Today, I’m joined by my colleagues in a letter to Governor Abbott, urging him to consider prioritizing protecting Texans and our esteemed Texas National Guardsmen and women. #TXLege

This last month has tested us all, and even with most of our caucus deciding to leave on Monday: Nicole was right - we are elected officials doing our jobs - not criminals. Tonight, I stand with Nicole on the floor once again, against the rushed mid-decade redistricting. #TXLege

What happened and what is next?  This morning, after establishing quorum, Democrats who killed the special session were detained en masse in the chamber, and only allowed to leave after “being booked.” My full statement: #TXLege

Strong leaders who have their constituents’ best interests at heart are more important than ever. Thank you to @plesafortexas.bsky.social, @reppennymshaw.bsky.social, and more for holding the line in Texas.

Thank you, Governor Josh Shapiro. #TXLege

We have waited weeks for Republican leadership to advance emergency flood-relief legislation in response to the recent tragedy, despite the Governor having the full authority to release aid without the legislature.

Over $660 MILLION dollars back in Texas Schools following a lawsuit joined by Texas AFT. This victory for Texas teachers and students prove just how strong unions power a stronger Texas.

As a third-term legislator, I came here to be a voice for everyday Texans—for common-sense solutions that help working people and protect our society. That’s still why I’m here. But once again, I’m witnessing priorities that are deeply out of step with what Texans truly need.

ICYMI: The Governor has called a special session after his late night veto of #SB3. I look forward to heading back to Austin next month to create a safe framework where we protect our children, help our veterans and neighbors with chronic pain, and regulate a booming industry in our economy. #TxLege

Rep @reppennymshaw.bsky.social is standing up for Texans in pain. From our veterans to rural communities to working families, HB 46 expands access to medical cannabis and creates jobs across rural Texas. Together we’re building a future where every Texan has the freedom to heal with dignity. #txlege

Rep. @reppennymshaw.bsky.social brings steady strength to the fight for justice. Whether on the House floor or in committee, she’s pushing for policies that let working families thrive – like paid parental leave – so Texans can care for their loved ones without sacrificing stability. #txlege

Bill Update 🚨 HB 4226 has passed the Texas House and is on its way to the Senate. The bill proposes to add Food Banks to the list of non-profits that benefit from a tax exemption, allowing the money saved go into the good work they do for their communities.

Texas Democrats continue to advocate for educators, students, and Texas families, ensuring that the Texas legislature funds and strengthens our public schools.

HB 5337 unintended consequences on a multitude of legitimate voters, particularly married women who have changed their last names and we need your support to speak out against this frivolous bill that would complicate the voting process for millions of texans.

On Thursday, I’ll be presenting HB 1730 to direct the University of Houston to conduct a study for the legislature and public about the health impacts of PFAS, a chemical that's found in many household products, firefighting materials, and in contaminated water sources. #TXLege

Today is Earth Day, and there are many things we can do to keep our neighborhoods clean. 🌎 From legislation on addressing waste, picking up trash on our sidewalks, and replenishing our gardens and forests, you can keep our Earth clean for generations to come. 💚

Wishing a joyous and blessed Easter Sunday. May today bring the greatest feelings of gratitude, love, hope and reflection to all celebrating.

Yesterday was crushing. #TXLege I remain committed to finding and forging new ways for our kids to succeed and thrive in their education experience. Please read my full statement below, thank you to the incredible leaders who came and spoke out against this bill:

🚨 HD148 BILL UPDATE Today, the Ways and Means Committee will consider HB 4226, our Texas Food Bank tax relief bill. WATCH LIVE: house.texas.gov/videos/21704

🚨 HD148 BILL UPDATE We sincerely rely on energy + the industries that produce it. However, we have repeatedly been faced with the toxic waste by-products. We must strike a smart balance between industry needs + public health + safety. These concepts are not mutually exclusive.

🚨 HD148 BILL UPDATE As illnesses and healthcare coverage increase- we need solutions that reduce side effects and eliminate devastating addiction. HB 46 will increase access to higher doses as medically prescribed and also aims to reduce the need for addictive opioids.

This morning, Elections Committee will hear HB 4275, which will ELIMINATE county-wide voting. The 89th Rundown shares some quick facts on what this means for us as Texas voters. #TXLege

The Public Health Committee is meeting at 8 AM to hear HB-44, a bill I am co-authoring with a bipartisan coalition, on exceptions to the Texas Abortion Laws. The bill is not perfect but it protects expectant mothers and doctors who treat them. #TXLegr

The presence of PFAS forever chemicals in our everyday household items and water is a danger for all of us, but we have bills to find and address it. Learn more in this next The 89th update, and here are some articles about the impact of such studies on safeguarding our state from these chemicals:

The Public Education Committee is holding a hearing for HB-2 and SB-2, part of the Two-Step Voucher Plan to defund Public Schools. This comes after a delay in the meeting, which opened opportunities for members to review their materials and talk with constituents.

We expected to have the hearing on Vouchers and Public education funding tomorrow, but it was canceled at the last minute today. This means there's backroom dealing going on to try to decide the date for Texas Public Schools, our children, teachers, and everyone who keeps our schools functioning.

This week, I ran into Harris County Fire Marshall Laurie Christensen, who was in Austin to testify. It is always a pleasure to see and thank Fire Marshall Christensen. We are incredibly lucky to have her expertise, input, leadership, and voice at the Capitol. 🚒

Yesterday was the Spring Fiesta at the Spring Branch Family Development Center, and we are so grateful to partner with SBFDC to bring a fun day of activities and books for the annual Easter egg hunt right in the heart of HD148. 🐇📕💐

(1/4): The 89th Legislative Rundown on Cannabis in Texas. As some of you have seen, SB-3, a priority of Lt. Gov Patrick, has passed in the Senate to ban products with any amount of THC.

There is a lot going on in the Texas Legislature, and Team 148 is committed to getting you articles, notes, and what you need to know about some of the hottest topics in the #TXLege. Stay tuned for “The 89th”—my legislative update series over the next few months!

Welcome to all of the incredible Texas Retired Teachers Association members from Houston and across our state as we celebrate Texas Retired Teachers Day. 🍎

Yesterday, the Harris County Delegation was elated to welcome the Hon. Marilyn Burgess and the Hon. Carla Wyatt to the State Capitol for Harris County Day. We are the largest county and delegation in the #TXLege. Listen to our formal resolution yesterday on the floor.

Please join us in wishing Rep. Morales Shaw a very Happy Birthday today! 🎂🎊🎉 From all of us on Team Penny, we are so excited to celebrate our leader and visionary for all the incredible things we strive and continue to do for Texans all across the state. ❤️

‼️ UPDATE ‼️ The Education Committee Hearing on HB 3 with Public Testimony is ongoing. Not only have we heard and seen tremendous opposition for these harmful school voucher bills, but we currently have 379 witness against the 147 witnesses in support of the bill.

The solution to educating the next generations of Texans isn’t funneling millions of taxpayer dollars out of public schools into school voucher programs—it is to support, rebuild, and amplify teachers and school districts across our state.

‼️HAPPENING NOW‼️ 
The House Education Committee Hearing on HB-3 is underway - and we need your support to say NO to harmful vouchers in our state. Here is what you can do: Submit your Testimony ONLINE at comments.house.texas.gov/home Share this post with your friends

Today, the Elections Committee is holding a hearing with key organizations, departments, and partners - including The Secretary of State’s Office and Associations of Election Administrators and Clerks. Listen in here: house.texas.gov/videos/21233

Congressman Sylvester Turner is a son and leader of Houston. In his nearly forty years in public service as a State Representative, Mayor, and Congressman, his faith in the power of Houston and its people drove him to lead our great community.

March is Women’s History Month - and I have to say that the legislators and community leaders serving in the #TXLege are among the best, making history every single session. It’s an honor to serve alongside you.

As the holy month begins, I wish all who are observing Ramadan a month of peace and reflection. Ramadan Mubarak!

Contrary to some narratives, the Texas Two-Step Plan to Gut Public Education with vouchers is NOT a done deal in the #TXLege. Legislators are receiving text messages and calls to gain support for the voucher bill RIGHT NOW.

🚨 BILL FILED 🚨 I have once again filed the #TexasFamilyAct - a comprehensive and common sense paid family leave policy that will truly make Texas a Pro-Family state. It’s time to act, #TXLege. Stay tuned for more. Follow the bill here: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

I’ll be direct: cold temperatures can be a life or death situation. Please make sure that you check on your loved ones and neighbors and find a warming center near you to stay safe as cold temps hit Houston.

Two days ago, the Mexican and greater Latin community lost an incredible musical legend in Paquita la del Barrio. For decades, she empowered women as she broke through and dominated Latin music through music deeply rooted in her own life.

State Rep. @reppennymshaw.bsky.social, D-Houston, authored the universal paid parental leave bill last session and plans to do so again this session. “If we’re going to say we’re pro-family, then let’s go pro-family all the way,” Shaw said. houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex... #txlege

I am honored to serve a third term in the #TXLege and today the House announced committee assignments for the 89th session: 🌎Environmental Regulations 🗳️Elections Read my full statement below, but Congratulations to my colleagues & I hope to hear from you this session.

Excited for our second annual participation in the Rice University internship program. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Rice interns during the legislative interim and we look forward to another round of bright and eager political owls to the House! 🦉👨🏽‍⚖️

🚨BREAKING🚨 SB-2 is a BAD DEAL for Texas - and it’s being read LIVE on the Senate Floor right now! Listen in and reach out to your State Senator saying you’re AGAINST school vouchers. #JustFundOurPublicSchools #VouchersAreBadForTexas #TXLege www.senate.texas.gov/videoplayer....

Why are our neighborhood schools closing? Why are student programs being cut and certified teachers leaving in record numbers? I’ll tell you - Texas has been defunding our public schools for years, and financial starvation is eroding education for over 5 million Texas students.

On the first day of #BlackHistoryMonth, I reflect on the remarkable legacy of the Black community in Houston and its leaders who have shaped our city and nation through advocacy, resilience, and cultural and political contributions.