Abbott Rejects Summer Food Aid for Children Amid Taxpayer-Funded Special Session

Governor Greg Abbott recently authorized a staggering $338 billion budget; however, he chose to eliminate a vital initiative: the Summer EBT program. This absence means numerous Texas children will miss out on essential food assistance when school meals are unavailable. Abbott employed his line-item veto to strike this $60 million funding from the Legislature-approved budget, showcasing a concerning set of priorities. Simultaneously, Abbott has summoned lawmakers back to Austin for a special session, an endeavor that will burden taxpayers significantly, requiring legislators to address issues that could have been resolved during the regular session. House Democrats are prepared to collaborate on effective solutions, including sensible THC product regulations that safeguard children while considering the needs of veterans and others. In a further controversial move, Abbott vetoed HB 413, a broadly supported bipartisan criminal justice reform bill aimed at reforming bail practices. House Democrats remain dedicated to advocating for policies that uplift working families in Texas amid these troubling decisions.