As Students Return, Democrats Walk Out: The State’s Work Must Go On

August 13, 2025

I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying
a positive start to the new school year. Megan and I are keeping all students,
teachers, staff, and parents in our prayers as we embark on another year of
learning and growth. Our own daughters are back in school, and like many
families across Texas, we wish every child success and encouragement throughout
the year ahead.

Unfortunately, while a new school year begins with hope and
excitement, Democrat members in the Texas House have chosen a different path,
one that ignores accountability and shirks their sworn responsibilities. Their
ongoing quorum break has stalled critical legislative work and delayed action
on priorities that affect every Texan. I want to provide you with an update on
this situation as the first called special session draws to a close. As of the
submission date of this editorial on Wednesday, August 13, this is where things
stand.

This week, 96 members were present in the House—4 short of
the 100-member quorum required by our Texas Constitution to conduct business.
With 88 Republicans in the Texas House, we need at least 12 Democrats to return
in order to pass the One Big Beautiful Map, flood and disaster relief
legislation, and the rest of our conservative agenda.

To address this, decisive actions have been taken to compel
their return. Civil arrest warrants were signed by Speaker Dustin Burrows on
August 4, the first day of the quorum break. Since then, Attorney General Ken
Paxton and Speaker Burrows have filed lawsuits in California, Illinois, and New
York to domesticate these warrants, allowing fleeing Democrats to be brought
back to Texas to fulfill their duties. Texas Department of Public Safety
troopers and Sergeant-at-Arms personnel are stationed outside the homes of
absentee members and are actively following up on credible tips. Anyone with
information can call the tip line at 866-786-5972.

Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton have also
petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to begin the process of vacating the seats
of absent members. We are awaiting opinions from the Court, and this judicial
effort continues as part of our commitment to restore order and accountability
to the House.

The consequences for refusing to show up are significant.
These members are accruing $500 daily fines, which must be paid from personal
funds and cannot be covered by taxpayer or campaign dollars. Additional penalties
have been implemented to compel attendance, including freezing the operating
budgets of their offices, which pay for staff, rent, and other essential
expenses, canceling taxpayer-funded mailings of newsletters, and requiring
members to pick up their paychecks in person rather than receiving direct
deposits. While the $600 monthly salary is constitutionally guaranteed, the
method of payment can be restricted to encourage compliance. House rules also
require these members to pay all costs associated with the search and
enforcement efforts so taxpayers are not burdened with the expense.

We are committed to using every tool available to bring
these members back to work. The One Big Beautiful Map will pass, along with our
other priorities, whether they like it or not. On Friday, August 15, the House
will gavel in at 10 a.m. to attempt to reach quorum again. If quorum is met, we
will proceed swiftly to accomplish our priorities before the end of this first
called special session. If not, we will adjourn sine die (the Latin phrase used
to signal the final adjournment of a legislative session) and Governor Abbott
will immediately call us back for the start of the second called special
session. This process, along with the daily fines, will continue until these
members return and acknowledge that the votes are in place to move Texas
forward.

As the school year begins, I also want to highlight
important education reforms passed during the regular legislative session that
concluded on June 2^nd. These measures create classrooms that are
safer, more focused, and grounded in values we share. This session included the
largest education funding increase in Texas history, an $8.5 billion investment
that provides record teacher pay raises and major reforms to improve student
outcomes, which I was proud to coauthor in House Bill 2.

Among these measures is House Bill 6, the “Teacher Bill
of Rights,” which I joint authored. This law strengthens teacher authority
to address disruptions and maintain discipline so that learning can take place.
Senate Bill 10 permits the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, while
Senate Bill 11allows districts to adopt policies for voluntary prayer and
reflection. I was proud to cosponsor both bills to protect faith expression and
restore moral foundations in our schools.

Senate Bill 12 bans Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
programs and instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in public
schools, keeping the focus on academic excellence. Senate Bill 13, which I
joint sponsored, expands parental access to school library materials, ensuring
transparency and involvement in their children’s education. House Bill 1481,
which I co-authored, bans student use of cell phones or personal electronic
devices during the school day. The bill leaves implementation details up to
each individual school district.

I also authored and passed House Bill 1458, which improves
school safety by addressing the shortage of authorized armed security officers
on our campuses. This law expands eligibility to serve as a school security
officer to include reserve peace officers who hold a permanent peace officer
license under state law. The bill had strong support from our district,
including Montgomery Independent School District Board Member Shawn Denison, a
law enforcement professional who testified in favor of the measure at the
Capitol.

Throughout the year, I will continue to pray for the safety
and success of our students and faculty. I am proud to stand with our teachers,
parents, and students as we work together to create a safe, successful, and
blessed school year.

May God bless you, your family, and the great state of
Texas.

Will Metcalf

State Representative, House District 16