The March 1st primary election is fast approaching, and I hope everyone has made it a priority to get out and vote in this important election. If you need helping finding your polling place, you can visit http://www.votetexas.gov/voting/where/, or, as always, you can contact my office and we will be glad to help you. Now, here is the latest update from your state capitol…
Rural Driver’s License Offices
Over the course of the past several months, my office has received calls from dozens of constituents who have had one central concern: a lack of access to Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices to renew or obtain their driver’s licenses. In some cases, people have had to travel over 100 miles to renew their driver’s license or take the driving test.
This concern has come from all six counties in our district, and it is something I take very seriously. Having visited with DPS officials about this issue, some of the biggest challenges they face is finding affordable office space that meets their needs and funding for personnel to both staff the office and administer driving tests. I am committed to working with DPS to try and find solutions to this issue so that they can provide the services needed by local residents in a timely fashion.
Standing Against High Speed Rail
Dating back to 2014, my office has received hundreds of phone calls, emails, and letters in opposition to the proposed high speed rail project that would dissect both Leon and Madison counties in my district, as well as numerous other rural counties between Dallas and Houston. I remain completely opposed to this project, and while there is a federal component to this issue, I will continue do everything in my power as a state legislator to keep this light rail line from ever being constructed.
Recently, I spoke at a Texas A&M Student Senate meeting, where they overwhelmingly passed a resolution against the use of eminent domain to acquire right of way for this type of project, 60-2. This is but another statement that eminent domain should not be used by a private company in this situation where the only winners are the company’s stockholders and land developers in Houston and Dallas. I will continue to fight for our private property rights, our rural way of life, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside many of you in fighting against this high speed rail project.
Reminders
The mobile office will wrap up for the month at the San Augustine County Courthouse on February 24th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. We look forward to the opportunity to hear your concerns and help you navigate state government. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
