So, this is interesting. Texas, the second most populous state in the union, leads the country in construction related deaths. Austin, probably the most liberal city in Texas (not really, but it likes to think so), has an ordinance that fast-tracks the permitting process in the city for builders who agree to pay workers "at least $13.50 an hour, follow certain safety standards and offer training and worker’s compensation insurance." No, that's not what is interesting.
Abbott put on the special session agenda the topic of streamlining the building permitting process in cities (hello, Austin!). One bill being proposed would block cities like Austin form having ordinances that "burden" contractors with these requirements and impose "wage control" by requiring a higher minimum wage for such jobs.
No, that's not interesting, either. What's interesting is that the special session is still, nationally and in the state, all about the "bathroom bill." (The Washington Post says that's the "highlight" of the session. Who will it invite to the post-session ball?) This bill, which would affect only construction workers, is of no interest to anyone. Because the safety and livelihood of construction workers is boring. A bathroom bill that will affect a handful of Texas schoolchildren, however (and it is a HEINOUS bill, and idea) is too titillating to ignore.
Because, you know, who cares about the life and death of construction workers, amirite?
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