There was a lot going on at your State Capitol this week as the Texas House received our committee assignments for the 86th Legislative Session. I’m excited that Speaker Bonnen has selected me to serve on both the House Committee on Public Education and the House Committee on Defense & Veterans Affairs. As a member of these two important committees, I will have the opportunity to play an integral role in taking care of our state’s military installations, service members, and veterans, as well as work intimately with my colleagues to address the number one issue facing the 86th Legislature — school finance reform and property tax relief. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on addressing these critically important issues!
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
The 86th Texas Legislature: Filed Legislation
I kicked off the 86th session by recently filing several pieces of legislation that I believe will make a positive impact on our state. The first, House Bill 1065, would have a direct impact on our district, and rural Texas in general, by establishing a grant program aimed at increasing the number of resident physicians in rural communities. Given the persistent shortage of physicians in rural areas, Texas must do more to increase access to quality medical care by promoting programs to incentivize and develop rural residency training opportunities. I’m proud to have taken a strong step towards achieving increased access to care in underserved areas across our state.
Another bill I recently filed, House Bill 1064, designates May 4th of each year as “Texas Firefighters Day.” We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, and this legislation would provide us an opportunity to formally recognize their bravery, determination, and selfless service.
Lastly, I filed a bill that would help streamline the process by which landowners and water utilities obtain the proper permitting to produce and transfer groundwater. This bill, House Bill 1068, goes a long way in not only cutting burdensome red tape, but also protecting the precious rights of landowners across the state.
Reminders
The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations:
February 6th at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 9:00-11:00am, or at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville from 1:30-3:30pm; February 20th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:00-11:00am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm; and finally on February 27th at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:00-11:00am.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
