should not be forced to subsidize amenities such as grocery stores for individuals in other regions of the state.
Against
Limited
Government

Denying Texans Significant Property Tax Relief by Blocking a $20 Billion Tax Cut.

This motion tables (defeats) the Tinderholt amendment #1 to a property tax relief bill. The Tinderholt amendment would provide $20 billion in property tax relief through a reduction applied equally across all school districts.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this this motion denies Texans a significant broadly applied property tax cut which would make housing more affordable and help spur economic growth.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Second Amendment Rights by Preventing Localities from Imposing Liability Insurance Mandates on Firearm Owners.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which require a firearm owner to obtain liability insurance for "damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of the firearm."
Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.
This measure provides an additional layer of protection for individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights without being unduly restricted by government.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting the Oil and Gas Industry from Overreaching Federal Climate Change and Environmental Regulations.

This bill prohibits any state agency from assisting in the enforcement of any federal law or regulation on oil and gas operations unless such action is aligned with state regulation.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect the oil and gas industry from overreaching and politicized new mandates being proposed by the Biden Administration.
Such draconian regulations result in much higher consumer costs and choke economic growth.
Supports
Limited
Government

Growing Government Bureaucracy by Establishing the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council.

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to hire an additional government employee to establish the Texas food system security and resiliency planning council. The bill also requires the establishment of a state food system security plan for purposes such as to "provide for the orderly development and management of food system security" and recommend legislation "needed or desirable to facilitate the resilience and availability of food."
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government bureaucracy and spending and will likely lead to additional government intervention in future years.
The federal government already spends billions on stockpiling food and planning for natural disasters. Additionally, the free market and private sector is far more effective in solving all other non-emergency related supply-chain issues as opposed to central planning by government bureaucrats.
Against
Limited
Government

Empowering the Private Sector to Help Humanely Control the Pet Population by Providing Legal Protection for the "Trap-Neuter-Release" Program.

This bill provides legal protection from the state's animal cruelty law to individuals participating in the "Trap-Neuter-Release" program. Under the program, stray cats are trapped, evaluated by a veterinarian, vaccinated and sterilized, marked, and then returned to the wild. The program helps humanely control the pet population and reduce the euthanasia of animals.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps empower the private sector to improve the well-being of animals and control the pet population.
The program has proven extremely effective and prevented the euthanasia of tens of thousands of animals.
Supports
Limited
Government

Increasing Property Tax Burdens by Implementing a "Freeze" for Certain Older Individuals which Merely Shifts Burdens onto other Property Owners and Masks Underlying Spending Problems.

This bill authorizes a greater range of local taxing entities to provide tax freezes for seniors or individuals with disabilities. Previous law only provided school districts, counties, municipalities and junior college districts with the ability to provide a freeze, while this bill expands the authority to all local taxing units.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while the intent of this bill is noble, all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone.
Providing a property tax freeze for one set of individuals inevitably results in tax burdens being shifted to other property owners not favored by government. Additionally, this bill merely masks the underlying cause for rapidly rising property taxes - out of control government spending.
Against
Limited
Government

Growing Government Dependency and Wealth Redistribution through a New Program which Forces Taxpayers to Subsidize Childcare Costs via Employer Partnerships.

This bill creates the employer child-care contribution partnership program for the purpose of "incentivizing eligible employers to contribute to employee child-care costs and providing a state match for funds contributed." Under the program, an employer must pay at least 20% of the employee's child care and the child care provider must be determined by the Texas Workforce Commission to be a "high-quality program." Individuals are eligible to receive a full match of the employer's contribution if their household income does not exceed the state median household income, with the matching amounts incrementally decreased if their income is higher.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government dependency.
Instead of forcing taxpayers to pay for the childcare costs of other individuals, lawmakers should advance de-regulatory policies across the childcare industry to lower costs and expand competition. This free-market approach is the best way to make childcare more affordable.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Truck Rental Companies from Frivolous Litigation for Not Retrofitting Trucks with Safety Equipment Upon their Sale.

This bill provides that a person who sells or leases a vehicle weighing at least 6,000 lbs. is not liable for not retrofitting the vehicle with equipment, or selecting certain equipment, that was not required under federal regulations when the vehicle was manufactured or sold.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect against frivolous litigation devised by ambulance chasing plaintiffs' attorneys which ultimately drives up costs for businesses and consumers.
Supports
Limited
Government

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans by Including the Federal Funds Rate in the Calculation.

This bill raises the maximum allowable interest rate which lenders may charge on consumer loans, by now allowing the federal funds rate to be included in the calculation. While existing law currently caps consumer loan interest rates between 18% and 30%, the addition of the federal funds rate could allow lenders to charge another 5% to 6% depending on the rate of inflation.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers.
This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities, especially during periods of high inflation.
Supports
Limited
Government

Hiking Property Taxes by Gaming the Calculation of the "No-New Revenue" Property Tax Rate.

This bill changes the way the "no-new-revenue tax rate" is calculated by referencing the Texas Education Code. This new calculation will result in a higher rate (ultimately higher taxes) by including other funding within the formula.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill places even greater tax burdens on property owners and further grows government.
Instead of gaming property tax calculations, lawmakers should work to make housing more affordable by lowering property taxes and cutting the out-of-control spending at all levels of government.
Against
Limited
Government

Worsening Cronyism by Making it Even Easier for Woke Hollywood Production Companies to become Enriched through Taxpayer Subsidies.

This bill makes it easier for movie production companies to receive a grant under the moving image industry incentive program by reducing the percentage of production crew, actors, and extras who must be Texas residents from 70% to 55%.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to subsidize the film production costs of private companies - especially considering this measure enriches woke Hollywood production companies that are antagonistic to limited government principles.
Lawmakers should eliminate this grant program entirely, much less expand the ability of movie production companies to receive taxpayer funds.
Against
Limited
Government

Fueling Lawlessness and Business Closures by Making it Harder to Prosecute and Punish Cases of Organized Retail Theft.

This bill generally raises the bar to prosecute organized retail theft by now requiring a person to steal at least $100 of merchandise and be found to have "intent for the redistribution of that merchandise into the supply chain" to be guilty.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government.
Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
Against
Limited
Government

Expanding Government and Paving the Way for Additional Energy Efficiency Mandates through the Creation of a Texas Energy Efficiency Council.

This bill creates the Texas Energy Efficiency Council within the Public Utilities Commission to, among other purposes, "provide a statewide collaborative approach to promoting energy efficiency" and "make recommendations for improving energy efficiency programs."
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this further expands the size and scope of government in order to promote a politized environmental agenda.
The bill also has the potential to advance future mandates on property owners, like those passed under SB 2453 this session.
Against
Limited
Government

Increasing Taxation and the Growth of Government by Allowing Angelina County to Impose New Taxes on Hotels for Wasteful Tourism Promotion Initiatives.

This bill authorizes Angelina County to impose a new hotel tax, with the revenue to be used to promote tourism, conventions, and hotels.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone.
Additionally, it is not the proper role of government to fund tourism promotion and taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored industries.
Against
Limited
Government

Further Growing Medicaid Welfare Spending by Hiking the Monthly Personal Needs Allowance at Long-Term Care Facilities.

This bill increases the personal needs allowance provided to Medicaid welfare recipients at long-term care facilities (nursing homes). Under the bill the monthly allowance is increased by 25 percent to $75 from $60, which is more than double the federal $30 monthly minimum.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector (charitable entities) is best equipped to provide any additional needs or services to residents not provided by their long-term care facility.
While this measure continues to grow government spending, it most concerningly serves as yet another incentive for government dependency over lifelong saving and personal fiscal responsibility.
Against
Limited
Government

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Legal Liabilities by Making "Hair Texture and Style" a Protected Characteristic in Employment and Housing.

This bill, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, makes a person's hair texture or hairstyle a protected characteristic if is commonly associated with a particular race. CROWN applies to public schools and institutions of higher education, employment, and housing.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a new tool by plaintiffs' attorneys to subject business owners and housing providers to frivolous litigation.
Such actions merely drive-up costs for consumers and can be particularly devastating for small businesses and landlords.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening National Security and Helping to Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking Through Additional Border Security Funding and Property Owner Compensation.

This bill provides $100 million in funding to establish a new state border policing unit made up of commissioned peace officers. Funding is also directed to a number of initiatives designed to boost border security such as detention facility upgrades, temporary border barriers and compensation to certain property owners impacted.
Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government.
Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.
Against
Limited
Government

Ensuring the Free Competition of Currency and U.S. Monetary System Protection by Enshrining Right to Utilize Multiple Currencies.

This resolution would amend the state Constitution to enshrine the right to utilize multiple currencies, if the involved parties agree, in private transactions. This includes cash, coin, silver and gold bullion, digital currency, and privately issued scrip. The resolution prohibits the state and local governments from prohibiting or restricting holding such currencies.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps ensure these currencies can serve as alternative competitive currencies to the dollar.
This is especially critical considering the reckless policies of the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.
Supports
Limited
Government

Increasing Tax Burdens on other Property Owners through a Crony Carveout Providing Physicians a Tax Exemption if they Provide Indigent Services.

This resolution amends the state constitution to authorize counties to grant property tax exemptions to physicians who provide services to indigent patients. The tax exemption may cover up to 50% of the assessed value of a physician's homestead.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with as low of rates as possible for everyone.
The tax cronyism dilutes the tax base, thus increasing tax burdens on all other property owners not favored by government.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening Government Transparency and Accountability by Requiring Roll Call Votes for Committee Amendments.

The Tinderholt amendment #9 to a resolution adopting rules for the House of Representatives. This amendment allows the sponsor of a bill that is in a committee to request a roll call vote, whereby each lawmaker is on record, on whether to pass the bill or not. This rule applies if a bill has received a public hearing.
Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment helps increase government transparency and accountability by helping ensure government is accountable to the people.
Against
Limited
Government

Protecting Consumer Choice by Preventing Localities from Imposing any Ordinance which Restricts or Bans Gas-Powered Engines or a Source of Energy.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinances which bans or restricts the sale or use of an engine based on the type of fuel used. Additionally, the bill prevents localities from banning any energy source infrastructure (such as gas stations).
Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect individual liberties as well as automotive freedom.
While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
Supports
Limited
Government

Worsening Texas' Unfunded Pension Crisis by Providing Even Greater Unpromised Payouts to Beneficiaries.

The Bryant amendment #3 to a bill relating to teacher retirement benefits. This amendment increases the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) by an additional 4%. For example, a retired teacher who would receive a 6% COLA under the bill, would now receive a 10% COLA.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the taxpayer-funded Teacher Retirement System (TRS) never promised beneficiaries COLA increases.
This amendment merely worsens Texas' unfunded pension liability crisis which is among the highest in the nation.
Against
Limited
Government

Hiking Property Taxes through a New Tax Exemption Scheme which Socializes Childcare Facility Costs.

This bill allows localities to implement a property tax credit equal to at least 50% of the value of property used for childcare services. Only facilities in which at least 20% of the children receive subsidized childcare services are eligible. Additionally, if the property owner leases the property to a childcare facility, the rent charged must be reduced to reflect the tax credit received.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further dilutes the tax bases resulting in higher property tax burdens on other property owners to make up for the lost revenue.
Instead of attempting to socialize childcare costs, lawmakers should instead empower the free market to make childcare more affordable and accessible by reducing regulations and other anti-competitive measures.
Against
Limited
Government

Strengthening National Security by Creating an Interstate Compact for Border Security to Help Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking.

This bill is designed to curb illegal immigration by allowing the Governor to establish an interstate compact for border security with any interested states for the purpose of sharing intelligence and resources to build a physical wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Support is the Limited Government Position as the promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.
S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.
Against
Limited
Government

Further Growing Government's Unsustainable Land Holdings through a $1 Billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund Program.

This bill provides for the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, created this legislative session via a constitutional amendment, to be used to purchase land "for the creation and improvement of publicly accessible state parks." The state budget included $1 billion in funding for this purpose. The state is currently tasked with managing and maintaining over 13 million acres of land under its control.
Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to manage and maximize land utilization - including for parks.
Further growing government control and ownership of land merely drives up taxpayer costs and leads to further government spending initiatives.
Against
Limited
Government
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