In Episode 32 behind the Secret Door, Alicia and Frances will be discussing Greg Abbott’s legislature updates and concerns regarding border security.
Alicia and Frances kick off our episode discussing the shortages happening in our supply chain with the initial wave of reopening after quarantine. On their trips, the two noticed shortages in business labor, which has been popping up across the country. People are switching industries at swift rates. As a result, businesses like restaurants have been short-staffed and overwhelmed by demand.
Next on the docket, the two dive into the most impactful of Abbott’s most recent legislature decisions. He vetoed over 20 bills while passing bills that allow for homeless people to be arrested rather than asked to relocate. Abbott also vetoed House Bill 686, which would have brought about more access to rehabilitation for youth criminals.
Educational rights were also at stake in this session. Abbott vetoed another bill that would provide broadband access to rural areas of Texas on the basis that it would increase taxes. This kind of access to the internet would particularly help children with schoolwork. He vetoed another educational bill that would have allowed schools to teach about child abuse and domestic violence.
Texas is looking to pass some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. This bill would close polls at 1pm and restrict early and 24-hour voting under the guise of eliminating voter fraud. State Democrats effectively killed the bill by walking out during the voting session. A special session is upcoming in the next few weeks.
“Constitutional carry” House Bill 1927 is being passed, which lessens restrictions on carrying firearms. Law enforcement has expressed disillusionment with this bill, and Alicia and Frances speculate on the impact this will have on communities and individuals.
A few weeks ago, Abbott announced he would continue to work on building up the border wall. He plans to use $250 million of disaster relief funds to work on the project. The rest is to be crowdfunded, and $450,000 has been raised thus far. So much for Mexico paying for that wall!
What do you think about the border wall? Have you also been feeling political fatigue? Have you been clotheslined by a sea turtle?
You can comment, email, or message them to share with them your opinions and ideas.
You can reach Alicia and Frances at:
Secret Door to the Left on Facebook
Sources:
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/21/texas-greg-abbott-veto/
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/16/texas-constitutional-carry-greg-abbott/
Alicia’s Tik Tok Recommendations:
@jegaysus
@stage_door_johnny
@kristen.cook
@jenniferfulwiler
Episode edited/mixed by Mikayla Elias for @crybabyaudiotn