The Lege this week: Abbott lets his mask slip Posted By Justin Miller, The Texas Observer on Sat, Mar 6, 2021 at 7:43 AM click to enlarge Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a recent press event. Welcome to the 87th Legislative Session. Since the last session came to a close in June 2019, Texas has been hit by an unrestrained pandemic and a crippling economic crisis—and now the fallout from deadly blackouts. Under unprecedented circumstances, lawmakers are faced with a number of urgent challenges. The Texas Observer is following along every step of the way. What we're following: