DALLAS — NEWSMAKER
Inside Texas Politics began with the runoff in the Dallas mayor’s race. Council member Scott Griggs and state Rep. Eric Johnson will face off on June 8, 2019. They joined host Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy, of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, to discuss their winning strategies.
STATEWIDE
The Texas House approved a bill to reduce penalties for marijuana possession in the state. An offender caught with any amount under an ounce would get what amounts to a traffic ticket. The idea is popular among Democrats and Republicans nationwide. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposes the bill and has said that he has no plans to pass it. Ross Ramsey, the co-founder and executive editor of the Texas Tribune, joined host Jason Whitely to give perspective on whether the bill is actually dead. They also discussed the major deadlines that are coming up in the legislative session.
MY VOICE, MY OPINION
Vacationers and business travelers love AirBNBs. However, next-door neighbors of these short-term rentals don’t like them. Strong opinions have emerged as city councils try to manage the situation. On this week’s My Voice, My Opinion, Cydney Walker, from Coffee and Politics 101, said cities need to come up with creative ways to maintain safety and allow property owners to earn extra income.
NEWSMAKER 2
State lawmakers have a lot left to do if they intend to accomplish their priorities this session. Blake Pryon and his mother, Mary Ann, from Sanger, Texas, are celebrating a big legislative win. Both the Texas House and Senate have passed bills requiring *fair pay* for people with disabilities. Blake and Mary Ann joined host Jason Whitely to explain why this law was even needed.
FLASHPOINT
Washington is wrestling with whether U.S. Attorney General William Barr lied to Congress and mischaracterized the Mueller report? U.S. House Democrats believe he lied, and that sparked this week’s Flashpoint. From the right, Wade Emmert, former chairman of Dallas County's Republican Party. And from the left, Rich Hancock from VirtualNewsCenter.com.
ROUNDTABLE
Reporters Roundtable puts the headlines in perspective each week. Ross Ramsey and Bud Kennedy returned along with Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA’s political producer. Ross, Bud and Berna Dean joined host Jason Whitely to offer perspective on whether Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dennis Bonnen will suffer politically over the backlash they’re getting from across the board for their plan to raise the sales tax by a penny. The increased sales tax would offset the skyrocketing property taxes in the state. Also discussed was Congressman Joaquin Castro’s announcement that he would not challenge Republican Senator John Cornyn.
