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 »

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 »