Friends,
Last week many of you voted for major changes to our state constitution that will decrease property taxes, prevent homeowners from facing future taxes on real estate sales and make sure we have adequate funding for transportation infrastructure. These are significant achievements but we’re not finished – we’re just getting started!
Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief
In Lubbock, I announced the creation of a Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief and appointed seven Senate members. This committee will hold public hearings across Texas looking for the best ways to reform the property tax process and better protect property owners. Hearings begin in early 2016 and it’s important your voice is heard. We will keep you posted for hearings in your area. If one of the public hearings is held in your area I hope you will attend and let us know how the current system is impacting you and your family. I want to hear your suggestions for meaningful property tax reform and relief for the future.
Click here to ready more about my news release on this issue.
Veterans Day in Tyler, Texas
I spent Veteran’s Day in Tyler, Texas honoring our heroes and touring of the Watkins-Logan Texas State Veterans Home. Our state is home to over 1.5 million veterans and offers the best support and opportunities for veterans in our nation. New residences like the Watkins-Logan Veterans Home provide the community setting that veterans want. I’m proud of the fact that the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is the only state agency to receive the national Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Outstanding State Program for two consecutive years. However our work is never done. I’ve charged the Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee to study veteran health and mental health care, as well as the Veteran’s Administration claims backlog, to ensure the state continues to keep working for veterans.
Lt. Gov. Patrick with heroes in Tyler, TX.
Appointments
This week I announced the appointments of Senate members to the Senate Select Committee on State Real Property Data Collection, Reporting and Assessment; Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs; Committee to Study Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Health Benefit Plans; and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. I also appointed two Texans to the Commission to Study and Review Certain Penal Laws. The experience these appointees will bring to the table are essential and will serve Texas well.
Read more about these appointments here.
Directly From the Source
Visit my website at www.ltgov.state.tx.us for the latest updates from the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
Follow me on Twitter @LtGovTX and Instagram @LtGovTX and LIKE us on Facebook at Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Texas.
God Bless Texas,
“Whomever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”
Matthew 20:26 (NLT)