Y'all-itics

Texas Republicans are lining up to run against Governor Greg Abbott. So, why isn’t there a single Democrat in the race yet? Veteran Texas Democratic consultant Harold Cook hammered out a harsh Tweet about the lack of a candidate in his party. So, the Jasons called him up for this episode. Cook, who worked on President Bill Clinton and Governor Ann Richards’ campaigns in Texas, says ‘can’t beat somebody with nobody.’ Cook also revealed what’s likely happening behind the scenes right now, the list of fellow Democrats that he thinks has the best shot against Abbott next year, and why Beto O’Rourke has a lot to consider on whether he should run.

The Texas bullet train could finally happen sooner than you think. In fact, a vote in Congress this month might determine its future. The CEO of Texas Central, Carlos Aguilar, answered the Jasons call for this episode of Y’all-itics and gave them the lowdown on what’s happening behind the scenes, how much money is needed to finish the project, what a ticket will cost on the bullet train, as well as where...and when...the very first tracks will be laid.

Y’all-itics: August 30, 2021 The deadline for the U.S. to withdraw from Afghanistan is upon us: August 31. Since the rapid collapse of the Afghan government, Americans in that country, Afghans who hold Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and anyone who helped the U.S. war effort over the last 20-years have been scrambling to leave the country. And as our military action winds down in Afghanistan, it is the dawn of a new battle, a war over paperwork. Many critics of the withdrawal openly question why adequate preparations weren’t made to give hundreds of thousands of people time to get their paperwork together. Now, many are trapped in limbo with their lives on the line. Unfortunately, it looks like they could be stuck in that dangerous situation for quite a while. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by Holly Kuzmich, the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas who talks about the frantic efforts save some of their own colleagues, all while trying to continue their promise to help empower women across the globe. And Holly Kuzmich predicts there will be plenty of Congressional hearings to investigate what went wrong. Guest: Holly Kuzmich, Bush Institute Executive Director Holly Kuzmich (bushcenter.org)

Will you need a ticket and a Covid status card for concerts? Before they could listen to the music recently, some Texas concertgoers first heard: What’s your vaccination status? With the Delta variant of the coronavirus still ravaging Texas, country music star Jason Isbell took the stage for a mid-August performance at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth in front of a crowd that---on his insistence—was comprised of people who could either show a Covid vaccination card or a recent negative test. The general manager of this institution at the Stockyards got an earful out of this concert…including from state regulators who reminded him that there’s actually a state law in Texas now that prohibits businesses from requiring proof of vaccination. Billy Bobs' Marty Travis walks the Jasons through a raucous week backstage, all of it touched off by what was just a one-night thing at this famed honkytonk. But really, this was just the beginning. Even if you aren’t a fan of Jason Isbell or vaccine requirements for entry, have a listen. Because like it has done with everything else, Covid is quickly and drastically altering admissions to live music events—as evidenced by the new requirements just announced for this year’s Austin City Limits music festival.

Are you as confused about the local mask mandates in Texas as we are? Who can order what and when is about as clear as mud at this point. Even the courts can’t seem to agree. So we decided to turn to a constitutional law expert for some clarity. Stephen Vladeck from the University of Texas joins the Jasons once again to help explain in a way only he can. One thing he said that’s crystal clear? This process is messy. And unfortunately, Vladeck says we’re only in for more confusion. And after you listen to this episode of Y’all-itics, you just might rethink how you vote for a Texas Supreme Court Justice. Guest:Stephen I Vladeck | Faculty | Texas Law (utexas.edu)

The resistance is underway in Texas and growing by the day. And more cities, counties and school districts are expected to challenge the Governor’s ban on mask mandates in the coming days. For many parents who’ve already sent their kids back to school – or are about to – the issue is one of life-or-death. In this emergency episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by two Superintendents who find themselves squarely in the middle of this debate. Dr. Stephanie Elizalde leads the Austin ISD, which started mandating masks today in defiance of Governor Greg Abbott. Within hours of that decision, hundreds of parents re-enrolled their kids for in-person learning when students return Tuesday, August 17. And Dr. Elizalde walks you through the thought process and the reaction. The Jasons are also joined by Dr. Brian Woods the Northside ISD Superintendent in San Antonio. They have yet to make a decision on mask requirements there, but they don’t start school until Monday, August 23. For both Superintendents, the issue boils down to local control and having the ability to make the best decisions for their individual communities. And both fully recognize local control was once religion to the GOP, but that these days Republican leadership is telling them what they can and can’t do from Austin. Y'all-itics is sponsored by Octopus Energy. Save $60 on a 12-month plan by using the offer code OCTOPUS60 at octopusenergy.com. Octopus Energy — Better Energy Within Reach Guests: Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Austin ISD Superintendent https://www.austinisd.org Dr. Brian Woods, Northside ISD Superintendent https://www.nisd.net

Passions have already been flaring in Austin. But the temperature may get hotter under the Capitol dome as new Census numbers arrive and the thorny process of divvying up the state's 38 Congressional districts commences. Before he became the senior counsel for the Brennan Center's Democracy Program, Michael Li went to school and worked in Texas. He knows the state well. And he regards Texas as one of the "highest risk states" for what he warns could be the most aggressive gerrymandering in U.S. history in this cycle. Li explains why a heavily partisan redraw of Congressional boundaries is a threat to democracy and undermines the concept that each Texan’s vote matters equally. Republicans have total control in Texas government, which is why Democrats walked out at the end of the regular legislative session and decamped for D.C. throughout the first special session and now into the second special session. Will the Dems stay away from a third legislative overtime to prevent a quorum and grind the redistricting gears to a halt? Li talks about what we can expect as we head into what he calls the "10-year Olympics" in Texas. This time it may look like a cross between a sprint, a marathon and wrestling... possibly with some legislative gymnastics thrown in. Michael Li- Brennan Center’s Democracy Program

Conservatives are lining up to run against incumbent Governor Greg Abbott and incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton. Who has a shot? Does anyone have a shot? Could Abbott or Paxton face a loss? The Jasons called up two Texas Republicans from different sides of the party. Former state Sen. Konni Burton, R-Fort Worth, explains why she thinks Abbott is in political trouble. Former state Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, says he thinks Paxton could face a runoff. Sure, the GOP primary is a long way off, but the campaigns are already ramping up and that got the Jasons talking in this episode.

When the first school bells ring across Texas just weeks from now, students, parents, and educators will head back into the pandemic unknown. The Jasons check back in with Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa. He was on Y’all-itics a year ago when there was so much uncertainty heading into a new school term. It feels like that all over again as he readies his mega-district for the start of the ’21-‘22 session. In fact, he’ll preside over three different school start dates this year. His district and others are getting creative and sharing ideas with each other. Critics say there isn’t much guidance coming from the state, except for orders that schools can’t mandate masks or offer a virtual learning option. So, what happens if kids have to quarantine? Flush with federal cash from Covid relief legislation, Dr. Hinojosa says DISD is hiring an army of tutors. The district also plans to self-fund a virtual option if the state doesn’t agree to foot the bill for it. Also joining the Jasons for this episode is Texas PTA President Suzi Kennon, with what the state PTA will be doing to help make a tough year easier and what she’s hearing from parents across the state. Kennon also gets real---as a mom---and shares her concerns for her own child as kids head back to class at a time when the highly transmissible Delta variant of coronavirus is aggressively spreading across Texas, which continues to struggle with a lackluster vaccination rate.

There’s no end in sight to this political standoff. Texas House Democrats remain in D.C. Austin remains at a standstill. The inevitable is likely only delayed. But is there any room for compromise? Will this legislation change how you vote? And what’s up with that case of Miller Lite on the bus with Democrats? Wheeler took off to put his feet in the sand for a few days leaving Whitely on his own to pop the top on a Miller Lite with the youngest member of the Texas legislature, state Rep. James Tallarico. In this episode, state Rep. Craig Goldman, a Fort Worth Republican, also joined Y’all-itics to talk about the lonely days in the legislature and the backchannel conversations that the GOP is having with Democrats in D.C.

In a special legislative session underway right now, Texas Republicans are once trying to change voting laws in this state. And the Supreme Court of the United States just dealt another blow to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. That watershed law was pushed through by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, a Texas native, who rightly predicted that by signing it, he was also signing away his party's chance to hold political power in the south. But LBJ made the political sacrifice without regret because of one formative thing that happened to him in college. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons go back in time with Mark Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation. Mark shares what he believes LBJ would think and do in response to Republican efforts that some say have weakened one of his signature achievements. Mark also shares what ordinary people should do to have a voice as this state and this country faces a reckoning on voting rights and restrictions. http://www.lbjlibrary.org/page/foundation

On Thursday, Texas lawmakers are returning to the state capital for a special legislative session. Changing voting laws is paramount for Texas’ Republican leaders who are intent on avenging Donald Trump’s defeat. But the bill they consider during the 30-day special session, likely will not be as strict as the one that failed during the regular session. Still, do Democrats have a shot of stopping any of it? Joining the Jasons for this episode is Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and one of the most sourced journalists in Austin. Scott shares insight on Abbott’s primary challenge from the right and explains why the governor is not making the same mistake he did when he called the last special session in 2017.

There’s a new political party in Texas looking to shake things up. But instead of running towards the edges, the Serve America Movement (SAM) has its roots planted firmly in the middle. While SAM already has parties established in four states, Texas could be the linchpin of its overall success. The rest of the country will be closely watching to see if SAM has a fighting chance in a deep red state. But how can it succeed where so many other new parties have failed? What is it offering that would allow it to crash the nation’s longstanding two-party juggernaut? In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons talk to SAM’s founding chairman in Texas Bill King who tells them the party and its supporters are convinced there’s a big chunk of Texans who just “want somebody to do the damn job.” Serve America Movement: https://joinsam.org

Inside the skyline, the transformation has been subtle and taken time but downtown Dallas has a new story to tell. In their first in-person podcast episode in almost a year and a half, the Jasons pile into a booth at the stylish Catbird restaurant and bar in the newly renovated 50-story National building for a conversation with Kourtny Garrett, the president & CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc. In 1996, 200 people lived downtown. Today, it’s home to 12,000. Twenty years ago, downtown Dallas had 40 vacant buildings. Today, there are none. During the pandemic, downtown not only survived but it thrived. No construction projects here were lost, rents are increasing, scooters are coming back and there are four new parks. Kourtny also explains how the city is ‘activating blocks’ to make the city center more walkable.

We use it every day for freeways and foundations, pools and patios. In fact, Texas uses more cement than any other state, says Ed Sullivan, the Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Market Intelligence for the Portland Cement Association. But Covid-19 caused cement supply chain disruptions. And then the February winter storm hit, temporarily knocking cement plants offline and doing serious damage to at least one major facility. Now, this crucial ingredient for concrete is in tight supply just as the peak summer construction season gets underway, and Sullivan says Dallas is the tightest market in the country right now. Home builder Michael Turner can back that up. He tells the Jasons that the daily ration he is getting sometimes isn’t enough to pour a complete foundation for just one new home! Sullivan predicts this will “bridle” economic activity as Texas tries to fully rebound from the Covid slowdown. But in this episode of Y’all-itics, this foremost expert in the industry also forecasts when he thinks this important commodity Texas needs so much…will be back in full supply.

On June 15, 2021, the city of Fort Worth will have its first new mayor in 10 years. And even Mattie Parker understands she’s now the youngest Mayor of a major U.S. city (12th largest according to new Census Bureau estimates). In this bonus episode of Y’all-itics, Parker explains why the budget is her first priority as the city emerges from the pandemic flush with federal dollars. Parker also says she’s excited to work with a younger City Council, which has five new members, with the average age of all of them dropping from 60 to 45 after the election. And she fully expects their generation to step up and make a difference in the city. So, expect to see the kids at City Hall. Once you listen, you’ll understand why we mean that literally, not figuratively. Guests: Matie Parker, Fort Worth Mayor-Elect

Texans are one signature away from being able to carry their handguns in public without a permit. And many members of law enforcement say permitless carry will make their jobs far more dangerous… and the consequences are coming. The President of the Dallas Police Association says many officers are asking how they’ll even know the difference between the good guy and the bad guy. And Michael Mata tells the Jasons he fully expects the number of violent confrontations between business owners and customers to grow as a result of the legislation. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are also joined by Frederick Frazier, a McKinney City Council member and a longtime lobbyist for law enforcement issues who says no training plus no background check equals a recipe for disaster. But what if you’re not a cop? What should you expect? Longer holds on 911 and slower response times are just the start of it. HB 1927: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for HB 1927 Guests: Michael Mata, Dallas Police Association President Dallas PA Frederick Frazier, McKinney City Council Council Members | McKinney, TX - Official Website (mckinneytexas.org)

Whether you’re building or buying, it’s a brutal housing market in Texas. And it’s about to get even tougher as we enter the summer season, when people really start looking for a new home. Texas leads the country, by far, in new housing permits. But demand is outpacing supply by a Texas mile. Hang around any construction type and you'll hear the phrase "I've never seen anything like this before.” In fact, in this episode the Jasons are hearing that from Ted Wilson, one of the foremost residential construction experts in the state. Ted even talks about how it’s now difficult to find vacant lots. In other words, Texas is even running out of dirt to build a home on. The Jasons also talk to a Dallas resident about the many difficulties he’s faced while trying to build a home, from the permit process to surging prices. And if you’re about to do the same, he has some advice you’ll want to hear. Can anything slow down this runaway train? You’ll learn that in this episode as well. Residential Strategies Inc – New Home Market Research & Consulting

Following the catastrophic power failure in February, Texans heard all sorts of promises from lawmakers and other state leaders. They’ll fix this mess, they told us, so it never happens again. Another legislative session has nearly come and gone, and lawmakers have yet to pass any energy reform bills (anybody remember 2011?). Lawmakers are close. But can they get anything across the finish line during the final week of the session? The consumer rights advocacy group Public Citizen tells the Jasons that even if lawmakers pass the legislation, it falls far short of what’s needed to protect Texans from the next big storm. And the CEO of Texas’ largest generator of energy says lawmakers better act or the state’s economy will pay the price. In this episode of Y’all-itics, he explains why inaction could freeze business expansion in Texas. SB 3: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for SB 3 Guests: Curtis “Curt” Morgan, Vistra Corp. CEO Home - Vistra Corp. Adrian Shelley, Public Citizen Public Citizen - Protecting Health, Safety, and Democracy

By now you’ve likely heard the news, legendary WFAA sportscaster Dale Hansen is retiring. But we’re pretty sure you haven’t heard the stories that Dale shares on this special episode of Y’all-itics. Exactly 24-hours after the announcement, Dale cracked open a beer with the Jasons for a look back at his 50-years in broadcasting, the well-known statewide politician he was recruited to run against a few years ago, the unbelievable way he got a job in Dallas, and how he handles haters – who really get under his skin. The Jasons raise a toast to Dale and share a lot of laughs. This episode really is Dale unplugged. Dale’s “Celebrating Our Differences” Unplugged More of Dale “Unplugged”

A new study says re-opening schools in Texas led to an additional 43,000+ cases and 800+ deaths across the state. In fact, one of the lead researchers says it was a stronger connection than they would have guessed. What isn’t clear, is exactly how many of those were teachers. That researcher tells the Jasons why that is and why he hopes the study becomes part of the discussion before any concrete decisions are made for schools in the fall. The Texas Education Agency tells us they stand by their decisions and pointed us towards criticism of this study. But many teachers and other school workers wouldn’t be surprised by the results. They predicted, some right here on Y’all-itics, they would lose co-workers to the disease before they even returned to classrooms. But nobody knows the exact number of teachers who’ve died of COVID during this school year… because the state isn’t tracking those statistics. So WFAA reporter Teresa Woodard did just that. And she also joins the Jasons to talk about her investigation in this episode of Y’all-itics. WATCH Teresa Woodard’s investigation on WFAA and wfaa.com on Tuesday, May 18 at 10pm NBER Study: School Reopenings, Mobility, and COVID-19 Spread: Evidence from Texas | NBER

A record number of women are currently serving in the United States Congress, but to many, it’s just a mirage. And they say true parity remains distant, especially here in Texas. A few years ago, two women launched the Lone Star Parity Project to not only get a better idea of the number of women running for office in Texas, but also which positions they filed for and how many were actually elected. A couple of reports later, the numbers remain stark. Out of 254 counties in Texas, their new study says only nine of them are at parity, where women hold 50% of all elected offices. And they discovered many women say no several times before actually choosing to run for office. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons sit down with the founders of the Lone Star Parity Project to find out what their numbers mean and how they can be used to help future generations of women find success in politics. Watch this episode on YouTube Lone Star Parity Project:

If so many Texans are angry over their property tax appraisals, has anybody ever considered scrapping the entire system? A lawmaker from East Texas has. He even has such a bill in Austin to do just that. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons find out how it would all work. HB 3770: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for HB 3770

It’s “the season” again… that magical time of year when Texans walk to the mailbox with a mix of resentment and trepidation, take a deep breath, and then dare to look at their property appraisal. Even if you have no plans to move, the red-hot housing market in Texas may cause your appraisal (and later your property taxes) to rise significantly. But you don’t just have to accept what the appraisal district has written on that piece of paper. You can protest. And one of the foremost experts on how to do it tells the Jasons that you should protest your appraisal… every year. Realtor Chandler Crouch has become a viral sensation for his “how-to” videos. He even got the attention of Texas lawmakers who sought his expertise and recently invited him to testify in Austin about some ways to potentially fix the Texas property tax system. He has also been helping thousands of property owners in Tarrant County contest their appraisals… for FREE. Chandler Crouch’s Protest Website: FreeTaxProtest.com Ben Lauer’s Protest Website: Dallas Tax Dispute: Ben Lauer Real Estate Group

The conversation in this episode was real, raw and recorded live as the verdict in the Derek Chauvin came down on Tuesday afternoon. In this emergency release of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined once again by the politician and the educator, both fathers, who first joined the podcast after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Podcast host Cydney Walker, a mother who’s been following the trial gavel to gavel, also joins this important conversation. As the country watched this defining moment, these three Black leaders in Texas watched history unfold together. This is their reaction.

HB 6. SB 7. That simple combination of four letters and two numbers could have a profound impact on Texas for years to come. Those are bills that lawmakers are debating in Austin that could change Texas voting laws. A recent report by The Perryman Group, led by a respected Texas economist, predicts if those bills are passed, Texas would lose billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs… in the next four years alone. What’s more, the Perryman Group says that doesn’t even include the potential loss of tourism and other economic drivers such as professional sports and conventions. This potential impact on the bottom line is why you’re hearing some companies come out against the legislation. But boycotts can work both ways, which is also weighing heavily on the minds of some business leaders. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons speak with Dr. Ray Perryman about the potential impact of this legislation, the CEO of a national business group who talks about what to expect out of big business over the next few weeks, and the Speaker of the Texas House who says he’s reached out to some CEOs in Texas but hasn’t heard a word back from any of them. Perryman Group report: The Potential Economic Impact of Legislation Restricting Voter Access on Business Activity in Texas | The Perryman Group Follow HB 6: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for HB 6 Follow SB 7: Texas Legislature Online - 87(R) History for SB 7

Ready for a change? A growing number of Americans are exchanging four walls for four wheels. The fast-growing subculture is full of folks looking to redefine the American dream while living exclusively in their RVs, vans and campers. And one of the oldest and largest groups of digital nomads has an “address” right here in Texas, some 75-miles north of Houston. Members “live” in that city even though they may never visit. And that means they can get a Texas driver’s license, register their vehicle and not have to worry about a state income tax. What’s more, they can vote. And as the Jasons learned in this episode of Y’all-itics, with such a large group, they can influence some elections. The question now is how all of those election bills being considered in Austin might change things. Chris & Cristi Moody (@lifeoptedout) • Instagram photos and videos Read "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Living Nowhere"

Race, violence and medicine. Those three words intersect in Dr. Brian Williams’ emergency room. Gun violence is more than a headline or political talking point for him. Dr. Williams sees the aftermath of it every day. What’s most concerning, he says, is the disparities in gun violence. Young black men are half of all gunshot victims. Dr. Williams has set out to change that. He wants to start a conversation about the larger societal issues, and he has the credentials to do it. Dr. Williams, a Black man, was the surgeon on duty at Parkland Hospital on July 7, 2016 when police officers were shot and killed in downtown Dallas. In this episode, he tells the Jasons how that night changed him, and how Race, Violence and Medicine – the title of his own podcast – intersect every day. Listen to Dr. Williams Podcast here

It is a seller’s market on steroids right now in Texas. Healthy housing inventory is typically six months. But some cities in Texas are down to days. If you’re a seller, you’re likely receiving multiple offers, some significantly above asking. If you’re a buyer, good luck. It could take you a while. Some buyers are even resorting to entering contracts without a guaranteed final sales price. And at the end of the day, all homeowners in Texas will pay for the housing frenzy through higher property taxes. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons discuss tips for buyers and sellers. And the experts tell them to buckle up, because we’re not living in a bubble. They say there is no end in sight. And if that wasn’t enough, learn how the big, stuck boat in Egypt is likely to impact Texas real estate, even though it’s now free. Todd Tramonte Home Selling Team Anne Lakusta - Designated Broker - GO Management Real Estate

Election security? Or voter suppression? The rhetoric is heating up in Texas as the battle over election reform begins in earnest this week. While there is a spate of bills lawmakers will consider, Senate Bill 7 is the granddaddy of them all. Among other things, it would eliminate drive-thru voting, limit voting hours, make it much harder to vote by mail. In this week’s episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by the Executive Director of Progress Texas, an organization that amplifies progressive causes. Edward Espinoza says if election uniformity is the true goal, why not expand access for voters, instead of making it harder for some to participate. And the Jasons speak to Republican state Senator Paul Bettencourt, who calls the proposals common sense reform, not some grandiose scheme to turn back what was very successful election… for Republicans. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: https://bit.ly/3qPjJDO

A Republican leader along the Texas-Mexico border calls the latest migrant surge a repetition of a crisis, the result of “duct tape immigration policy.” The Democrat leading the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the U.S. calls it “Biden’s political pinata,” as the 2021 surge includes thousands of unaccompanied minors. And experts on both sides of the political aisle believe the situation is about to get much, much worse. The Jasons drill down into what’s driving this latest surge and what the Biden administration should be doing in this episode of Y’all-itics and learn why it could start with waves of social workers. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: https://bit.ly/3qPjJDO

On the day Texas returned to 100% occupancy and eliminated the mask mandate, Dr. Anthony Fauci sat down with WFAA reporter William Joy to provide his report card for the state. And William joined a Jason for this bonus podcast to discuss that discussion. The nation’s leading infectious disease expert warns that getting back to “normal” isn’t like turning a switch on and off. And he says Texas is taking a risk. But in this episode, Dr. Fauci will also tell you why Texans shouldn’t be discouraged and when we can head back to a game or eat inside a restaurant without worry.

Fatigue from COVID-19 and last month’s polar vortex are expected to drive millions of people to Texas beaches as spring break begins this week. Even though Governor Abbott is lifting the mask mandate and allowing businesses to return to 100-percent capacity, many businesses are still adhering to CDC health safety guidelines and still expecting huge crowds. The Jasons called up a couple of Texans along the coast to see what to expect before they put their feet in the sand. Along part of the Texas coast, they also learned to be on the lookout for fainting sea turtles. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take our survey. Cheers!

Call it the Texas restaurant massacre. The industry has taken a beating during our year of pandemic lockdown. In human terms, it amounts to 150,000 Texans who have lost their jobs. And those restaurants that did survive took another hit during the historic winter weather and power catastrophe. That event wiped out the often-lucrative Valentine’s Day dining. If this sounds like a horror story… it is. So why then does the president of the Texas Restaurant Association think this story will have a happy ending? For one, Texans apparently miss their restaurants more than anything else during the lockdown. And she talks about the dramatic changes born out of the pandemic that will help the industry thrive on the other side. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: https://bit.ly/3qPjJDO Cheers!

In our last episode, a former state lawmaker told the Jasons that Texas missed a golden opportunity six years ago to start planning for extreme weather events. Current Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson explained how he thinks his bill would have helped prevent the near failure of the Texas electric grid but was killed in the final moments. One of Johnson’s friends, a former state lawmaker himself on the other side of the aisle, says he remembers the episode too, but with a few different details. Ron Simmons says while the legislation wouldn’t have hurt, it likely wouldn’t have helped either. And the Republican says lawmakers likely could have done more all along the way. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take our survey. Cheers!

Texas lawmakers are meeting on Thursday in Austin – pledging to get to the bottom of the massive statewide power outages last week. But a former state lawmaker tells the Jasons that Texas missed an opportunity six years ago to start planning for something like this. Eric Johnson, the current Mayor of Dallas, was a state representative in 2015 and introduced a bill that might have helped prevent the near-failure of the Texas electric grid last week. Johnson explained what his bill would have done and how it was killed in the final moments before it was to have been passed. We’d like to know what you think about Y’all-itics! So, please take the survey the Jasons mentioned: Cheers! As promised, here’s how to find out who represents you. https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

ERCOT called the Jasons super early on Tuesday to offer the first interview with CEO Bill Magness. He’s probably the most sought after newsmaker of the week in our state. Magness manages ERCOT, which is the Texas power grid. And millions of Texans are in the dark right now in below freezing temperatures. We asked Magness many of the same questions you’ve been asking us. When will this be over? Will it get worse before it gets better? Come to find out, Magness’ wife and his child are among the millions of Texans without electricity. Here’s our uncut interview with him.

We knew what was coming, so why were Texas electric utilities not ready for the severe winter weather? The widespread electric outages did not surprise energy experts in the state. In fact, history is repeating itself here. The issue that caused the widespread electric outages this week was the same thing that caused a similar failure in 2011. And one before that in 1989. A state lawmaker also told the Jasons that Texans deserve answers.

It’s hard to believe hair remains an excuse for discrimination in 2021, much of it rooted in racism. Do a quick internet search and it won’t be hard for you to find the stories. And this isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem as you can find victims all across the spectrum, from women in the workplace to teenage boys in High School. In this episode of Y’all-itics, we join the project “Rooted” being shared across Tegna Texas that explores black hair in America. The Jasons are joined by WFAA anchor Tashara Parker whose commentary helped sparked a movement of natural hair and KVUE anchor Ashley Goudeau who speaks to a woman’s basic right to natural hair and being one’s true self in the workplace. We also explore the politics as Texas lawmakers are considering several versions of the CROWN Act that would ban discrimination based on hair. More on “Rooted” project: 'Rooted': The natural hair movement, hair discrimination and The Crown Act | wfaa.com

It’s one of the most diverse counties in Texas. So, why then did it take 150 years for Fort Bend County to elect its second Black sheriff? And as Texas lawmakers begin to debate police reform, Sheriff Eric Fagan has his own ideas for it and wants the public to hear his perspective. Just don’t use the word “defund” around him. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the man making – and following – history in Fort Bend County answers the call from the Jasons and discusses everything from the pressure and pride that comes from his position, to his own experience dealing with racial profiling and how that shapes his view of law enforcement. Oh, and let’s not forget that time he was protecting that king…

Contact Tracing. The very phrase has been somewhat poisoned in the United States, where many of us tend to think of “big brother,” that the government is watching. A company out of New Zealand says we have it all wrong and we should instead consider it to be contact “logging.” That company helped New Zealand essentially eliminate the virus. And now, SaferMe has set up shop in Austin, Texas. Does that mean we’re now well on our way to eliminating it here in the Lone Star State? SaferMe’s CEO tells the Jasons it all depends on the politics. But businesses are sure ready and if you tell folks we might be able to re-open the entire economy much quicker, well then, you have their attention. And what attracted SaferMe to Texas? Think farms and barbeque. The Award-Winning Contact Tracing System For Business (safer.me)

There are nearly 29-million Texans. But as of January 25, 2021, after a month of distribution, fewer than 1.5 Million of those Texans have received a single dose of the vaccine. Only 266,000 Texans have received both doses. At that rate, it would take nearly two years for Texans just to get one dose and nearly five years for all Texans to be fully vaccinated. If the vaccine was developed in record time, one Texas lawmaker wants to know why the state’s distribution plan wasn’t ready. And he tells the Jasons why he thinks we’re out of time. But in the middle of a situation that is only seemingly getting worse, there is some hope… a bright spot in the Texas panhandle after a call that surprised the Jasons.

**WARNING: THIS PODCAST CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE Let the warning above be your preview as to what the Lincoln Project now thinks about Senator Ted Cruz. In this episode of Y’all-itics, co-founder Rick Wilson joins the Jasons to talk about how the group is now actively working against the Texas Republican. The group says Sen. Cruz is part of the “sedition caucus” and his words and actions helped contribute to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. And Wilson thinks a third party will be born out of the schism inside the GOP. If you normally listen to our podcast with your children, we warn again, there are R-rated words. **Sen. Ted Cruz declined to join this episode of Y’all-itics but has a standing invitation to respond

Even though this will be the pandemic session, other business will be on the table during the 87th Texas Legislature. And is there a bigger complaint here in Texas than ridiculously high property taxes? But what if we told you there might be a way to cut those bills in half? Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley says it’s not going to be easy, but it can be done if lawmakers have the will. In this episode of Y’all-itics, he presents his plan to the Jasons, who were certainly left smiling, thinking about the possibilities. And state Senator Nathan Johnson talks about the other legislative priorities over the next 140-days. But about those property taxes… Who Represents me?

That escalated quickly. Following the insurrection at the Capitol, calls are growing for President Trump to possibly be removed from office by the 25th Amendment, an action unthinkable as recently as 48-hours ago. But what is the 25th and how does it work? In this emergency episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons go to law school with Stephen Vladeck from the University of Texas School of Law, a nationally recognized expert on constitutional law. And as it turns out, the 25th isn’t the only mechanism lawmakers could use to remove a sitting President. Steve Vladeck Bio: Stephen I Vladeck | Faculty | Texas Law (utexas.edu)

On January 6, 2021, members of the Senate and House will meet to formally count the Electoral College votes for President. While there have been some objections in years past, 2021 will be different. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, wants an independent commission appointed to audit the results of the election. The political gambit by some Republican Senators and Representatives to object to the certification of Biden’s win has further divided the GOP. One of the Republican Party’s most prolific fundraisers says it all makes her want to just crawl into a hole. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons talk to Nancy Bocskor who’s been called a “Democracy Coach” around the world and has fundraising figures with many, many zeroes for Republicans over the years. And James Dickey, the former Chair of the Republican Party of Texas, explains why he thinks the GOP will thrive in the future. The Nancy Bocskor Company

Coming from a family that is one of the most well-known real estate developers in the state, Trammell S. Crow set out to build something of his own. Crow founded EarthX which the organization bills as “The largest annual exposition and forum showcasing initiatives, research, innovations, policies and corporate practices serving the environment”. Crow has been labeled a “Green Republican” for his advocacy for environmental and conservation causes. And he is not shy about chiding and cajoling members of his political party when their positions on environmental and conservation issues don’t align with his. Crow joins the Jasons for a candid conversation about the intersection of the environment and politics…and his unvarnished message to his party. EarthX

The statistic was startling. Twenty percent of all banks in Dallas County exclude all or parts of Southern Dallas. That means mortgages, business loans and access remain out of reach for many families and businesses south of Interstate 30. Problem is, this simply perpetuates the racial wealth gap. In this episode, the Jasons speak with two of the WFAA journalists who worked on this investigation and get a U.S. congressman on the line to explain what he thinks Washington needs to do next. Watch Banking Below 30

The long, dark COVID winter experts have warned about is upon us. But there’s also some light at the end of the tunnel, albeit faint and distant. One drug manufacturer has already applied to the FDA for approval for its COVID-19 vaccine. Another company is close behind. And the U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary says both could be available to some Americans before Christmas. That got the Jasons thinking… can your boss force you to get a COVID-19 Vaccine? So they turned to Sarah Mitchell Montgomery, a partner at Jackson Walker law firm who specializes in employment law. She says there’s a short answer, with some caveats. And she’ll tell you why she foresees a coming spike in COVID-related litigation. Sarah Mitchell Montgomery

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? An executive in shipping says he and his family are done because he’s worried the supply chain is too stressed and some gifts simply might not make it to you in time if you don’t buy soon. But the stressed supply chain is creating opportunity for thousands of Texans. Insiders give the Jasons a revealing look at how this already unusual year continues to live up to its reputation.