“The Least of These”: Texas Lawmakers Make It Harder for Orphans to Find a Home

Texas legislators would do well to remember Psalm 82:3: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold
the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” When they passed HB 3859 in 2017, they seemed to
consciously ignore the fatherless (and motherless), making it harder for some orphan children to find a
permanent home.

Child welfare programs are defined as services “intended to prevent the abuse or neglect of children;
ensure that children have safe, permanent homes; and promote the well-being of children and their
families.”

However, HB 3859, which was signed into law by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in 2017, allows organizations
in state child welfare programs to deny adoptions and services that “conflict with the provider’s
sincerely held religious beliefs.”

HB 3859 was widely condemned, earning the title of “license to discriminate.” Some fear the law is a
setback to adoption efforts when we need more people interested in being adoptive parents. There are
at least 30,000 children and teens in the Lone Star State that are homeless, an all-time high.

“Children are coming into the system at an alarming rate without the support of the family,” Val Jackson
of the Department of Families and Child Protective Services told news station KXAN-TV. “And the reality
is our children are broken; and, our families need help.”

Texas also had 237,533 referrals for victims of child abuse or neglect in 2016, according to a U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services report. The foster and adoption systems – designed and
dedicated to helping and protecting vulnerable children – are under great stress.

The lack of permanent homes can be especially damaging for girls and young women.

An analysis from the organization Texans Care for Children found teen girls in the Texas foster care
system are “almost five times more likely to become pregnant compared to other teens.” These teen
girls would likely be safer and healthier in permanent adoptive homes.

Given the pressing caseload in the foster system and rampant teen homelessness, no Texas legislator
should proactively vote to limit adoption options.

Yet, 93 Texas representatives voted in favor of a bill narrowing adoptive options, preventing some kids
from finding a permanent and safe home.

Among Texas representatives voting in favor of the bill were Linda Koop ( R - Dallas); Gary Elkins (R -
Houston); J. M. Lozano (R - Kingsville); Murphy (R - Houston); Jonathan Stickland (R - Bedford); Tony
Tinderholt (R - Arlington) and Matt Rinadli (R - Irving).

Separately, Don Hufines (R - Dallas), Konni Burton (R - Colleyville), Joan Huffman (R - Houston), Kelly
Hancock (R - North Richland Hills) and Donna Campbell (R - New Braunsfels) were among the 21 Texas
senators to vote in favor of the bill.
Commented [PR1]: Can we run down the partisanship of
the vote? I assume these were mostly party-line votes.
Might be a different way to frame this part of the story.
Goldman – Special interest
Craig Goldman Profits from the Affordable Housing Crisis in Dallas

There is an affordable housing crisis in Texas, especially in the Dallas-Tarrant County region. Even with a Commented [PR2]: Is this the proper way to describe the
construction boom in this area, there is shortage of affordable housing, which also has had a ripple area – or is DFW or the Metroplex, or North Texas the
effect on jobs and businesses. better way to describe the geography?

When people hear “affordable housing,” they may think of poor people, and have visions of public
housing, but affordable housing can also be the gateway to home ownership for workers and families
striving to enter the middle class. It’s young professionals trying to live close to work, or families looking
to ride out an economic setback.

Craig Goldman is a member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 97 in Tarrant County.
During his tenure in office, Goldman has received more than $40,000 for his campaigns from special
interest groups aligned with the real estate industry, and then voted for their priorities. The bulk of
these contributions come from the Texas Association of Realtors PAC, the Texas Apartment PAC, and
residential construction entities.

Goldman himself is deeply invested in the real estate industry. He is director of the Arlington Village
Apartments, LLC, a residential renting property in Dallas, and owns another business, CAGoldman
Enterprises, LLC grosses over a quarter million dollars annually. When Goldman votes for real estate
interests, he’s not only in their pocket, he is lining his own pockets by protecting his personal
investments.

Craig Goldman has no qualms with profiteering from the affordable housing crisis in Texas. For example,
Goldman and his colleagues passed HB 1449 which amends the Local Government Code to prohibit a
political subdivision from adopting or enforcing regulation to impose fees on new construction for the
purposes of generating funds to support the construction of affordable housing. These “linkage fees”
have proven to be one of the few viable revenue sources for affordable housing.

Linkage fees are used in many high-growth cities and have proven effective in helping leverage
affordable housing options, so taking this option off the table for communities seeking to implement
their own local programs is bad policy and a break to the construction industry.

Moreover, affordable housing assistance programs – both on the state and federal level – are facing cuts
to an already insufficient level of funding. Craig Goldman’s votes made it harder for communities to
generate investment in housing stock needed to keep their communities growing, and a cold slap in the
face of Texans looking to keep a roof over their heads.
Boos – Vaxxer
For Jonathan Boos, Cash is the Best Medicine

Infectious diseases on the rise in Texas.

In 2017-18, the flu was responsible for 9,470 deaths across Texas, with more than 2,150 deaths in
Houston and 2,737 deaths in Dallas, leading health officials to call it “the worst outbreak in years.”
Previously, there were 7,459 deaths reported during the 2016-2017 flu season and 5,212 deaths
reported during the 2015-2016 flu season.

The harsh flu season was especially hard on the young. Outside of pandemics, the 2017-18 flu season
was the deadliest for children since the 2012-13 flu season, with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reporting 172 children dying from flu-related illnesses. These deaths could have been
prevented however, as the CDC points out that 80 percent of the children who died did not receive the
flu vaccine.

It’s not only the flu that’s becoming more frequent in Texas. Measles and mumps, diseases once all but
controlled, are seeing a resurgence in the Lone Star State.

An outbreak of measles occurred in Ellis County in January. The cause was attributed to unvaccinated
people. Measles are highly contagious, causing rashes, fevers, coughing and conjunctivitis. For children
younger than 5, the measles can cause blindness, ear infection, pneumonia and death.

Mumps too have been on the rise, with the state Health and Human Services Department reporting 221
cases in 2017, the largest amount since 234 cases were reported in 1994. Symptoms include swollen
glands, muscle aches, tiredness and low fever.

All of these illnesses could have been prevented by vaccines. Research shows vaccination saves lives.
The Public Library of Science Medicine points out that kindergartner opt out for vaccines have been on
the rise in Texas, suggesting a growing trend of unvaccinated people.

Will Texans risk more child deaths this upcoming flu season? Will cases of mumps, measles and other
preventable diseases continue to rise throughout the state? They will, if some policymakers continue to
risk public health in exchange for special interest contributions.

The anti-vaccination lobby, led by “Texans for Vaccine Choice” has endorsed and contributed tens of
thousands of dollars to the campaigns of incumbent legislators and candidates. In exchange, legislators
have sponsored and voted for legislation to limit access to vaccines. For example, legislators voted to
support and amendment to HB 39, which would have prevented foster children from being vaccinated.

Separately, the Legislature overrode former Governor Rick Perry’s proclamation requiring the HPV
vaccine, which is proven to prevent cervical cancer, be administered to school children.

Jonathan Boos, a candidate running for Texas House District 113 which lies east of Dallas, is one of the
more recent converts to the anti-vaccine cause, accepting the endorsement and financial support of
Texans for Vaccine Choice, and in exchange, has taken an anti-vaccine position. If incumbents and
candidates continue put themselves up for sale, the health of Texans will take a back seat to special
interest cash. We need to Reform Austin.
Rodney Anderson – Me Too
Texas Women Can’t Trust Rodney Anderson

We are living in the #MeToo Movement, combating sexual harassment and assault. Everyone from
news anchors to Hollywood celebrities to politicians being brought down for heinous allegations against
innocent victims, most of whom are women. There are even reports of a toxic culture in the State
Capitol, where female staffers, lobbyists and reporters have complained of unwanted advances and
even alleged non-consensual physical acts by state legislators.

While there’s been the requisite hand wringing and solemn statements about cleaning up Austin, it’s
hard to take the legislature seriously, when they so frequently vote against protecting women’s health,
safety, or rights in the workplace.

One individual who has failed to champion women is State Rep. Rodney Anderson (R - Grand Prairie).
Anderson voted against HB 279, a bill that would have continued the Women’s Health Advisory
Committee. The committee was created to help reinforce women’s health plans after Texas legislators
dramatically changed access to health care, resulting in women using less health services. As the Texas
Observer noted, the disbandment of the committee came at a time when Texas had “...the highest rate
of repeated teen pregnancy in the United States, the highest uninsured rate in the country and an
ongoing Zika outbreak that threatens pregnant women.”

Anderson also voted against HB 2032, which would have increased the criminal penalty for sexual
assault committed in a vehicle operated by a public transportation system. The bill is an important step
in helping to protect Texans, as 53 percent of women in western countries say they feel unsafe while
using public transportation.

Anderson is also an endorser and supporter of State Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R -Bedford), an infamous
colleague who doesn’t prioritize women’s safety. Stickland once declared “Rape is non existent in
marriage, take what you want my friend!” Stickland proudly displays Anderson’s endorsement on his
campaign website.

Texans simply cannot trust someone who votes against their health and safety while associating with
fellow politicians who hold abhorrent views on marriage and rape. We need to Reform Austin, and
demand better policy outcomes in these rapidly changing times.
Brad Buckley Won’t Fight for Working Texans

The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25, the bare minimum as required by federal law. This falls far below
other states like Arizona, Colorado and Maine, which have plans to incrementally increase their
minimum wage to $13.50 an hour by 2020. New York City and Washington D.C. have plans to increase
their minimum wage to $15 an hour.

An increase in minimum wage is long overdue and wanted by voters. As Pew Research points out, a
majority of Americans across the political spectrum are in favor of increasing the minimum wage to
$10.10, and a University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll released in February 2018, showed 62 percent of
Texans favor an increase in the minimum wage.

But the business lobby – which opposes any increase in the minimum wage – has plowed hundreds of
thousands of dollars in contributions to legislative campaigns, and every minimum wage bill or
amendment offered in the past ten years has been voted down in Austin.

It’s now become common for state legislative candidates to toe the anti-worker line as they accept
campaign cash from corporate PACs and lobbyists.

Brad Buckley, who’s running for Texas House District 54 in Central Texas, “strongly disagrees” with the
position the government should ensure everyone has a livable income. Buckley’s campaign finance
records – available through the Texas Ethics Commission – show Buckley has accepted more than
$40,000 corporate and business interest PACs in this year alone.

Candidates like Brad Buckley won’t stand with the majority of Texans who support wage increases
because it’s easier to take big checks from lobbyists and PACs than it is to support underpaid workers
which ultimately saps competiveness.

Buc-ee’s, a beloved Texas chain of gas stations that are rated as the best in the country, know the value
of paying their employees a living wage. Buc-ee’s employees are paid $14 an hour and can make up to
more than $19 an hour, and they do it to remain competitive. “Our customers expect and look forward
to a very unique experience. We have to attract the best talent,” Jeff Nadalo, Buc-ee’s general counsel,
told Business Insider.

Increases in wages leaves workers with more disposable income, which studies show get plowed back
into the local economy, primarily into small businesses. Politicians like Brad Buckley will continue to
vote against the interests of hard-working Texans unless we rein in the power of the special interests
and work to Reform Austin.
Matt Shaheen Won’t Protect Women

On July 20th, 140 survivors of disgraced doctor Larry Nassar were honored and awarded the Arthur Ashe
Courage Award at the ESPYS for their courageous stand against sexual assault. Five of the survivors have
roots in Texas, including 2000 Olympic Bronze Medalist Jamie Dantzscher.

Their appearance brought more attention to the growing #MeToo movement, where women are
holding sexual predators accountable for their actions. The movement goes beyond sports, calling out
movie executives, public officials and others (often men) who abuse their position of power.

There are even reports of abuse in the State Capitol, where female staffers, lobbyists and reporters have
complained of unwanted advances, and some have alleged non-consensual physical acts by state
legislators.

Of course, when scandals arise, some politicians try to grab headlines. Rep. Matt Shaheen (R- Plano)
jumped on the revelations about Harvey Weinstein, the film executive linked to numerous sexual assault
investigations, citing the film industry’s cover up of sex scandals and pattern of enabling sexual
predators as a reason to eliminate funding for the Texas Film Commission (TFC).

Shaheen’s opportunism doesn’t hold up. Shaheen didn’t provide any evidence linking investments from
the Texas Film Commission to any of the ongoing investigations taking place in Hollywood. Further,
abolishing the Commission makes no economic sense, since it’s an job-creating force in Texas.

Since its founding, the TFC has generate more than 153,000 jobs in the Lone Star State and is
responsible for $1.3 billion in total production invested in Texas. For every $1 spent with the Texas Film
Commission, $5.33 is returned on investment. The commission brings more than just movies too,
supporting television shows like Friday Night Lights, and video game production.

If Matt Shaheen were truly concerned about the wellbeing of Texas women, he could have actually used
his votes to protect women. Instead, Shaheen voted against HB 2032, which would have increased the
criminal penalty for sexual assault committed in a vehicle operated by a public transportation system.

Shaheen also voted against an early version of HB 189, which would have expanded the statute of
limitations for cases involving sexual assault and sexual abuse of a child, and voted to protect landlords
of massage parlors serving as fronts for prostitution and sex trafficking, even as Governor Abbott was
leading a crackdown on human trafficking in Texas.

Like every legislator, Matt Shaheen has power - to protect the vulnerable, or to protect special
interests. His votes show he’s more interested in chasing cheap headlines and in weakening our
economy than in actually standing up for Texans. It’s why we need to Reform Austin.
Jonathan Boos Won’t Support Hardworking Texans

Many Texans are struggling because the minimum wage has remained $7.25 since 2009. Many families
have had to sacrifice on basic needs, such as, transportation, housing, and food.

Getting to and from work by car is the main mode of transportation for most Texans and gas prices are
going up faster than wages. Also, not everyone can afford a car and may resort to public transportation,
which isn’t as cost effective as many would hope. Earlier this year, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit board
increased the price of most fares by 20 percent. As the Dallas Observer put it, “DART riders will continue
to pay premium prices for ordinary services.”

“It’s cruel. You’re hurting the most desperate,” Steven Schiffer told the DART board in February. “I don’t
understand the point of a 20-percent fare hike on people who clearly need access to the city to get to
their jobs.”

The average price for a two-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,324 and rent for apartments overall
continue to increase. Affording a two-bedroom rent under the current minimum wage income means
having to work over 117 hours per week or more than three full-time jobs at 35 hours a week.

From 2007-2015, rent has risen by 6 percent, while household income has declined by 4 percent.
Increasing the minimum wage would make it easier for working Texans to find stability.

Living on the current federal minimum wage is unsustainable for any Texan. A report from the San
Antonio News- Express found Texans would have to make To afford a one-bedroom place, Texans have
to make at least $13.52 an hour. Commented [PR3]: This doesn’t make sense.

As Pew Research points out, a majority of Americans across the political spectrum are in favor of
increasing the minimum wage to $10.10, and a University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll released in
February 2018, showed 62 percent of Texans favor an increase in the minimum wage. More than half of
the United States have increased their minimum wage since 2010. Why hasn’t Texas?

Maybe it’s the opposition. The business lobby – which opposes any increase in the minimum wage – has
plowed hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions to legislative campaigns, and every minimum
wage bill or amendment offered in the past ten years has been voted down in Austin.

It’s now become common for state legislative candidates to toe the anti-worker line as they accept
campaign cash from corporate PACs and lobbyists.

Jonathan Boos, running for state representative in Dallas County, “strongly disagrees” with the position
the government should ensure everyone has a livable income. Boos’ campaign finance records –
available through the Texas Ethics Commission – show Boos has accepted more than $125,000 from
committees and PACs.

Candidates like Jonathan Boos won’t stand with the majority of Texans who support wage increases
because it’s easier to take big checks from lobbyists and PACs than it is to support underpaid workers,
even though wage increases leave workers with more disposable income, which studies show get
plowed back into the local economy, primarily into small businesses. Politicians like Jonathan Boos will
continue to vote against the interests of hard-working Texans unless we rein in the power of the special
interests and Reform Austin.
Ken Strange is No Stranger to Borrowing

Ten years ago, the state legislature covered 50 percent of educational funding in Texas. Through a
series of cuts to both corporate taxes and education funding, the state now only contributes 38 percent.
Local school districts have had to make up the difference, primarily through property tax hikes and by
borrowing money (through bonds).

According to records from the state comptroller's office, since Ken Strange joined the board of the
Wimberley Independent School District, the per-student debt has more than doubled, reaching $51,000.
Wimberley now has the third highest per-student debt load of in Texas for school districts of its size.

As president and a member of the Wimberley ISD school board, Ken Strange has consistently pushed for
borrowing more money while serving on the Board. While voters have the ultimate say in taxing and
borrowing, the board sets the budget, manages the borrowing, and calls the elections. Voters can’t
ratify a tax increase or bond auction unless the ISD first votes to bring it before the voters.

Strange has argued for an increase in tax-supported debt, saying, “savings on the bond will go into the
classrooms teachers’ salary” even though Texas law prohibits bonds from being used for ongoing
expenses like salaries. Under Texas law, bonds are instead to be used for things which will last for more
than a year - facility construction or renovation, computers, library books, curriculum, calculators,
musical instruments and uniforms, among others.
Commented [PR4]: Sophie – pull the audio of his remarks
from the ISD website. Maybe his fuller remarks are more
interesting, and Tim can turn it into something, maybe a
video snippet.

As a candidate for state representative, Ken Strange now says he will “reduce property taxes” AND “pass
conservative budgets.” Unfortunately, his record shows he’s actually voted to increase property taxes
and has chosen to balance budgets with borrowed money.

Texas taxpayers need relief. The legislature needs to properly fund education, and deserve leaders who
won’t pass the buck by borrowing and then raise our taxes. We need to Reform Austin.