BG Reads // June 13, 2025

Author

A.J. Bingham
June 13, 2025

Presented By

✅ Today's BG Reads include:

🟪 City leaders talk about protests, TX National Guard deployment (KXAN)

🟪 Austin ISD parents, staff, educators protest district's 'turnaround' plan (FOX 7)

🟪 Texas public health departments brace for another $119 million in federal cuts (Texas Tribune)

🟪 Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County government (Texas Tribune)

🟪 Trump White House opens door to historic military deployment on U.S. soil (Washington Post)

Read on!

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[CITY OF AUSTIN]

🏛️ City Memos:

🏛️ City Leadership

[AUSTIN METRO NEWS]

✅ City leaders talk about protests, TX National Guard deployment (KXAN)

City leaders held a press conference at Austin City Hall Thursday morning about the city’s preparations ahead of protests planned for the weekend.

The conference came after an anti-ICE protest on Monday. That protest ended with APD officers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arresting 13 people.

A Saturday protest, organized by Hands Off Central Texas, is scheduled as part of a national day of action. It will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Texas Capitol. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas National Guard will be on standby at multiple cities for those protests.

“When you have a governor who aspires to be as brutish and thuggish as the president, you’ll see a lot of mirroring from the governor,” said Austin City Council Member Zohaib ‘Zo’ Qadri — he’s one of the speakers at Saturday’s rally and has been in touch with organizers.

“They talked about how they expect a large crowd but for everyone to keep their cool and if there’s any agitators for folks not to take any bait,” Qadri said… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ What would passage of Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' mean for health coverage in Austin? (KUT)

Tens of thousands of low-income residents in Central Texas could lose access to Medicaid, marketplace health insurance or food benefits if the Senate passes President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" as is.

The budget reconciliation bill would advance many elements of Trump’s domestic policy agenda. It includes new restrictions on Medicaid that the bill's supporters say will cut down on waste and fraud.

"What we're doing is shoring up this program so that it will survive in the long term for the core population who needs it," Texas Congressman Brandon Gill, a Republican from Flower Mound who voted for the bill, said in an interview with CBS News.

Critics, however, said many of the changes amount to red tape that keeps coverage from people who desperately need it.

More than 4 million low-income Texans rely on Medicaid for routine doctor’s appointments and other health coverage, according to Texas Health and Human Services. Congressman Lloyd Doggett, an Austin Democrat, estimated 36,000 people in his district alone could lose their benefits if the bill passes as written… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Austin ISD parents, staff, educators protest district's 'turnaround' plan (FOX 7)

A group of Austin ISD parents, staff, and educators are calling on the district to provide quality public education for all students.

This comes after AISD proposed a turnaround plan, aiming to restructure three of its low-performing middle schools.

"We demand more time to make plans for any schools facing restructuring plans, in particular, Dobie, Webb, and Burnet Middle schools. We oppose the disruptive turnaround plans pushed by Austin ISD and TEA," says AISD parent Vincent Tovar.

The protest held by ATX United for Public Schools on Thursday was in response to the future of education in Austin ISD.

The district says it drafted a "turnaround" plan called the "district-managed restart plan" to improve student achievement in a short time period. This comes after Burnet, Dobie, and Webb middle schools received low accountability ratings… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Georgetown council hears mixed feedback on ordinances affecting unhoused community (Community Impact)

Georgetown City Council members gave initial approval June 11 to two ordinance amendments that sparked sharp public debate over their potential impact on the unhoused community.

At the City Council meeting, Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida presented five proposed ordinance amendments, two of which received several public speakers.

Members of a recently-formed Georgetown Coalition for the Unhoused offered to work with city officials to come up with alternative solutions in lieu of implementing the ordinance amendments, one of which would prohibit people from laying down or sleeping in public in the downtown area.

“I see a lot of issues that you guys are concerned about, and I understand the need to do something, but I believe we have a better way,” coalition member Dwight Richter said… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Kyle City Council approves updated voting district map (Community Impact)

Kyle City Council approved a new voting district map at its June 3 meeting, completing a redistricting process that began in 2023 in response to continued population growth and updated U.S. Census data, according to a news release.

The City of Kyle is divided into three single-member City Council districts, including Districts 2, 4, and 6, and four at-large seats, including Mayor, and Districts 1, 3, and 5.

The new district boundaries go into effect immediately, and city officials encourage voters to review the changes ahead of the November 2025 City Council election… 🟪 (READ MORE)

[TEXAS/US NEWS]

✅ Texas public health departments brace for another $119 million in federal cuts (Texas Tribune)

Texas officials have notified local public health departments to brace for another $119 million in federal cuts at the end of the month that could impact the state’s disease detection and prevention efforts, including for HIV, diabetes, vaccine outreach and emergency preparedness.

The news comes three months after the federal government notified Texas officials it was prematurely clawing back $700 million in unspent COVID pandemic funding, some of which was used to fight the spread of measles in West Texas.

With the state’s regular biennial legislative session ending less than two weeks ago, the Texas Department of State Health Services has lost its opportunity to ask the state for more money. Lawmakers left Austin increasing state funds to the agency by $86 million over the next two years, but it also expects to lose $685 million in federal funds due largely to the end of the COVID funds.

Imelda Garcia, chief deputy commissioner for the state health agency, made the disclosure on the latest potential cuts at the agency’s committee on public health funding and policy on Wednesday… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott calls legislative session the best he’s ever had (Dallas Morning News)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he got everything he wanted from the Legislature’s 89th Session, most notably a “school choice” plan he says will rejuvenate the state’s education system. “Without a doubt, this is the best session I’ve ever had,” Abbott said Wednesday to a small group of reporters at his Capitol office. “More important for Texans, this has been the most transformative session for the future of Texas, and the positive effects of the session are going to be felt for decades.” Abbott pointed to his plan to allow students to use public money for private schools as a signature achievement, along with making changes to bail policy, making an investment in Texas water and passing property tax relief. He said all of his emergency items passed, but added there’s still work to be done. The governor also said he’s also looking forward to reelection.

Abbott was most proud of getting his school choice plan through the Legislature. In the past, a coalition of rural Republicans and nearly every Democrat blocked private school voucher plans. When his proposal was rejected by the House in 2023, Abbott took the issue to voters and helped unseat eight Republican House members in the 2024 GOP primaries. After the 2024 elections, 26 new Republicans were seated in the House. Abbott was able to get 86 House members to back school choice. “If you go back and look two sessions ago, there were 29 votes for school choice,” Abbott said. “We pushed it. We got it up to 63 votes last session, but had to campaign for it again, and wound up with 86 votes.” “I’m not aware of such a large transformation in the number of votes that went from against a bill to for a bill,” Abbott added. Abbott was also proud of bail reform to keep alleged violent offenders off the streets. And he was happy with the $51 billion in property tax relief on top of what the state has done previously to reduce the property tax burden. “I seriously question whether or not, in the history of the United States, if any other state has used 25% of its revenue to reduce taxes,” Abbott said… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County government (Texas Tribune)

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker is ready to be back in Houston politics.

Parker announced Wednesday that she is running for Harris County judge in 2026, setting up a potential intra-party challenge against fellow Democrat Lina Hidalgo, who has held the seat since 2019 and narrowly won reelection in 2022.

Hidalgo has not yet publicly stated definitive plans for 2026. Parker is the first well-known Democrat who has announced a run to preside over the commissioners court of Texas’ most populous county.

“I’m running for Harris County Judge to keep our county safe, affordable, and thriving,” Parker said in a statement. “I’m running to fight the chaos that is hurting our seniors, families, and small businesses. I’m running to fight for US.”

In her announcement, Parker took aim at Republican President Donald Trump, who began a second term in January.

“Donald Trump is throwing millions of Americans off healthcare to fund tax cuts for billionaires – and gutting FEMA, which pays for our local response to hurricanes, flooding, and major disasters,” she said.

Parker made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor for a major American City when she was first elected as Houston’s mayor in 2010. She served two terms as mayor and has been out of politics since 2016. She is the only person to hold the office of mayor, controller and council member in Houston… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Despite heavy security, march downtown San Antonio peaceful (San Antonio Express-News)

Despite a heavy law enforcement presence, hundreds gathered downtown San Antonio in a peaceful protest against the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. Lasting about four hours, the demonstration on Wednesday night began as two separate protests, one near the Alamo and the other outside City Hall. Ahead of the demonstration, District 6 Council Member Melissa Cabello-Havrda said that while she believes the governor’s deployment of the National Guard without local input undermines trust, she was optimistic.

“Our city has proven time and again that we can gather, speak out, and stand up for our values without resorting to violence," she said. Officers with the Department of Public Safety, the San Antonio Police Department, and Texas National Guard troops worked to keep demonstrators safe. The most visible law enforcement department was the DPS, which was seen with shields, tear gas masks, helmets, and zip ties. They blocked access to the Alamo.

San Antonio Express-News reporters witnessed officers detaining two protesters in separate incidents. It is unclear if they were arrested. No injuries were reported. The demonstration kicked off at 7 p.m. with protesters standing on the steps of City Hall joining in a prayer. They then began to chant, “The people united will never be divided” and “Si se puede.” Antonio Diaz, with the Texas Indigenous Council, paraded up and down the sidewalk outside City Hall, beating a drum. “We can’t stay locked up in our homes. Not while this is going on,” he said. Another man chanted, “The people united will not be defeated,” along with the drum beat.

A woman holding an upside-down American flag led protesters in a march through the intersection of Commerce and North Flores streets, where protesters stopped traffic and chanted, “One two three four deportation no more, five six seven eight immigrants make this country great,” and “(Expletive) ICE…Viva la raza!” “Say it loud, say it clear: immigrants are welcome here,” sounded from bullhorns as protesters marched. A small contingent of mariachi musicians in full dress joined in briefly near City Hall, adding a festive flair to the demonstration… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Trump White House opens door to historic military deployment on U.S. soil (Washington Post)

President Donald Trump is prepared to send National Guard troops into more U.S. cities if protests against immigration raids expand beyond Los Angeles, administration officials said Wednesday, potentially opening the door to the most extensive use of military force on American soil in modern history. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in testimony to Congress that the Pentagon has the capability to surge National Guard troops to more cities “if there are other riots in places where law enforcement officers are threatened.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned protesters beyond Los Angeles that more “lawlessness” will only increase Trump’s resolve. “Let this be an unequivocal message to left-wing radicals in other parts of the country who are thinking about copycatting the violence in an effort to stop this administration’s mass deportation efforts,” Leavitt said. “You will not succeed.”

The White House’s message coincides with a rise in bellicose language from Trump, who in recent days has threatened the use of force not only against immigration activists but also against any protesters who attempt to disrupt the military parade scheduled in Washington on Saturday to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary. The parade, which Trump has wanted for years and will feature tanks, helicopters and Army parachutists, is shaping up to be a symbolic culmination of a dramatic week in which the president not only prepared for a historic deployment of armed forces against domestic adversaries but openly embraced shows of military force. In a speech at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Tuesday, the president reveled in the nation’s military power as fort leaders showcased several tactical demonstrations.

“Time and again, our enemies have learned that if you dare to threaten the American people, an American soldier will chase you down, crush you and cast you into oblivion,” Trump said. In threatening the use of force against protesters, Trump notably did not distinguish between those committing acts of violence and those peacefully protesting against his policies. Leavitt, during the White House briefing on Wednesday, answered a question on the subject by saying that “of course” the president supports the right to peacefully protest and declared the inquiry a “stupid question.”… 🟪 (READ MORE)

✅ Why Los Angeles protesters fly the Mexican flag (Politico)

Anyone looking at images of the Los Angeles immigration protests has almost certainly seen the Mexican flag flying somewhere in the frame. Demonstrators have hoisted the red, white and green banner atop cars and while marching down streets and freeways. It’s spilled into the corners of CNN live shots and been splashed across social media. To some, the flag — its bright colors standing out against dark smoke from burning cars and tear gas — is a powerful sign of resistance to President Donald Trump’s mass-deportation agenda. To others, it is ammunition for conservatives aiming to paint the unrest as a “migrant invasion.” Case in point: a National Review headline calling the Mexican flag the “Confederate banner of the L.A. riots.”

Protesters’ prominent use of the flag evokes photos from more than 30 years ago, when thousands of demonstrators raised the same banner while fighting a ballot measure that sought to bar undocumented Californians from accessing public schools and other services.

That 1994 initiative, Proposition 187, was a turning point for Latino political power in the state. It served as an awakening for some California protesters who later became prominent leaders, including former Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León. Angelica Salas, a prominent activist in the state and executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, noted protesters also hoisted the flag in 2006, during massive demonstrations against George W. Bush-era legislation to crack down on illegal immigration.

“When you attack the undocumented community, when you attack the immigrant community, there is a sense that — I mean, it’s a reality — the majority of the folks are Mexican,” she said. Salas spoke with California Playbook about why the Mexican flag continues to be an important symbol for demonstrators. On what the Mexican flag means to protesters … It’s really about saying we’re American, Mexican American, and we’re not ashamed of being Mexican …There’s a very popular refrain amongst our community that you can’t just like our food and our culture — we also demand that you like the people. Because it’s sort of a very, very strong sentiment that there’s a like for what we produce and [for] our culture and our foods and everything else, but not of the people.

So there’s a sense of the deep level of discrimination against the Mexican people. So when people carry the flag, it’s really a symbol of pride and a symbol of ‘We’re not going to be ashamed to claim our heritage, our Mexican heritage. We’re not going to be bullied to hide an aspect of who we are.’… 🟪 (READ MORE)

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