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Greg Abbott

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/* Early life */
'''Gregory Wayne "Greg" Abbott''' (born November 13, 1957<ref name="Directory"/>) is the [[conservative]], [[pro-life]] [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[governor]] of [[Texas]], a position which he has held since January 2015. Previously, he was an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court from 1995 to 2001 and the [[attorney general]] of his state from 2002 to 2015.
 
As Governor of Texas, Abbott is largely under the influence of billionaire donors to his campaign, in a state that has no campaign contribution limits. The [[Koch brothers]] network, to whom Abbott has made presentations and from whom he has received large contributions, induced Abbott to push as a top priority the [[Convention of States]] resolution in 2017 and to shy away from meaningful socially conservative legislation during his tenure. In 2019 the Texas legislature did not enact any significant conservative bills, and instead, Gov. Abbott pushed unsuccessfully for an increase in the sales tax and advocated for banning businesses from asking for the criminal histories of potential employees.<ref>Horowitz, Daniel (August 20, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/needs-leftists-gop-texas-gov-greg-abbott-endorses-radical-ban-box-pro-criminal-mandate-employers/ Who needs leftists? GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorses radical “ban the box” pro-criminal mandate on employers]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved August 20, 2019.</ref>
 
Abbott is expected to give up his seat in 2022 in order to run for president.
==Early life==
Abbott was born in [[Wichita Falls]], Texas, on November 13, 1957, and was reared in Longview, Texas.<ref name="Directory"/> before graduating high school in [[Duncanville, Texas]]. He earned an undergraduate degree in finance from UT-Austin and a law degree at [[Vanderbilt University]].<ref name="Directory"/>
==Early career==
*Russell, Nicole (July 6, 2017). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/texas-law-recognizes-human-life-critics-rage/article/2627828 Texas law recognizes human life, critics rage]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 6, 2017.</ref>
In June 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law banning local governments from funding abortion providers.<ref>Berry, Susan (June 11, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/11/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-banning-funding-abortion-providers/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill Banning Funding of Abortion Providers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref><ref>Freiburger, Calvin (June 11, 2019). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-bill-bans-cities-from-doing-business-with-planned-parenthood Texas prohibits cities from doing business with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref> Shortly afterward, he signed a bill protecting babies who survive abortions.<ref>Clabough, Raven (June 18, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/32632-texas-gov-signs-bill-to-protect-babies-born-alive-during-abortions Texas Governor Signs Bill to Protect Babies Born Alive During Abortions]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 18, 2019.<br>See also:*Freiburger, Calvin (July 19, 2019). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-gov-signs-bill-making-it-illegal-to-kill-a-child-who-survives-abortion Texas gov. signs bill making it illegal to kill babies who survive abortion]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.*Ertelt, Steven (July 18, 2019). [https://www.lifenews.com/2019/07/18/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bill-to-stop-infanticide-care-for-babies-born-alive-after-abortion/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bill to Stop Infanticide, Care for Babies Born Alive After Abortion]. ''LifeNews''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.</ref> Gov. Abbott failed to make the [[Heartbeat Bill]] a priority in 2019 and it did not pass in the Texas House of Representatives. Abbott's spokesman issued an ambiguous statement claiming that Abbott is [[pro-life]], yet not explaining why he allowed this bill to be blocked by Republicans.<ref>https://thetexan.news/texas-heartbeat-bill-on-life-support-stalled-in-the-house/</ref>
====Religious liberty====
On May 21, 2017, Abbott signed Senate Bill 24 into law, preventing state or local governments from subpoenaing pastors' sermons.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas">{{cite web | last1=Svitek | first1=Patrick | title=Abbott Signs Bill Protecting Sermons from Subpoenas | url=https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-protecting-sermons-subpoenas/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=''The Texas Tribune'' | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Abbott Signs Bill Preventing Government From Subpoenaing Sermons | url=http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/05/21/abbott-signs-bill-preventing-government-subpoenaing-sermons/ | date=May 21, 2017 | publisher=CBS DFW | accessdate=May 22, 2017}}</ref> This bill was inspired by an [[Homosexual Agenda|pro-homosexual]] "anti-discrimination" ordinance in [[Houston]], where five sermons were subpoenaed.<ref name="SvitekSubpoenas"/>
On June 15, 2017, Abbott signed H.B. 3859 into law, which gave adoption agencies to refuse to let homosexual couples adopt the children under their care due to religious reasons.<ref>Multiple references:*Gryboski, Michael (June 16, 2017). [http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-governor-greg-abbott-bill-protecting-faith-based-adoption-188222/ Texas Gov. Signs Bill Protecting Religious Freedom of Faith-Based Adoption Groups]. ''The Christian Post''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref><ref>*Evans, Marissa (June 15, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/15/abbott-signs-religious-protections-child-welfare-agencies/ Abbott OKs religious refusal of adoptions in Texas]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref><ref>*Gill, Joshua (June 16, 2017). [https://dailycaller.com/2017/06/16/religious-adoption-agencies-can-reject-lgbt-parents-in-texas/ Religious Adoption Agencies Can Reject LGBT Parents In Texas]. ''The Daily Caller''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref><ref>*LaBarbera, Peter (June 16, 2017). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/new-law-christian-adoption-agencies-wont-be-forced-to-give-kids-to-gay-coup New law: Christian adoption agencies won’t be forced to give kids to gay couples in Texas]. ''LifeSite News''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref> This law caused [[California]], a left-wing Democrat state, to add Texas to its governmental travel ban list.<ref>Multiple references:*Watkins, Matthew (June 22, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/22/citing-religious-refusal-adoption-rule-california-bans-state-travel-te/ Citing religious refusal of adoption rule, California bans state travel to Texas]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved June 25, 2017.</ref><ref>*Price, Bob (June 22, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/06/22/california-attacks-texas-travel-ban-alleged-lgbt-discrimination/ California Attacks Texas with Travel Ban over Alleged LGBT Discrimination]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 26, 2017.</ref>
On June 11, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law which protected private organizations from any type of punishment for actions they took because of their religious beliefs.<ref>Multiple references:*Tennant, Michael (June 13, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/32581-texas-governor-signs-save-chick-fil-a-bill Texas Governor Signs “Save Chick-fil-A” Bill]. ''The New American''. Retrieved June 13, 2019.*Bowden, John (June 11, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/448065-texas-governor-signs-save-chick-fil-a-bill Texas governor signs 'Save Chick-fil-A' bill]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.</ref><ref>*Kaplan, Talia (June 11, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/texas-governor-save-chick-fil-a-bill-law Texas governor signs controversial 'Save Chick-fil-A' bill into law]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 11, 2019.See also:*Axelrod, Tal (July 19, 2019). [https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/453978-texas-governor-holds-ceremonial-signing-of-save-chick-fil-a Texas governor holds ceremonial signing of 'Save Chick-fil-A' bill]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.*Halaschak, Zachary (July 20, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-ceremoniously-signs-chick-fil-a-bill Texas governor ceremoniously signs 'Chick-fil-A bill']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 20, 2019.*Berry, Susan (July 20, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/07/20/gov-greg-abbott-signs-chick-fil-a-bill-into-law-protect-religious-liberty/ Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Chick-fil-A Bill into Law to ‘Protect Religious Liberty’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 20, 2019.*Freiburger, Calvin (July 23, 2019). [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/texas-governor-signs-save-chick-fil-a-bill-protecting-religious-businesses-from-discrimination Texas governor signs ‘Save Chick-fil-A’ bill protecting religious businesses from discrimination]. ''LifeSiteNews''. Retrieved July 23, 2019.*Russell, Nicole (July 19, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/chick-fil-a-inspires-new-religious-liberty-law-in-texas Chick-fil-A inspires new religious liberty law in Texas]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 19, 2019.</ref>
====Gun rights====
On June 13, 2015, Abbott signed the [[campus carry]] (SB 11) and the [[open carry]] (HB 910) bills into law.<ref name="OpenAndCampus">{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.kvue.com/story/news/state/2015/06/12/gov-abbott-open-carry-campus-carry/71160338/ |title=Gov. Abbott signs open carry, campus carry into law |website=Kvue.com |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The campus carry law went into effect on August 1, 2015 and allows the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun on public college campuses, with private colleges being able to opt out.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open">{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/13/abbott-signs-open-carry-bill/ |title=At Shooting Range, Abbott Signs "Open Carry" Bill |publisher=The Texas Tribune |date=2015-06-13 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> The open carry bill went into effect on January 1, 2016 and allows the licensed carrying of handguns openly in all locations that allow concealed carry.<ref name="OpenAndCampus"/><ref name="Open"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/01/us/-2016-01-01-texas-open-carry-gun-law.html?_r=0|title=Texas Open Carry Gun Law|newspaper=''[[The New York Times]]''|accessdate=January 2, 2016}}</ref> Texas is the 45th state to have open carry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc13.com/news/texas-becomes-45th-state-to-pass-open-carry-law/1143146/ |title=Texas becomes 45th state to pass open carry law |website=Abc13.com |date=2015-06-08 |accessdate=2016-01-02}}</ref> Later, in May 2017, Abbott signed a bill into law massively reducing handgun carry licence fees.<ref>Price, Bob (May 28, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2017/05/28/texas-governor-signs-law-reducing-handgun-carry-license-fees/ Texas Governor Signs Law Reducing Handgun Carry License Fees]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref><ref>Samuels, Alex (May 26, 2017). [https://www.texastribune.org/2017/05/26/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-measure-reduce-handgun-license-fee/ Texas governor jokes about shooting reporters after signing gun bill]. ''The Texas Tribune''. Retrieved May 28, 2017.</ref>
In 2018, Abbott caved to the gun control lobby by canceling shotgun giveaway for a contest after left-wing gun control activists criticized him for it.<ref>Folley, Aris (May 21, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/388646-texas-governor-cancels-plans-of-shotgun-giveaway-days-after-school Texas governor cancels shotgun giveaway days after school shooting]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 21, 2018.</ref>
On June 6, 2019, Abbott signed a bill into law removing the state cap on the number of armed teachers allowed in school districts.<ref>Hawkins, Awr (June 6, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/06/06/greg-abbott-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers-texas-schools/ Greg Abbott Signs Bill Allowing More Armed Teachers in Texas Schools]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref><ref>Barton, Regina (June 6, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-governor-signs-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 7, 2019.</ref> To the consternation of left-wingers, Abbott signed several other pro-gun bills in 2019.<ref>Multiple references:*Pearce, Tim (August 8, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/texas-will-allow-guns-in-churches-schools-after-el-paso-shooter-targeted-low-security-walmart Texas will allow guns in churches, schools after El Paso shooter targeted 'low security' Walmart]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved August 8, 2019.*Vertuno, Jim (August 8, 2019). [https://www.apnews.com/a69166e1f1074a0196deb70ef6e7f8b4 Texas relaxed gun laws after recent mass shootings]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved August 8, 2019.*Fernandez, Marisa (September 1, 2019). [https://www.axios.com/texas-gun-laws-loosening-mass-shooting-19989b8a-3ece-4ac7-9cc4-f8c75fc419a8.html New Texas laws loosening gun restrictions officially go into effect]. ''Axios''. Retrieved September 1, 2019.*Wise, Justin (September 1, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/459549-looser-gun-restrictions-go-into-effect-in-texas-after-deadly-mass Looser gun restrictions go into effect in Texas after deadly mass shootings]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved September 1, 2019.*Hawkins, Awr (September 1, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/09/01/texas-firearm-laws-change-benefit-self-defense-gun-use/ Texas Firearm Laws Change to Benefit Self-Defense Gun Use]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 1, 2019.*Fung, Esther; Findell, Elizabeth (September 1, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-texas-deals-with-recent-violence-looser-gun-laws-in-state-take-effect-11567379542 As Texas Deals with Recent Violence, Looser Gun Laws in State Take Effect]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved September 1, 2019.*Bufkin, Ellie (September 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/new-texas-law-allows-residents-to-flee-emergency-with-legally-owned-guns New Texas law allows residents to flee emergency with legally owned guns]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved September 2, 2019.*Ozimek, Tom (September 3, 2019). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-gun-laws-change-to-make-it-easier-to-carry-guns-for-self-defense_3066498.html Texas Gun Laws Change to Make it Easier to Carry Guns for Self-Defense]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved September 3, 2019.</ref> However, Abbott signed a bill into law in 2019 that created a $1 million gun storage safety campaign that Second Amendment supporters opposed because of the high potential of the program being used to promote gun control.<ref>Chamberlain, Samuel (June 16, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-governor-greg-abbott-budget-gun-storage-safety-nra-opposed Texas governor approves budget with gun storage safety effort opposed by NRA]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 16, 2019.</ref> Additionally, Abbott undermined the freedom to conduct firearm sales without government interference,<ref>Silber, Clarice; Weber, Paul J. (August 22, 2019). [https://www.apnews.com/f0c1ce26cf104ba897ac205c9d5b91a1 Texas governor expresses concern about private gun sales]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved August 22, 2019.</ref> among some other actions.<ref>Wolverton, Joe (January 2, 2020). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/crime/item/34498-texas-gov-abbott-calling-for-new-fusion-centers-to-end-armed-violence Texas Governor Calling for New Fusion Centers to End Armed Violence]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 2, 2020.</ref> In the broader issue of self-defense, Abbott signed a bill into law legalizing brass knuckles for self-defense.<ref>Folley, Aris (August 14, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/457394-brass-knuckles-to-soon-be-legal-to-carry-in-texas-for-self-defense Texas set to end ban on brass knuckles]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved August 14, 2019.</ref>
====Illegal immigration and refugees====
See also:
*Price, Bob (April 10, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/texas/2018/04/10/texas-national-guard-troops-will-armed-says-governor/ Texas National Guard Troops Will Be Armed, Says Governor]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 11, 2018.</ref>
 
On January 10, 2020, Abbott announced Texas would reject the importation of refugees in the state.<ref>Multiple references:
*Murphy, James (January 12, 2020). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/immigration/item/34598-texas-governor-state-will-refuse-new-refugees-in-accordance-with-trump-executive-order Texas Governor: State Will Refuse New Refugees in Accordance With Trump Executive Order]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
*Horowitz, Daniel (January 13, 2020). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-chooses-taxpayers-truth-special-interests-virtue-signaling/ Texas Gov. Greg Abbott chooses his taxpayers and truth over special interests and virtue-signaling]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
*Binder, John (January 10, 2020). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/01/10/texas-governor-greg-abbott-first-in-u-s-to-halt-refugee-flow-into-his-state/ Texas Governor Greg Abbott First in U.S. to Halt Refugee Flow into His State]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
*Dinan, Stephen (January 10, 2020). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/jan/10/texas-becomes-first-state-to-reject-refugees-under/ Texas becomes first state to reject refugees under new Trump veto]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
*Pearce, Tim (January 10, 2020). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/gov-greg-abbott-says-texas-will-no-longer-accept-refugees Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas will no longer accept refugees]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
*Axelrod, Tal (January 10, 2020). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/477755-texas-governor-says-state-will-not-accept-new-refugees Texas governor says state will not accept new refugees]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
*Merchant, Nomaan (January 10, 2020). [https://apnews.com/7329dbc3dcbf32534689831455fa4246 Texas governor to reject new refugees, first under Trump]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
*Cuthbertson, Charlotte (January 12, 2020). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/texas-is-first-state-to-opt-out-of-accepting-refugees-in-2020_3201721.html Texas Is First State to Opt Out of Accepting Refugees in 2020]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved January 12, 2020.</ref>
====Israel====
*Marshall, Victoria (June 10, 2019). [https://townhall.com/tipsheet/victoriamarshall/2019/06/10/texas-governor-signs-law-protecting-free-speech-on-college-campuses-n2547867 Texas Governor Signs Law Protecting Free Speech on College Campuses]. ''Townhall''. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
*Schow, Ashe (June 10, 2019). [https://www.dailywire.com/news/48229/texas-gov-greg-abbott-signs-bills-protecting-free-ashe-schow Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Signs Bills Protecting Free Speech, Allowing Beer Delivery, And Banning Red Light Cameras]. ''The Daily Wire''. Retrieved June 10, 2019.</ref>
 
On November 4, 2019, Abbott began clearing up homeless camps in the state capital of Austin.<ref>Multiple references:
*Givas, Nick (November 4, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/media/homeless-cleanup-austin-texas-greg-abbott As homeless camps continue to spring up in Austin, Gov. Abbott orders cleanup effort]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
*Findell, Elizabeth (November 5, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-begins-clearing-homeless-from-austin-underpasses-11572993078 Texas Begins Clearing Homeless From Austin Underpasses]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
See also:
*Findell, Elizabeth (November 7, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-governor-to-establish-campground-for-homeless-in-austin-11573153372 Texas Governor to Establish Campground for Homeless in Austin]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
*Daugherty, Owen (November 7, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/469541-texas-governor-says-state-will-open-shelter-for-homeless-outside-austin Texas governor says state will open shelter for homeless outside Austin after camps in the city cleaned up]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
*Weber, Paul J.; Silber, Clarice (November 7, 2019). [https://apnews.com/5764ea4721574bf3b4d346cd5486ab5f Texas governor opens homeless campsite amid feud with Austin]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
*Phillips, Morgan (November 7, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-greg-abbott-homeless-campsite-austin-state-land Texas Gov. Abbott opens homeless campsite on state land in fight with Austin]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 8, 2019.</ref>
==Personal life==
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