As we celebrate this Easter season, I want to remind everyone how blessed we are to live in a state where your House of Representatives begins every day during session with prayer and a time to reflect on our spiritual values. We are indeed blessed. Here are the highlights of what is happening at your State Capitol…
Passing the House Budget
The Texas House of Representatives did its best to add to the state’s Easter basket this week, voting for a fiscally responsible budget that will fund state programs over the next two years. After more than 17 hours of continuous debate and deliberation on the House floor, my colleagues and I passed House Bill 1, and we will now look to the Senate to see if our budgetary priorities align with those of the upper chamber.
Good Government
This past week, I laid out HB 2667 before the House Committee on Economic and Small Business Development. This bill eliminates three programs administered by the Texas Economic Development Bank, which is housed in the Office of the Governor. These are programs that are sparsley used, and in some cases have not been active for years. Additionally, eliminating these programs will have a positive fiscal impact, saving Texas taxpayers millions of dollars.
Protecting Texas Heritage
With the right to hunt in fish having recently come into question by several national anti-hunting groups, I was pleased to see my resolution, HJR 61, pass out of committee unanimously. The resolution seeks to send a constitutional amendment to voters this Fall, proposing that the right to hunt and fish in our great state becomes part of the Texas Constitution. With increasing efforts by extremist advocacy groups to limit methods, restrict seasons and reduce bag limits, I feel this is common sense legislation that takes the next step in protecting an important part of Texas heritage. This language has already been added to the constitution of 18 other states, guaranteeing their residents that this right will not be taken away. I’m confident, in a state where we take great pride in our sporting culture, outdoor traditions and first-class fish and wildlife conservation efforts, that Texas will become the 19th state to ensure this right. A companion measure filed by my friend, Senator Brandon Creighton, has already been approved in the Senate.
For the convenience of constituents not wanting to travel far from home, mobile office will continue its regular Wednesday travel schedule throughout the District.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at (936) 634-2762 or (512) 463-0508 if we can ever be of assistance, and remember that our door is always open.
