Bills targeting Austin start trickling at Texas Legislature. But how far will they go?

[In It to Win It]

Austin American-Statesman via Yahoo News

Bill filing is underway in the Texas Legislature ahead of the 88th session, and some lawmakers are laying the groundwork for their priorities while others take aim at Austin.

Two anti-Austin bills are in the pipeline, the most fractious coming in a long-shot proposal from state Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, to abolish the capital city and fold it into a planned district under the lieutenant governor's and House speaker's authority. A similar bill came up last session and died.

The second bill, from state Rep.-elect Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, who once represented Southwest Austin on the City Council, would prohibit cities from giving out taxpayer money to struggling residents under a program, already underway as a pilot in Austin, known as guaranteed income. In Austin, 85 families are getting $1,000 a month for a year to spend as they please. The program, which has not yet been reviewed for long-term viability, costs taxpayers $1 million.

By bringing forward the legislation, Troxclair, elected in House District 19 this month, is making good on a campaign promise to end Austin's money handout.

"Getting a job is what lifts people out of poverty, and I think the misuse of taxpayer money is causing insult to injury to Austinites struggling to make ends meet," Troxclair said.

[cyclonefence]

1. Of course

because Austin is the best--the only--thing Texas has going for it. Of course the RW wants to stomp it out. Obliterate it. You be you, Texas.

[harumph]

9. Horseshit

[FSogol]

2. In their minds, Misuse of taxpayer money is not giving it to big business and the rich.

[Hotler]

3. Selfishness is a cornerstone of the repug party.

"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a moral justification for selfishness." J.K. Galbraith

[machoneman]

4. But sending ex-military armored personnel carriers isn't a waste of taxpayer money. Jeesh!

[childfreebychoice]

5. Texas pols showed voters who they were, and texas voters agreed with them. nt

[Doc Sportello]

6. Unfortunately you are correct

Beto and others gave it their best shot against an openly autocratic and incompetent governing party and even with that, never had a chance. I was somewhat surpised at the margins but that was what they chose. Texas and Florida aren't turning blue or even purple.

[walkingman]

7. They will go as far as possible and have already proven it is quite far. Austin is arguably

the bluest area of Texas. It is indeed all political. The Austin area is one of the worst gerrymandered areas in the nation. It is split into 6 different house districts, a big delegation, but most of the Representatives aren't focused on the issues affecting Austin's inhabitants. And five of the districts are now represented by Republicans and only one Democrat representing the very liberal city.

[LeftInTX]

10. Yep!

[Initech]

8. Only in this country could people be tricked into voting against free money.