AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Democratic leadership criticized Gov. Greg Abbott’s legislative priorities, arguing everyday Texans are struggling after three decades of Republican leadership.
The response came following Abbott’s State of the State address Sunday evening, where he zeroed his legislative session focuses on a slew of emergency items, including education savings accounts, bail reform, water infrastructure investments and cybersecurity protections. You can read more about what he said here.
“With all due respect, the governor doesn’t have a clue what the state of your state is,” said Gilberto Hinojosa, chair of the Texas Democratic Party.
The party’s response centered around reproductive rights and healthcare access, energy, the Texas public education system and the state’s relationship with Mexico. Testimonials included a Dallas-based obstetrics and gynecology doctor, a Houston-area union worker and a San Antonio school teacher.
Hinojosa and Texans featured repeatedly criticized Abbott’s relationship with President Donald Trump and billionaires like Elon Musk, arguing Republican state leadership is prioritizing corporate interests instead of everyday Texans’ concerns.
Those critiques aimed at new executive orders signed by Trump that removed caps on certain prescription drug prices or Abbott’s proposed education savings accounts program, which the party’s response claimed would lead to fewer resources for public schools and negative impacts to students with disabilities or living in rural areas.
“Public schools are the hearts of our communities. Let’s keep them strong,” said Dior Edison, a San Antonio elementary school teacher.
The Democrats’ final point focused on the state’s relationship with its immigrant population and Mexico, a relationship Hinojosa said is critical for the state to thrive. Texas’ economy is dependent on immigrants, he added, with immigrants working in agriculture, running small businesses, inventing new technologies and teaching children in schools.
“Texans love this state, and they will do anything to make things a little brighter for their kids and grandkids,” Hinojosa said. “The fact is, people are struggling after 30 years of Republican rule. Regular people, from all walks of life and every neighborhood, deserve a fair shot to get ahead, and they’re not going to get it while Abbott’s billionaires are lining their pockets.”
