Abbott Unveils $146 Billion Investment in Texas Infrastructure

Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced a new 10-year transportation plan totaling more than $146 billion, aimed at addressing the infrastructure demands of Texas’ rapidly growing population and economy. READ MORE.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett: "Main-in voting is safe. Period. Trump and Republicans know it. But they also know winning fair and square doesn't look likely with their horrible policies and broken 'promises.' That's why they're hell-bent on gutting voting rights. When you can't win fair, you cheat."

Texas Democrats: "To stand with Rep. Collier is to stand with Texas."

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder: "Nicole Collier is standing up to this brazen abuse of power and fighting for what is right. Republicans are turning this country of liberty and freedom into a police state, and if you don't think you're next, you're mistaken. Standing with Nicole Collier means standing on the side of liberty against a tyrannical, oppressive government that forces dissenting voices into submission."

State Rep. Brent Money: "Texans can tell the difference between victims and fundraising stunts. The victims are the families who lost children and loved ones in the tragic central Texas floods. What's happening right now on the House floor is nothing more than a political fundraiser by someone who unnecessarily delayed flood relief for the past few weeks. I challenge my colleague @NicoleCollier95 to donate all the money raised during her sleep-in to the families of the Kerr County floods."

Abbott Unveils $146 Billion Investment in Texas Infrastructure — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced a new 10-year transportation plan totaling more than $146 billion, aimed at addressing the infrastructure demands of Texas’ rapidly growing population and economy.

Governor Abbott Signs Housing Bills to Boost Affordability Across Texas — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Governor Greg Abbott (R) ceremonially signed Senate Bill 15, Senate Bill 840, and House Bill 24 into law during a bill signing event at the Texas Capitol, marking a significant step in addressing the state’s ongoing housing affordability crisis.

Texas House Quorum Restored After Democrats Two-Week Walkout — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — After a two-week quorum break, Texas House Democrats have returned to Austin, ending their protest against a Republican-led congressional redistricting bill. The return allows legislative business to resume in the second special session called by Governor Greg Abbott (R).

Audit Finds Major Gaps in Texas Natural Gas Winter Preparedness Inspections — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — A recent report from the Texas State Auditor’s Office shows that state oil and gas inspectors are failing to adequately verify whether natural gas production and delivery systems are ready for severe winter storms. The report criticizes regulators for failing to hold natural gas operators accountable to mandated winter weatherization standards.

Ken Paxton Investigating Meta and Character.AI — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has launched an investigation into Meta’s AI Studio and Character.AI, alleging that the companies may have misled vulnerable children by marketing their artificial intelligence chatbots as mental health resources without proper qualifications.

Ivermectin Bill Receives Priority Status in Special Session — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — State Representative Joanne Shofner (R) announced this week that her legislation to reclassify ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication has received a House Speaker priority bill number during the ongoing special session.

Texas Unveils New Driver License and ID Design with Enhanced Security Features — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has introduced a redesigned Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) card. All newly issued cards will now feature updated security enhancements aimed at combating fraud and protecting Texans from identity theft. Existing licenses and IDs with the older design will remain valid until their expiration date.

New Fort Bliss Migrant Detention Center Draws Protests, Political Division — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Camp East Montana, a newly opened migrant detention facility at Fort Bliss in Texas, has become the center of controversy as it begins operations. The facility, currently able to house 1,000 detainees with capacity to expand to 5,000, is the largest of several new sites opening nationwide.

Base Power Providing Home Energy and Grid Support — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Base Power, an Austin-based home energy company, has announced its expansion into Dallas-Fort Worth, to provide home energy and grid support. CEO and co-founder Zach Dell called the expansion “a major milestone” in its mission to transform how Texans power their homes.

Abbott Unveils $146 Billion Investment in Texas Infrastructure — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield

Texas Democratic legislator is sleeping in the State Capitol after refusing security escort to leave — By Natasha Korecki for NBC News

LONESTAR is written by Javier Manjarres and Daniel Molina