Texas GOP Leadership Hinders State Holiday Proposal, Encourages Focus on Efficiency
In a move reflecting priorities on government efficiency over new holidays, Texas Republican leaders have impeded the progress of a proposed state holiday, “Celebration of Life Day,” meant to commemorate the reversal of Roe v. Wade. The proposal, which would honor the Supreme Court’s decision on June 24, 2022, has faced opposition primarily due to concerns about increasing state employees’ time off.
The proposed House Bill 911, introduced by Republican Rep. Briscoe Cain, aimed to establish June 24 as a state holiday in Texas, celebrating the pro-life values the state endorses. The bill sought to add this day to Texas’ existing list of state holidays, which includes dates like Confederate Heroes Day and Texas Independence Day.
The bill’s journey has been halted in the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency, led by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione. Capriglione has expressed a clear stance against the bill, stating it would lead to more paid leave, which he believes is not the right way to honor the Supreme Court’s decision. “State workers already receive 22 holidays, 12 vacation days, and 12 sick days each year. We should be focused on delivering better services, not more days off,” Capriglione stated in a social media post on April 25.
Capriglione’s leadership, which is modeled after the federal Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, emphasizes reducing waste and inefficiency, particularly within Medicaid and other state-funded programs. He insisted on maintaining a focus on productivity and fiscal responsibility rather than expanding holiday entitlements.
Supporters of the pro-life movement, like Kimberlyn Schwartz from Texas Right to Life, share the sentiment of supporting the bill’s purpose but argue that legislative energy should prioritize passing laws that actively prevent abortions. With only limited time remaining in the legislative session, Schwartz suggests focusing on bills like the Woman and Child Protection Act (SB 2880 and HB 5510) and the Stop Tax-Funded Abortion Travel Act (SB 33 and HB 1806), which directly combat abortion practices.
Alongside HB 911, the Texas DOGE committee is also reviewing House Bill 1047 spearheaded by Rep. Salman Bhojani, D-Euless. Bhojani’s proposal introduces the possibility of recognizing Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Hindu festival Diwali, and other religious observances as optional holidays for state employees. Bhojani, one of the first Muslims elected to the Texas Legislature, aims to address the needs of Texas’ diverse communities by presenting bills that accommodate linguistic and cultural inclusivity.
For more details, you can view the proposed bill here.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
