AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed senators Paul Bettencourt and Donald ‘Don’ Huffines to the Joint Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund. The purpose of this joint-select committee is to determine and adopt a sufficient balance in the economic stabilization fund (Rainy Day Fund) for the next… Read more »

AUSTIN – U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor issued a nationwide preliminary injunction to block President Obama’s bathroom directive issued days before schools closed for the summer last spring. This injunction is a victory for Texas and every school district in the nation. If the president’s edict had not been opposed, public schools would have been… Read more »

Affirmed by Attorney General   AUSTIN – In February I asked Attorney General Paxton for an opinion on the constitutionality of Montgomery County Judge Wayne Mack’s volunteer-led chaplaincy program and ceremonial court room prayer. My request stemmed from a complaint filed against Judge Wayne Mack and my continuing efforts to protect religious liberties in Texas…. Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed Sen. Donna Campbell to the Legislative Committee on Aging. “As the average age expectancy increases across our state, we must continue to look for ways to improve the quality of life for our senior citizens,” said Patrick. “I know Sen. Campbell will continue to make our aging… Read more »

DALLAS – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a news conference at the Dallas Police Association headquarters to unveil efforts to support the families of Texas’ fallen first responders. “We will create a tax exemption modeled after legislation we previously passed for our combat veterans, killed in the line-of-duty,” said Patrick. “This legislation will exempt… Read more »

AUSTIN – As the U.S. sees an increase in Zika virus cases, particularly with the cases of local transmission in Florida, Texas continues to be proactive in its efforts to control this devastating virus. Several months ago, I asked Senator Charles Schwertner, Chairman of Health and Human Services, to hold a special hearing on Zika…. Read more »

AUSTIN – Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released the following statement regarding the possible expansion of the Big 12 NCAA athletic conference: “The start of the school year means football season is upon us. As a former sportscaster I know that Texans take their football seriously, and so do I. “I previously commented about my… Read more »

AUSTIN – Nothing is more critical to our democracy than the integrity of the voting process. Citizens must be able to trust the certified outcome of every election and we must protect the voting rights of every eligible voter in Texas. That’s why I co-authored the Voter ID bill as a state senator and why… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today’s decision by the Fort Worth Independent School District is a victory for parents’ rights and student safety. I am pleased the FWISD superintendent and school board have listened to parents in the school district and pulled down their existing transgender policy. I first went to Fort Worth to speak out against this… Read more »

AUSTIN – Last night, Texas correctional officer, Mari Johnson was murdered by an inmate at the Robertson Unit in Abilene. I expect a thorough investigation into this tragedy so that the perpetrator is brought to justice. At a time when law enforcement officer deaths are becoming more common I urge all Texans to remember that… Read more »