I want to start this column by honoring those who have served, or are currently serving, in our nation’s military. Our country is blessed beyond measure to have men and women who continue to put service before self, and who answer the call to defend liberty, freedom, and the values we hold dear as Americans. This last week has been an eventful one for the capitol crowd, with interim charges being announced and all of the constitutional amendments on the ballot passing easily. Here is quick look at what’s happening at your state capitol…

House Interim Charges
Last week, Texas House Speaker Straus released the interim charges for the committees of the Texas House of Representatives. These charges will guide the studies of each committee during their interim committee hearings, and prepare the House to lead on the important issues the state is facing. While we will go into more detail on each committee’s interim charges in the coming months, the charges that the House will be working on are broadly focused on job creation, improving education, and increasing government transparency. I believe these are some of the most important issues facing our state, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to find meaningful solutions to the problems that matter most for Texans.
In God We Trust
As you may know, “In God We Trust” has been the national motto of our country since Congress officially adopted it in 1956. “In God We Trust” represents the foundation of the United States, and it’s simple, yet powerful meaning has directed and impacted our many great leaders over the years. The motto dates its American roots to at least 1814, and has been used as a battle cry by our military prior to being printed on our money. However, there have been some recent attempts to curtail the use of this phrase by extremist groups who seek to undermine “In God We Trust” by forcing police departments to remove the phrase from their patrol cars. I am glad to say that this attempt is being met with heavy resistance in Texas, and recently the Attorney General issued an official opinion arguing the phrase can and should be used. Religious liberty is a critically important issue, and I support these efforts to protect the faith our country was built upon. I will always stand for our freedom of religion and for the continued use of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Reminders

The mobile office will be in action in a modified schedule this month, due to the upcoming holidays. On November 18th the mobile office will be at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 8:30am until 11:00am, and then at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30pm until 4:00pm. Please know that my office is always just a phone call away, and we always appreciate your input and are ready for the opportunity to help you navigate state government. 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.
