Y'all-itics

In the August 31 episode, state Representative Richard Hayes explains why he wants voters to change the definition of a quorum. State Representative Sheryl Cole responds to the punishment Republicans are debating for the quorum breakers. And state Representative Cody Harris discusses his legislation that puts a temporary stop to moving water out of east Texas.

In the August 24 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson reveals how some lawmakers may divvy up offices now that Republicans have passed the redistricting map in Texas. State Rep. John McQueeney tells us what punishment Republicans are considering for the Democrats who left the state. And Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert discusses their $5 billion budget and possible layoffs.

If you’re like us, you love podcasts that come with a language warning. For this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ve been warned. Congresswoman Julie Johnson joins the Jasons for a cold one at her favorite Dallas watering hole. And the Democrat got candid on everything from how lawmakers might divvy up offices now that the Republican redistricting map has passed, to why you should expect to hear a lot more about the Epstein files in September. And then there’s the “cocktail caucus” she helped form to bring the left and right together over a couple of cold ones.

There’s another billionaire who is getting active in American politics. But this is different. Daniel Lubetzky, the son of a holocaust survivor and founder of the company behind KIND Bars, started the Builders Movement with a goal to help voters learn how to think in politics, not what to think. And the key to it all is technology that counteracts algorithms and extremism in American politics. They’ve already found success in other states and it’s coming to Texas next. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Lubetzky shares a deeply personal story to explain why he's trying to get voters to adopt a “builder’s mindset.”

GUESTS

Daniel Lubetzky, Builders Movement Founder

Tori Larned, Builders Movement Senior Communications Manager

In the August 17 episode, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett reveals the one thing that would get her to consider a U.S. Senate campaign. Abraham George, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, lays out why the party wants to also redistrict the Texas House. And state Representative John H. Bucy III explains the two reasons why Texas Democrats believe they won big in the redistricting battle.

GUESTS

U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, D-30th District

Abraham George, Republican Party of Texas Chairman

State Representative John H. Bucy III, D-District 136

In the August 10 episode, leading Texas Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. State Rep. Shelley Luther tells us why she thinks lawmakers who leave the state to stall legislative action should face even stiffer penalties. And U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California’s 3rd District, spells out why he’s trying to ban mid-decade redistricting.

GUESTS

State Representative Rafael Anchia, D-District 103

State Representative Ann Johnson, D-District 134

State Representative Chris Turner, D-District 101

State Representative Gene Wu, D-District 137

State Representative Shelley Luther, R-District 62

U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, R-California’s 3rd District

It’s been five days since Democrats left Texas to deny quorum in the Texas House and stall redistricting legislation. There has been a non-stop whirlwind of activity and developments since they left. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, leading Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. Puck political reporter Abby Livingston will tell you where the battle is headed next. And a California Republican spells out why he’s trying to ban mid-decade redistricting.

Guests

Abby Livingston, Puck Political Reporter

U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-California’s 3rd District

A plan to drill wells into an east Texas aquifer has led to angry public hearings, lawsuits, even new legislation lawmakers are trying to add to the special session agenda. East Texas residents say the wealthy businessman’s project would drain their water for his profit, while leaving their communities high and dry. In this episode of Y’all-itics, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice reporter Rebecca Lopez explains how an old law known as the “rule of capture” is at the heart of this dispute and why so many folks fear the outcome of this case could impact drinking water across Texas.

Rebecca’s latest story: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-investor-kyle-bass-faces-opposition-over-plan-to-pump-15b-gallons-of-water-a-year/287-d8515481-f6c9-49e8-8911-33a1b56d05cd

GUEST

Rebecca Lopez, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter

In the August 3 episode, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, State Rep. Gene Wu, says the new GOP congressional map calls for “extraordinary action.” State Rep. Salman Bhojani explains why he and other Democrats were looking for allies in New Mexico. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne tells us why she doesn’t think any district is safe and how Texans can soon find jobs.

GUESTS

State Representative Gene Wu, D-District 137

State Representative Salman Bhojani, D-District 92

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

One of the nation’s largest homebuilders is suing the smallest county in Texas over a planned development, even though Texas desperately needs new homes. The issue is who pays for the water, the roads, the damage from heavy trucks, and all the infrastructure associated with a huge, new development: the builder or the residents who already live in the county? In this episode of Y’all-itics, WFAA reporter Cole Sullivan discusses his extensive reporting on the issue and explains why if the county wins, homebuilders could be scared away, but if the developer wins, Texas residents could once again be stuck paying for something they don’t own and aren’t even using.

(Cole’s “Boomtown” story: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/special-reports/boomtown-dfw/lawsuit-rockwall-county-dr-horton-statewide-growth-implications/287-1579262b-138a-4692-927a-bb92982bff52)

Guest

Cole Sullivan, WFAA Reporter