Harris County Commissioner @hcpct1

Houston, Texas
Today, I joined 48 elected officials in requesting that the U.S. Justice Department monitor the State of Texas' actions in the 2024 election. In light of the state's ongoing extremist attacks on democracy, we urge the DOJ to protect all Texans' right to cast their ballots.
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Wow. @GavinNewsom hits Greg Abbott with a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle this morning. “If Texas can ban abortion and endanger lives, California can ban deadly weapons of war and save lives.” Love it.
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Last night we witnessed a hit job on the biggest blue county in Texas. Two election bills that undermine our Democracy were passed in the Texas Legislature. They only applied to Harris County. houstonchronicle.com/politic…
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BREAKING: Harris County is filing a lawsuit against the State of Texas over SB1750 and SB1933, legislation which targets Harris County elections. We won't allow Austin extremists to undermine our Democracy.
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250k+ structures in Houston have lost power... again. We're not in hurricane season yet. The heat index was 110° yesterday. We're not in summer yet. While extremists are working to erase climate change from textbooks, climate change is actively devastating our communities.
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Abortion is still legal, but reproductive rights are on the brink. We can't count on the Supreme Court to uphold constitutional rights, we have to fight back and win elections. Proud to see thousands rallying in Houston today with @PPTXVotes & @BetoORourke
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Don't mess with Texas women, or abortion acess. You don't want to end up on @0liviajulianna's list. Gen-Z has next.
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62 elected officials have now signed on to our request for the U.S. Justice Department to monitor the election in Texas. With the election quickly approaching, we need the DOJ to step in and protect the right to vote from extremists who aim to undermine our democracy.
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Today we hosted the next Governor of Texas @BetoOrourke at Tidwell Park in Northeast Houston!
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Protesting injustice is always commendable. But standing up to the gun lobby, surrounded by gun fanatics, in a state with non-existent gun laws...that's downright heroic. I'm so proud of everyone taking the fight to the #NRA in Downtown Houston today.
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Sorry. Flooding our streets with untraceable, DIY guns wasn't a good business plan.
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While HISD teacher benefits are slashed, libraries are closed, and support staff are let go, it appears Mike Miles has been shipping taxpayer dollars to his failing Colorado charter schools. HISD parents and Texas taxpayers deserve a full investigation.
HOUmanitarian ™
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Olivia Julianna is a force of nature. I’m so proud of her and was honored to present her with a resolution at Commissioners Court earlier this year. The future is bright with young activists like @0liviajulianna on the front lines.   seventeen.com/life/a42042315…
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“Life isn't fair, but government must be.” On what would be her 90th birthday, I reflect on Ann Richard’s words now more than ever. A mother, public servant, proud Texan, advocate, and dear friend – Ann was and forever will be an icon.
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Sad to see my old friend Mattress Mack propagating election conspiracies. This is part of a national right-wing effort to undermine our democracy. Know that Harris County will fight back to protect your hard-earned voting rights. houstonchronicle.com/politic…
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My Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
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Great catching up over lunch today with our next Governor of Texas @BetoORourke. Texas 2022 primary election day is March 1 and early voting begins February 14. #HarrisVotes #YourVoteYourVoice
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"In Houston, we know her as more than a great athlete. We know her as a caring member of the community who has used her enormous platform to help others..." .@Simone_Biles was already our hometown hero, and that will not change. We are so proud of you! texasmonthly.com/arts-entert…
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We are currently watching history unfold everyday with our County Judge @LinaHidalgoTX. Judge Hidalgo was recently named a leader on TIME's 100 Next List & is currently serving as the first woman & the first Latina Harris County Judge. #WomensHistoryMonth
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BREAKING: A judge has DENIED Ken Paxton's request for temporary injunction and ruled Harris County's guaranteed income program can go forward. Today is a victory for the 1,900 families living under the crushing weight of poverty that will get a hand-up from Uplift Harris.
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It’s the first day of early voting in Harris County. I feel so much better that I was able to cast my ballot for my friend @KamalaHarris and many @harrisdemocrats on the ballot. I hope everyone exercises their right to vote in this election. #HarrisVotes
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Nearly 800 guns were taken off of our streets today at our 3rd gun buyback event. Thanks to everyone who stepped up to make our community safer.
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The same people who are banning books, attacking trans kids, and ending DEI programs have officially taken over HISD, the most diverse district in Texas.  This is yet another sad chapter in the state’s war on local control and communities of color. houstonchronicle.com/news/ho…
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I was honored to be endorsed by @BetoORourke today! I’m proud to be in this fight with you. #HarrisCounty, you can vote early through February 28th! Visit rodneyellis.com to find a location near you. #TurnTexasBlue
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I had the honor of welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to Houston to discuss Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts. In Harris County, we are no stranger to the disastrous effects of climate change but together we remain committed to seeking solutions.    Thank you to President Biden and VP Harris for their unwavering support in helping our communities recover from Beryl and more broadly, their historic action on climate change, disaster resilience and working to protect and empower the communities that have been reclined, polluted and neglected for too long. The investments from landmark climate legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and game-changers like the Justice 40 initiative are essential to climate justice and resilience.
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We just officially designated Harris County Public Library as a "Book Sanctuary," a safe space for endangered books. 📚 We’re pushing back against book bans, library closures and other blatant attacks on history and free expression in libraries across the nation.
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Channeling my own former President @BarackObama tan suit in celebration while checking the progress of the new @StreetArtMkind murals being painted in @DowntownHouston.
Happy 10th anniversary to the tan suit!
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My sincere condolences to Ashley and the Turner family. Houston mourns the loss of our servant leader, proud native son, dedicated father and dear friend. Thank you, Sylvester Turner for all you gave of yourself to serve Houston, Texas, and this nation. We the People are all better off because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service. You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.
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Voter Info Alert! Eligible Harris County voters who plan to vote by mail will need 2 Forever Stamps on the purple ballot return envelope! Visit @HarrisVotes for more on voting & elections.
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.@HoustonHeights 11th street’s protected bike lane was very active this morning with fellow cyclists.
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I am proud to support the proposal to rename Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. This tribute is well-deserved and recognizes her commitment to Houston. Let’s get this done! 🔗 fly2houston.com/public_comme…
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Abortion is essential healthcare. I fully support Judge Hidalgo’s resolution today against the unconstitutional Senate Bill 8. Texans deserve the freedom and power to control their own bodies and their own lives.
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ICYMI earlier today Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously passed the #CROWNACT, becoming the first in Texas to approve a CROWN Act resolution to ban discrimination based on natural hair or styles in the workplace.
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I'm honored to witness history tonight with family, friends, and 20k neighbors. @KamalaHarris
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A family was killed. Mothers died shielding their babies. A child’s future was stolen. Trying to diminish their lives instead of taking responsibility for Texas’ weak gun laws and the culture of gun violence those laws foster is unconscionable. houstonchronicle.com/politic…
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It’s outrageous that the DOJ is barred from entering polling locations, but I’m grateful they are on the ground in Harris County to enforce election laws. Harris County voters can feel confident that they’ll be able to cast their ballots safely and securely.
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Very disappointed by today's decision from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Mr. Floyd and his family deserve the same relief as others who were convicted based on evidence falsified by Detective Goines, which is possible through issuing a full pardon.
Breaking: The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles rescinded its recommendation that Gov. Greg Abbott pardon George Floyd. The board cited a procedural error for the decision. bit.ly/30UVNY1
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Proud to unveil this beautiful mural of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at Finnegan Park in Precinct One. Come visit the mural, take pictures, and share stories of these giants who inspire us every day. #KBJ
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Today, I sent this letter to the TX Commission on Jail Standards re: #SandraBland's death while in custody
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Replying to @ratemyskyperoom
See the plant IS real
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There's a new addition to the County Attorney Building in downtown Houston. #BigArtBiggerChange
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Proud of Texas House Democrats for defending democracy tonight by walking off the House floor preventing a quorum thereby effectively killing the #SB7 voter suppression bill.
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Taking a page from Trump’s playbook, TX election deniers have laid the groundwork to cast doubt on our elections for over a year. They've weaponized partisan probes, conspiracy theories & anti-democracy laws. The people rejected those tactics last Tuesday. Democracy will prevail.
I'm calling for an investigation into the widespread problems with the Harris County elections last Tuesday. The allegations of election improprieties in our state's largest county may result from anything ranging from malfeasance to blatant criminal conduct.
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BREAKING: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has granted #RodneyReed an indefinite stay of execution. Good work, @innocence and everyone else working on this case! innocenceproject.org/texas-c…
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We must stop the state's hostile takeover of HISD. The same people who gutted education funding at the expense of Black & Brown students have no business taking over our schools. We must fight back. #HISDTakeover
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@LinaHidalgoTX⁩ great message and excellent delivery!
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The students of America are speaking out across the country today. I was proud to join the #MarchForOurLives rally at Houston City Hall this morning in support of legislation that will truly protect them from gun violence.
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Black women like @MsLaToshaBrown have always been at the forefront advocating for voting rights, and I am happy to see @blackvotersmtr in Houston today helping to fight voter suppression in Texas.
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Today I passed a resolution affirming Harris County's support for interracial marriage and same-sex marriage. Two Commissioners voted against it. Let that sink in.
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You lost a race. Get over it and enjoy your life. It’s not the end of the world or a career, just a race. That is what a democracy looks like.
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This Ken Paxton lawsuit against our guaranteed income program reads more like a MAGA manifesto than a legal document. This isn't about constitutionality. This is about maintaining a system that favors billionaires and starves working families.
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Congratulations @LASimmonsTX146 on your well deserved victory tonight. #txlege @CGHollins
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An incredible crowd on hand to welcome @BetoORourke to Harris County today.
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57 years ago today, Medgar Evers was assassinated for his dedication to civil rights. We are still fighting for justice and equality in this country and we must never stop. In his own words, “You can kill a man but you can’t kill an idea.” naacp.org/naacp-history-medg…
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Judge @LinaHidalgoTX had more disasters to deal with, in such a short amount of time, than anybody I can think of in local government. Her steady leadership in times of crisis has been crucial and I am proud to work alongside her to improve Harris County. newyorker.com/news/us-journa…
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Greg Abbott said loud and clear today that he doesn't care about protecting our communities; he cares about advancing his extremist agenda. Pardoning Daniel Perry sends a chilling message that white supremacy-fueled violence will be tolerated and celebrated under Abbott's watch.
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In Harris County, we share a vision for a city that isn’t dependent on cars, where people have safe, affordable options to get to where they need to go whether it's walking, cycling, or taking mass transit. Together, we will make that vision a reality.
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NEW: Harris County just passed a resolution in support of the Respect for Marriage Act. Fundamental rights, like the right to marry, are under attack. This bipartisan legislation protects the freedom to marry and other hard fought rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Today Judge @LinaHidalgoTX and I supported the creation of a $6 million Reproductive Healthcare Access Fund for reproductive health services, including contraception. We're doing everything within our power to offset the terrible harms of the abortion ban.
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The state is determined to exercise unprecedented power over our elections. They are threatened by the Harris County electorate's growth and diversity. I applaud today’s ruling and I thank @CDMenefee for his leadership. Voters can trust that we will continue fighting back.
BREAKING: Harris County has won a court order temporarily blocking SB1750, which would remove our Elections Administrator just weeks before Early Voting. The case isn’t over - the state has already appealed. But it’s a win for Harris County and local officials across the state.
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Like many of you, I woke up today feeling gutted by last night's election—a jarring blow to all who stand for justice, equal opportunity, and basic decency. Elections have consequences, and my heart aches for everyone whose hard-won rights are now back on the chopping block. In the coming days, we'll hear familiar calls to "rethink" the soul of the progressive movement, dilute our ideals, and trade progress for some imagined middle ground. But those of us who know the struggle, who remember the sting of segregation, know that progress isn't born out of convenience. It's carved out by those willing to take a stand, regardless of the consequences.  The moral arc bends toward justice, but only if we bend it. So, in the days ahead, let's draw strength from each other and our shared vision of a nation where every person has an equal voice, real opportunity, and the dignity they deserve.
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Happy birthday to my friend, the next president of the United States @KamalaHarris. I hope you will join me in sending her a birthday donation: kamalaharris.com/
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Wishing @LinaHidalgotx a happy birthday today. This week, she has been tirelessly working for our residents as we navigate the storm. We are lucky to have you leading our county. Hope you get some rest on your 30th!
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It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my father, Eligha Ellis. Sr. from complications related to Dementia. My memories of him will always be in my heart, on my mind, and reflected by my actions.
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My statement on the removal of the protected bike lanes on Austin St.
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Proud to stand with the next Mayor of Houston, Sheila Jackson Lee! Onward to the run-off!
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Congressman Turner left this world doing what he loved best: serving the people of Houston, TX.   My dear friend, you will be missed in Texas and across our nation.
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Harris County refuses to sit back and watch #txlege pass racist voter suppression bills like #SB7. Today, at Commissioners Court we authorized County Attorney @CDMenefee to pursue litigation to protect the right to vote in our county.
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Sheila Jackson Lee's relentless spirit has been an inspiration to me for 30+ years. I have no doubt that her fight against cancer will be met with the same strength she has shown throughout her storied career. Our nation is a better place when Sheila Jackson Lee is fighting for us all.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issued the Following Statement:
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We as a community must give Judge Hidalgo the continued support and time she needs to focus on her well-being. In the meantime, I want to assure the residents of Harris County that everything will continue to run smoothly. chron.com/politics/article/j…
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Thankful for the work of @innocencetexas. Lydell Grant will never get 9 years of his life back, but clearing his name is a step toward justice.
Our client Lydell Grant has been declared innocent! Lydell spent nine years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Even though DNA evidence identified the real perpetrator, who was caught and confessed, it has taken another 18 months to clear his name.
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There is no room for compromise when it comes to protecting voting rights. I fully support #txlege Democrats’ decision to break quorum today. My full statement 👇🏾
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Congratulations to Judge Hidalgo, Commissioner Garcia, and Commissioner-Elect Lesley Briones who made history Tuesday as the second woman elected as a Harris County Commissioner in her own right.
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What part of discrimination does Barbers Hill ISD not understand? The CROWN Act prohibits these types of actions targeted at students of color. That's why we passed it first in Harris County, and that's why this legislation was signed into law this year. bit.ly/3PR45XE
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NEW: We have sent out the first $500 payments to recipients of our Uplift Harris guaranteed income program. We will keep fighting to ensure we can continue making this life changing investment in the people of Harris County.
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Congratulations to Harris County Judge @LinaHidalgoTX for being named Fortune’s “40 Under 40” in the government & politics category. Judge, your leadership is founded in equity & fair treatment. Thank you for your hard work & commitment to our community! fortune.com/40-under-40/2020…
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"My heart is full today--full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. Full of love for our country, and full of resolve." Beautiful concession speech from Vice President @KamalaHarris, to begin a peaceful transition of power. I'm so proud of her.
MS NOW
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I am proud to support Judge Lina Hidalgo. Judge Hidalgo is committed to fighting for smart and proven approaches to make our communities safer, policies based on facts and evidence and advocating for those communities that have been traditionally left behind. #WinWithLina
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Tomorrow at Harris County Commissioners Court, I’ll proudly introduce a resolution affirming our support of transgender youth. We won’t sit idly by while state officials weaponize their bias against transgender children seeking medical care.
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As someone who grew up celebrating #Juneteenth in Texas, it is an incredible honor to be invited to witness @POTUS’ Juneteenth bill signing at the White House & watch this day grow from small backyard celebrations to become a national holiday celebrated across the country.
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Commissioner Court voted unanimously to rename 1111 Fannin after the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in honor of her legacy and commitment to public service
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Today, we honor Sylvester Turner—Congressman, State Rep, and one of Houston’s greatest Mayors. His dedication to public service was unmatched, and I’m lucky to have called him my friend.
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There’s a special place in hell for Kim Ogg.
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Harris County won't tolerate corporate bad actors who purposely harm our environment. Proud of our efforts to fight Volkswagen's harmful actions, which led to a $20M settlement for our county.
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I urge METRO board to fulfill their obligation to vote & seek $1B in federal funds to realize this project. The University Corridor Bus Rapid Transit project is vital for working families & students. I’ve placed Item 432 on the next court agenda to further discuss its importance.
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NEW: Our living wage motion has passed unanimously. This is a big day for Harris County workers.
NEW: Today I am asking Commissioners Court to move forward with a living wage policy that sets a minimum floor of $15 an hour for people who work directly for Harris County and county contractors. No one doing work for the county should struggle to make ends meet.
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First ride of 2022 and ran into our Mayor! 🚴🏽‍♀️ So good to see you up and out my friend. @SylvesterTurner
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In order to stay safe during the #COVID19 pandemic, virtual interviews became the new normal. @ratemyskyperoom has been rating the backgrounds of virtual interviews which resulted in Commissioner Ellis's Room Raters Plant-gate.🌱
We stand corrected. Real plant. 9/10 @RodneyEllis
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Packed house tonight w/@BetoORourke @ the @MeyerDems town hall. People are demanding change & real leadership in #Texas--from the top of the ballot all the way down. Momentum is on our side, but it will take all of us to cross the finish line to #victory in November. Let's go!
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⁦@jasminefor100⁩ was kind enough to talk strategy with ⁦@AdrianGarciaHTX⁩ when the Tx House Dems arrived in DC. ⁦⁦@RepLloydDoggett⁩ and colleagues in route to help greet them.
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🧵: When my office began looking for ways to reduce emissions as part of Harris County’s Climate Action Plan, the topic of mowing reduction came up. What would happen if … we let some natural spaces grow back?
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