Here’s what to expect in the 88th Texas Legislative Session
November 30, 2022
Inside the historic Texas Capitol building, two chambers stand: the House of Representatives and the Senate. When in session, elected officials deliberate, vote and tussle with key legislation that’ll eventually affect the livelihoods of all Texans.
For now, a dead silence echoes through the mahogany walls. That is, until January 2023.
The Texas House of Representatives and Senate represent our state government by passing laws, deciding where the money goes and steering the political dialogue of Texas. The body meets every odd-numbered year, beginning in January and ending in May. The 88th Legislative Session is set to begin next year in January.
As Texas flirts with battleground state status, decisions on central issues will be made right here in Austin. As such, UT students should keep themselves informed about the upcoming legislature, an often overlooked avenue of change.
It’s no surprise that the state Legislature trends toward the right. Because the members consist of majority Republicans, fiscal and social policies are traditionally conservative.
On April 4, 2022, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick, released his 2022 Interim Legislative Charges. This document outlines Patrick’s priories and vision in the upcoming session. Some of Patrick’s priorities include border security, addressing criminal case backlogs, parent empowerment and tax reform. It doesn’t cover all the bases, but these legislative priorities show what students can expect from the upcoming session.
While topics such as reproductive rights and critical race theory dominate national media, there are other notable and often overlooked issues. Students have a say, especially if the topic is of interest or relates to their studies.
Psychology freshman Victoria Kayode’s priorities lie in education and gun violence prevention.
“It’s good to be engaged so that you have an influence over what’s affecting you in your life,” Kayode said. “Tackling deeper issues such as gun violence and barriers that prevent people from (finishing) school or attending school regularly (is important).”
The 88th Legislative Session will focus on parent empowerment, examining the COVID-19 pandemic impact and curriculum programming. For Kayode, her advocacy may look like testifying when the education committee convenes.
Faculty members also have a stake in the upcoming session, particularly when topics involve their research interests. For instance, a priority of the session is reviewing plans for alternatively fueled vehicles, which include electric cars and other modes of green transit.
“Everybody makes transportation decisions every day,” transportation engineering professor Kara Kockelman said. “People can get involved by helping their parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents to stop using so much energy.”
The upcoming session is also an opportunity to advocate for minority populations and their needs.
“(For our organization, we would focus on) the economy and cost of living for individuals, but also education and voting rights,” said Ashley Cheng, founder and president of Asian Texans for Justice.
Issues that you care about are at stake. For students, becoming involved may simply be researching and staying informed. For some, it may look like registering to testify in committees. Others may even plan to submit proposals for policies and bills on what they believe needs reform. The possibilities are limitless.
As priorities are set within the legislative agenda, a tense disquiet reflects over Austin, the political capital of the state.
In all cases, your involvement as a student is needed in the upcoming session.
Wan is an aerospace engineering and Plan II freshman from Houston, Texas.
