John C. Moritz
@johnniemo217.bsky.social
Chief politics reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.
A real treat to join @HannahNorton89 and @James_Barragan on James’ inaugural “Reporters Roundtable” as host on Spectrum’s Capital Tonight. It airs at 7. Tune in. #txlege
March 14, 2025 at 9:04 PM
A real treat to join @HannahNorton89 and @James_Barragan on James’ inaugural “Reporters Roundtable” as host on Spectrum’s Capital Tonight. It airs at 7. Tune in. #txlege
Latest column: New podcast makes the case that Lloyd Bentsen should be remembered for more than just his withering putdown of Dan Quayle all those years ago. www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Who was Lloyd Bentsen? New podcast makes case that Texas politics needs someone like him
The former Democratic senator from Texas is best remembered for his zinger in a debate. But Bentsen's family says his legacy runs much deeper.
www.statesman.com
March 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Latest column: New podcast makes the case that Lloyd Bentsen should be remembered for more than just his withering putdown of Dan Quayle all those years ago. www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by John C. Moritz
Despite 3 of 4 TX teachers being women, many school districts don't offer paid maternity leave. That didn't surprise me too much. Most Texans dn't hve it.
But what I didn't know - & I'd guess much of the public doesn't - is they can also DOCK teachers' pay 🧵 www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
But what I didn't know - & I'd guess much of the public doesn't - is they can also DOCK teachers' pay 🧵 www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
These Texas teachers lost pay when taking parental leave. They aren't alone.
Texas doesn’t provide paid parental leave for teachers, leaving thousands to rely on limited vacation time to bond with their newborns.
www.houstonchronicle.com
March 4, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Despite 3 of 4 TX teachers being women, many school districts don't offer paid maternity leave. That didn't surprise me too much. Most Texans dn't hve it.
But what I didn't know - & I'd guess much of the public doesn't - is they can also DOCK teachers' pay 🧵 www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
But what I didn't know - & I'd guess much of the public doesn't - is they can also DOCK teachers' pay 🧵 www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...
The course reversal by the Texas Lottery
comes just hours before a Senate committee hearing on a bill to outlaw the online ticket brokers. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
comes just hours before a Senate committee hearing on a bill to outlaw the online ticket brokers. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Embattled Texas Lottery Commission moves to ban courier companies that sell tickets online
A state Senate panel on Monday will consider legislation that would ban the online ticket brokers from operating in Texas.
www.statesman.com
February 24, 2025 at 5:13 PM
The course reversal by the Texas Lottery
comes just hours before a Senate committee hearing on a bill to outlaw the online ticket brokers. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
comes just hours before a Senate committee hearing on a bill to outlaw the online ticket brokers. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Burrows said HB3's companion is HB2, the educations savings account. Calls the tandem the "Texas Two Step." He says "We have the votes to get it done." #txlege capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
February 20, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Burrows said HB3's companion is HB2, the educations savings account. Calls the tandem the "Texas Two Step." He says "We have the votes to get it done." #txlege capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
At #TPPF, Speaker
@Burrows4TX
says HB3, the voucher bill, has been filed. capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
@Burrows4TX
says HB3, the voucher bill, has been filed. capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
Texas Legislature Online - 89(R) History for HB 3
capitol.texas.gov
February 20, 2025 at 2:47 PM
At #TPPF, Speaker
@Burrows4TX
says HB3, the voucher bill, has been filed. capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
@Burrows4TX
says HB3, the voucher bill, has been filed. capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...
Not one to mince words, here's what
@DanPatrick had to say about the controversial lottery courier companies operating in Texas and elsewhere: "A courier is nothing more than a phony baloney name for an app." statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege
@DanPatrick had to say about the controversial lottery courier companies operating in Texas and elsewhere: "A courier is nothing more than a phony baloney name for an app." statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he has 'no confidence' in the Texas Lottery
In an exclusive interview, the powerful Republican cast major doubt on the future of the 33-year-old, state-run gaming operation.
statesman.com
February 19, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Not one to mince words, here's what
@DanPatrick had to say about the controversial lottery courier companies operating in Texas and elsewhere: "A courier is nothing more than a phony baloney name for an app." statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege
@DanPatrick had to say about the controversial lottery courier companies operating in Texas and elsewhere: "A courier is nothing more than a phony baloney name for an app." statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege
Reposted by John C. Moritz
Great interview from the wonderful @pamelacolloff.bsky.social with some very very good research/writing advice!
February 19, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Great interview from the wonderful @pamelacolloff.bsky.social with some very very good research/writing advice!
All politics is local, as the saying goes. But sometimes it also gets personal. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p... via @statesman
'Call me a liar to my face': Texas Gov. Abbott, Rep. Hinojosa spar over school vouchers
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has made enacting a "school choice" plan his top priority for 2025. But an Austin Democrat is pushing back.
www.statesman.com
February 13, 2025 at 11:53 PM
All politics is local, as the saying goes. But sometimes it also gets personal. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p... via @statesman
The Senate Finance Committee had some harsh words for the management and oversight of the state agency that oversees the Texas lottery. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Texas lottery jackpots are vulnerable to money-laundering operators, Senate panel says
After being grilled by a state Senate committee, lottery officials say they need to provide better oversight of the state-run gambling agency.
www.statesman.com
February 13, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The Senate Finance Committee had some harsh words for the management and oversight of the state agency that oversees the Texas lottery. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
"This is going to be a federal government obligation," @GregAbbott_TX says about his recent offer to Trump. www.statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege
Texas will provide assets in Trump's border security fight, but Abbott says feds must pay
Here's why the Texas governor, who helped make border security a top issue in the 2024 election cycle, is heading back to Washington next week.
www.statesman.com
February 7, 2025 at 9:41 PM
"This is going to be a federal government obligation," @GregAbbott_TX says about his recent offer to Trump. www.statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege
Vouchers also an emergency item, Abbott says, but also promises a pay raise for teachers. And says school security needs a $500 million investment.
"I want at least $10 billion in new property tax relief,"
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state
February 2, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Vouchers also an emergency item, Abbott says, but also promises a pay raise for teachers. And says school security needs a $500 million investment.
"I want at least $10 billion in new property tax relief,"
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state
February 2, 2025 at 11:13 PM
"I want at least $10 billion in new property tax relief,"
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state
Sad news from the Olympics ice skating rink ... www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Dick Button dies at 95: Olympic gold medalist was figure skating's superstar and professor
Dick Button was the first American Olympic figure skating gold medalist in the sport back in 1948, then again in 1952.
www.usatoday.com
January 31, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Sad news from the Olympics ice skating rink ... www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Texas House pauses to remember the life of former Rep. and Sen. Joe Bernal of San Antonio, who died Saturday at 97. Here's the @ExpressNews obit: #txlege www.expressnews.com/news/article...
Legendary legislator, educator Joe Bernal dies at 97
A beloved figure in Alamo City, Joe Bernal is best known for championing early bilingual education laws. He was 97.
www.expressnews.com
January 28, 2025 at 4:44 PM
The Texas House pauses to remember the life of former Rep. and Sen. Joe Bernal of San Antonio, who died Saturday at 97. Here's the @ExpressNews obit: #txlege www.expressnews.com/news/article...
The operations were launched from bases in Fort Worth and Houston. Includes C-130s and Chinook helicopters. The force will join thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers already deployed as part of Abbott's ongoing $11 billion Operation Lone Star. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Gov. Greg Abbott deploys 400 additional National Guard troops to Texas' southern border
The Texas governor said the additional troops will work alongside federal border agents as part of Trump's efforts to seize the offensive.
www.statesman.com
January 27, 2025 at 4:57 PM
The operations were launched from bases in Fort Worth and Houston. Includes C-130s and Chinook helicopters. The force will join thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers already deployed as part of Abbott's ongoing $11 billion Operation Lone Star. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...
Exactly two months before her death, Richards was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is remembered as a committed organizer for progressive causes. www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood leader, Gov. Ann Richards' daughter, has died
Two months before her death, Richards was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by them-President Joe Biden.
www.statesman.com
January 20, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Exactly two months before her death, Richards was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is remembered as a committed organizer for progressive causes. www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Top photos were taken yesterday. Bottoms, two years ago almost to the day. Conclusion: I have only one available facial expression in the presence of a camera. #txlege #presscredentials
January 9, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Top photos were taken yesterday. Bottoms, two years ago almost to the day. Conclusion: I have only one available facial expression in the presence of a camera. #txlege #presscredentials
Reposted by John C. Moritz
Check out this First Amendment Watch interview with @pressfreedomtracker.us' Senior Reporter @stephaniesugars.bsky.social about the Tracker's annual arrest report and threats journalists faced in 2024.
U.S. Press Freedom Tracker’s Stephanie Sugars on Protests, Police and the Press - First Amendment Watch
Sugars discussed the considerations that are made in including detainments or arrests and the often tumultuous relationship between police and the press.
firstamendmentwatch.org
January 8, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Check out this First Amendment Watch interview with @pressfreedomtracker.us' Senior Reporter @stephaniesugars.bsky.social about the Tracker's annual arrest report and threats journalists faced in 2024.