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Newsletter - May 7, 2026

Texas News

89^th Interim Anything But Quiet

The 89th Interim has been anything but quiet. With both the House and Senate issuing interim charges to their committees, the Texas Legislature has been actively engaged in policy discussions on issues such as data centers, water, public education, criminal justice, the state’s energy supply, desalination, the Alamo Complex, Medicaid, health and human services programs, and key budget priorities. Activity in the halls of the Texas Capitol has certainly not slowed down this interim.

This is the time when lawmakers begin discussing future legislative recommendations, hear from key stakeholders and state agencies, and develop priorities for the 90th Regular Session, which convenes in January.

Additionally, as with any business, state agencies are beginning preparations for the next legislative budget cycle. Agencies develop their Legislative Appropriations Requests (LARs) by holding stakeholder meetings and preparing budget proposals for submission to the Texas Legislature later this summer.

To learn more about the key issues being discussed during upcoming hearings, visit the Legislative Reference Library’s weekly interim hearing schedule click the link below:

Legislative Reference Library & Upcoming Hearing Information

Texana Public Affairs Client Highlight

This past week, Texana Public Affairs had the opportunity to visit with nearly a dozen legislative offices to discuss the importance of the health and wellness of our school children alongside our client, Greenlight Fitness.

Nearly two decades ago, Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, known as the “Father of Aerobics,” championed the effort to implement a physical fitness assessment for Texas school children in grades 3–12. I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Cooper as the assessment was implemented in Texas and helping preserve the key components of the assessment over the years.

Today, as the White House promotes the President’s Physical Fitness Test and emphasizes the importance of health and nutrition, Texas continues to stand as a model state following the passage of Senate Bill 530 in 2007, which established a statewide physical fitness assessment program. The initiative has helped instill the importance of physical fitness, nutrition, and healthy living in thousands of Texas students throughout the years.

Greenlight Fitness and Texana Public Affairs shared FITNESSGRAM assessment data with lawmakers demonstrating that higher fitness levels are linked to stronger academic performance, lower absenteeism, and fewer discipline issues. Students are not only becoming more physically active, but they are also learning lifelong habits related to nutrition and wellness.

Thank you to all of the legislative offices that took the time to meet with our team and thank you to Dr. Cooper for your vision and dedication ensuring our children live healthier and longer lives for generations to come.

Upcoming Legislative Hearings

Both the House and Senate have begun work on their respective interim assignments and committees are holding hearings over the next few months.

Below is a listing of upcoming hearings and you can click the tab below to find out the topics the various committees will be discussing on the scheduled dates.

May 11 - Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, 9:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.012

May 11 - House Public Education Committee, 10:00AM

Capitol Extension JHR 140

May 12 - House Culture, Recreation & Tourism, 10:00AM

Capitol Extension E2.028

May 14 - House Elections, 11:00AM
Capitol Extension E2.012

June 24 - Senate Business & Commerce, 9:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.012

July 27 - Senate Finance, 10:30AM.

Capitol Extension E1.036

July 28 - Senate Finance, 9:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.036

July 29 - Senate Business & Commerce, 9:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.012

July 29 - Senate Transportation, 9:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.016

September 1 - Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, 9:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.012

September 2 - Senate Finance, 10:00AM

Capitol Extension E1.036

September 30 - Senate Business & Commerce, 9:00AM,
Capitol Extension E1.012

Click here for Committee Information

Runoff Election Information

There are numerous Federal, State, and Local Runoff elections this year. Please don't forget to vote. Here are the key dates to remember regarding the Runoff election.

May 18 – 22 Early Voting

May 26 – Election Day

Save the Date

Washington County News

Did You Know?

Runoff Elections

Did you know the importance of a Runoff Election? In most cases the upcoming May 26th Runoff election will decide who will represent you in your County Government?

Runoff elections almost always draw fewer voters than the initial primary, which means a much smaller group of people ends up deciding the final outcome.

Unfortunately, this year will likely be no different. Early voting overlaps with the hectic final week of school for many districts, and Election Day falls right after Memorial Day—a time when many families are traveling or on vacation.

How can you help?

Remind your family and friends that early voting runs from May 18-22 and Election day is May 26th.
Encourage them to get out and vote.
Research the candidates that are in the Runoff Election to make sure they align with your values.

To learn more about the importance of the Runoff Elections click the link below.

Runoff Election Information

Washington County Election Information

Texana Public Affairs
Brenham Office

2720 Bluebonnet Blvd

Brenham, TX 77833

Austin Office
1504 San Antonio, Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78701

512-423-1598