AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the announcement of the guilty verdicts against Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio:

“I have confidence in our judicial system and the jury has spoken. Though I recognize that Sen. Uresti is entitled to exercise his right to appeal, my first priority is to the people of Texas. Therefore, I will take immediate steps that will allow the members of the Texas Senate to focus on the critical issues facing our state as we prepare for the next legislative session.

“As lieutenant governor, I do not have the authority to remove Sen. Uresti from the Texas Senate but I have notified his office that he will be relieved of his committee assignments, effective immediately. I will replace him in those positions shortly so that the work of these committees can continue to move forward.”