Texas State Sen. Royce West on HUB Program Changes and Political Races

Restructuring of Texas HUB Program

• 🏛️ State Sen. Royce West expresses doubt that the acting comptroller can unilaterally end the state's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program.
• ⚖️ West emphasizes the separation of powers, stating the legislative branch makes laws, and the executive branch implements them, not decides their existence.
• 📜 The HUB program, established under Governor Bush, is described as a good faith program, not a quota system, aimed at reducing racism and ensuring opportunities for women and minorities.
• 📈 Prior to the HUB program, state contracts predominantly went to Anglo individuals; the program mandates good faith efforts to consider bids from women, Hispanics, African-Americans, and Asians.

Legal Challenges and Anti-DEI Sentiment

• ❓ West is investigating the legality of the acting comptroller's actions, particularly the use of emergency rules, and hopes legal action can be avoided.
• 🗣️ He clarifies that the HUB program is not a DEI initiative but a measure to combat racism and ensure equal opportunity in state contracting.
• ⏳ The senator notes that society is not yet colorblind and expresses concern about the potential adverse impact of anti-DEI measures on students of color.
• ⚖️ West also highlights issues with discrimination lawsuits in Texas, where lengthy appeals processes delay timely justice for plaintiffs.

Political Candidacies and District 30

• 🎤 Regarding Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett potentially running for US Senate, West states he is not interested in running for Congress himself, believing it's time for a new generation of leaders after his 32 years as a state senator.
• 🗳️ He acknowledges that Crockett's potential candidacy would open up her seat in District 30, with names being discussed as potential successors.
• 🗺️ The outcome of a redistricting lawsuit and the Supreme Court's decision on congressional maps are significant variables affecting the upcoming elections.