As the Capitol welcomed legislators from all over the state of Texas last week, I was proud to gavel-in the opening of the Texas Senate for the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. Our state faces many challenges this session, but I have great confidence in the commitment of the hard-working senators of this state and the people of Texas who elected them. In all our deliberations, maintaining our conservative principles and protecting Texas values will be our top priority.
I was honored to discuss some of our top priorities for this session last week during the opening keynote for Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Policy Orientation. TPPF President Brooke Rollins introduces the other senators that were present as well as me before the speech begins. Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/2jJZJQ3
Conservative Priorities in the Texas Legislature
Last week Senator Kelly Hancock, R – North Richland Hills, filed one of our top legislative priorities Senate Bill 9 – Reforming the Spending Cap. The people of Texas elected us to produce a conservative budget that ensures taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that the size of state government does not exceed increases in inflation times our population growth. SB 9 puts that commitment into law and ensures that the state of Texas continues to live within our means. Read my full statement here.
Last year, Texas lost more law enforcement officers in the line of duty than any other state in America. Some of these senseless tragedies could have been prevented if these law enforcement officers had been outfitted with protective vests capable of stopping high-caliber bullets. I have made it a priority this legislative session to pass Senate Bill 12, which will give all Texas officers on patrol bulletproof vests that can withstand rifle rounds. I commend Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, for filing this important bill to help protect our brave men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect us. Read my full statement on the filing of SB 12 here.
I also sat down for a one-hour interview with the Texas Tribune last week to discuss the 85th Texas Legislative Session. Click below to watch the full conversation.
Thank you for your support as we continue the fight for conservative principles and Texas values during this legislative session.
