AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick sent the attached letter to Texas’ institutions of higher education:   “I am advising you that I am not approving any higher education requests to increase FTE authorizations (staff) for fiscal year 2017,” Patrick said in the letter. “Any requested increases should be presented to budget writers of… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a major initiative today calling on Texas’ many faith-based communities to help identify homes for children in need of foster care. The initiative is being launched in conjunction with National Adoption Month in November. “Thousands of children in Texas’ foster care system need your help. They need safe and loving… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the following appointments to the Economic Incentive Oversight Board: Windi Grimes – an investments executive in Houston, TX. Bill Lavers – Executive Director of the Development Corporation of Snyder, TX. The Economic Incentive Oversight Board examines the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and funds administered by the… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a major initiative today to better protect police and support the families of Texas first responders. Speaking at a news conference with Senator Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, and several Texas law enforcement officials, the Lt. Governor said: “We want Texas’ bravest men and women to know when they put… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued the following statement today regarding immediate steps that are being taken to protect children in the state who are at risk of abuse and neglect: “The heart-breaking news from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) that there is a substantial backlog in getting to children who… Read more »

Cost of Failing to Secure the Border  AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today in response to the news of the arrest of Silvestre Franco-Luviano in Georgetown: “This chilling news report is a vivid example of the consequences of failing to secure our border. While we do not know the facts… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the following appointments to the Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force: Cristina Morales Heaney – CEO, U.S. Safety Services A. Jimmy Garza – Director of Operations, Bebo Distributing Co. Inc. and CFO/Co-Founder, Spornado. The Office of Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force advises and assists… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the following Senate appointees:   Windstorm Insurance Legislative Oversight Board Sen. Eduardo “Eddie” Lucio, Jr. The Windstorm Insurance Legislative Oversight Board receives information about rules proposed by the Texas Department of Insurance relating to windstorm insurance and submits comments to the insurance commissioner on the proposed rules…. Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the following appointments:   Comptroller’s Property Value Study Advisory Committee Senator Paul Bettencourt The Comptroller’s Property Value Study Advisory Committee advises the comptroller on rules governing the conduct of studies to determine the taxable value of property in each school district.   Agriculture Policy Board Senator Charles… Read more »

AUSTIN – I congratulate Dallas Police Chief David Brown who announced his retirement earlier this week for his long and distinguished career in law enforcement. I witnessed Chief Brown’s leadership first-hand on the tragic night of the police shootings in Dallas. In the days immediately following the attack, I saw him lead his city and… Read more »