AUSTIN –  I sent Attorney General Ken Paxton a formal request for an opinion on the constitutionality of a volunteer-led justice court chaplaincy program and ceremonial court prayer. This request stems from a complaint filed against Judge Wayne Mack from Montgomery County and my continuing efforts to protect religious liberties in Texas. Recently, Justice of… Read more »

AUSTIN – America suffered a major loss with the passing of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He was an unwavering champion of our Constitution and the rule of law. Justice Scalia said what he meant, and undoubtedly meant what he said. A man of principle and a true constitutional textualist, his legal opinions followed… Read more »

AUSTIN –  Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed five members to the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. Additionally, a state senator was appointed to the Southern States Energy Board and a Texan was appointed to the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant Program Advisory Board.   Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission This commission  provides… Read more »

I applaud Attorney General Ken Paxton for leading the fight against the illegal actions of the EPA and securing a stay on the EPA’s overreaching Clean Power Plan.  We are confident the EPA’s rule will ultimately be struck down. I will continue standing up for states’ rights against President Obama’s attacks on the 10th Amendment.

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the creation of a Senate Select Committee on Texas Ports and the appointment of its members. Several of our Texas ports already rank among the top in the export and import of commodities and products in the world. Our ports have a significant impact on the Texas… Read more »

HOUSTON – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced a major workforce development initiative that bridges the gap between the classroom and the interview room. The lieutenant governor detailed plans to create a statewide model for Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), targeting workforce-ready partnerships between K-12, higher education and industry. Students will benefit… Read more »

AUSTIN –  Today, an amicus brief was filed with the United States Supreme Court by Texas state legislators urging the Court to affirm the 5th Circuit’s decision to uphold House Bill 2 (HB2), passed during the 83rd legislative session in 2013. HB2 ensures the health and safety of women at Texas abortion facilities by holding… Read more »

Some Local Governments Constantly Overtaxing Homeowners By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick   Texans are frustrated with the unsustainable disconnect between constantly increasing local property taxes and household incomes. That’s why in 2015, 86 percent of voters approved a constitutional amendment to increase their homestead exemption for the first time in nearly 20 years. But more… Read more »