A city in Texas is facing the risk of losing state funding due to a resolution that calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and an arms embargo against Israel. Governor Greg Abbott has expressed strong disapproval of the San Marcos City Council’s decision to bring this resolution to a vote on May 6. In a letter to Mayor Jane Hughson, Abbott criticized the council for considering this measure while not condemning Hamas for its actions during the recent conflict.
In his letter, Abbott pointed out that the council’s proposed resolution seeks a permanent ceasefire in what they refer to as "occupied Palestine." He noted that the council has not made similar efforts to condemn Hamas, which has been responsible for violence against Israel. Abbott emphasized that Israel is a key ally of Texas and the United States, and he stated that anti-Israel policies are essentially anti-Texas.
The resolution has sparked significant debate within the community. Council member Alyssa Garza, who introduced the resolution, described it as a way to combat what she sees as government overreach. She argued that funding for military actions abroad is connected to cuts in local aid for housing and education. Garza believes that local governments should have the autonomy to voice their positions on international issues.
Another council member, Amanda Rodriguez, framed the resolution as a moral issue rather than a political one. She referred to the situation in Gaza as a genocide and urged members of the Jewish community to recognize that Judaism does not support the actions being taken against Palestinians.
Abbott’s office has begun reviewing current grants to San Marcos to determine if the city has violated state law by considering the resolution. Texas law mandates that government entities must certify they do not boycott Israel when entering contracts worth $100,000 or more. If the city proceeds with the resolution, Abbott indicated that future grants would not be issued, and existing ones could be terminated.
The San Marcos City Council is expected to vote on the resolution soon, and tensions are running high as community members await the outcome. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign policy and its implications for local governance.