Friends,
Protecting the unborn and education reform have been two of my top priorities since I became a state senator in 2007. As lieutenant governor, I continue to make sure the sanctity of life is protected under all circumstances and our education system in Texas improves.
Don’t miss out on next week’s Senate committee hearings on education and property tax reform and relief.
Whole Woman’s Health v John Hellerstedt, et al.
As the author of the sonogram bill, I continue to remain fully committed to protecting the innocent. With bi-partisan support Texas lawmakers filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to affirm the 5th Circuit’s decision to uphold House Bill 2, passed in 2013 during the 83rd legislative session. This bill protects women’s health who are seeking an abortion by holding clinics to the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers.
Click here to read the amicus brief in its entirety.
Read my full press release here.
A Workforce Initiative For a Better Future
This week I was proud to announce that Texas is working hard to make sure our students have a smooth transition between the classroom and their career. We want to make sure today’s students are ready for the next generation’s careers. That’s why we are looking to adopt a statewide model called Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH). It’s a model that builds upon career-oriented legislation that I helped pass as senator in 2013. Students will benefit from career focused courses and the guidance of business community mentors. Graduates are rewarded with a guaranteed job interview. The P-TECH model is a novel approach to a better future for our students and our workforce.
Find out more about P-TECH here.
Lt. Gov. Patrick at Lone Star College announcing the P-TECH initiative.
Senate Committee Hearing in the Rio Grande Valley
Typically, senate committee hearings take place in our state capital. During this interim however, I’ve charged the Senate property tax committee to hold hearings across the state. This gives Texans in different regions the opportunity to let their voice be heard.
The Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief will hold their public hearing in Harlingen, Texas on Thursday, February 11.
For more details about public hearings click here.
National Conference of State Legislatures
I recently did a profile piece with the National Conference of State Legislatures magazine. I talk about how I got my start as a small businessman and what book I keep on my night stand. It’s a quick read.
Read the interview 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)