Y'all-itics

In the November 9 episode, Plano Mayor John Muns discusses that city’s decision to allow its voters to decide whether to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the offer he hopes DART can’t refuse. Council Member Mario Castillo talks about a new homeless supercenter that will soon open in Houston and the promises made to ease the concerns of nearby residents. And Matt Mackowiak explains why he thinks Austin residents loudly rejected a proposed 20% property tax increase and what the city must do to regain the trust of its voters.

Even though a federal judge ordered the government to tap into emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing, 42 million Americans, including 3.5 million Texans, are still in limbo because those funds won’t even cover a full month. And as long as the shutdown continues, so will the fear. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the COO at Metrocrest Services explains how the shutdown revealed a fragile safety net “woven together with barbed wire.” And a couple of lawmakers explain how the shutdown is hurting Texans. WFAA Senior Reporter & Anchor, Teresa Woodard, is the guest host this week for both Jasons.

GUESTS

Calvin Moore, Metrocrest Services COO

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District

State Rep. Gene Wu, D-District 137

In the November 2 episode, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne discusses the results of a recent survey she sent out gauging the impact of the shutdown on Texans. State Representative Ramon Romero Jr. tells us why he doesn’t think the state should assume control of an entire school district because of one failing campus. And Nate Sheets on why he wants to make the jump from business owner to Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

In the October 26 episode, Senator John Cornyn tells us why he’s “optimistic” about a Trump endorsement and his path to victory in the U.S. Senate race. And Congressman Roger Williams explains why he thinks the government shutdown could last through Thanksgiving.

If you’ve recently bought a plate of barbecue, or a T-bone at the meat market, you already know beef prices are ridiculously high, even breaking records recently. And it does not appear they’ll be coming down anytime soon. But what’s behind the price surge? And what’s being done to put those prices on a diet? The Jasons turn to the Texas Agriculture Commissioner and a Texas A&M Professor who specializes in livestock economics for answers. And naturally, they saddled up and headed to Panther City barbecue in Fort Worth.

Guest

Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner

David Anderson, Ph.D., Texas A&M Professor & Extension Economist-Livestock/Food Product Marketing

Texas faces a memory crisis — and a moment of opportunity. Prop 14 on the November ballot could redefine the state’s future in healthcare and research. If approved, Texas will invest $3B on dementia research – a sum no other state has come close to and one that almost matches the federal governments outlay against alzheimer's last year. In this episode, the Jasons found out why Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made it a political priority and now if voters pass it, what the investment will mean to Texans living with dementia.

In the October 19 episode, what Congresswoman Wesley Hunt said about his place in a new poll, where he sees a path to victory and why he’s attacking John Cornyn rather than Ken Paxton. Plus, Republican Party of Texas chairman Abraham George on what role the White House played in keeping veteran lawmakers on the ballot. Also, Kendall Scudder, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party wiped away the party’s debt, but how will he restructure party offices and is he outsourcing responsibilities?

It’s a tax you’ve likely never heard of. But you’re paying for it. For decades, small businesses in Texas have been paying the “business personal property tax” on everything from desks to filing cabinets... even the raw material used to make their product. Only eight other states do this. Next month, voters have a chance to change that with Prop 9 on the November ballot. The Jasons were on the run during this episode of Y’all-itics but still sat down with the Texas Director of the National Federation of Independent Business to learn how this would be good for business.

In the October 12 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson tells us how she sees the shutdown ending and why she calls the Texas National Guard deployment to Illinois “outrageous.” State Representative Lacey Hull explains why she’s thankful a court blocked the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson. And Dallas City Council Member Chad West discusses the future of City Hall and whether he’s had any talks with the Mavericks about the location.

Now a few days old, there’s still no end in sight to the government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats blame each other, with Texans caught in the middle. So, who’s still getting paid? Are Texas veterans still receiving services? And could this all lead to massive layoffs? In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation explain the situation, and their view on who’s to blame.

GUESTS

U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey, R-6th District

U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-33rd District

U.S Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District