Texas Legislative Session Begins Amid Concerns Of Violence And The Pandemic

Texas state troopers wearing riot gear stand guard outside the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, for the opening of the legislative session. The Texas Department of Public Safety has increased its presence at the state Capitol after last week’s deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. The FBI also has warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. (AP Photo/Jim Vertuno)

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.

First, Matt Harab walks us through what he sees outside the Texas Capitol in Austin as events unfold.

Then, Dr. Jeronimo Cortina, co-host of Party Politics and Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, and Peter Rene, professor of Public Policy and Political Science at Texas Southern University School of Public Affairs, walk us through was expected bills can be discussed in the 87th Texas Legislative session as well as the possible political future for politicians whose baseless election lawsuits may have, in part, led to the attack on Capitol Hill last Wednesday.

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues.

Audio from today’s show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.

AP Photo/Jim Vertuno