Americans for Prosperity Releases Statement on the Conclusion of the 87th Texas Legislative Session

Jun 2, 2021 by AFP

AUSTIN, TX— As the 87th legislature adjourned sine die yesterday, Americans for Prosperity-Texas (AFP-TX) and its community of grassroots activists released a statement celebrating some major policy reform wins as well as major disappointments.

Fiscally, the legislature delivered a responsible budget while also closing property tax reform loopholes that were used against taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. On health care, Texans will now see greater access to quality and affordable care through the expansion of telemedicine services.

AFP-TX State Director Genevieve Collins had the following to say:

“AFP-TX had a big session and delivered some major legislative wins for taxpayers! By passing a responsible budget, closing property tax loopholes, and expanding telemedicine, Texas will continue to lead the nation on critical issues. Unlike Washington and its trillion-dollar bailouts, Texas set the example again this session by funding our state’s priorities without shifting the financial burden to taxpayers.”

Even though there were some big wins for the grassroots, there were some big disappointments as well. Collins added:

“Our activists are deeply disappointed in how things ended in the House. The ban on taxpayer- funded lobbying never got a vote on the House floor. Pre-trial reform that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support could not be approved in the House for lack of a quorum. A much-needed virtual education reform that would help Texas students also died for lack of a quorum in the House. Texans want and deserve these reforms and will unnecessarily have to wait. We will re-engage on these issues with vigor when Governor Abbott calls for a special session because all Texans deserve complete results instead of half-baked policies.”