1 00:00:09,500 --> 00:00:11,259 A federal court ruled this week that 2 00:00:11,260 --> 00:00:12,919 a map passed by Texas Republicans 3 00:00:12,920 --> 00:00:14,819 cannot be used in next year's 4 00:00:14,820 --> 00:00:16,039 midterm elections. 5 00:00:16,040 --> 00:00:17,859 That map was set to eliminate one 6 00:00:17,860 --> 00:00:19,259 of Travis County's two 7 00:00:19,260 --> 00:00:21,139 Democratic-held seats. 8 00:00:21,140 --> 00:00:22,119 We're going to hear more from the 9 00:00:22,120 --> 00:00:23,619 Texas newsroom's capital reporter 10 00:00:23,620 --> 00:00:25,179 about the fallout following 11 00:00:25,180 --> 00:00:27,099 yesterday's ruling, and we'll hear 12 00:00:27,100 --> 00:00:28,739 from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who 13 00:00:28,740 --> 00:00:30,579 plans to run for re-election 14 00:00:30,580 --> 00:00:31,899 following that ruling from the 15 00:00:31,900 --> 00:00:33,899 federal court. Plus, some folks 16 00:00:33,900 --> 00:00:35,799 out there may be feeling property 17 00:00:35,800 --> 00:00:36,939 tax fatigue. 18 00:00:36,940 --> 00:00:38,459 Austin voters overwhelmingly 19 00:00:38,460 --> 00:00:40,399 rejected Proposition Q. 20 00:00:40,400 --> 00:00:41,999 Now, Travis County Commissioners are 21 00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:44,039 being sued for a tax increase. 22 00:00:44,040 --> 00:00:45,319 We've got that story. 23 00:00:45,320 --> 00:00:46,369 Stay tuned. 24 00:00:46,370 --> 00:00:48,249 The Austin Signal is a production 25 00:00:48,250 --> 00:00:50,349 of KUT News, hosted by 26 00:00:50,350 --> 00:00:51,359 Jerry Quijano. 27 00:00:51,360 --> 00:00:53,099 And rain chances are ramping up for 28 00:00:53,100 --> 00:00:55,119 the Austin area, pack your umbrella, 29 00:00:55,120 --> 00:00:57,079 join us, we've got more on 30 00:00:57,080 --> 00:00:58,080 Austin Signal. 31 00:01:08,710 --> 00:01:10,129 Howdy out there, thank you for 32 00:01:10,130 --> 00:01:12,249 joining us on Austin Signal. 33 00:01:12,250 --> 00:01:14,029 I'm your host, Jerry Kehannel. 34 00:01:14,030 --> 00:01:15,709 This is listener powered public 35 00:01:15,710 --> 00:01:18,649 radio, KUT News 90.5 36 00:01:18,650 --> 00:01:20,629 on the KUT app and online 37 00:01:20,630 --> 00:01:23,389 at KUT.org. 38 00:01:23,390 --> 00:01:25,309 Wednesday, November 19th, thank 39 00:01:25,310 --> 00:01:27,869 you making us a part of your day. 40 00:01:27,870 --> 00:01:29,329 A quick couple of headlines before 41 00:01:29,330 --> 00:01:30,849 today's show. 42 00:01:30,850 --> 00:01:32,369 Austin City Council members are 43 00:01:32,370 --> 00:01:34,069 working to finalize a city budget 44 00:01:34,070 --> 00:01:35,929 and they have to find ways to 45 00:01:35,930 --> 00:01:37,809 cut. After voters resoundingly 46 00:01:37,810 --> 00:01:39,169 rejected a proposed tax rate 47 00:01:39,170 --> 00:01:40,509 increase that would have generated 48 00:01:40,510 --> 00:01:42,889 more than $100 million. 49 00:01:42,890 --> 00:01:44,609 At a meeting yesterday, city council 50 00:01:44,610 --> 00:01:46,149 members shared some of their funding 51 00:01:46,150 --> 00:01:47,149 priorities. 52 00:01:47,150 --> 00:01:48,889 Those include emergency medical 53 00:01:48,890 --> 00:01:50,669 services, shelter for people 54 00:01:50,670 --> 00:01:52,809 experiencing homelessness, and 55 00:01:52,810 --> 00:01:54,329 wildfire mitigation. 56 00:01:54,330 --> 00:01:56,189 The city council is set to adopt a 57 00:01:56,190 --> 00:01:58,009 new budget by the end of this 58 00:01:58,010 --> 00:01:58,879 week. 59 00:01:58,880 --> 00:02:00,379 And much of central Texas will be 60 00:02:00,380 --> 00:02:01,739 under a flood watch from late 61 00:02:01,740 --> 00:02:03,619 tonight through early Friday morning 62 00:02:03,620 --> 00:02:05,459 that includes Burnett, Comal, 63 00:02:05,460 --> 00:02:07,379 Hayes, Kerr, Travis, and Williamson 64 00:02:07,380 --> 00:02:08,299 counties. 65 00:02:08,300 --> 00:02:09,579 The National Weather Service says 66 00:02:09,580 --> 00:02:11,479 locally heavy rainfall could lead to 67 00:02:11,480 --> 00:02:12,739 some flash flooding. 68 00:02:12,740 --> 00:02:14,459 We could see one to three inches of 69 00:02:14,460 --> 00:02:15,819 rain with some isolated spots 70 00:02:15,820 --> 00:02:17,879 getting up to six inches. 71 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:19,299 We're gonna have more about the 72 00:02:19,300 --> 00:02:20,819 forecast coming up in the show. 73 00:02:20,820 --> 00:02:22,299 And as always, you can keep up with 74 00:02:22,300 --> 00:02:25,639 the latest news over at KUT.org 75 00:02:25,640 --> 00:02:27,919 and on the KUT 76 00:02:27,920 --> 00:02:28,920 app. 77 00:02:29,390 --> 00:02:31,189 A three-judge panel placed a 78 00:02:31,190 --> 00:02:32,609 temporary block Tuesday on the 79 00:02:32,610 --> 00:02:33,969 congressional map that Texas 80 00:02:33,970 --> 00:02:35,909 Republican lawmakers passed over the 81 00:02:35,910 --> 00:02:37,829 summer. That map passed at 82 00:02:37,830 --> 00:02:39,369 the behest of President Trump was 83 00:02:39,370 --> 00:02:41,369 ruled by the panel to 84 00:02:41,370 --> 00:02:43,429 be racially 85 00:02:43,430 --> 00:02:45,669 gerrymandering, excuse me. 86 00:02:45,670 --> 00:02:46,869 The Texas newsroom's capital 87 00:02:46,870 --> 00:02:48,309 reporter Blaise Ganey is joining us 88 00:02:48,310 --> 00:02:50,249 on the phone now to tell us more. 89 00:02:50,250 --> 00:02:51,389 Howdy, Blaise. 90 00:02:51,390 --> 00:02:52,379 Hey, how's it going? 91 00:02:52,380 --> 00:02:53,279 It's going okay. 92 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:54,739 Glad you're here with us. 93 00:02:54,740 --> 00:02:56,459 So, this ruling came down yesterday 94 00:02:56,460 --> 00:02:57,599 right about now. 95 00:02:57,600 --> 00:02:59,439 First, can you give us a little 96 00:02:59,440 --> 00:03:00,739 bit more about the reasoning? 97 00:03:00,740 --> 00:03:02,339 What reasoning did the three-judge 98 00:03:02,340 --> 00:03:04,419 panel give for blocking the map? 99 00:03:04,420 --> 00:03:05,759 Yeah, I mean, they essentially just 100 00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:07,359 adopted what the plaintiffs were 101 00:03:07,360 --> 00:03:09,079 saying in this case, which was that 102 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:11,219 these this map was drawn with 103 00:03:11,220 --> 00:03:12,999 racial bias and it was racially 104 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:14,219 discriminatory. 105 00:03:14,220 --> 00:03:16,399 They pointed out actual 106 00:03:16,400 --> 00:03:18,559 portions of the map where they 107 00:03:18,560 --> 00:03:20,679 noticed, you know, democratic 108 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:22,599 areas were targeted, specifically 109 00:03:22,600 --> 00:03:24,939 dominated by African Americans 110 00:03:24,940 --> 00:03:27,139 and Latinos, 111 00:03:27,140 --> 00:03:29,239 Hispanics, In that 112 00:03:29,240 --> 00:03:31,279 they did not Republicans did 113 00:03:31,280 --> 00:03:33,759 not target the Democratic areas 114 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:36,279 that were dominated by white 115 00:03:36,280 --> 00:03:37,280 individuals. 116 00:03:38,150 --> 00:03:40,029 So like I said, this ruling has been 117 00:03:40,030 --> 00:03:41,809 about 24 hours since this ruling was 118 00:03:41,810 --> 00:03:43,729 issued. What has been the general 119 00:03:43,730 --> 00:03:44,849 reaction to the news? 120 00:03:44,850 --> 00:03:46,549 Were people here in Texas expecting 121 00:03:46,550 --> 00:03:47,979 this decision? 122 00:03:47,980 --> 00:03:49,619 No, I think this actually shocked a 123 00:03:49,620 --> 00:03:51,799 lot of people. I think most people, 124 00:03:51,800 --> 00:03:53,979 and I say that because most people 125 00:03:53,980 --> 00:03:55,799 told the state that they did not 126 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:58,179 want them to redraw the 127 00:03:58,180 --> 00:03:59,180 congressional districts. 128 00:04:00,600 --> 00:04:02,439 So, you know, about 98% I 129 00:04:02,440 --> 00:04:04,439 believe told of 130 00:04:04,440 --> 00:04:06,239 those who did said they didn't want 131 00:04:06,240 --> 00:04:07,179 them to redrew all the districts. 132 00:04:07,180 --> 00:04:09,139 So I think a lot Texas are happy, 133 00:04:09,140 --> 00:04:11,619 a little surprised, but also now 134 00:04:11,620 --> 00:04:13,239 that it has been appealed, I think 135 00:04:13,240 --> 00:04:14,719 people are sort of holding their 136 00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:16,819 breath with what may be 137 00:04:16,820 --> 00:04:17,699 next to come. 138 00:04:17,700 --> 00:04:19,259 Yeah, you mentioned that appeal that 139 00:04:19,260 --> 00:04:21,159 came from Texas Republicans. 140 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:22,379 How did they respond? 141 00:04:22,380 --> 00:04:23,479 Can you tell us more about that 142 00:04:23,480 --> 00:04:24,289 appeal? 143 00:04:24,290 --> 00:04:25,589 Yeah, I mean, they essentially just 144 00:04:25,590 --> 00:04:27,389 said that, you know, the ruling is 145 00:04:27,390 --> 00:04:29,029 wrong and that they want the Supreme 146 00:04:29,030 --> 00:04:30,589 Court to reverse the ruling and 147 00:04:30,590 --> 00:04:32,589 allow them to use the 148 00:04:32,590 --> 00:04:34,469 new map, the 2025 149 00:04:34,470 --> 00:04:36,629 map instead of the old 150 00:04:36,630 --> 00:04:38,629 2021 map that 151 00:04:38,630 --> 00:04:40,169 we've used in the past two 152 00:04:40,170 --> 00:04:41,170 elections. 153 00:04:42,110 --> 00:04:44,069 And this is a temporary 154 00:04:44,070 --> 00:04:46,329 block that was issued by this 155 00:04:46,330 --> 00:04:47,769 three judge panel. 156 00:04:47,770 --> 00:04:49,309 And as you mentioned, there has 157 00:04:49,310 --> 00:04:50,709 already been an appeal. 158 00:04:50,710 --> 00:04:52,709 How soon might we expect some 159 00:04:52,710 --> 00:04:54,769 movements on that appeal? 160 00:04:54,770 --> 00:04:56,529 Well, you know, that's, I think, 161 00:04:56,530 --> 00:04:57,769 what a lot of people are wondering. 162 00:04:58,810 --> 00:05:00,769 Um, December 8th is the deadline to 163 00:05:00,770 --> 00:05:02,649 file. The court obviously 164 00:05:02,650 --> 00:05:04,569 has enough power to move that 165 00:05:04,570 --> 00:05:06,529 deadline back, but the hope is 166 00:05:06,530 --> 00:05:08,269 that they can get something out as 167 00:05:08,270 --> 00:05:09,709 quick as possible. 168 00:05:09,710 --> 00:05:11,549 Um, so that, you, 169 00:05:11,550 --> 00:05:13,349 know, candidates can make their 170 00:05:13,350 --> 00:05:14,789 filings and whatnot, and choose 171 00:05:14,790 --> 00:05:16,969 which district they will run in, uh, 172 00:05:16,970 --> 00:05:18,969 as you know Al 173 00:05:18,970 --> 00:05:20,849 Green was, you know going 174 00:05:20,850 --> 00:05:22,569 to run into the 18th district on the 175 00:05:22,570 --> 00:05:23,589 new map hill. 176 00:05:23,590 --> 00:05:25,289 Go back to running in the ninth. 177 00:05:25,290 --> 00:05:27,409 But if a Supreme Court decision 178 00:05:27,410 --> 00:05:29,389 comes down allowing the 179 00:05:29,390 --> 00:05:31,429 2025 map, he'll be returning and 180 00:05:31,430 --> 00:05:33,189 running back in the 18th district. 181 00:05:34,770 --> 00:05:36,669 So a lot of things are up in the 182 00:05:36,670 --> 00:05:37,289 air right now. 183 00:05:37,290 --> 00:05:39,429 Yeah, you mentioned Al Green. 184 00:05:39,430 --> 00:05:40,849 Here in Austin, here in the Austin 185 00:05:40,850 --> 00:05:42,689 area, the new map was set to 186 00:05:42,690 --> 00:05:44,009 have an impact. 187 00:05:44,010 --> 00:05:46,329 We're gonna lose one, or two 188 00:05:46,330 --> 00:05:48,589 congressional Democratic-held 189 00:05:48,590 --> 00:05:50,049 seats right now. That was gonna be 190 00:05:50,050 --> 00:05:51,889 going back to one, correct? 191 00:05:51,890 --> 00:05:52,929 That's correct, yeah. 192 00:05:52,930 --> 00:05:54,789 So you had Greg Kazar, 193 00:05:54,790 --> 00:05:56,649 a congressman, and also Lloyd 194 00:05:56,650 --> 00:05:58,789 Doggett, and Kazar 195 00:05:58,790 --> 00:06:00,829 was actually gonna, and I 196 00:06:00,830 --> 00:06:02,129 may be pronouncing that wrong, but 197 00:06:02,130 --> 00:06:04,349 Kazar is gonna continue to 198 00:06:04,350 --> 00:06:06,249 take over the 199 00:06:06,250 --> 00:06:07,589 district, the one district, and 200 00:06:07,590 --> 00:06:09,869 Lloyd Doggott was gonna retire 201 00:06:09,870 --> 00:06:11,209 yesterday after the ruling. 202 00:06:11,210 --> 00:06:13,189 He announced that he will actually, 203 00:06:13,190 --> 00:06:15,189 he's been revived essentially, 204 00:06:15,190 --> 00:06:17,049 and will come back and 205 00:06:17,050 --> 00:06:18,969 run in his district Um, 206 00:06:18,970 --> 00:06:20,969 since you know, the district remains 207 00:06:20,970 --> 00:06:21,839 for now. 208 00:06:21,840 --> 00:06:23,179 Yeah, for now. 209 00:06:23,180 --> 00:06:24,579 You mentioned that December 8th 210 00:06:24,580 --> 00:06:26,359 deadline. Is that kind of the next 211 00:06:26,360 --> 00:06:28,199 step? What are we expecting next 212 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:29,829 in this continuing battle? 213 00:06:29,830 --> 00:06:32,029 Yeah, we're sort of just waiting 214 00:06:32,030 --> 00:06:33,869 once again for a 215 00:06:33,870 --> 00:06:35,809 ruling now from the United States 216 00:06:35,810 --> 00:06:36,889 Supreme Court, Supreme Court of the 217 00:06:36,890 --> 00:06:39,269 United states to either 218 00:06:39,270 --> 00:06:41,109 say yes, the court can go 219 00:06:41,110 --> 00:06:43,469 ahead and stay the map and we 220 00:06:43,470 --> 00:06:45,909 move forward with the old map or 221 00:06:45,910 --> 00:06:47,889 to say no, the courts got it 222 00:06:47,890 --> 00:06:49,809 all wrong and this is 223 00:06:49,810 --> 00:06:51,489 partisan gerrymandering, which is 224 00:06:51,490 --> 00:06:53,349 legal and they can 225 00:06:53,350 --> 00:06:55,549 go ahead and use the 2025 226 00:06:55,550 --> 00:06:56,489 map. 227 00:06:56,490 --> 00:06:57,959 That'll be the next ruling. 228 00:06:57,960 --> 00:06:59,519 Alright, that is Blaise Ganey, he is 229 00:06:59,520 --> 00:07:01,139 the Capital Reporter for the Texas 230 00:07:01,140 --> 00:07:01,999 Newsroom. 231 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:03,359 You can find his reporting at 232 00:07:03,360 --> 00:07:04,819 KUT.org. 233 00:07:04,820 --> 00:07:05,939 Blaise, thank you. 234 00:07:05,940 --> 00:07:06,940 Thanks for having me. 235 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:12,699 And Blaise mentioned longtime 236 00:07:12,700 --> 00:07:14,039 Democratic Congressman Lloyd 237 00:07:14,040 --> 00:07:14,839 Doggett. 238 00:07:14,840 --> 00:07:16,239 We reached out to the Austin 239 00:07:16,240 --> 00:07:18,199 representative yesterday after he'd 240 00:07:18,200 --> 00:07:20,619 had some time to process the ruling. 241 00:07:20,620 --> 00:07:22,079 Here's some of his reaction to the 242 00:07:22,080 --> 00:07:23,249 news. 243 00:07:23,250 --> 00:07:24,889 Well, I'm really encouraged by it. 244 00:07:24,890 --> 00:07:26,909 This is really good news for Austin 245 00:07:26,910 --> 00:07:28,889 and especially the university 246 00:07:28,890 --> 00:07:29,849 community. 247 00:07:29,850 --> 00:07:31,889 Uh, what a incredible 248 00:07:31,890 --> 00:07:34,029 map, uh, the Trump 249 00:07:34,030 --> 00:07:36,309 Abbott combinations that connected 250 00:07:36,310 --> 00:07:38,229 the downtown area 251 00:07:38,230 --> 00:07:40,109 of Austin, uh city 252 00:07:40,110 --> 00:07:42,009 hall and the courthouse, not 253 00:07:42,010 --> 00:07:43,569 with the university of Texas campus 254 00:07:43,570 --> 00:07:45,689 a few blocks away, but with Texas 255 00:07:45,690 --> 00:07:48,129 A&M that denied, uh 256 00:07:48,130 --> 00:07:50,509 probably to half of our delegation 257 00:07:50,510 --> 00:07:52,669 of African American members. 258 00:07:52,670 --> 00:07:54,629 Representation here in Congress 259 00:07:54,630 --> 00:07:56,789 and would 260 00:07:56,790 --> 00:07:58,709 have people in Travis County, 261 00:07:58,710 --> 00:08:00,249 some of them represented from San 262 00:08:00,250 --> 00:08:02,369 Angelo, from Victoria and 263 00:08:02,370 --> 00:08:04,429 Waco, but without 264 00:08:04,430 --> 00:08:06,549 two representatives, 265 00:08:06,550 --> 00:08:08,169 myself and Congressman Casar, that 266 00:08:08,170 --> 00:08:09,509 we have today. 267 00:08:09,510 --> 00:08:11,569 Now I'll be able to run in 268 00:08:11,570 --> 00:08:13,749 my district, he and his. 269 00:08:13,750 --> 00:08:15,649 We hope this decision holds and 270 00:08:15,650 --> 00:08:17,729 that we have that opportunity. 271 00:08:17,730 --> 00:08:19,649 Austin will certainly be the better 272 00:08:19,650 --> 00:08:21,449 if both of us are able to serve and 273 00:08:21,450 --> 00:08:22,869 work together here. 274 00:08:22,870 --> 00:08:24,789 In your announcement on 275 00:08:24,790 --> 00:08:26,629 Tuesday, you invoked Mark Twain 276 00:08:26,630 --> 00:08:28,509 saying reports of your death 277 00:08:28,510 --> 00:08:30,949 have been greatly exaggerated. 278 00:08:30,950 --> 00:08:32,709 It made me think a little bit about 279 00:08:32,710 --> 00:08:34,349 George Bailey as well and It's a 280 00:08:34,350 --> 00:08:36,609 Wonderful Life. He gets this 281 00:08:36,610 --> 00:08:38,129 chance to see what life would have 282 00:08:38,130 --> 00:08:39,769 been like without him and how things 283 00:08:39,770 --> 00:08:40,908 would change. 284 00:08:40,909 --> 00:08:42,908 How excited are you at the 285 00:08:42,909 --> 00:08:45,189 prospect of getting back to work for 286 00:08:45,190 --> 00:08:46,889 the people of and for the people who 287 00:08:46,890 --> 00:08:47,890 you represent. 288 00:08:48,590 --> 00:08:50,029 Well, I really never stopped 289 00:08:50,030 --> 00:08:51,729 working. I was at four or five 290 00:08:51,730 --> 00:08:53,549 events this past weekend in 291 00:08:53,550 --> 00:08:55,529 Austin. I like being out 292 00:08:55,530 --> 00:08:56,869 and visiting with people in 293 00:08:56,870 --> 00:08:58,709 different neighborhoods and 294 00:08:58,710 --> 00:09:00,529 learning about the latest 295 00:09:00,530 --> 00:09:03,109 developments in my hometown 296 00:09:03,110 --> 00:09:04,949 and finding ways that I can be 297 00:09:04,950 --> 00:09:05,729 helpful. 298 00:09:05,730 --> 00:09:07,769 But yes, I'm excited about the 299 00:09:07,770 --> 00:09:10,049 prospect of applying 300 00:09:10,050 --> 00:09:12,069 for a job to represent Central 301 00:09:12,070 --> 00:09:14,189 Texas for one more term. 302 00:09:14,190 --> 00:09:16,089 And that's really what this 303 00:09:16,090 --> 00:09:17,949 is all about. It's a job application 304 00:09:17,950 --> 00:09:20,089 where. The voters get to evaluate 305 00:09:20,090 --> 00:09:21,949 my performance and decide 306 00:09:21,950 --> 00:09:23,249 whether they want to keep me for 307 00:09:23,250 --> 00:09:24,989 another two years doing the kind of 308 00:09:24,990 --> 00:09:26,609 work I've done in the past. 309 00:09:26,610 --> 00:09:28,169 This redistricting battle obviously 310 00:09:28,170 --> 00:09:29,869 started here in Texas, but it's lit 311 00:09:29,870 --> 00:09:31,229 a fire that has spread across the 312 00:09:31,230 --> 00:09:33,329 country, both in state legislatures 313 00:09:33,330 --> 00:09:34,949 and in city streets across the 314 00:09:34,950 --> 00:09:36,489 county. What have you seen from 315 00:09:36,490 --> 00:09:38,929 Texans and Americans responding to 316 00:09:38,930 --> 00:09:40,769 this attempt to redistrict a 317 00:09:40,770 --> 00:09:42,149 lot of their congressional districts 318 00:09:42,150 --> 00:09:43,530 without their voice or approval? 319 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:46,019 Well, you know, I've been involved 320 00:09:46,020 --> 00:09:48,199 in just about every major rally 321 00:09:48,200 --> 00:09:50,259 and protest we've had in 322 00:09:50,260 --> 00:09:52,199 Austin since the beginning 323 00:09:52,200 --> 00:09:53,739 of the year, and I'm really 324 00:09:53,740 --> 00:09:55,219 encouraged that our events have 325 00:09:55,220 --> 00:09:56,939 grown. When people ask me about 326 00:09:56,940 --> 00:09:58,779 hope, the hope is shown in 327 00:09:58,780 --> 00:09:59,939 the number of people that are 328 00:09:59,940 --> 00:10:01,879 standing up and saying that they're 329 00:10:01,880 --> 00:10:03,759 going to push back against 330 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:06,019 Trump's attempts to become really 331 00:10:06,020 --> 00:10:08,039 a total dictator with no restraint. 332 00:10:09,080 --> 00:10:10,919 And so I 333 00:10:10,920 --> 00:10:12,959 remain hopeful that we will continue 334 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:15,109 to progress in that direction. 335 00:10:15,110 --> 00:10:17,009 And I think none of us, 336 00:10:17,010 --> 00:10:18,909 certainly not me, thought that 337 00:10:18,910 --> 00:10:20,489 at the beginning of this year, or 338 00:10:20,490 --> 00:10:23,189 even as late as early July, 339 00:10:23,190 --> 00:10:25,949 that Trump would use this tactic of 340 00:10:25,950 --> 00:10:27,969 trying to redraw the lines in 341 00:10:27,970 --> 00:10:30,369 order to control the House in 342 00:10:30,370 --> 00:10:31,449 the midterm elections. 343 00:10:31,450 --> 00:10:33,569 But that's exactly what he's done. 344 00:10:33,570 --> 00:10:35,429 And now it's backfiring on him 345 00:10:35,430 --> 00:10:37,429 with a decision that a 346 00:10:37,430 --> 00:10:39,749 Trump appointee as a federal judge 347 00:10:39,750 --> 00:10:42,009 in a 160 page opinion 348 00:10:42,010 --> 00:10:43,779 condemned the effort. 349 00:10:43,780 --> 00:10:45,659 Not as a partisan effort, 350 00:10:45,660 --> 00:10:47,599 but as a racial effort to 351 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:49,619 discriminate against people 352 00:10:49,620 --> 00:10:51,519 of color and reduce 353 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:53,979 their representation in Congress. 354 00:10:53,980 --> 00:10:55,659 I'm concerned about how this has 355 00:10:55,660 --> 00:10:56,819 spread to other states. 356 00:10:56,820 --> 00:10:58,999 My good friend, Emanuel Cleaver, 357 00:10:59,000 --> 00:11:01,019 an African American who is the mayor 358 00:11:01,020 --> 00:11:03,039 of Kansas City, a very successful 359 00:11:03,040 --> 00:11:04,979 one, he's had this happen to him 360 00:11:04,980 --> 00:11:06,179 where they've come in and split 361 00:11:06,180 --> 00:11:08,399 Kansas City in three ways in 362 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:10,439 order to try to eliminate 363 00:11:10,440 --> 00:11:11,759 him from Congress. 364 00:11:11,760 --> 00:11:13,459 Much the same thing has happened in 365 00:11:13,460 --> 00:11:15,819 North Carolina, and in Ohio, 366 00:11:15,820 --> 00:11:18,799 there's also been gerrymandering. 367 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:20,499 So I think it's important that 368 00:11:20,500 --> 00:11:22,159 California tried to balance this 369 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:24,119 out. But the real balance that would 370 00:11:24,120 --> 00:11:25,959 benefit every state and 371 00:11:25,960 --> 00:11:28,899 every voter is if we had nonpartisan 372 00:11:28,900 --> 00:11:30,219 redistricting. 373 00:11:30,220 --> 00:11:31,999 It just can't be in a few states 374 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:33,779 that are democratic controlled. 375 00:11:33,780 --> 00:11:35,939 It needs to be nationwide. 376 00:11:35,940 --> 00:11:38,139 We had a proposal to do that 377 00:11:38,140 --> 00:11:40,749 when Speaker Pelosi was our speaker. 378 00:11:40,750 --> 00:11:42,969 We couldn't get it passed in 379 00:11:42,970 --> 00:11:45,049 the Senate, but I hope that 380 00:11:45,050 --> 00:11:47,009 this experience will 381 00:11:47,010 --> 00:11:49,189 lead more people of all political 382 00:11:49,190 --> 00:11:51,389 persuasions to realize 383 00:11:51,390 --> 00:11:53,229 that the best representation 384 00:11:53,230 --> 00:11:55,329 is that which is organized around 385 00:11:55,330 --> 00:11:57,169 communities of interest so 386 00:11:57,170 --> 00:11:59,109 that people don't have to go to San 387 00:11:59,110 --> 00:12:01,109 Angelo if they live in 388 00:12:01,110 --> 00:12:03,529 Austin in order to get help. 389 00:12:03,530 --> 00:12:05,549 We need our representatives to be 390 00:12:05,550 --> 00:12:07,389 accessible and thereby to be 391 00:12:07,390 --> 00:12:08,509 accountable. 392 00:12:08,510 --> 00:12:09,789 We've been hearing a lot about the 393 00:12:09,790 --> 00:12:11,209 federal government shutdown over the 394 00:12:11,210 --> 00:12:12,769 last two months now that has ended 395 00:12:12,770 --> 00:12:14,669 and we saw some election results 396 00:12:14,670 --> 00:12:16,609 from other states around 397 00:12:16,610 --> 00:12:17,649 the country. 398 00:12:17,650 --> 00:12:19,409 What is your message to voters in 399 00:12:19,410 --> 00:12:21,189 Texas and across the U.S. 400 00:12:21,190 --> 00:12:23,189 Generally as we start 401 00:12:23,190 --> 00:12:25,229 to ramp up ahead of next year's 402 00:12:25,230 --> 00:12:26,609 midterm elections. 403 00:12:26,610 --> 00:12:28,729 We need to be sure that 404 00:12:28,730 --> 00:12:30,609 everyone is involved, taking a 405 00:12:30,610 --> 00:12:32,289 part, doing more than just voting, 406 00:12:32,290 --> 00:12:33,889 but getting others to vote. 407 00:12:33,890 --> 00:12:36,229 That's the way to respond to 408 00:12:36,230 --> 00:12:38,149 the tyrannical policies 409 00:12:38,150 --> 00:12:39,849 of the Trump administration. 410 00:12:39,850 --> 00:12:41,789 The result of this is 411 00:12:41,790 --> 00:12:43,829 sometimes viewed as just an inside 412 00:12:43,830 --> 00:12:46,689 game with politicians 413 00:12:46,690 --> 00:12:48,669 fighting over what turf they might 414 00:12:48,670 --> 00:12:50,709 be representing, but what's 415 00:12:50,710 --> 00:12:53,129 really at stake in redistricting 416 00:12:53,130 --> 00:12:55,029 and what's really at stake as we 417 00:12:55,030 --> 00:12:56,059 go forward. 418 00:12:56,060 --> 00:12:57,919 Is healthcare, which we fought this 419 00:12:57,920 --> 00:12:59,819 battle unsuccessfully during 420 00:12:59,820 --> 00:13:01,539 the shutdown to try to assure that 421 00:13:01,540 --> 00:13:03,459 premiums did not soar and 422 00:13:03,460 --> 00:13:05,779 people did not access to physicians. 423 00:13:05,780 --> 00:13:07,439 It's women's healthcare and the 424 00:13:07,440 --> 00:13:09,579 terrible decision to limit the 425 00:13:09,580 --> 00:13:11,539 reproductive choice available 426 00:13:11,540 --> 00:13:12,799 to women. 427 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:14,879 It's about the climate crisis and 428 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:17,079 how we will respond to 429 00:13:17,080 --> 00:13:18,499 an ever-growing crisis. 430 00:13:18,500 --> 00:13:20,539 It's about where we stand in 431 00:13:20,540 --> 00:13:22,539 terms of a wide range of pocketbook 432 00:13:22,540 --> 00:13:24,659 issues that affect 433 00:13:24,660 --> 00:13:26,499 the opportunity for 434 00:13:26,500 --> 00:13:28,079 students to get all the education 435 00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:30,119 they want and then to have good job 436 00:13:30,120 --> 00:13:31,439 opportunities. 437 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:33,199 And it's certainly about where we 438 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:35,079 stand in the world and whether we 439 00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:36,899 will foolishly 440 00:13:36,900 --> 00:13:38,919 engage in a conflict in 441 00:13:38,920 --> 00:13:40,839 Venezuela and fail at 442 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:43,159 the same time to provide protection 443 00:13:43,160 --> 00:13:45,119 for Ukraine against a war 444 00:13:45,120 --> 00:13:45,959 criminal. 445 00:13:45,960 --> 00:13:48,119 And so there's so much on this valid 446 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:50,179 redistricting is just the way that 447 00:13:50,180 --> 00:13:52,099 Trump can block and achieve his 448 00:13:52,100 --> 00:13:54,449 objectives and engagement. 449 00:13:54,450 --> 00:13:56,469 Now in preparation for 450 00:13:56,470 --> 00:13:58,509 next year is how we should be 451 00:13:58,510 --> 00:13:59,649 responding. 452 00:13:59,650 --> 00:14:00,929 Okay, we have been speaking with 453 00:14:00,930 --> 00:14:02,189 long-time Austin Democratic 454 00:14:02,190 --> 00:14:03,529 Congressman Lloyd Doggett. 455 00:14:03,530 --> 00:14:05,109 He intends to run for re-election 456 00:14:05,110 --> 00:14:07,029 after a federal court blocked 457 00:14:07,030 --> 00:14:08,689 Texas from using its newly drawn 458 00:14:08,690 --> 00:14:10,489 congressional map in next year's 459 00:14:10,490 --> 00:14:11,789 midterm elections. 460 00:14:11,790 --> 00:14:13,579 Congressman, thank you for your time. 461 00:14:13,580 --> 00:14:14,599 Jerry, thanks a lot. 462 00:14:14,600 --> 00:14:15,339 See you at home. 463 00:14:15,340 --> 00:14:17,319 And yesterday was a busy news day, 464 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:18,699 you can catch up on anything you 465 00:14:18,700 --> 00:14:21,899 might have missed over at KUT.org. 466 00:14:21,900 --> 00:14:23,739 This is Austin Signal, 467 00:14:23,740 --> 00:14:25,219 we'll be back in just a moment. 468 00:14:27,180 --> 00:14:29,079 Welcome back, this is Austin 469 00:14:29,080 --> 00:14:30,979 signal on KUT 470 00:14:30,980 --> 00:14:31,779 News. 471 00:14:31,780 --> 00:14:33,799 Some folks in the Austin area may 472 00:14:33,800 --> 00:14:35,719 be feeling some property tax 473 00:14:35,720 --> 00:14:37,579 fatigue, perhaps you are one 474 00:14:37,580 --> 00:14:38,459 of them. 475 00:14:38,460 --> 00:14:39,719 Earlier this month, voters 476 00:14:39,720 --> 00:14:41,899 overwhelmingly rejected Proposition 477 00:14:41,900 --> 00:14:43,959 Q, a City of Austin tax 478 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:45,189 rate increase. 479 00:14:45,190 --> 00:14:47,049 And now, Travis County commissioners 480 00:14:47,050 --> 00:14:49,249 are being sued over a 9% 481 00:14:49,250 --> 00:14:51,209 property tax rate hike that they 482 00:14:51,210 --> 00:14:53,429 approved back in September. 483 00:14:53,430 --> 00:14:55,489 KUT's Katy McAfee has the details 484 00:14:55,490 --> 00:14:57,609 on why Travis County raised taxes 485 00:14:57,610 --> 00:14:59,709 and what the lawsuit asks 486 00:14:59,710 --> 00:15:00,449 for. 487 00:15:00,450 --> 00:15:02,029 For this story, we need to go back 488 00:15:02,030 --> 00:15:03,369 in time to July. 489 00:15:03,370 --> 00:15:04,969 It was going to take weeks to repair 490 00:15:04,970 --> 00:15:06,189 all of the damage from this 491 00:15:06,190 --> 00:15:07,529 weekend's deadly flooding. 492 00:15:07,530 --> 00:15:08,949 A powerful storm swept through 493 00:15:08,950 --> 00:15:10,709 central Texas and flooded the Sandy 494 00:15:10,710 --> 00:15:12,129 Creek neighborhood in northwest 495 00:15:12,130 --> 00:15:13,389 Travis County. 496 00:15:13,390 --> 00:15:15,429 Nearly 200 homes were damaged. 497 00:15:15,430 --> 00:15:16,829 Multiple bridges were knocked off 498 00:15:16,830 --> 00:15:18,929 their foundation and piles and 499 00:15:18,930 --> 00:15:20,929 piles of debris amassed in the 500 00:15:20,930 --> 00:15:21,929 area. 501 00:15:21,930 --> 00:15:23,729 The storm was expensive for the 502 00:15:23,730 --> 00:15:25,649 county. So far, officials have 503 00:15:25,650 --> 00:15:27,509 spent over $21 million on 504 00:15:27,510 --> 00:15:29,519 cleanup and emergency assistance. 505 00:15:29,520 --> 00:15:31,319 And officials say more costs could 506 00:15:31,320 --> 00:15:32,779 still be accrued. 507 00:15:32,780 --> 00:15:34,739 But lucky for Travis County, both 508 00:15:34,740 --> 00:15:36,259 the governor and the president 509 00:15:36,260 --> 00:15:38,239 issued emergency declarations for 510 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:39,779 the area after the flood. 511 00:15:39,780 --> 00:15:41,059 That allowed the county to take 512 00:15:41,060 --> 00:15:42,979 advantage of a section of Texas 513 00:15:42,980 --> 00:15:44,139 tax code. 514 00:15:44,140 --> 00:15:45,459 It lets local governments raise 515 00:15:45,460 --> 00:15:47,279 property taxes by higher than normal 516 00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:49,099 without voter approval. 517 00:15:49,100 --> 00:15:50,539 Typically, they can't raise taxes 518 00:15:50,540 --> 00:15:52,459 more than 3.5% without 519 00:15:52,460 --> 00:15:54,039 going to voters. 520 00:15:54,040 --> 00:15:55,439 Travis County commissioners approved 521 00:15:55,440 --> 00:15:57,359 the 9% property tax increase in 522 00:15:57,360 --> 00:15:59,369 September. It will cost the average 523 00:15:59,370 --> 00:16:00,989 homeowner, someone with the home 524 00:16:00,990 --> 00:16:03,589 valued around $500,000, 525 00:16:03,590 --> 00:16:05,449 an additional $200 on their 526 00:16:05,450 --> 00:16:07,109 property tax bill compared to last 527 00:16:07,110 --> 00:16:08,089 year. 528 00:16:08,090 --> 00:16:09,309 Commissioners estimate it will 529 00:16:09,310 --> 00:16:11,549 generate $42 million, 530 00:16:11,550 --> 00:16:13,769 enough to pay for flood repairs and 531 00:16:13,770 --> 00:16:15,409 prepare the county for future 532 00:16:15,410 --> 00:16:16,889 disasters. 533 00:16:16,890 --> 00:16:18,549 The county never laid out exactly 534 00:16:18,550 --> 00:16:20,829 how this extra money would be spent, 535 00:16:20,830 --> 00:16:22,269 but commissioners have thrown out 536 00:16:22,270 --> 00:16:23,329 some ideas. 537 00:16:23,330 --> 00:16:24,449 Speaking ahead of the vote in 538 00:16:24,450 --> 00:16:26,059 September, Commissioner Margaret 539 00:16:26,060 --> 00:16:27,619 Gomez said the county should use the 540 00:16:27,620 --> 00:16:29,319 money for flood mitigation in Onion 541 00:16:29,320 --> 00:16:31,499 Creek, which did not flood in July, 542 00:16:31,500 --> 00:16:33,039 but has several times in recent 543 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:33,679 years. 544 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:36,259 And that way people can rest 545 00:16:36,260 --> 00:16:38,099 easy, that they won't 546 00:16:38,100 --> 00:16:39,619 be flooded in the middle of the 547 00:16:39,620 --> 00:16:41,719 night and put their families 548 00:16:41,720 --> 00:16:42,559 in danger. 549 00:16:42,560 --> 00:16:44,139 Commissioner Anne Howard brought up 550 00:16:44,140 --> 00:16:45,659 the idea of fixing low water 551 00:16:45,660 --> 00:16:47,099 crossings throughout the county. 552 00:16:47,100 --> 00:16:48,319 There are still about a hundred 553 00:16:48,320 --> 00:16:50,379 miles of substandard 554 00:16:50,380 --> 00:16:52,479 roads and so that is another place 555 00:16:52,480 --> 00:16:54,679 that we need to examine. 556 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:56,399 But not so fast. 557 00:16:56,400 --> 00:16:58,079 Earlier this month a lawsuit was 558 00:16:58,080 --> 00:16:59,319 filed against the Travis County 559 00:16:59,320 --> 00:17:00,959 Commissioner's Court over how this 560 00:17:00,960 --> 00:17:02,779 extra money would be spent. 561 00:17:02,780 --> 00:17:04,358 The plaintiffs are newly elected 562 00:17:04,359 --> 00:17:06,479 mayor of Lagovista Shane 563 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:08,199 Saum and former Austin mayoral 564 00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:09,739 candidate Jeff Bowen. 565 00:17:09,740 --> 00:17:11,559 They are being represented by Bill 566 00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:13,539 Elshire, an attorney and former 567 00:17:13,540 --> 00:17:15,009 Travis County judge. 568 00:17:15,010 --> 00:17:17,519 I call it the fake disaster tax. 569 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:18,818 That's Elshire. 570 00:17:18,819 --> 00:17:20,379 He says the county shouldn't use the 571 00:17:20,380 --> 00:17:22,159 disaster tax exception for anything 572 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:24,078 other than projects directly related 573 00:17:24,079 --> 00:17:25,368 to the July Flood. 574 00:17:25,369 --> 00:17:27,089 If they wanted to do that, they 575 00:17:27,090 --> 00:17:28,529 should have asked the voters for 576 00:17:28,530 --> 00:17:31,649 agreement and not tried to misuse 577 00:17:31,650 --> 00:17:33,489 this exception for the 578 00:17:33,490 --> 00:17:34,809 disaster tax. 579 00:17:34,810 --> 00:17:36,689 It is not a 580 00:17:36,690 --> 00:17:38,549 provision that they can use to set 581 00:17:38,550 --> 00:17:40,529 up a slush fund to 582 00:17:40,530 --> 00:17:42,349 use for road improvement. 583 00:17:42,350 --> 00:17:44,449 Som, the new mayor of Lagovista, 584 00:17:44,450 --> 00:17:46,069 says recent changes to state law 585 00:17:46,070 --> 00:17:47,589 will limit how counties can use 586 00:17:47,590 --> 00:17:49,489 disaster-related tax revenue. 587 00:17:49,490 --> 00:17:51,409 He points to House Bill 30, which 588 00:17:51,410 --> 00:17:53,099 goes into effect in January. 589 00:17:53,100 --> 00:17:55,759 And the legislature is closing what 590 00:17:55,760 --> 00:17:57,159 this, what Travis County views as a 591 00:17:57,160 --> 00:17:58,519 loophole. On January 1, they 592 00:17:58,520 --> 00:17:59,959 wouldn't have been able to do this. 593 00:17:59,960 --> 00:18:01,779 It kind of has the appearance that 594 00:18:01,780 --> 00:18:03,079 you are sneaking it in at the 595 00:18:03,080 --> 00:18:04,979 midnight hour before this goes away. 596 00:18:04,980 --> 00:18:06,679 Travis County leaders did not agree 597 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:08,659 to an interview for this story. 598 00:18:08,660 --> 00:18:10,339 In a statement, County spokesperson 599 00:18:10,340 --> 00:18:12,079 Hector Nieto said the Commissioner's 600 00:18:12,080 --> 00:18:13,539 Court carefully considered and 601 00:18:13,540 --> 00:18:15,159 followed state law when adopting the 602 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:16,099 tax rate. 603 00:18:16,100 --> 00:18:17,839 The statement says, quote, We 604 00:18:17,840 --> 00:18:19,439 disagree with the allegations made 605 00:18:19,440 --> 00:18:20,999 in the lawsuit and look forward to 606 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:22,439 defending our case in a court of 607 00:18:22,440 --> 00:18:24,479 law, end quote. 608 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:25,919 The lawsuit asks the court to 609 00:18:25,920 --> 00:18:27,239 restrict the county from spending 610 00:18:27,240 --> 00:18:29,099 disaster related tax dollars on 611 00:18:29,100 --> 00:18:31,319 projects unrelated to the July 5th 612 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:33,199 flood. But it's unclear how 613 00:18:33,200 --> 00:18:34,799 people's property taxes would be 614 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:36,299 affected if a judge rules in the 615 00:18:36,300 --> 00:18:37,579 plaintiff's favor. 616 00:18:37,580 --> 00:18:38,799 Folks at the Travis County Tax 617 00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:40,259 Office said they aren't aware of 618 00:18:40,260 --> 00:18:41,439 another case like this one that 619 00:18:41,440 --> 00:18:43,359 could provide some clarity. 620 00:18:43,360 --> 00:18:45,019 And property tax bills have already 621 00:18:45,020 --> 00:18:46,319 been sent out to Travis County 622 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:48,519 residents with the tax increase. 623 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:51,419 Those bills are due January 31st. 624 00:18:51,420 --> 00:18:53,079 I'm Katy McAfee in Austin. 625 00:19:00,600 --> 00:19:02,259 Thank you for spending part of your 626 00:19:02,260 --> 00:19:04,339 Wednesday here with us. 627 00:19:04,340 --> 00:19:06,059 This is Austin Signal. 628 00:19:06,060 --> 00:19:07,339 We've got a chance for some 629 00:19:07,340 --> 00:19:08,959 inclement weather headed our way 630 00:19:08,960 --> 00:19:10,759 here in Austin and Central Texas 631 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:12,519 over the next few days. 632 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:13,679 Here to tell us more about what 633 00:19:13,680 --> 00:19:15,179 we're expecting is Trey Schaar. 634 00:19:15,180 --> 00:19:17,239 He is on editor here at 635 00:19:17,240 --> 00:19:18,499 KUT News. 636 00:19:18,500 --> 00:19:20,148 Trey, welcome to Austin Signal! 637 00:19:20,149 --> 00:19:21,089 Thanks, Jerry. It's great to be 638 00:19:21,090 --> 00:19:21,279 here. 639 00:19:21,280 --> 00:19:22,719 I'm glad you're here. 640 00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:24,019 You know, it really often feels like 641 00:19:24,020 --> 00:19:25,959 we need a bunch of rain, 642 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:27,779 we never get it, and then boom, this 643 00:19:27,780 --> 00:19:29,759 huge deluge of rain is coming our 644 00:19:29,760 --> 00:19:30,759 way. 645 00:19:30,760 --> 00:19:32,419 That seems to be the case this week. 646 00:19:32,420 --> 00:19:33,659 What are the forecasts showing so 647 00:19:33,660 --> 00:19:34,399 far? 648 00:19:34,400 --> 00:19:36,179 Well, we're under a flood watch 649 00:19:36,180 --> 00:19:37,879 starting at midnight tonight until 650 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:39,739 all the way until six o'clock Friday 651 00:19:39,740 --> 00:19:40,740 morning. 652 00:19:41,720 --> 00:19:43,639 And well, you know 653 00:19:43,640 --> 00:19:45,279 how sometimes we'll get a cold front 654 00:19:45,280 --> 00:19:46,259 moving through and there'll be a 655 00:19:46,260 --> 00:19:48,759 line of storms that moves 656 00:19:48,760 --> 00:19:50,199 in ahead of the front, along the 657 00:19:50,200 --> 00:19:52,299 front a squall line. 658 00:19:52,300 --> 00:19:53,739 It looks like what they're worried 659 00:19:53,740 --> 00:19:55,579 about in this case is that a 660 00:19:55,580 --> 00:19:57,559 front will stall out and we 661 00:19:57,560 --> 00:19:59,979 could get training rain 662 00:19:59,980 --> 00:20:02,039 that just like just keeps coming 663 00:20:02,040 --> 00:20:04,229 usually from south to north. 664 00:20:04,230 --> 00:20:06,290 Falling over the same areas. 665 00:20:07,810 --> 00:20:09,249 And the weather service is saying 666 00:20:09,250 --> 00:20:11,009 most spots are looking at one to 667 00:20:11,010 --> 00:20:12,729 three inches, but with isolated 668 00:20:12,730 --> 00:20:14,109 totals of six to eight. 669 00:20:14,110 --> 00:20:15,569 So that definitely would cause some 670 00:20:15,570 --> 00:20:17,749 runoff into creeks, streams, 671 00:20:17,750 --> 00:20:18,729 rivers. 672 00:20:18,730 --> 00:20:20,069 Even in those smaller rainfall 673 00:20:20,070 --> 00:20:22,569 amounts, you could see some low 674 00:20:22,570 --> 00:20:24,529 lying areas, low water crossings 675 00:20:24,530 --> 00:20:26,389 fill up, minor street 676 00:20:26,390 --> 00:20:27,349 flooding. 677 00:20:27,350 --> 00:20:29,349 Probably not gonna be catastrophic, 678 00:20:29,350 --> 00:20:31,329 but the possibility is 679 00:20:31,330 --> 00:20:32,449 there. That's why they call it a 680 00:20:32,450 --> 00:20:32,699 watch. 681 00:20:32,700 --> 00:20:34,619 And that watch is affecting 682 00:20:34,620 --> 00:20:36,279 the five counties in our listening 683 00:20:36,280 --> 00:20:38,099 area here at KUT News, but 684 00:20:38,100 --> 00:20:39,779 it also extends to some parts of the 685 00:20:39,780 --> 00:20:40,739 Hill Country, right, that were 686 00:20:40,740 --> 00:20:42,039 affected by the earlier flooding 687 00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:42,689 this year. 688 00:20:42,690 --> 00:20:43,949 Yeah, that's true. 689 00:20:43,950 --> 00:20:46,109 The eastern counties are kind of not 690 00:20:46,110 --> 00:20:48,009 in the area of concern, but 691 00:20:48,010 --> 00:20:49,889 the hill country is basically 692 00:20:49,890 --> 00:20:51,849 the I-35 corridors to the 693 00:20:51,850 --> 00:20:52,769 west. 694 00:20:52,770 --> 00:20:55,469 And in July, that was 695 00:20:55,470 --> 00:20:57,509 a situation not all that similar 696 00:20:57,510 --> 00:20:59,529 to this. That was a tropical 697 00:20:59,530 --> 00:21:01,369 remnant low that 698 00:21:01,370 --> 00:21:03,229 just was a rain bomb 699 00:21:03,230 --> 00:21:05,349 and this 700 00:21:05,350 --> 00:21:07,389 is almost certainly not 701 00:21:07,390 --> 00:21:08,349 going to be that. 702 00:21:08,350 --> 00:21:09,989 But there could be some flooding and 703 00:21:09,990 --> 00:21:11,169 that's why they've got us under a 704 00:21:11,170 --> 00:21:11,559 flood watch. 705 00:21:11,560 --> 00:21:12,559 Speaking of flooding, it always 706 00:21:12,560 --> 00:21:14,439 seems to be feast or famine, 707 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:16,599 and we could use that range surely 708 00:21:16,600 --> 00:21:18,459 because the drought situation has 709 00:21:18,460 --> 00:21:19,459 been worsening. I know we're 710 00:21:19,460 --> 00:21:21,799 expecting an update tomorrow from 711 00:21:21,800 --> 00:21:23,599 the drought monitor map, but what 712 00:21:23,600 --> 00:21:24,619 has it been? What have you been 713 00:21:24,620 --> 00:21:26,239 seeing? I know you follow that every 714 00:21:26,240 --> 00:21:27,319 week for KUT News. 715 00:21:27,320 --> 00:21:28,799 What have been seeing, and has it 716 00:21:28,800 --> 00:21:29,969 been growing worse? 717 00:21:29,970 --> 00:21:31,269 It has been getting worse. 718 00:21:31,270 --> 00:21:32,829 We got some rain a few weeks ago, 719 00:21:32,830 --> 00:21:35,749 but nothing since then. 720 00:21:35,750 --> 00:21:37,389 And the map that comes out tomorrow, 721 00:21:37,390 --> 00:21:39,469 it's probably going to show even 722 00:21:39,470 --> 00:21:41,369 worse conditions because it will not 723 00:21:41,370 --> 00:21:42,929 reflect the rain we're expecting in 724 00:21:42,930 --> 00:21:44,269 the coming days because they collect 725 00:21:44,270 --> 00:21:46,249 the data for that map on Tuesday 726 00:21:46,250 --> 00:21:47,119 of every week. 727 00:21:47,120 --> 00:21:48,599 Alright, we have been speaking with 728 00:21:48,600 --> 00:21:49,419 Trey Schaar. 729 00:21:49,420 --> 00:21:51,499 He is an editor here at 730 00:21:51,500 --> 00:21:52,939 KUT News. 731 00:21:52,940 --> 00:21:54,779 And Trey makes me sound great 732 00:21:54,780 --> 00:21:56,019 every single day on All Things 733 00:21:56,020 --> 00:21:57,019 Considered. 734 00:21:57,020 --> 00:21:58,859 And just in my daily life, so Trey, 735 00:21:58,860 --> 00:22:00,099 thank you for that, and thank you 736 00:22:00,100 --> 00:22:01,559 appearing on Austin Signal. 737 00:22:01,560 --> 00:22:02,489 We appreciate you. 738 00:22:02,490 --> 00:22:03,490 It's an honor. Thanks. 739 00:22:04,610 --> 00:22:06,609 And thank you out there 740 00:22:06,610 --> 00:22:08,669 to you for listening to Austin 741 00:22:08,670 --> 00:22:09,509 Signal. 742 00:22:09,510 --> 00:22:11,509 We are a live radio show every 743 00:22:11,510 --> 00:22:13,329 weekday afternoon from 1 to 1 30 744 00:22:13,330 --> 00:22:15,169 here on KUT News. 745 00:22:15,170 --> 00:22:16,989 And you can subscribe to us wherever 746 00:22:16,990 --> 00:22:17,989 you get your shows. 747 00:22:17,990 --> 00:22:19,889 There's more info about that at 748 00:22:19,890 --> 00:22:21,989 KUT.org slash 749 00:22:21,990 --> 00:22:23,669 Signal. Thanks to my buddy Trey 750 00:22:23,670 --> 00:22:24,549 Schaar here. 751 00:22:24,550 --> 00:22:26,089 Thanks to the Texas Newsroom's 752 00:22:26,090 --> 00:22:27,809 Capital Reporter, Blaise Ganey. 753 00:22:27,810 --> 00:22:29,649 Thank you to KUT's Travis County 754 00:22:29,650 --> 00:22:31,229 Reporter, Katy McAfee. 755 00:22:31,230 --> 00:22:33,049 And to Austin Congressman Lloyd 756 00:22:33,050 --> 00:22:34,509 Doggett for talking to us here on 757 00:22:34,510 --> 00:22:35,929 Austin Signal. 758 00:22:35,930 --> 00:22:37,409 Rayna Sevilla keeps us sounding 759 00:22:37,410 --> 00:22:38,269 good. 760 00:22:38,270 --> 00:22:39,729 Jimmy Maas has been driving me 761 00:22:39,730 --> 00:22:41,209 crazy, but I love him. 762 00:22:41,210 --> 00:22:42,289 He's filling in for managing 763 00:22:42,290 --> 00:22:44,129 producer Kristen Cabrera, 764 00:22:44,130 --> 00:22:45,629 who should be back with us tomorrow. 765 00:22:45,630 --> 00:22:47,149 We're looking forward to that. 766 00:22:47,150 --> 00:22:49,089 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano, and 767 00:22:49,090 --> 00:22:51,269 I will talk to you tomorrow same 768 00:22:51,270 --> 00:22:52,129 time. 769 00:22:52,130 --> 00:22:53,709 Thank you for tuning in.