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: After Republicans dominated statewide races, especially in South Texas, Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced plans to resign after 12 years. In the Nov. 5 elections, Hispanic voters in border counties largely supported Republican candidates, including President-elect Trump and Senator Ted Cruz. Hinojosa attributed Trump’s success with Hispanics to frustrations over border security and criticized the Democratic transgender agenda. Some Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, blamed the party’s cultural policies for the shift to the right. Hinojosa apologized for his remarks and called for party unity, but announced his resignation due to the party’s electoral losses.

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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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