SUMMARY: Three candidates—two Democrats and one Republican—are contesting the Texas House speaker position, currently held by Rep. Dade Phelan. Following recent elections, Republicans have a majority with 88 seats, needing 76 votes to elect a speaker. Key issues include school choice and the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton. Rep. David Cook aims to reform the House and has criticized Phelan’s reliance on Democratic support. Phelan asserts he has sufficient backing to secure reelection. Additionally, Democrats Ana-Maria Ramos and John Bryant have announced their candidacies, focusing on issues like public education, abortion rights, and gun safety reforms.

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SUMMARY: The American Petroleum Institute has presented a five-point plan to President-elect Donald Trump, urging policies that enhance U.S. energy leadership and address inflation. The plan emphasizes economic benefits from a strong fossil fuel sector and advocates for U.S. energy independence, calling for expanded oil and natural gas production on federal lands. API President Mike Sommers expressed the need to ease regulations, reform permitting processes, and retain a competitive corporate tax rate. The plan also seeks to repeal restrictive EPA rules and highlights the importance of energy independence, particularly following concerns about the Biden administration’s policies impacting the industry.

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SUMMARY: Following a Republican sweep in state legislative seats, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have made school choice and property tax reform top priorities for the upcoming legislative session. School choice, which faced opposition in previous sessions, is expected to pass with the support of newly elected candidates endorsed by Abbott. The proposed legislation includes the creation of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for 60,000 students and funding increases for teacher salaries. Polls show broad support for school choice across political groups. Patrick is hopeful the governor will declare it an emergency item to fast-track its passage.

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