AUSTIN – “I want to thank Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson for meeting with the heads of state agencies and higher education to lead a discussion about zero-based budgeting today,” said Patrick. “Last month Sen. Nelson and I sent a letter to all Texas state agency leaders inviting them to the capitol to attend a… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick met with his Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Advisory Council. The 13-member council held their first meeting since its creation last month. “The goal of P-TECH is to better prepare students for a career and to ensure that Texas has the workforce needed for the… Read more »

Lt. Governor Patrick Statement Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers AUSTIN – Too many times we hear the news that another law enforcement officer has fallen in the line of duty. For most of us, we stop, grieve, and go back to our lives. For the families of the fallen, the grief stays with them… Read more »

AUSTIN –  Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the appointment of five senators to the Joint Interim Committee to Study the Issue of Advertising Public Notices and five senators to the Joint Interim Committee to Study the Development of a Cruise Industry. The Joint Interim Committee to Study the Issue of Advertising Public Notices will… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave public testimony at the Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief hearing in Arlington. It was a standing-room only crowd of about 500 people. “Lowering property taxes has always been one of my top priorities,” said Patrick. “Last session the Texas Senate and voters successfully… Read more »

AUSTIN –  Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Kel Seliger held a press conference to address data collected related to skyrocketing university tuition, fee rates and student debt. “The issue of rising tuition and rising student debt is of great public concern,” said Patrick. “It is the responsibility of the… Read more »

AUSTIN – As Texas continues its response efforts surrounding the Zika virus, today Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has requested the Senate Health and Human Services Committee review Texas’ response. The committee will examine the incidence of the disease in Texas, surveillance efforts, modes of transmission, strategies to prevent transmission, and a review of local mosquito… Read more »

AUSTIN – In October of last year, I charged the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with addressing child abuse and neglect within our state’s foster care system, improving services for children with complex health needs and strengthening adoptions. Today’s public hearing outlined the significant challenges that our foster care system faces. Last session, the… Read more »

AUSTIN –  I stand by Texas Attorney General Paxton and the bi-partisan 26-state coalition that gave oral arguments today against the president’s executive amnesty program. The president is attempting to bypass the U.S. Constitution by creating a program that encourages illegal immigration and undermines the rule of law. Instead of granting amnesty to those who… Read more »

AUSTIN – Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick today released the following statement after a Harris County deputy constable was ambushed and shot six times in Harris County and an Austin police officer was shot in Austin: “Please join Jan and me in praying for the full recovery of these brave men who put on a… Read more »