(Austin, TX) – Governor Greg Abbott officially delivered his proclamation for the First Called
Special Session of the 85th Legislature on July 10th, 2017. State Representative James White
looks forward to working with the governor and members of the Legislature in passing vital
conservative legislation that ensures that state medical agencies remain functional for the health and safety of Texans, reforms our dysfunctional school finance system, and protects Texas
taxpayers.
“I’m very thankful that Governor Abbott considered my appeal and the request of others to call
the Legislature back for a special session to accomplish the work that the Legislature failed to
accomplish, not for the lack of time, but due to petty bickering and legislative obstruction,” said State Rep. White. Beginning July 18th, the Legislature will consider sunset legislation for the Texas Medical Board, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the Texas State
Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Texas State Board of Examiners of
Professional Counselors, and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. White continues, “Medical care and behavioral health are too critical for children, pregnant women, and senior citizens to become mere pawns in political gamesmanship.”
Once the Senate passes the bills necessary to preserve these five state agencies, the governor will add teacher compensation and retention practices, school finance reform, education options for students with special needs, property tax reform, reigning in state and local government,
municipal annexation reform, protection of property rights, privacy, collection of union dues, pro-life legislation, and mail-in ballot reforms.
“Our Texas Constitution gives the Legislature all the tools it needs to do the people’s work.
However, I look forward to working directly with the Governor and his staff on passing this
aggressive conservative agenda,” said State Rep. White. He continues, “Addressing property tax
and school finance reform will be at the top of my priorities and will work to provide much
needed relief to hardworking Texans.”
Please do not hesitate to contact either Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, or Shawn Dunn, District
Director, with questions regarding these projects at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.
