Abbott threatens to cut funding from San Marcos over Gaza ceasefire resolution

In Texas, the City of San Marcos is facing a critical decision regarding a proposed resolution that calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an arms embargo against Israel. Scheduled for a vote on May 6, 2025, this resolution has sparked intense controversy not only among local officials but also from higher state authorities. Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, sent a letter to San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson on April 29, 2025, threatening that if the city council passes this resolution, state funding could be cut off. Abbott's letter highlighted that the proposed resolution had failed to condemn Hamas for the attacks that occurred on October 7, which subsequently instigated ongoing hostilities in the region. He emphasized that Israel is an important ally of the United States and the state of Texas, asserting that “anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies.” Moreover, his position indicates a larger political tension revolving around U.S. foreign policy toward Israel, demonstrating how local actions can have national implications. The Texas legal framework, specifically Texas Code § 2271.002, mandates that any government entity, including cities, must certify they do not engage in a boycott of Israel for contracts worth $100,000 or more. Failure to adhere to this law could result in forfeiture of state funds. Abbott mentioned that his office would be reviewing current grants to San Marcos to ensure compliance with state law. The resolution, which has been framed by supporters as an act of resistance against larger governmental overreach, includes points about the need to challenge U.S. military funding to Israel and emphasizes concerns over humanitarian conditions in Palestine. San Marcos City Council member Alyssa Garza argued during a council meeting that large governments are failing to act against what she views as genocide and underscored the direct connections between military funding abroad and social welfare cutbacks at home. She presented the resolution as a moral imperative to speak against human rights violations, a perspective that has led to both local and national discussions on the issue. If Governor Abbott follows through with his threats, it could set a precedent for how states respond to local governance that takes a stance against Israel, further complicating the already contentious landscape of U.S. politics surrounding foreign aid and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.