It’s a tax you’ve likely never heard of. But you’re paying for it. For decades, small businesses in Texas have been paying the “business personal property tax” on everything from desks to filing cabinets... even the raw material used to make their product. Only eight other states do this. Next month, voters have a chance to change that with Prop 9 on the November ballot. The Jasons were on the run during this episode of Y’all-itics but still sat down with the Texas Director of the National Federation of Independent Business to learn how this would be good for business.
In the October 12 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson tells us how she sees the shutdown ending and why she calls the Texas National Guard deployment to Illinois “outrageous.” State Representative Lacey Hull explains why she’s thankful a court blocked the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson. And Dallas City Council Member Chad West discusses the future of City Hall and whether he’s had any talks with the Mavericks about the location.
Now a few days old, there’s still no end in sight to the government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats blame each other, with Texans caught in the middle. So, who’s still getting paid? Are Texas veterans still receiving services? And could this all lead to massive layoffs? In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation explain the situation, and their view on who’s to blame. GUESTS U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey, R-6th District U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-33rd District U.S Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District
On the October 5 episode, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation discuss the government shutdown and who they think is to blame. Congressman Jake Ellzey also talks about the services still available to Texas veterans. Congressman Marc Veasey tells us why this is a fight over healthcare, not the President. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne explains why now might be the right time to right size government.
The Jasons took a road trip to Panther City Barbecue in Fort Worth for this episode to have brisket and beer with Congressman Craig Goldman. From tariffs to town halls to the oil patch to political violence, they cover a lot in less than an hour. Will Trump’s style of foreign policy affect Lockheed’s lucrative contracts? And why Fort Worth is known as the Panther City. This is classic Y’all-itics!
In the September 28 episode, Congressman Keith Self discusses an $88 million effort to increase security for all branches of government and why he doesn’t think members of Congress should have the same level of security as a President. Dallas City Council Member Paula Blackmon explains why she’s asked for an investigation into four of her council colleagues. And state Representative Rhetta Bowers tells us why she thinks a bipartisan effort to save death row inmate Robert Roberson has gone quiet.
After months of speculation, the Federal Reserve finally announced a quarter point interest rate cut. To get a better understanding of how 0.25% could put some dollars back into your bank account, the Jasons sat down with the President/CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association. Lindsey Johnson also explains how AI is transforming how we bank...and she tells us why all the big players on Wall Street are abuzz about what's happening here in her home state.
In the September 21 episode, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons explains why she skipped a meeting to prevent Commissioners from adopting a lower tax rate, and whether she plans to do it again. Congressman Michael McCaul tells us why he chose “door number 3.” And Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the steps being taken to help Texas farmers facing a catch-22 of record yields and low prices. GUESTS Commissioner Alisa Simmons, D-Tarrant County Precinct 2 U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-10th District Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner
In the September 14 episode, state Representative James Talarico explains why he entered the race for U.S. Senate, shaking everything up. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones tells us about the savings she found in the budget before asking residents to pay more. And Congressman Roger Williams reveals whether he sees signs of a weakening economy as chair of the House Small Business Committee. GUESTS James Talarico, D-Candidate for U.S. Senate Commissioner Lesley Briones, D-Harris County Precinct 4 U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-25th District
Just like Republicans, Texas Democrats are now forced to take sides in their race for U.S. Senate. Seminarian, former middle school teacher and current state Representative James Talarico just announced he will run for the seat held by John Cornyn since 2002. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, the social media star with several viral clips explains where he sees a path to victory.
It is a rare event in Texas these days: finding a Republican who supports renewables. Y’all-itics did just that. And John Davis tells us the money he makes from the wind turbines on his property saved his west Texas ranch, which has been in the family since 1880. But if you really want to get this Republican worked up, talk about the GOP’s attack on renewables. To Davis, it is a property rights issue, and he says his own party is trampling all over it. The rancher and former state lawmaker also tells the Jasons why he thinks energy has become so political in Texas… and the beer his 89-year-old aunt recommended for his Y’all-itics debut!
In the September 7 episode, Corpus Christi councilmember Mark Scott explains how the city council defeat of a proposed desalination plant will harm residents, industry and perhaps cripple the city. State Senator Paul Bettencourt tells us why he was surprised and disappointed that so many House Republicans joined an effort to defeat his property tax reduction bill. And State Representative Donna Howard reacts to the passage of what’s been referred to as the “bounty hunter” abortion pill ban. GUESTS Mark Scott, Corpus Christi City Councilmember State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-District 7 State Rep. Donna Howard, D-District 48
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert was selected in January as the first Black woman to serve as Dallas City Manager after beginning her career more than 30 years ago as an intern at City Hall. And it’s been non-stop work since, from trying to figure out what happens to the Dallas Mavericks, to the $5 billion budget. WFAA anchor Dia Wall scored an exclusive sit down with Tolbert and she joins the Jasons to discuss the interview. Despite what you may have heard, Dia learned the number one concern for Dallas residents isn’t public safety. Dia’s interview: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/dallas-city-manager-kimberly-bizor-tolbert-budget-hero-amendments-mavericks-new-arena/287-25040793-dcf3-40f3-be48-1b19eee27856
In the August 31 episode, state Representative Richard Hayes explains why he wants voters to change the definition of a quorum. State Representative Sheryl Cole responds to the punishment Republicans are debating for the quorum breakers. And state Representative Cody Harris discusses his legislation that puts a temporary stop to moving water out of east Texas.
In the August 24 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson reveals how some lawmakers may divvy up offices now that Republicans have passed the redistricting map in Texas. State Rep. John McQueeney tells us what punishment Republicans are considering for the Democrats who left the state. And Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert discusses their $5 billion budget and possible layoffs.
If you’re like us, you love podcasts that come with a language warning. For this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ve been warned. Congresswoman Julie Johnson joins the Jasons for a cold one at her favorite Dallas watering hole. And the Democrat got candid on everything from how lawmakers might divvy up offices now that the Republican redistricting map has passed, to why you should expect to hear a lot more about the Epstein files in September. And then there’s the “cocktail caucus” she helped form to bring the left and right together over a couple of cold ones.
There’s another billionaire who is getting active in American politics. But this is different. Daniel Lubetzky, the son of a holocaust survivor and founder of the company behind KIND Bars, started the Builders Movement with a goal to help voters learn how to think in politics, not what to think. And the key to it all is technology that counteracts algorithms and extremism in American politics. They’ve already found success in other states and it’s coming to Texas next. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Lubetzky shares a deeply personal story to explain why he's trying to get voters to adopt a “builder’s mindset.” GUESTS Daniel Lubetzky, Builders Movement Founder Tori Larned, Builders Movement Senior Communications Manager
In the August 17 episode, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett reveals the one thing that would get her to consider a U.S. Senate campaign. Abraham George, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, lays out why the party wants to also redistrict the Texas House. And state Representative John H. Bucy III explains the two reasons why Texas Democrats believe they won big in the redistricting battle. GUESTS U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, D-30th District Abraham George, Republican Party of Texas Chairman State Representative John H. Bucy III, D-District 136
In the August 10 episode, leading Texas Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. State Rep. Shelley Luther tells us why she thinks lawmakers who leave the state to stall legislative action should face even stiffer penalties. And U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California’s 3rd District, spells out why he’s trying to ban mid-decade redistricting. GUESTS State Representative Rafael Anchia, D-District 103 State Representative Ann Johnson, D-District 134 State Representative Chris Turner, D-District 101 State Representative Gene Wu, D-District 137 State Representative Shelley Luther, R-District 62 U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, R-California’s 3rd District
It’s been five days since Democrats left Texas to deny quorum in the Texas House and stall redistricting legislation. There has been a non-stop whirlwind of activity and developments since they left. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, leading Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. Puck political reporter Abby Livingston will tell you where the battle is headed next. And a California Republican spells out why he’s trying to ban mid-decade redistricting. Guests Abby Livingston, Puck Political Reporter U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-California’s 3rd District
Jennifer Kemp
great episode
Lori Best
Y'all are assholes. I refuse to listen to your podcast because I have seen your stupid "exhibitions" on TV and find you insufferable.
Mother of Color
I agreed, for the most part, with what Tracy Scott stated about BW's votes and political participation being taken for granted with little in return. If we were truly getting reciprocity for our votes, there wouldn't be such a high infant mortality rate, there wouldn't be such a prevalent school-to-prison Pipeline and double the punishments for black students boys and girls, black girls and women STILL being discriminated against for their hair and their skin tone on school campuses and in work environments, and there wouldn't be black women being targeted and shot most often and killed most often than any other group of women by male partners who are sometimes repeat offenders. I have always been a conscious voter but now as a mother of two daughters I paid special attention to politicians and their agendas and I vote for who suits us all rather than just a 'lesser evil.' Now more than ever, our lives depend on it.