Rep. Penny Morales Shaw

This last month has tested us all, and even with most of our caucus deciding to leave on Monday: Nicole was right - we are elected officials doing our jobs - not criminals.

Tonight, I stand with Nicole on the floor once again, against the rushed mid-decade redistricting. #TXLege

What happened and what is next? 

This morning, after establishing quorum, Democrats who killed the special session were detained en masse in the chamber, and only allowed to leave after “being booked.”

My full statement:

#TXLege

Strong leaders who have their constituents’ best interests at heart are more important than ever. Thank you to @plesafortexas.bsky.social, @reppennymshaw.bsky.social, and more for holding the line in Texas.

Thank you, Governor Josh Shapiro. #TXLege

Instead, to our great disappointment, flood relief has been used as a cover to deliver five Texas congressional seats before the midterms in a rushed and secretive process. That has always been the real agenda of this special session - and Texas deserves to know the truth.

We have waited weeks for Republican leadership to advance emergency flood-relief legislation in response to the recent tragedy, despite the Governor having the full authority to release aid without the legislature.

Over $660 MILLION dollars back in Texas Schools following a lawsuit joined by Texas AFT. This victory for Texas teachers and students prove just how strong unions power a stronger Texas.

As a third-term legislator, I came here to be a voice for everyday Texans—for common-sense solutions that help working people and protect our society. That’s still why I’m here. But once again, I’m witnessing priorities that are deeply out of step with what Texans truly need.

ICYMI: The Governor has called a special session after his late night veto of #SB3. I look forward to heading back to Austin next month to create a safe framework where we protect our children, help our veterans and neighbors with chronic pain, and regulate a booming industry in our economy. #TxLege

Rep @reppennymshaw.bsky.social is standing up for Texans in pain. From our veterans to rural communities to working families, HB 46 expands access to medical cannabis and creates jobs across rural Texas. Together we’re building a future where every Texan has the freedom to heal with dignity. #txlege

Rep. @reppennymshaw.bsky.social brings steady strength to the fight for justice. Whether on the House floor or in committee, she’s pushing for policies that let working families thrive – like paid parental leave – so Texans can care for their loved ones without sacrificing stability. #txlege

Bill Update 🚨 HB 4226 has passed the Texas House and is on its way to the Senate. The bill proposes to add Food Banks to the list of non-profits that benefit from a tax exemption, allowing the money saved go into the good work they do for their communities.

Let's let them know they cannot take billions for Vouchers while leaving our public schools empty-handed again! FIND YOUR STATE SENATOR AND TELL THEM TO PASS HB-2 TODAY!

Meanwhile, the multi-billion dollar vouchers program was already (in false emergency-fashion) signed into law this weekend. We CANNOT remain quiet and wait to see IF our leadership will pass HB-2 and provide relief to our students.

Although HB 2 passed with bipartisan support in the #TXLege to increase the per-student funding, provide raises for experienced teachers, and overhaul special education funding to the tune of 8 Billion dollars, it has stalled in the Senate.

Texas Democrats continue to advocate for educators, students, and Texas families, ensuring that the Texas legislature funds and strengthens our public schools.

☎️ Reach out to your Rep/Sen and tell them to vote NO: wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home

Voting is a right, not a maze of bureaucracy. HB 5337 unfairly complicates the process and risks silencing everyday Texans, including women and people of color.

Speak up now. Our democracy depends on it.

📚 Follow the Bill: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

HB 5337 unintended consequences on a multitude of legitimate voters, particularly married women who have changed their last names and we need your support to speak out against this frivolous bill that would complicate the voting process for millions of texans.

Texas House of Representatives Texas House of Representatives provides information on legislation, committees, sessions, and the Texas House

These are called “forever chemicals” because these hazardous chemicals don't break down, and we cannot wait any longer to study and act swiftly in the legislature.

🎥 Watch LIVE at 10:30 AM: www.house.texas.gov/videos

📖 Follow the Bill: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

On Thursday, I’ll be presenting HB 1730 to direct the University of Houston to conduct a study for the legislature and public about the health impacts of PFAS, a chemical that's found in many household products, firefighting materials, and in contaminated water sources. #TXLege

Today is Earth Day, and there are many things we can do to keep our neighborhoods clean. 🌎

From legislation on addressing waste, picking up trash on our sidewalks, and replenishing our gardens and forests, you can keep our Earth clean for generations to come. 💚

Wishing a joyous and blessed Easter Sunday. May today bring the greatest feelings of gratitude, love, hope and reflection to all celebrating.

Yesterday was crushing. #TXLege

I remain committed to finding and forging new ways for our kids to succeed and thrive in their education experience.

Please read my full statement below, thank you to the incredible leaders who came and spoke out against this bill:

This bill will help food banks realize significant tax savings and reinvest to keep their doors open and keep coming to the doors of those in need.

📖 Follow the Bill: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

Texas Food Banks delivers thousands of meals and food to their bound neighbors and disaster-stricken areas every year. Food banks serve every single Texas County.

🚨 HD148 BILL UPDATE

Today, the Ways and Means Committee will consider HB 4226, our Texas Food Bank tax relief bill.

WATCH LIVE: house.texas.gov/videos/21704

HB 4572 will move us in the right direction by creating guardrails that protect our clean water sources while promoting corporate responsibility.

📖 Follow the Bill: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

💻 Watch LIVE: www.house.texas.gov/videos

🗣️ Submit your testimony: comments.house.texas.gov/home

🚨 HD148 BILL UPDATE

We sincerely rely on energy + the industries that produce it. However, we have repeatedly been faced with the toxic waste by-products. We must strike a smart balance between industry needs + public health + safety. These concepts are not mutually exclusive.

This bill will help with chronic pain and the many Texans in their recovery process. #TXLege

📖 Follow the Bill: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

💻 Watch LIVE tomorrow in hesring: www.house.texas.gov/videos

🗣️ Submit your testimony: comments.house.texas.gov/home