It’s been one week since lawmakers wrapped up their session in Austin, Patrick says he’s proud of the conservative priorities that made it past the finish line.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made a stop at Jack Brooks Regional Airport on Monday, taking a “victory lap” of sorts after the conclusion of the 89th Texas Legislature.
It’s been one week since lawmakers wrapped up their session in Austin, and Patrick says he’s proud of the conservative priorities that made it across the finish line.
Those include school vouchers, increased funding for public education, and a controversial bill that would ban THC products.
The bill, which has sparked fierce debate among cannabis advocates and veterans, is still sitting on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk awaiting action. The governor has until June 22 to sign or veto it.
During his visit, Patrick framed THC as a growing threat to public safety and emphasized his commitment to seeing the ban enacted.
“This is not the marijuana you smoked at Woodstock or when you were growing up. This is four, five times more powerful and that’s why it’s destroying young people. So this is important. I’ve never been more committed, because it could destroy an entire generation,” Patrick said.
Critics of the legislation, including veterans who rely on THC to treat PTSD, argue that banning the substance would cost the Texas economy nearly 50,000 jobs and wipe out $8 billion in revenue.
In addition to his push on THC, Patrick highlighted school funding as a major legislative victory. He pointed to teacher raises and a new approach to distributing education dollars.
“On top of that, we added eight and a half billion dollars this year to public education in a different way than we’ve ever done before, and it was bipartisan, almost unanimous,” Patrick said. “One half of all the new money for public education this time goes to teachers.”
Under the new law, teacher pay raises will be determined by years of experience and district size.
The legislation also provides districts with $45 per student, which must be used to increase salaries for non-administrative support staff—including school counselors, librarians, and nurses who are not eligible for the new teacher raises.
The press conference grew tense at times, particularly when Patrick was pressed on the potential economic and medical impacts of banning THC.
Gov. Abbott has not indicated whether he plans to sign or veto the bill.
