Abbott Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Rep. Greg Casar: "Merging the 35th and the 37th districts is illegal voter suppression of Black and Latino Central Texans. By merging our Central Texas districts, Trump wants to commit yet another crime -- this time, against Texas voters and against the Voting Rights Act."

Rep. Jasmine Crockett: "Republicans in Texas just rolled out their proposed Congressional map that cut 5 Democratic seats out of thin air. Let's be clear: these maps are not about representation, it's a power grab to silence voters and suppress votes. They know their policies are unpopular, and they are afraid of losing. So what do they try to do? Cheat. If your big idea is 'cheat harder,' maybe it's time to rethink your policies."

Rep. Lizzie Pannill Fletcher: "The proposed new Congressional map is an affront to Texans in product, process, and principle. The map violates the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution, diluting the voices of minority communities across Texas and dismantling districts that represent the political will of Texas voters."

District 18 Candidate Isaiah Martin: "California must now obliterate Republicans out of their seats without mercy!"

Abbott Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — This week, Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for workers and self-employed Texans that have been impacted by the recent storms and flooding in Kerr County.

Republicans Release Congressional Map Adding 5 GOP Seats — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Texas House Republicans have unveiled a proposed congressional map that would dramatical alter the state, adding five GOP seats. The mid-decade redistricting effort comes with pressure from President Donald Trump (R) to increase Republicans’ influence in the house.

Talarico Files Proposal for Independent Redistricting Committee — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — State Rep. James Talarico (D) has filed a proposal to create an independent redistricting commission in Texas, aiming to remove partisan influence from the drawing of congressional and legislative maps.

Texas Democrats Explore Quorum Break as Donors Offer Support — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Texas Democrats are considering a quorum break to block Republican-led efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps. A move that could once again bring the Legislature to a halt. The strategy, while legally risky and potentially costly, is gaining traction behind closed doors thanks to growing financial backing from Democratic donors.

Cornyn Urges FCC to Review Emergency Alert Systems After Deadly Texas Floods — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to closely examine the performance of national emergency alert systems following the catastrophic flash floods that struck Central Texas earlier this year.

Senator Nathan Johnson Unveils Cannabis Reform Bills in Texas Special Session — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Senator Nathan Johnson (D) has filed two bills during the current special legislative session aimed at overhauling Texas’ cannabis policy. The proposed legislation, Senate Bills 53 and 54, establishes a regulatory framework for hemp-derived THC products and decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.

Abbott Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina

Texas Schools Move to End Ten Commandments Display Lawsuit — By Ryan Autullo for Bloomberg Law News

LONESTAR is written by Javier Manjarres and Daniel Molina