Texas Monthly Places Charles Perry On Its List of Worst Legislators
Texas Monthly has released who they feel are the 10 best and 10 worst lawmakers of the 85th Legislative Session. Texas Monthly has put out a list after each session since 1973.
No Lubbock-area representatives made "The Best" list this year, but Texas State Senator Charles Perry made it to Texas Monthly's "The Worst" list.
According to Texas Monthly, Perry didn't make the list because he authored the Sanctuary Cities bill. Instead, it was because of his support of SB 2 and school choice (even though Perry offered an exemption to the rural schools).
Take his bait and switch on Senate Bill 2, for example. The measure was pitched by Patrick as a property-tax reform, but it would have severely restricted local governments’ ability to raise and spend revenue. The bill was opposed by the mayor of Lubbock, two local county commissioners, and the county judge from San Angelo, all officials in Perry’s district. He was a profile in courage while speaking against the bill on the Senate floor, calling it a “personal assault on their ability to govern on a local level.” Then he voted for it. On the critical role call, the bill passed by a single vote—Perry’s. The measure later died in the House, but that doesn’t excuse his actions.
He also supported the controversial private-school-voucher proposal—another bill close to Patrick’s heart though opposed by the Lubbock school board and most rural Texans—but not before offering an amendment to carve out his and other rural districts from the plan. It was a classic not-in-my-backyard move. We hope next session Perry remembers that he’s elected to represent his constituents and the people of Texas, not do the lieutenant governor’s bidding.
Perry discussed his reasoning behind supporting SB 2 in an interview on The Chad Hasty Show Monday. You can watch that video below.
You can read the full article and see the entire "Best" and "Worst" lists here.
**UPDATE** Senator Charles Perry posted the following on his public Facebook page:
Lists are lists and there is usually an agenda behind every one and Texas Monthly's list is no different. Being named on the list only reaffirms that I am in touch with my district’s conservative values and not the values of a liberal Austin publication.
My record of fighting for common sense government, family, faith, and life of the unborn stands on its own. The almost 80 bills passed into law from legislation I authored or sponsored doesn’t fit the narrative of a left-leaning, non-accountable media outlet in Austin.
I passed legislation banning sanctuary cities, increased access to health care and ensured affordable basic telephone services in rural areas. Additionally, I protected landowner water rights, religious freedom, improved our foster care system, increased penalties for synthetic drug dealers, paved the way for Texas Tech to open a veteran's health clinic, and protected our agricultural community.
I also passed amendments that make it harder for human traffickers to operate in Texas and protected the unborn by helping ban the torturous act of dismemberment abortions.
Along with my colleagues, we fought for $4.1 million to help fund a veterinary school at Texas Tech and I put a $600,000 budget rider towards blind children receiving developmental assistance.
It was a privilege to play a significant role with my fellow house and senate colleagues that cannot be discounted from an Austin based media outlet.