Over the past few weeks, we have seen some backlash and hostility towards our law enforcement community in the national press and on social media. Like you, I am very thankful for the work they do keeping us safe, and I think we should all honor them in every way possible. As you encounter law enforcement over the next few weeks, I would encourage you to thank them for their service, as they put their life on the line each and every day to protect each of us and our families. Please join me in giving them the respect and honor they deserve.
A Bill and Some Change
As you know, there has been a major push for increased border security over the past few years, and the Texas House of Representatives has been very successful at identifying and solving the problems related to that issue. One of these solutions from the last Legislative Session was Senate Bill (SB) 374. SB 374 requires all state agencies to electronically verify the employment status of their employees prior to hiring using the nationwide E-Verify system. This system will prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining these jobs, regardless of whether they have illegally entered the country or overstayed their legal visa. The change in SB 374 will have a positive impact for our workforce and will help to deter future illegal immigration.
Constitutional Amendments: Part 4 of 7
Continuing our seven part series, we will be taking an in-depth look at the fourth proposed constitutional amendments leading up to the constitutional amendments election on November 3rd, 2015.
Proposition 4 on this November’s ballot would allow professional sports teams to operate charitable raffles through the charitable foundations they operate. Many professional sports teams are involved in admirable causes, and raise money for sick children and others who need assistance. Prop 4 will allow teams to have their fans to donate to these worthy causes, and expands their ability to fundraise through a raffle. I believe with the passage of this proposition, Texans will have more opportunities to give to those in need and be able to work together with the other fans of their team to see the world changed for the better.
Additionally, it is important to note that if you have moved, or are not registered to vote, the deadline for voter registration is in less than a month on Monday, October 5, 2015. Early voting will be from October 19th through October 30th. If you have any questions regarding any of the proposed amendments, or on how to register to vote, please call my office at (512) 463-0508. We will be glad to help you navigate the process.
Reminders
For the convenience of constituents not wanting to travel far from home, the regular mobile office is set for September 16th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex from 8:30am to 11:00am, and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. Finally, the mobile office will be at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 8:30am to 11:00am on September 23rd.
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.
