State House with Frank Santos

WARNING: This episode's content contains mature and strong content. Discretion is advised.

In part two of the conversation, Andrea and Frank share concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children and the need for parents to set boundaries, emphasizing the importance of delaying the introduction of smartphones and creating contracts to establish expectations. They confront the challenges of parenting in the digital age, including the prevalence of explicit content and the desensitization of youth.

While stressing the importance of open communication between parents and children, they discuss the need for parents to be proactive in addressing online threats. They offer practical advice, such as delaying smartphone access and providing phones with contracts to instill responsibility.

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In this Texas election day special, Comptroller Glenn Hegar discusses the intricacies of managing the state's $321 billion budget in the rapidly growing and changing economic landscape of Texas. Frank and Comptroller Hegar provide insights into the state's economic prosperity, revealing a staggering $18 billion surplus.

They dive into the challenges posed by budget projections, the impact of corporate relocations, infrastructure development, and how the surplus may affect future spending. With constitutional amendments on the horizon, Glenn Hegar explores the potential impact of these new issues on the state's budget, including education savings accounts, teacher pay raises, and border security.

Don't miss this episode for a inside look into the financial intricacies of the Lone Star State and its implications for the upcoming election cycle.

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WARNING: This episode's content contains mature and strong content. Discretion is advised.

There is an alarming issue of child trafficking in Texas and technology is playing a significant role.

In part one of this conversation with Andrea Sparks, a dedicated child advocate with extensive experience in various roles related to child protection. She has represented children in CPS and juvenile justice cases, served as the director of public affairs at Texas CASA, and held positions at the Texas Office of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Currently, she is the Director of Government Affairs at Buckner International and a co-founder of the nonprofit group, Not On Our Watch Texas.

In this episode, Frank is joined by David Hinkle, a passionate advocate for children and veterans through his Warrior National Foundation. Together, they address the pressing issues surrounding child trafficking and the rights of parents to protect their children.

Andrea begins by dispelling some common misconceptions about child trafficking, particularly the alarming statistic of 79,000 girls being trafficked in the U.S. She clarifies that this figure was based on a study estimating those at risk and vulnerable to exploitation. Andrea emphasizes the prevalence of online exploitation and grooming, especially in the era of smartphones and social media. The conversation highlights the vulnerabilities children face in the digital age and the role parents can play in protecting them.

Andrea also introduces "Not On Our Watch Texas," a volunteer project dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers children face online and providing support to parents. This initiative aims to educate and empower parents in understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to keep their children safe from online exploitation.

The episode sheds light on the rising issue of "sextortion," where perpetrators manipulate children into sharing explicit content and then use it to extort them. Andrea explains the alarming increase in this type of crime, emphasizing that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their family background or community.

The importance of open communication with children and creating a safe space for them to seek help and report any concerning online interactions is stressed. Andrea concludes by sharing resources, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's "Take It Down" program, designed to help take down explicit content shared online.

This episode serves as a wake-up call for parents and caregivers to be vigilant in protecting their children from online threats. It also highlights the critical work being done by organizations like "Not On Our Watch Texas" to empower parents and raise awareness about child trafficking and online exploitation.

We cannot protect against what we are not aware of. Join the fight against child trafficking in Texas:
https://notonourwatchtx.com/

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In this part two episode, Frank and Dr. Harris discuss how the legislative approach to medical cannabis in Texas falls short of providing necessary medical access and the difficulties faced by patients seeking relief through the program. They highlight the challenges faced by chronic pain patients, the misconceptions about cannabis use, and the potential impact on the opioid crisis.

The conversation also touches on the role of agencies and the benefits of an administrative approach to cannabis policy, which could enable ongoing discussions and evidence-based decisions. 

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Dr. Katharine Neill Harris, of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy joins the show for a two-part conversation to discuss the pressing issue of the Texas Compassionate Use program. Frank and Dr. Harris share their insights on the program's shortcomings and the need for legislative action.

They discuss the current state of the program, including the provider issue, the lack of accessibility for patients, and the exorbitant costs associated with the existing medical cannabis program. Moreover, they explore the alarming prevalence of Delta-8 THC products in Texas and its unregulated nature, highlighting the potential risks and dangers they pose.

Dr. Harris sheds light on the Delta-8 THC market, its differences from traditional cannabis products, and the need for comprehensive testing and regulation to ensure consumer safety. She also shares how various states are addressing the Delta-8 issue and discusses potential approaches to control and improve the situation.

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In the second segment, we discuss the intricacies of school choice and the pressing issues surrounding our public education system. We debate the complexities of this critical topic, shedding light on the nuances and challenges faced by parents, students, and policymakers alike.

Discover why school choice has become a hot-button issue, as parents seek alternatives to traditional public schools and demand more control over their children's education. Explore the role of parental engagement in shaping the future of education and the impact of recent debates on educational outcomes.

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As we enter into the session's turbulent events, from internal party conflicts to high-profile trials, John Colyandro provides unique insights into the political process.

In this two-part conversation, discover how misinformation and social media play a role in shaping public opinion and why it's crucial to base political discussions on facts. We explore the controversial topic of school choice and debunk some common misconceptions while shedding light on the challenges faced by special needs students in both public and private education.

We navigate the complex world of Texas politics, separating fact from fiction and helping you gain a better understanding of the issues that impact your state.

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We're peeling back the layers of deception, exposing the potential abuse of power, and shedding light on the shocking allegations surrounding Ken Paxton's impeachment. 

From the swift ousting of a member due to inappropriate conduct with an intern to the subsequent impeachment of the state's top legal official, we expose the dark underbelly of the capital's changing environment. Get ready to be captivated by an episode of political intrigue, ethical dilemmas, and the quest for accountability.

Listen in to Part 5 of the Summer Legislative Series!

Reporting Texas Politics since 1983. Follow Harvey Kronberg's Quorum Report Here: http://www.quorumreport.com/

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With the House adjourned and the Senate still in session, the question arises: what's the next move? The lieutenant governor's allegiance to Republican primary voters fuels an outrage machine against the House members, adding to the political tension. Join us as we unravel the complex dynamics, political gamesmanship, and the uncertain future of property tax reform in Texas.

Listen in to Part 4 of the Summer Legislative Series!

Reporting Texas Politics since 1983. Follow Harvey Kronberg's Quorum Report Here: http://www.quorumreport.com/

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For this summer mini series covering the current legislative session in Texas, Frank and Harvey transition into the post-legislative session and approach the upcoming elections. They explore the current happenings at the Capitol and analyze their potential impact. Particularly in the multifaceted dynamics that shape the state's political landscape, both in the legislative realm and through the lens of the presidential race. They uncover the interplay between legislative priorities and the outcomes of state elections, illustrating how these issues reverberate throughout the political spectrum.

Reporting Texas Politics since 1983. Follow Harvey Kronberg's Quorum Report Here: http://www.quorumreport.com/

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