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Inside Texas Politics (2/17/19)

Inside Texas Politics began with State Senators Republican Kelly Hancock and Democrat Nathan Johnson, joining hosts Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy.

NEWSMAKER

Inside Texas Politics began with a discussion about the ever-increasing property taxes Texas taxpayers have to pay. The Texas Senate is moving forward with capping how much local governments can raise property taxes. State Senators Republican Kelly Hancock (Dist. 9) and Democrat Nathan Johnson (Dist. 16) joined hosts Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy of the Star-Telegram to discuss property tax reform. The senators also discussed a bill Senator Nelson filed calling for a referendum on Medicaid expansion.

STATEWIDE

Texas Democrats are considering a challenge to U. S. Senator John Cornyn. Senator Cornyn is shoring up support in the state, and Republicans genuinely like him. Still, Air Force veteran M.J. Hegar and Wendy Davis, former state senator, might run against him in 2020. Patrick Svitek, one of the top political reporters at the Texas Tribune, filled in for Ross Ramsey. Svitek joined host Jason Whitely to discuss whether Cornyn is vulnerable. Jason and Patrick also offered their viewpoint on whether David Whitely will be confirmed as Texas secretary of state.

MY VOICE, MY OPINION

President Donald Trump shut down the government because he didn't get $5 billion for a border wall. In the end, he got a lot less than that. Congress compromised and gave him a little more than a billion dollars. However, My Voice, My Opinion contributor Chris Krok from WBAP 820 AM said it's important to look back at what happened in El Paso, Texas last week.

NEWSMAKER 2

On Inside Texas Politics last week, Dallas ISD Trustee Joyce Foreman talked about concern over a plan to privatize some Dallas ISD schools. The district has since changed its proposal.

This week, Dallas ISD superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa joined host Jason Whitely to tell parents and taxpayers why privatizing some schools is a good idea.

FLASHPOINT

Some congressional Democrats support the Green New Deal proposal. It’s an idealistic approach to protecting the United States against climate change. The Green New Deal has become a lightning rod and the topic for this week’s Flashpoint. From the right, Wade Emmert, Dallas County's former Republican chairman. And from the left, Rich Hancock from VirtualNewsCenter.com.

ROUNDTABLE

Reporters Roundtable puts the headlines in perspective each week. Patrick Svitek and Bud Kennedy returned along with Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA’s political producer. Patrick, Bud and Berna Dean joined host Jason Whitely to discuss President Donald Trump’s visit to El Paso, Texas. El Paso’s Republican mayor took issue with some of Trump’s comments. The journalists also offered perspective on Dallas City Council members’ decisive vote to remove the Confederate memorial.

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