In the Texas Senate we’re already off to a fast start with a mission to get our priorities done sooner, rather than later. This will allow us more time to focus on the state’s top priorities instead of scrambling at the finish line to get the job done before time runs out.
Lt. Governor Patrick presides over the Texas Senate
During the last few weeks, in the Texas Senate, we have:
- Identified $12 million dollars to keep the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety fully funded until the end of May. This will give us time to work on getting a supplemental bill to further and permanently fund our law enforcement along the border;
- rolled out a conservative Budget Blue Print for the next two years. This spending plan will provide for $4 Billion dollars in real tax relief for homeowners and businesses;
- expedited and voted two gun bills with wide support out of the Senate State Affairs committee (open carry and campus carry);
- filed legislation to dedicate billions of dollars in additional road improvement money and allow Texas voters to prioritize TxDOT funding, for years to come;
- made the senate more efficient by reducing the number of committees from 18 to 14; and
- led the way for a historical rule change in the Texas Senate which will allow the Texas Senate to pass bills with 3/5th’s support instead of the 2/3rd’s threshold.
These are a few of the highlights included in the Senate’s plan and I want you to know your Lt. Governor and state senators are working hard for you.
Lt. Governor Patrick and Parliamentarian Karina Davis converse with
Senator Eltife about changing the 2/3rd’s voting rule to 3/5th’s.
Lt. Governor-Elect Patrick holds a press conference in the weeks leading up to being sworn in.
Lt. Governor Patrick welcomes the 66th Pony Express Ride as they present him with
official credentials and an invitation to the 83rd Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Lt. Governor Patrick holds a press conference to present an additional $12 million to keep troops on the border.