Texas: Problem is Gov. Greg Abbott’s prioritization discussion ahead of his third term

We know Texas is running a record surplus and there has been a lot of focus on property tax relief, but in his inaugural address, Gov. Greg Abbott outlined other priorities he has in this legislative session.

For the third time, Abbott was sworn in as governor of Texas.

“Thank you for the trust you have placed in me to lead our great state for another four years,” Governor Abbott said.

READ MORE: Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick are sworn in for the third time.

With a surplus of more than $30 billion, Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Speaker of the House Dade Phelan have revealed what their priorities are, with the biggest promise being taxpayer money back.

In his speech, Abbott mentioned infrastructure, which Phelan said should be a priority if more money is available.

We must work in this session to strengthen our infrastructure, including the roads we drive, the water we use at home and in our fields, and the ports we use to ship products around the world,” he said. we now have over 30 million people who call Texas home.”

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While high-value items may not have broad bipartisan support this session, keeping schools safe following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde is expected to gain bipartisan support.

Democrats likely won’t score any meaningful wins when it comes to gun reform, but the two sides can unite on mental health funding and strengthening schools.

We must give priority to students and staff. We must provide mental health services to students who need them,” Abbott said. “Parents need to know that their children will be safe when they bring them in every morning. We will not end this session without making our schools safer.”

Abbott called on lawmakers to fix the bond issuance process.

“We must end the easy bail policy that allows dangerous criminals to return to our street. We must introduce mandatory sentencing for criminals caught with guns and mandatory sentencing for anyone caught smuggling illegal immigrants into Texas,” he said.

Republicans and Democrats agree there is a problem on the southern border.

For the first time in two years, President Joe Biden visited the border in El Paso.

CONNECTED: Biden visits US-Mexico border as migrant crisis escalates

Republicans such as Senator John Cornyn have told reporters that the president’s visit cannot be just a photo op, saying real change is needed.

More illegal immigrants have crossed our border than the populations of Austin, El Paso and Houston combined,” Abbott said.

Considered a political stunt by some Democrats, Operation Lone Star cost the state billions of dollars.

While the Texas National Guard’s presence on the border has dwindled, Abbott said he will continue to fund the operation and continue to bus asylum seekers to Democratic-led cities.

“Our job is to offer solutions to our fellow Texans, and by God, that’s what we’re going to do in this session,” Abbott added.

Incoming Democratic Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer responded to Abbott’s speech by saying he gave no blueprint for what he calls economic pain for Texans.

Fisher also blamed Abbott and the Republicans for the rising cost of food.

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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