In this inaugural edition of our Future of Texas – Unscripted podcast, we discuss the opening week of the 87th Texas Legislative session. Amid the backdrop of COVID-19 and state budget concerns, lawmakers gathered in Austin to kick off what promises to be an unprecedented session. Partnership Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Lindsay Munoz leads a discussion around the start of session with Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Taylor Landin and Director of Public Policy Ben Melson. 

In this episode we discuss:

• The effect of the recent election on the makeup of the Legislature and the election of Speaker Dade Phelan. 
• How COVID-19 is likely to impact the dynamics of the session.
• The biennial budget and concerns over what may be difficult cuts to key programs. 
• The Partnership’s priority issues going into session, including Energy and Access. 
• Some of the legislators likely to play pivotal roles around those issues.