TEXAS, USA — NEWSMAKER
Inside Texas Politics began with the national effort to turn Texas blue or at least purple. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee now has an office in Austin and is targeting specific congressional seats. U.S. Representative Marc Veasey - a Democrat from Fort Worth -- is leading the effort in eight states including races in Texas. Congressman Veasey joined host Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
STATEWIDE
With only five weeks remaining in this 2019 legislative session, Ross Ramsey recently wrote that this is the time when the real work gets done. He also said that up until now, the legislature is just the state's most expensive, exclusive and exasperating drama club. Ross, the co-founder and executive editor of the Texas Tribune, joined host Jason Whitely to give his view on where things stand on priority issues such as reducing property taxes. They also discussed why Democrats did not vote on the 'Born Alive' bill that the Texas House passed.
MY VOICE, MY OPINION
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot is known as a reformer. However, he is on the defensive right now after saying his office will not prosecute people who steal less than $750.
Or even trespassers at businesses. On this week’s My Voice, My Opinion, Contributor Chris Krok – from WBAP 820 AM – said everyone could pay the price.
NEWSMAKER 2
Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott criticized the new theft policy that Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot is implementing. In a tweet, Abbott said the DA’s plan is “wealth redistribution by theft.” Police officers across Dallas County are also discussing DA Creuzot’s policy change. President of the Dallas Police Association Mike Mata joined host Jason Whitely to talk about what he thinks the new policy might mean.
FLASHPOINT
Healthcare is likely to become a driving issue in next year's presidential election. An idea from Bernie Sanders sparked this week’s Flashpoint. From the right, Wade Emmert, the former chairman of Dallas County's Republican Party. And from the left, LULAC's national president Domingo Garcia.
ROUNDTABLE
Reporters Roundtable puts the headlines in perspective each week. Ross Ramsey and Bud Kennedy returned along with Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA’s political producer. Ross, Bud and Berna Dean joined host Jason Whitely to offer perspective on
the likelihood in 2020 of a Democrat taking the congressional seat now held by Republican Kenny Marchant.