As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are reminded of the incredible impact that moms have on our lives. Mothers are the ones who guide us through life’s challenges, offer support and encouragement, and provide us with unconditional love. This special day serves as a reminder to honor and celebrate the wonderful women who have shaped us into the men and women God called us to be.
This Mother’s Day, I hope you’ll take the time to express your love and appreciation to a mother, grandmother, or any other woman who has helped guide you along the way. To all the amazing women out there – Happy Mother’s Day!
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
As the 89th Legislative Session draws to a close in just three weeks, the House chamber has been deliberating and voting well into the night, and plans to meet through the weekend, to pass bills before the end of this month.
This week, the House took up many important measures, including Senate Bill 17. SB 17 bans government entities, companies and individuals linked to nations that pose a threat to our national security, such as China, North Korea, and Iran, from purchasing or acquiring property in Texas. This includes agricultural land, water rights, minerals and residential or commercial real estate.
SB 17 also empowers the Attorney General to bring suits against banned entities, investigate foreign ownership of property, and ask the courts to appoint people to manage and sell land bought in violation of the law. While the bill does force prohibited foreign entities to divest from property in Texas, it does not affect U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. I am proud to serve as a coauthor of SB 17 and look forward to seeing this bill signed into law.
Additionally, I was proud to present House Bill 4735, the Texas Rural Development Act, before the House this week. Rural Texas communities drive our state’s economy, yet investment dollars increasingly flow to more populated areas. While our state’s metro areas are prime targets for investment, studies show that less than 1% of traditional investment dollars reach rural areas.
Texas needs a new program focused on driving private investment dollars to our rural communities. HB 4735 will stimulate the rural economies of Texas by incentivizing private investment in small businesses throughout rural Texas. I am proud to report that HB 4735 overwhelmingly passed the House, and I look forward to seeing this bill pass through the Senate and onto the Governor’s desk.
The mobile office is on the road again in May and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: May 14 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; May 21 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
