AUSTIN – Today, as acting governor, I am directing that the Texas flag be immediately lowered to half-staff in honor of the lives and public service of our slain officers and victims of yesterday’s tragic and senseless event. I ask that you keep the brave men and women in law enforcement in your thoughts and… Read more »

AUSTIN – Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Dallas first responders. Several officers have been killed and many have been injured. During times like this all Texans must stand united as this  investigation continues and those responsible are stopped, apprehended and brought to justice…. Read more »

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Joe Straus sent a letter to all state agencies directing them to reduce their budget requests by four percent for the 2018-2019 biennial budget. In developing the budget, the leaders urged agency heads to continue building off the successful work of the 84th legislative… Read more »

Calls upon FWISD Superintendent Scribner to pull down his illegal policy or resign “Today’s Attorney General opinion is a clear and resounding victory for parents within the Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) who deserve a transparent superintendent and school board that follows the law. “As I said from the beginning, Superintendent Kent Scribner violated the Texas… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today’s United States Supreme Court ruling striking down House Bill 2 (HB 2) is a devastating blow to the protection of the health and safety of women in Texas. HB 2 was passed during the 83rd Texas legislative session to ensure the health and safety of women by holding abortion clinics to the… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick co-signed the following letter with Congressman Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. The letter was sent to President Obama and requests his support for requiring top law enforcement and intelligence officials to certify that admitted refugees are not a threat. “I’m happy to join… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today’s action by the U.S. Supreme Court effectively blocking President Obama’s illegal amnesty program is a major victory for Texas and the bipartisan 26-state coalition. The Court’s 4-4 vote leaves in place the Fifth Circuit’s ruling that protects the separation of powers. The president has no authority to circumvent Congress and disregard the… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today’s ruling by a federal court dismissing Texas’ efforts to get proper notification before any refugee resettlement from the federal government is disappointing. We are particularly concerned because, earlier today, the CIA director told Congress that ISIS may use refugee programs such as the one in question to smuggle in terrorists. Texas has… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the appointment of four Senate members to the Texas Rural Health and Economic Development Advisory Council, and the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee. The Texas Rural Health and Economic Development Advisory Council reviews and advises on rural policies and programs and makes recommendations regarding the… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, the Senate Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Charles Schwertner, the Senate Chair of the Finance Committee, Jane Nelson and I sent a letter to President Obama and the Texas Congressional delegation urging swift action and coordination between local, state and federal government to combat the Zika virus in Texas. Texas is… Read more »