Abbott: Latest session his ‘best’

Gov. Greg Abbott says he got everything he pushed for during the Legislature’s 89th session, which ended June 2.

The Dallas Morning News reported the governor believes the “school choice” bill that passed will rejuvenate the state’s education system.

“More important for Texans, this has been the most transformative session for the future of Texas, and the positive effects of the session are going to be felt for decades,” Abbott said.

In addition to the voucher bill, which allows students to use public money for private school, he noted changes to bail policy, a large infusion of funding for the state’s water needs and passage of property-tax relief, which will total $51 billion.

Abbott is up for reelection in 2026 and would become the state’s longest-serving governor if he wins. At this point, he faces no major opposition either in the primary or the general election. With more than $70 million stashed away in campaign funds, he says he’s not worried about potential opponents.

“There’s only one goal, and that’s to win, and so I will run very aggressively,” Abbott said.

Abbott still undecided on ban of THC products Abbott said last week he has still not decided if he will sign or veto legislation banning THC products in Texas, the Houston Chronicle reported.

“I’m going to give it the thoughtful consideration from every angle that it deserves,” Abbott said of Senate Bill 3, which would outlaw all hemp-derived products containing THC, effective in September. He has until June 22 to decide.

The proposed ban has sparked opposition from people who run THC businesses, veterans groups and others. The state now has more than 8,500 retailers selling THC products, which can have a high similar to that of marijuana, which is illegal except for medical reasons.

The ban was a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate.

State to become leader in psychedelic drug research

At the same time Texas is poised to ban THC products, state leaders are investing $50 million in a psychedelic drug, ibogaine, that purports to have medicinal benefits, according to The Texas Tribune.

Senate Bill 2308 creates a consortium of universities, hospitals and drug developers to conduct clinical trials on ibogaine, extracted from an ancient African shrub, which has been used in Mexican clinics to treat addiction and brain trauma.

Key to the bill’s passage in Texas were the cheerleading efforts of former Gov. Rick Perry. Since ending his tenure as U.S. Energy secretary in 2021, he has become one of the highest-profile advocates of researching the beneficial medical effects of some psychedelics.

Ibogaine is unlikely to be used recreationally because it does not provide an enjoyable high and leaves the user in a state of temporary paralysis. Even with the $50 million in funding, Texas is at least six years from seeing any possibility of U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for clinical trials.

Rainy Day Fund reaches cap level

The Texas Economic Stabilization Fund, popularly called the Rainy Day Fund, has reached its statutory cap for the first time with more than $24 billion in the state’s piggy bank, the state Comptroller’s Office reported.

The 1988 constitutional amendment passed by voters that established the fund limits the reserve to no more than 10% of the amount of revenue deposited into the General Revenue Fund during the previous biennium.

That means the excess will be returned to the state’s General Fund. Much of the marked increase in funds placed in the Rainy Day Fund comes from a 116% increase in oil and gas collections from 2021 to 2022.

Legislators can use the funding to either plug a budget deficit during the two-year cycle or address a projected revenue shortfall in an upcoming biennium, with a three-fifths majority legislative approval.

It can be used for other purposes if two-thirds of legislators approve. Since the fund’s inception in 1988, about $17.7 billion has been appropriated for other purposes.

Local health departments brace for more federal cuts Local public health departments across Texas have been notified of another $119 million in federal cuts coming at the end of June, The Tribune reported.

Those cuts come on the heels of $700 million in unspent COVID pandemic funding that was clawed back by the feds earlier this year.

The latest cuts involve Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants aimed at increasing vaccine coverage, preparing local communities for infectious diseases and natural disasters, and helping hospitals prepare for emergency disasters and HIV prevention.

More cuts are possible by the end of the year. Texas already ranks among the worst in the country for public health funding.

Borders is a veteran award- winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30- year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@ texaspress. com.