Join us this November for Chamber University, featuring two powerful learning sessions designed to help you lead smarter and serve stronger!
November 5 – The AI Advantage: Lead Smarter, Move Faster with Lee Miller, MSGPR Ltd Co Discover how AI is already transforming local businesses and simple ways you can start using it today.
November 6 – Delivering Beyond the Transaction with Chris Fleniken, Real Graphics Learn how to go beyond customer transactions to build lasting relationships and loyal customers.
AgriLife Extension sessions to cover new legislation, real-world applications for tax practitioners
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a series of online and in-person tax workshops this fall to help tax practitioners navigate the latest changes in tax law and apply them confidently.
Workshops will be held in Dallas, Stafford, Victoria and online. The sessions provide continuing education credits for enrolled agents, certified public accountants, certified financial planners, attorneys and other tax practitioners.
“This year’s tax changes require careful interpretation,” said Scott Youngblood, longtime tax practitioner and AgriLife Extension Tax Workshops presenter. “We want to help people understand what tax rules are staying, what’s going and how to advise clients.”
Led by experienced tax professionals, each workshop goes beyond legislative updates by emphasizing real-world application for individual, small business and agricultural tax returns.
“These sessions combine expert instruction with interactive learning,” said Lisa Patterson, AgriLife Extension Tax Workshops program manager in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station. “Our goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to better serve the community.”
“Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate or get certified,” Youngblood said. “These programs give professionals and individuals a way to keep building their knowledge year after year.”
Stafford workshops will take place at TownePlace Suites, 11031 Fountain Lake Drive.
The Victoria workshop will take place at the AgriLife Extension office’s 4-H Activity Center, 259 Bachelor Drive.
Online webinars: How to Complete IRS Forms Workshops
The registration deadline for each online workshop is Oct.17. Following registration, participants will be sent information on how to access the webinar.
Dates, times and fees are as follows:
Oct. 28: IRS form 1065, online, 8:20-10:10 a.m., $80.
Oct. 28: IRS form 1120S, online, 12-1:50 p.m., $80.
Oct. 30: IRS form 1040, online, 8:20 a.m.-noon, $160.
General Income Tax Workshops
All General Income Tax Workshops take place from 8:20 a.m.-4:35 p.m., and the registration fee is $460.
Dates and locations will be:
Nov. 4-5: Dallas, registration deadline is Oct. 21.
Nov. 12-13: Stafford, registration deadline is Oct. 24.
Nov. 17-18: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 3.
Dec. 8-9: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 24.
Small Business Tax Workshops
All Small Business Tax Workshops take place from 8:20 a.m.-4:35 p.m., and the registration fee is $460.
Dates and locations will be:
Nov. 6-7: Dallas, registration deadline is Oct. 21.
Nov. 10-11: Stafford, registration deadline is Oct. 27.
Nov. 20-21: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 3.
Dec. 11-12: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 24.
Agricultural Tax Workshop
All Agricultural Tax Workshops take place from 8:20 a.m. to noon, and the registration fee is $160.
Dates and locations will be:
Dec. 2: Victoria, registration deadline is Nov. 19.
Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War invites the public to its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. CST in the Museum’s Memorial Courtyard. This special event honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and recognizes their courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to freedom.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Brigadier General Kevin Jarrard, Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division. General Jarrard was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from The Citadel in 1995 and has served across Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His distinguished career includes leadership roles such as Commanding Officer of 3d Force Reconnaissance Company, Deputy Chief of Staff at Marine Forces South, and Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division. A U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne School graduate, General Jarrard holds degrees in history, education, and national security studies.
Veterans Day Commemoration Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Memorial Courtyard, National Museum of the Pacific War Admission: Free and open to the public
About the Speaker Brigadier General John K. Jarrard Commanding General 4th Marine Division
Brigadier General Kevin Jarrard was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from The Citadel in 1995. An infantry officer, he has served in various command and staff billets in the United States and abroad in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded 3d Force Reconnaissance Company and Security Cooperation Team – Jordan. After promotion to Colonel, he was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff at Marine Forces South and subsequently commanded a Marine Advisor Company with a second command tour as the Senior Advisor to the Marine Corps Reserve Artillery Regiment. As a General Officer, he served as the Assistant Division Commander of 1st Marine Division and Deputy Commanding General, II MEF (Mobilization), and Commander Task Force 61.2, U.S. Sixth Fleet.
In addition to earning undergraduate degrees in history and education, Brigadier General Jarrard completed two graduate degrees, one in National Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College and the other in Education from the University of North Georgia. His military training includes U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne schools and a variety of specialized infantry, reconnaissance, and anti-terrorism courses.
Brigadier General Jarrard assumed duties as the Commanding General of 4th Marine Division in May of 2024.
About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Smithsonian Affiliations Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.
SILSBEE, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service and the Southeast Texas Forest Landowners Association are hosting a land management seminar for Southeast Texas landowners on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This seminar is designed for landowners who are interested in forestland management and income opportunities through forestry. Continuing education credits are available for professional loggers and foresters.
Topics covered in the seminar include wildlife management; alternative incomes from forestlands, legislative and legal updates from the Texas Forestry Association; forestry best practices for protecting water and soil; importance of joining a landowner association; the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®; the American tree farm system; and the East Texas Prescribed Burn Association.
This seminar will be hosted at Pinecrest Baptist Church, 5660 FM 1122, Silsbee, Texas. Interested landowners should RSVP by Oct. 31 to Donna Work, Texas A&M Forest Service Biologist, at 936-639-8191.
Attendance and provided lunch at the seminar are free thanks to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® implementation committee. The seminar is sponsored by the Texas Forestry Association.
Here in East Texas, we know what it means to work hard, build families, and grow communities. But great leadership requires more than hard work. It requires vision – the ability to see what others can’t yet see.
Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without vision, leaders drift, businesses stall, and families lose direction. With vision, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Vision Gives Purpose
When leaders lack vision, life becomes reactive – always putting out fires, always chasing the urgent. But vision lifts our eyes above the daily grind. It reminds us of the bigger “why.”
In business, vision is more than profits. In community, it’s more than programs. True vision answers: “What are we building, and who are we serving?”
Vision Inspires Others
People aren’t motivated by spreadsheets. They’re motivated by stories. Vision has a way of pulling people together and giving them courage to act.
Think about our small towns. When a leader casts a vision for a school, a church, or even a business, people rally. They volunteer, give, and work harder because they see the bigger picture.
Vision Requires Faith
Real vision always feels bigger than us. If we can do it on our own, it’s just a plan. Vision requires faith – believing in what’s possible before it exists. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Faith-driven vision sees not just what is, but what could be – and trusts God to bring it to life.
Three Ways to Sharpen Vision This Week
Step Back and Pray. Take time to ask God what He sees for your life, family, or work.
Write It Down. Don’t just keep vision in your head – put it on paper so others can run with it.
Connect It to People. Share how your vision will impact lives, not just numbers.
That’s a Wrap
In Texas Forest Country, we’ve always been a people of vision – from farmers who saw harvest before seed was planted to business owners who saw possibility in small towns. Vision is what keeps communities alive and families thriving.
This week, lift your eyes beyond the daily grind. Lead with vision, and watch how God can use it to change not just your life but the lives of those around you.
Our Lady Roadrunner soccer team, currently ranked No. 17 in the nation, notched another big milestone with a South Zone championship repeat, and our men’s and women’s basketball teams kicked off the upcoming new year with the annual Region XIV Media Day held this past Wednesday in Tyler.
Of course, our baseball and softball teams were busy with some Fall Ball as well.
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
No. 17 Lady Roadrunners Clinch Consecutive South Zone Titles
Angelina College women’s soccer coach Sergio Gardea has led the Lady Roadrunners for two years now, and in both seasons, he’s managed to secure the top spot in his conference zone.
AC’s 1-0 win at Texas Southmost College on Friday moved the Lady ‘Runners to 8-2-1 on the season, meaning the team has secured its second straight South Zone title with just one match remaining in the regular season.
Both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners will celebrate their respective Sophomore Night activities on Friday, Oct. 24, when both teams will host LSUE-E at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
The Lady Roadrunners will kick off at 5 p.m., with Sophomore Day festivities scheduled to take place before the match begins.
Roadrunners Drop Heartbreaker at Texas Southmost
The Roadrunner men’s soccer team dropped another heartbreaker – their second one-goal loss in two weeks – on Friday, as AC fell to Texas Southmost College by a 3-2 final in Brownsville.
The Roadrunners (7-4-1, 5-4-1) have just two regular-season matches remaining: Friday at home vs. LSU-Eunice starting at 7:30 p.m., and a home match against Coastal Bend Community College starting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Prior to kickoff for Friday’s match, the ‘Runners will recognize sophomores on Sophomore Day.
Roadrunners Picked 2nd, Lady ‘Runners 7th in Region XIV Coaches’ Poll
The tipoff to basketball season is just a couple of weeks away, and every new season gets its own launching ceremony courtesy of the annual Region XIV Media Day. This year’s event took place this past Wednesday at Tyler Junior College, and coaches got the opportunity to stand before their contemporaries and the media while discussing the new season’s expectations.
The Roadrunner men, fresh off last year’s Elite Eight appearance – and the No. 1 defensive team in the nation – are picked to finish in second place in Region XIV behind defending national champions Trinity Valley Community College.
While lauding last year’s group and its accomplishments, AC head coach and athletic director J.J. Montgomery said he’s excited about this year’s group.
“Last year was special for us in making it to the national stage, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids,” Montgomery said. “They competed hard and represented us in the right way.
“Those kids were special, but I can honestly say I think we’ve gotten better because of the overall talent and the depth we have. We brought back eight kids from a team that went 29-6 last year. We added some transfers, and those guys are some dogs. You all know what I mean by that, and you recognize them when you see them. Every team needs guys like that.”
Montgomery closed by sharing how last year’s success has raised the bar in arguably the nation’s toughest junior college conference.
“We have a deep group, a great group, and we’ve set the expectations higher,” Montgomery said. “We know every night in Region XIV is going to be a dogfight.”
Lady ‘Runner head coach Addie Lees, in her first year with AC after having spent four years coaching Region XIV rival Kilgore College, gave a nod to the familiar faces in the crowd while reminding them of her coaching style.
“What can you expect from Angelina College women’s basketball?,” Lees asked Wednesday’s crowd. “A lot of grit, a lot of discipline, a lot of integrity and a lot of gratitude. These are our core values we strive to implement each day.
“We say our players are extensions of their coaches, so you may or may not see a little feistiness from some of our players. That’s me.”
Lees acknowledged her staff – including new assistant coach Mercedes Corona – along with “the people all around me on the Angelina College campus.”
Lees also noted she’s starting the year with an entirely new roster, with not a single player returning from the previous season.
“We have some great new players coming in,” Lees said. “Our focus this entire fall has been on setting a standard and building a strong foundation.
“We’re excited. We prepare to compete, and every day is a game day.”
The Lady Roadrunners will open their new season on the road at McLennan College on Saturday, Nov. 1. Game time is set for 2 p.m. in Waco.
The Roadrunners open the regular season at home against Hinds Community College on Monday, Nov. 3. Tipoff takes place at 6 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Drops Doubleheader to UT-Tyler
Facing the NCAA Division III back-to-back national champions, the Lady Roadrunner softball team got a glimpse of how the competition appears on the upper ends of the sport.
AC on Friday dropped a doubleheader to the University of Texas-Tyler, falling 10-1 in the opening game of the doubleheader before losing 16-5 in the nightcap.
Ella Berger drove in AC’s only run in the opening game, while teammates Emilee McKee, Elizabeth Craig, Jessi Sumpter, and Kassidi St. Clair (two RBI) plated runs in the nightcap.
The Lady ‘Runners travel this week to Houston Christian University (Friday, 2 p.m.) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi on Saturday. That game starts at 11 a.m.
Roadrunner Baseball Takes Two from TCS Post Grad
AC’s baseball guys handled their business Friday at home against TCS Post Grade, sweeping the doubleheader by scores of 9-3 and 16-4 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Daigan Venable knocked in three runs in the opener. Jackson Pullen collected two RBI, and teammates Marco Bandiero, Jon Gonzalez (with a solo homer), Cole Standley and Austin Cadroy drove in a run each.
Bandiero showed out in the nightcap, driving in four runs with a 3-for-5 day at the plate. Venable added two more RBI, as did Cadroy and Cohen Babineaux. Rounding out the RBI crew were Jackson Pullen, Connor Ficarra, Will McKinzie and Luke Hamm.
The Roadrunners will play at Friday’s Showcase at the University of Texas-Tyler in Tyler. AC faces UT-Tyler at 1 p.m. and Grayson College at 3 p.m. Both games take place on the University of Texas-Tyler campus.
Meet the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners
New rosters for the upcoming AC basketball seasons are up and running on the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com.).
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Friday, Oct. 24:
No. 14 Lady Roadrunner Soccer vs. LSU-Eunice, 5 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. (Sophomore Day ceremony takes place prior to kickoff.)
Roadrunner Soccer vs. LSU-Eunice, 5 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. (Sophomore Day ceremony takes place prior to kickoff.)
Roadrunner Baseball at UT-Tyler, 1 p.m. in Tyler; Roadrunner Baseball vs. Grayson College, 3 p.m. at UT-Tyler in Tyler.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
Families visit with natural resource partners at the Siecke State Forest Centennial Celebration event.
E.O. Siecke Forest acquired by Texas A&M Forest Service in 1924
Visitors and families gathered Oct. 18 at the E.O. Siecke State Forest in Newton County to commemorate its centennial year.
Texas A&M Forest Service began managing the site in 1924 and named it State Forest No. 1. In 1951, it was dedicated and renamed to the E.O. Siecke State Forest to recognize the contributions of Eric O. Siecke, who served as the agency’s second director and state forester.
During the celebration, attendees were able to visit with over 20 exhibitors, including natural resource and first responder partners, as well as experience hands-on activities. Immersive tours were also offered where participants learned about its history, pioneering silvicultural research and practices, and the original fire lookout tower.
The Siecke State Forest centennial event was the third and final event hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service in a year-long state forest centennial recognition that included centennial celebrations at the W.G. Jones State Forest and I.D. Fairchild State Forest.
“The Siecke State Forest has been home to many firsts in Texas forestry, starting with its acquisition and management by our agency,” said Jake Donellan, Texas A&M Forest Service field operations chief. “Our centennial events have provided a glimpse into forestry research and progress from across 10 decades, and we hope Texans will continue to enjoy their legacy for generations to come.”
Management as a state forest
Texas A&M Forest Service owns and manages five state forests and two arboretums, which serve as demonstration forests and educational classrooms that welcome thousands of visitors and horseback riders annually.
State forests are working forests cared for with sound, scientific forest management. Essential silvicultural research and outreach take place on state forests, often in collaboration with natural resource partners.
At the time it was first acquired, much of the Siecke State Forest property was cutover, or already harvested, and severely burned. Immediately following its acquisition of the forest, agency foresters began reforestation efforts, which led to impactful forestry developments and a positive regional economic impact.
Through intensive silvicultural efforts, the first operational planting of slash pine in Texas was established on the forest due to its rapid growth, survival and resistance to tip-moth damage. The rise in success of slash pine plantations in the forest and throughout East Texas led to the construction of the Southland Paper Mill — the first southern yellow pine newsprint mill — in Lufkin.
The first fire tower in Texas, standing at 80 feet, was constructed in the forest in 1926 and was a critical asset for lookout men and women to spot and locate forest fires from rising smoke. During its first year in use, 135 fires were detected from this tower.
Today, the 1,700-acre forest and its remnants, including the first steel fire tower and pine plantation, still stand as a testament to a century-long beginning for forestry research and advancement in Texas.
What Can We Learn From Jesus Inviting His First Disciples To Follow Him?
“We can learn from John the Baptist to tell people who Jesus really is,” says Danae, 10. “John had many followers himself, but he didn’t try to compete with Jesus.”
Nothing is more challenging to successful ministers than to keep pointing people to Jesus Christ. Everyone has the tendency to take credit for a work that the Lord did through us. Don’t do it. Keep pointing people to Christ.
“Jesus invited simple fishermen to follow him,” says Emily, 12. “I think he did that to show us that God’s love is for everyone, not just the people who are pretty, smart or popular.”
Jesus didn’t set up a recruiting office at the Jerusalem school for rabbis. He began his ministry in a remote desert place where two disciples of John the Baptist followed him.
“What do you seek?” Jesus asked them. By asking this question, Jesus forced his disciples to think about their motives. People follow Jesus for different reasons.
Many Jews wanted the Messiah to overthrow the Romans. They saw Jesus as a splendid king (Isaiah 9 and 10). Jesus didn’t come the first time to crush his enemies, but to put himself into the hands of those who would crush him (Isaiah 53). Jesus had to explain to his disciples that the cross must come before the crown.
When the disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, he said, “Come and see” (John 1:39). When we follow Jesus, he doesn’t show us everything at once. Every day, we must come and see what he has for us.
“We can learn that once we learn about Jesus, we should tell others,” says Anna, 10.
After only one day with Jesus, Andrew told his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). When Jesus saw Simon, he immediately changed his name to Cephas, which means stone or rock. The name Cephas in the Aramaic language is the same as Peter in Greek.
When we follow Jesus, we give up our own identity for one that God gives us. Jesus knew that Simon would change. His testimony that Jesus is the Christ would serve as the foundational rock upon which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:13-20).
“Jesus wants everyone to come to him,” says Rebekah, 6. “Jesus has time for everyone and will not say u2018hurry up’ or tell them to go away because he is busy.”
In an age where technology speeds up the way we communicate with each other, it’s hard to imagine a God who has time for us. If we don’t make time to “come and see” Jesus, we’ll never get to know him in a way that motivates us to tell our loved ones about him. Spending quality time with Jesus will result in telling others about him.
“When you are being open and willing to allow people to follow you, it might make them curious,” says Sarah, 11.
Jesus provoked people’s curiosity. We see that all the way through his ministry. He asked a lot of questions to which he already knew the answers.
Think about this: Jesus was the master fisherman of people. He knew how to provoke people’s curiosity so that they wanted to know more about God.
Memorize this truth: “Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19).
Ask this question: Are you fishing for people by pointing them to Jesus Christ?
Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.
Celebrate culture, creativity, and community at the Heritage Festival 2025 in the heart of Downtown Lufkin!
Join us at Cotton Square for a vibrant day filled with: Artisan and handmade vendors Cultural performances and music Interactive activities for families Food that celebrates diverse traditions
This annual event highlights the richness of heritage and creativity in our community and we’d love for you to be part of it.
When: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Where: Cotton Square, Downtown Lufkin More Info & Vendor Applications Coming soon at: www.LufkinCreative.com
Bring your friends and family, support local artists and makers, and enjoy a celebration of culture in the heart of Lufkin!
Texans pride themselves on building — building businesses, communities, and opportunity. But none of that works without reliable water infrastructure. On November 4th, Texans have the chance to vote “YES” on Proposition 4 and support the future of our state’s economy by making a generational investment in water infrastructure.
This constitutional amendment is not just about pipes and pumps — it’s about ensuring that the Texas economy continues to grow. Proposition 4 creates a dedicated funding stream using $1 billion annually of existing state sales tax revenue to modernize our aging water systems, expand supply, and support local utilities. In total it represents a $20 billion investment though the year 2047. No new taxes, no new bureaucracy — just smart investment in water projects that will allow communities to grow and keep Texas open for business.
Protecting East Texas and Ensuring Sustainable Growth
One of the most important provisions in Proposition 4 is the prohibition against funding projects that pump and transport fresh groundwater out of East Texas. This provision, which I and many of my East Texas colleagues fought for, protects local aquifers from over-pumping while encouraging innovation in other regions — desalination on the coast, water reuse in urban centers, and more efficient water systems statewide.
This balance matters economically. Depleting East Texas aquifers would devastate local industries — agriculture, timber, tourism — that depend on groundwater availability. By keeping that water where it belongs and investing instead in technology and infrastructure upgrades, Proposition 4 protects East Texas groundwater and promotes growth that lasts.
Investing in our Past and our Future
Texas communities and companies depend on robust water infrastructure to grow and remain competitive. Yet across Texas our water systems are old, leaky, and outdated. Each year, we lose billions of gallons through broken pipes and inefficient treatment systems. According to some reports Texas must invest at least $154 billion over the next 50 years just to upgrade existing water and wastewater infrastructure—and that’s before accounting for population growth, drought, and climate volatility. Many smaller towns and rural systems, especially in East Texas, don’t have the tax base or bond capacity to shoulder that burden alone.
Proposition 4 addresses this directly. It provides predictable, long-term funding for the repair and replacement of critical infrastructure and for projects that expand water supply through desalination, conservation, and other new water projects. This investment in our existing infrastructure and creation of additional water supplies will ensure Texas companies and communities have the water they need to continue to grow and succeed.
The Bottom Line
Approval of Proposition 4 is helping Texas manage one of its biggest risks: water availability. It’s a rare chance for bipartisan action that strengthens infrastructure, protects natural resources, and safeguards our state’s economic future.
On November 4th, cast your vote for Texas’ future. Vote YES on Proposition 4 — to fix what’s broken, protect what’s precious, and ensure every Texan has the water resources we all deserve.
