AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said he’s ready to take the Legislature to a special session over the “bathroom bill” and property tax relief.
“The two bills that I have discussed today…property tax relief and privacy are among the highest priority of the people of Texas. Whether or not we have a special session is now up to the Speaker. The people are watching,” he said.
Patrick said the House is stalling on issues already passed by the Senate. He delivered a letter to House Speaker Joe Straus that is signed by pastors from across Texas who support the measure that would pre-empt local rules letting people into schools or government buildings use the bathroom of their gender identity.
“Women don’t want men coming into the ladies’ room. This has never been about discrimination. It’s about common sense, common decency and public safety. Surveys repeatedly show that this issue has some of the highest polling I’ve seen on any issue,” he said.
He said the Texas Senate has passed each one of his priorities but leadership in the House has held up action.
“This puts us on the precipice of a special session,” he said.
Patrick said enough representatives have signed onto the bill which forces people to use the bathrooms of the gender on their birth certificate while in schools and public places.
“The votes are there, the votes are there. The bill shouldn’t bill blocked. Another bill should be amended,” he said.
The session is scheduled to wrap up May 29th.
Straus sent Patrick a letter that said he believes the Legislature can finish on time if lawmakers pass a budget and measure extending the life of state agencies.
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