Latest news with #SenateBill13
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Angela Paxton, wife of Texas AG Ken Paxton? Net worth, family, and more
If all you've been seeing is 'biblical grounds' popping up on your screen and news feed, then allow us to introduce you to the one – who is responsible for the phrase gaining a considerable amount of attention. Meet Angela Paxton, a Tesax State Senator, and the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton – who has filed for divorce from her husband – over 'biblical grounds'. Who is Angela Paxton? Angela Suzanne Paxton is a prominent Texas Republican politician, state senator for District 8 since 2019, and a former educator. On July 10, she filed for divorce from her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, after 38 years of marriage – citing 'biblical grounds' and 'recent discoveries.' Early life, education, and family Born in New Braunfels, Texas, and adopted shortly after birth, Angela Paxton (née Allen) became the first in her family to attend college, earning a B.S. in Mathematical Science from Baylor University and a Master of Education from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. While adoption is something that has its own story that's unravelled over time, Angela credits her adoption for shaping her staunch anti‑abortion convictions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo Meeting Ken Paxton Angela met her future husband, Ken Paxton, during their time as students at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Back then, Ken was serving as the student body president. Their relationship blossomed during their college years, leading to their marriage in 1986. Together, they have four children – Tucker, Abby, Madison, and Katie – and five grandchildren. The couple co-founded Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco in the 1990s before later attending Prestonwood Baptist Church. Life in politics Before entering politics, Angela spent more than two decades teaching mathematics and working as a guidance counselor in Collin County, including at Legacy Christian Academy. In 2017, Angela entered the political arena, launching a successful bid for Texas Senate District 8. This seat was formerly held by her husband, Ken, before he became attorney general. Angela's primary campaign was the most expensive in Texas Senate history at the time, grossing over $10 million in expenditures while she raised about $3.7 million, including a $2 million loan backed by Ken's campaign. Angela narrowly won the primary by 9 points and then prevailed in the general election. Since taking office in January 2019, Angela has served on key Senate committees – Finance, Education, State Affairs, Local Government, and Nominations – and was Majority Leader from September 2023 to January 2025. Angela also authored Senate Bill 13 in 2025, transferring library book control from librarians to parent-appointed boards, and has actively championed educational outreach, conservative economic policies, and pro-life legislation. Net worth: Angela's personal net worth figures are not publicly disclosed in official filings. One estimation reportedly places her wealth between $1 million and $5 million, citing her earnings as a long-time educator, small business owner, and state senator. Her public salary as a state senator in Texas is modest – about $7,200 per year plus per‑diem during legislative sessions. Ken Paxton earns $153,750 annually as Attorney General. The Paxtons have reportedly invested heavily in real estate – spending nearly $3.5 million in 2021–22 on six properties, including in Oklahoma, Florida, Utah, and Hawaii – which raised scrutiny. However, those are not conclusively linked to Angela's personal finances. Paxton's financial disclosures show assets including mutual funds and Texas properties. Blending conservative faith and folkloric charm, Angela has long held a public persona of a devout Christian. As per her faith and belief, marriage is a sacred covenant, emphasizing reconciliation. However, on July 10, she announced her divorce, citing 'recent discoveries' that staying together no longer honored God or served their family. Her divorce petition alleges adultery, irreconcilable differences, and notes that the couple has lived apart since June 2024, while Ken Paxton responded that the split stems from political pressures and scrutiny, expressing pride in their family and asking for privacy. Abhishek Bachchan and Shweta Nanda to get equal share from Amitabh Bachchan's Rs 3000+ crore property; sister-in-law to beat Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in terms of net worth: Reports
Los Angeles Times
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Mailbag: Fighting back against Huntington Beach City Council
It's hard to fight City Hall. Yet here we are again. The Huntington Beach City Council would have you believe two things. First, for 50 years, our city librarians have been secretly providing pornography to your kids, and nobody ever noticed it. Second, that a 0.02% savings on the city budget will somehow prevent a budget crisis. When put in this factual context, the arguments against Measures A and B are utter nonsense. To debate City Council on the facts is a losing strategy; they have unlimited time and resources and the public gets one minute. They will get the last word and that's often all that is heard or reported. It is not a fair fight. What you need to know is this — our city's libraries are no longer safe. The City Council's tactics have enabled and rallied their supporters to attack our citizens. Our neighbors. Your friends. Don't believe me? You've seen the signs put out by the City Council. But you probably don't know: This is what our city has become. The City Council is hurting real people — librarians, volunteers and kids — these are not images placed on a sign. What I do not understand is why we accept this — why do our citizens allow the City Council to do these things? How can we fight back? The City Council encourages these things to happen. In their malicious attempt to control the city they show no mercy to those innocent people who serve our community. Ask yourself — what's next? I am asking you for help. It's simple, really. You have your ballot; just check both boxes 'yes' and drop it in the mail. It takes two minutes but would mean so much to those who participate in this community. The City Council is counting on your apathy to allow their agenda to continue. Stop the lies. Stop the hate. Stop City Council. 'Yes' on Measures A and B. Larry HershHuntington Beach When I was a girl growing up in Brooklyn, my mother and I would visit our nearby library at least once a week. A special time, though, was when we went to the huge (in my child eyes at least!) Arlington branch of the Brooklyn Public Library near Highland Park or the New York Public Library. These libraries, with their imposing size and thousands of books, became almost sacred places to me, much like a church. If I wanted to find books about topics that interested me, a kind librarian could always point me in the right direction. This experience instilled in me a great love of libraries and I was so thrilled to move to Huntington Beach in 1973, where there was an award-winning city library system. This is why what is occurring with our wonderful libraries has touched me so very much and what is at stake is so much more than book banning. It is a matter of control, control over what we can read and taking that control from parents and giving it to an appointed committee. I was very disheartened to learn that Texas just passed Senate Bill 13, which gives public school boards or parent review groups control over banning books that contain 'harmful' or 'indecent' material according to 'community values.' Librarians would have no say in the matter. This could lead to broad censorship banning 'Romeo and Juliet' (citing premarital sex) or even the Bible (if you ask what could be considered 'indecent,' look no further than the story of how King David lusted after Bathsheba when he saw her bathing!). And this is just the beginning... That is why I urge you to vote 'yes' on Measures A and B to protect our beloved libraries from privatization and the appointment of a review committee. Let's vote to keep our libraries in the sacred place they hold in our hearts! Kathleen BungeHuntington Beach Municipal codes are laws that take priority over resolutions, which can be rescinded. Huntington Beach Resolution #2025-45, is more smoke and mirrors under the guise of 'protecting the children.' In the event a majority of the City Council votes to outsource any services provided by HBPL to a private contractor, or to sell the library, a 'yes' vote on Measure B requires a majority vote of H.B. residents before outsourcing or sale of the library can happen. If the city declares a fiscal emergency, a vote of H.B. residents will not be required. The resolution fails to state that library services will not be outsourced. The idea promoted by opponents of Measure A, that just one person will make procurement decisions, is a false narrative. Several individuals are, have been, and will continue to be involved in the procurement process if Measure A passes. There is a policy in place to request reconsideration or removal of library materials, and Municipal Code Section 2.66.110. gives the Book Review Board the authority to relocate existing books or reject purchase of children's books deemed inappropriate for children, based on 'community standards.' Seven 'inappropriate for children' books have been relocated to the adult section, and several others have been identified. It is curious that neither reconsideration policy was expedited to protect children from the additional 'inappropriate books identified by 'residents.'' Municipal Code Section 2.66.110 creates a Book Review Board consisting of no more than 21 political appointees with the authority to review and relocate any books children have access to, based on undefined 'community standards' to be defined by the board. Their decisions are unappealable and not limited to materials with sexual content. This is book banning. It is censorship. The resolution stating books shall not be banned fails to include the City Council's definition of book banning. 'Inappropriate' children's books can be removed and sold or donated to other city libraries. How does this protect children? 'Yes' on Measure A will allow parents, not politicians, to choose reading materials for their own children, and to protect children from being used as pawns to promote political extremist agendas. Judy MorrisHuntington Beach Huntington Beach Public Library will hold its annual all-ages Summer Reading Kickoff Carnival in front of the Central Library on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be games, crafts, activities, shows and plenty of food. Participants can also register there for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. Last year, about 3,000 participants signed up for the reading challenge and about 15,000 people attended the events throughout the summer! This program would not be possible without support from a team of dedicated volunteers from the Friends of the Children's Library of Huntington Beach. If our public library is outsourced to a for-profit corporation, there's a good chance this long-standing program will end. Why? The library volunteers who donate time and money to support this program will not make similar contributions to a for-profit corporation with wealthy investors. If you want the Huntington Beach Public Library to be free from corporate outsourcing as it has been for over 100 years, vote 'yes' on Measure B. And if you want the Huntington Beach Public Library to be free from political interference regarding book selection, vote 'yes' on Measure A. Election Day is June 10. Carol DausHuntington Beach For several election cycles, Huntington Beach has been plastered with large political signs by both sides of the political spectrum. It is a political sign war aimed at low information voters. Thousands of residents are over it, especially the signs for the June 10 special election that included the word 'porn.' Those signs exposed more young children to porn than any book in our public libraries. Parents were forced to have unplanned and, for most adults, uncomfortable conversations with their children. Let's start a campaign to create a new political sign policy. It is time to limit political signs both in size and where they can be displayed. Other cities manage to hold successful elections without the sign blight that overtakes Huntington Beach for several weeks for each election. Let our elected officials know that you want a change to our current sign policy. Your vote shouldn't be based on a political sign. Read the ballot. Read the political statements. Make an informed vote. Most know my vote for the June 10 special election. It will be 'yes' and 'yes.' Cathey RyderHuntington Beach As a reproductive rights advocate and Orange County resident for more than 20 years, I want to thank my Congressman, Rep. Dave Min, for voting 'no' on the recent budget reconciliation bill. Rep. Min's vote, along with the votes of Orange County Representatives Linda T. Sanchez, Derek Tran, Lou Correa and Mike Levin, accurately represent their constituents' desire to maintain Medicaid funding and keep Planned Parenthood health centers open. Representative Young Kim's vote, however, does not. By voting 'yes,' Rep. Kim voted to gut Medicaid and cut access to vital healthcare for tens of thousands of people in Orange County. That's 130,000 people in our communities relying on Planned Parenthood for healthcare, and for many of them, Planned Parenthood is the only provider they see. Over half of Planned Parenthood patients use Medicaid to get services like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing, regular checkups and abortion care. This bill puts 200 health centers nationwide at risk of closing and millions of Americans at risk of losing access to essential care. The attack on Medicaid and Planned Parenthood health centers is an attack on any Californian's ability to choose their own healthcare provider. Everyone deserves affordable, high quality care from providers they trust. Do you really want your elected officials to make that decision for you? There is still a chance to help protect Medicaid and access to Planned Parenthood. Call Young Kim and urge her to vote 'no' on any bill that cuts Medicaid or 'defunds' Planned Parenthood. Jenna RossIrvine Pardon me if this comes across strongly, but I am deeply concerned by the rationale offered for supporting Andrea McElroy's election as a Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustee — namely, the endorsement by the mayor of Newport Beach and the endorsement of the Newport Beach Police Department. As a former NMUSD board president, I can say with confidence that school resource officers (SROs) were never a point of contention during my time on the board. There was broad support from all trustees I served alongside, making this a non-issue. Equally irrelevant is Ms. McElroy's involvement in the high school drama program her daughter participated in. While community involvement is important, this alone does not qualify someone to serve on a school board responsible for decisions that impact all students. What's notably absent from her background is meaningful PTA leadership involvement or broader community service. The claim of being a 'businesswoman' also raises concerns, considering the outcomes of her association with several ventures. This appears to be a poor vetting decision by her backers, driven more by political influence than by genuine focus on student needs. It's disappointing to see a former trustee and others seemingly prioritize political alignment over educational leadership. Our students deserve board members committed to serving their best interests, not the mayor's agenda. Vicki Snell, former NMUSD trustee presidentCosta Mesa There's a tiny little local election on June 10 and it is costing the Newport-Mesa Unified School District more than $400,000!!!! You only have to check one box, and you don't have to think about national politics to do so, but because candidate Andrea McElroy forced a special election after she didn't earn a board appointment we all have to vote for that temporary seat, which will have to be contested all over again next year. That makes me mad. That is NOT fiscally conservative, and that's why I'm out canvassing for Kirstin Walsh, the candidate who was appointed by the board in the first place. I met Ms. McElroy and she's lovely, but when I asked her why she didn't just wait until next year to run, she said, 'It's not that expensive to run the special election.' What? More than $400,000 is not expensive? That money could have been spent on education, infrastructure, art supplies, books and much-needed equipment for our kids. I was blessed to raise my boy and girl twins here on Balboa Island where they attended Lincoln Elementary and Corona del Mar Middle and High School. They were provided with an amazing education. As a PTA volunteer, I can tell you it was always a privilege to help out, but always a battle to raise funds for our kids. With more than $400,000 coming out of the school budget for this election, it reminds me of how hard PTA members have to work for every single dollar. Speaking of PTA, the other reason I'm out talking with my community about Kirstin Walsh, is she is one of those special people that steps up to service. She comes from a long line of those who have served in the military and taught her that giving back matters. She is currently Newport Harbor PTA president, served that same high position at Ensign, and has spent years on Harbor Council. That experience matters. Please vote for Kirstin Walsh because she is a doer, a volunteer, a public servant and, on a personal note, a water polo mom like me. Summer BaileyBalboa Island As our community approaches the school board election, I urge voters to see through the desperate tactics of the Walsh campaign and support Andrea McElroy, the only candidate who stands for parents' rights and school safety. The Walsh campaign continues to claim that she's not partisan and won't get involved in statewide issues in our schools. That prompts a few questions though: Would a non-partisan candidate be backed by the progressive teachers union to the tune of nearly $10,000 and a progressive women's group to the tune of $5,000? Would a non-partisan candidate proudly accept endorsements from state and local progressive elected officials? I'd like to know what the Walsh campaign is afraid of. Are they afraid to admit that she's an agent of a liberal agenda in a voting area with a decades-long history of electing conservative school board members? In contrast, Andrea McElroy has been clear from the start. She is a conservative, determined to stop the leftist majority on our school board. She is not afraid to say it because it reflects her values and the values of our community. Andrea McElroy is endorsed by our police and fire associations because they trust her commitment to school safety. Community leaders have endorsed Andrea McElroy because they trust her commitment to stand up to the leftist majority on the school board. If you value school safety, parental trust and fearless leadership, vote for Andrea. Let's protect our schools and reject the tactics of a desperate campaign. Mary Sue PediciniNewport Beach
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas allows state agency investment in BlackRock after firm steps away from climate initiatives
The Texas Comptroller's office removed international investment giant BlackRock Inc. from a list of companies public agencies were required to divest from as the company has realigned with state law by withdrawing from key clean energy initiatives. Senate Bill 13, passed in 2021, requires the comptroller's office to maintain a list of financial firms that 'boycott' the fossil fuel industry, and included BlackRock, several other companies and roughly 350 investment funds before Tuesday's update. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar called the removal of BlackRock and over a dozen investment funds a 'meaningful victory' for Texas' energy economy but clarified in a statement that the list or divestment proceedings were not done to intentionally target companies. 'We never set out to punish any of these firms, and the hope was always that any firm we included on the list would eventually take steps to ensure they were removed,' Hegar said. SB 13 defines boycotting as refusing, terminating or penalizing business with a company that works in the fossil fuel industry 'without ordinary business purpose.' Known as an 'anti-ESG (environment, social and governance) law,' the bill led the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and the Texas Permanent School Fund to divest billions from BlackRock in 2023 and 2024. The firm was placed on the initial list in 2022 for its involvement in initiatives like Climate Action 100+, which aims to reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions. Direct investment into fossil fuel companies does not preclude firms from being considered as boycotting, according to an information sheet from the state comptroller's office. BlackRock has since stepped back from Climate Action 100+ and completely removed itself from another initiative, Net Zero Asset Managers, which the comptroller's office attributed to the company's removal. In a statement to the Texas Tribune, John Kelly, BlackRock global head of corporate affairs, said they appreciated the comptroller's resolution and touted the firm's investment in other state affairs. 'BlackRock is proud to help millions of Texans retire with dignity and, on behalf of clients, invests over $400 billion in corporations, local governments, energy infrastructure and other private assets throughout the state,' Kelly said. 'These investments support the continued growth of the Texas economy.' Among the firm's in-state investments is assistance in creating a Texas-based Stock Exchange, which aims to launch in February 2026 with a boost from new legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in mid-May. BlackRock was one of the initial investors, and Hegar said that while the investment in the stock exchange plan was unrelated to the list update, it represented 'a real commitment to overall policy changes.' BlackRock's removal from the divestment list has not completely withdrawn the business from scrutiny by Texas officials. Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the company and two others in November 2024, claiming they comprised an 'investment cartel' that intentionally bought shares in coal companies to reduce output and achieve clean energy standards. The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice submitted a joint statement of interest in the case in late May. Hegar touched on the suit briefly in his remarks, but said the company's move away from clean energy initiatives is a signal of good favor. 'Even as legislators and state leaders continue to address lingering concerns about proxy voting and other policies that prioritize politics over profits, I am hopeful these actions represent a long-term shift,' Hegar said. Hegar and Paxton are facing their own lawsuit over SB 13 in federal court from the American Sustainable Business Council, a progressive business group. The suit claims the law violates companies' First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by discriminating against firms' viewpoints and circumventing due process. That suit is scheduled for a motion hearing on June 18. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Texas House passes school library bill, intensifying US battle over who decides what students read
The Texas House gave preliminary approval on May 27, 2025, to a bill that would shift significant control over public school library materials from professional librarians to school boards and parents. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The bill, known as Senate Bill 13, was passed in an 87-57 vote and now heads back to the Senate for final approval. The legislation is part of a growing national debate over what books students should be allowed to access in public schools. Supporters argue the bill gives parents and local communities more say in their children's education, while critics warn it could lead to overbroad bans on important literary and historical works. Bill gives school boards final authority on book removals Senate Bill 13 would grant school boards, rather than librarians, the final authority to approve or remove books from school libraries. As reported by the Texas Tribune, the bill establishes a process for responding to complaints about library materials and allows school boards to either make final decisions themselves or delegate responsibility to local school advisory councils. These councils could be formed if 20% of parents in a district sign a petition — a requirement added in a House committee. The original Senate version had mandated the creation of such councils outright. The bill also includes detailed definitions of 'harmful material' and 'indecent content,' which prompted concern among Democratic lawmakers. They warned that vague language could lead to the banning of classic titles such as The Catcher in the Rye, Lonesome Dove, and even the Bible. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Debate over 'community values' and censorship risks During House floor discussion, Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, warned the bill's language requiring that approved books align with 'local community values' could enable small but vocal groups to drive decisions. 'If your answer to 'could Romeo and Juliet be banned,' if it is anything other than 'of course not,' then that is a serious problem,' Talarico said, as quoted by the Texas Tribune. Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, expressed concern that what may be considered inappropriate for a five-year-old may not be for a 17-year-old, highlighting the danger of a one-size-fits-all approach. According to the Texas Tribune, she warned the bill could result in sweeping bans based on inconsistent standards. Amendments fail, while parental rights are emphasized Several proposed amendments to soften the bill's language around profanity and indecency were rejected. Rep. Brent Money, R-Greenville, unsuccessfully proposed reducing the threshold for creating advisory councils from 20% of parents to just 50 signatures, and restricting membership to petition signers only, the Texas Tribune reported. Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, the bill's House sponsor, defended the legislation, saying it prioritizes children over controversial books. 'We should cherish and value our kids more, and Senate Bill 13 will do exactly that,' Buckley said, as quoted by the Texas Tribune. He dismissed fears of banning classics as a 'red herring.' Bill linked to broader effort to restrict explicit content The bill builds on House Bill 900, passed in 2023, which aimed to keep 'sexually explicit' materials out of school libraries. That law was partially blocked by a federal appeals court over its proposed book rating system. Opponents, including library advocates and civil rights groups, warn that SB 13 could create administrative delays, as school boards will be required to rule on each book within 90 days of a complaint. During the 2023–24 school year, Texas schools banned roughly 540 books, according to PEN America. SB 13 is among the legislative priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. With its approval by the House, the bill now returns to the Senate for final passage.
CBS News
28-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Bill advancing at Texas Capitol gives school boards, parents process to remove books in public school libraries
New bill would give Texas parents more control over books in public school libraries New bill would give Texas parents more control over books in public school libraries New bill would give Texas parents more control over books in public school libraries Texas lawmakers are taking a step closer to passing a bill that will give local school boards the ability to pull books from school library shelves. Parents will also be able to challenge books in the school libraries under the legislation. The Texas House passed Senate Bill 13, authored by Senator Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, along party lines Monday. Lawmakers in the House were set to give final approval Tuesday, but that has been pushed back until Wednesday morning. From the House, the measure will return to the Senate to review changes made by the House. Under the legislation, the state will establish a definition for harmful materials. According to legislative records, indecent content would portray sex organs or activities in a way that's patently offensive. Profane content would include grossly offensive language considered a public nuisance. There is a difference between the House and Senate versions in at least one provision, which allows the creation of a school library advisory council. The Senate version says it should be mandatory, while the House version says it should be optional. Republicans, including Representative Brad Buckley of Salado, support the bill because it gives more local control. "Senate Bill 13 understands that too often, for too long, libraries have been filled with agendas," said Buckley. "It's time to end that. But the way to end it is to empower our local leaders and our parents locally to find some resolution." Democrats, including Representative Mihaela Plesa of Dallas, expressed concerns over the legislation and said she opposes it. "Senate Bill 13 may not call itself censorship, but in effect is the same thing: giving the government the authority to decide what stories are too uncomfortable, too complicated or too real for our students to read," Plesa said. In addition to Senate Bill 13, the Texas House gave final passage to Senate Bill 6. It will allow ERCOT, the power grid operator, the ability to shut off power to large customers, such as data centers, during emergency situations. Those customers would have to have backup power. It comes as ERCOT has forecast that demand for power will surge in Texas by 2030. The bill will have to go back to the Texas Senate to work out differences. Watch Eye On Politics at 7:30 Sunday morning on CBS News Texas on air and streaming
