AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the retirement of Senior Adviser Walter Fisher. Fisher joined the Lt. Governor’s staff as part of the initial transition team before Patrick’s inauguration, earlier this year. “By most accounts the 84th legislative Senate session exceeded expectations, both in legislative achievement and overall functioning efficiency,” said Patrick…. Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick sent this letter to Texas Racing Commission Chairman Robert Schmidt urging the commission to repeal historic racing, at their December 15 meeting. ————————————————   Dear Chairman Schmidt:   Thank you for your service to the State of Texas and your work on the Texas Racing Commission. I… Read more »

AUSTIN – “Demands that Texas and other states must bow to the federal government and accept Syrian refugees is just another example of the arrogance and overreach of the Obama Administration. The risk to the safety and security of all citizens is outrageous. “Governor Abbott has taken the correct and courageous position, and I stand… Read more »

AUSTIN – “I fully support Governor Abbott’s decision to not accept any refugees from Syria in light of the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris. The threat of another terrorist attack on any country is real and Texas must always remain vigilant. “All Texans are shocked at the barbarism of the ISIS attacks in Paris Friday. Our… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the appointments of Senate members to the Senate Select Committee on State Real Property Data Collection, Reporting and Assessment; Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs; Committee to Study Teacher Retirement System (TRS) Health Benefit Plans; and the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. Additionally, two Texans were appointed to… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced he has formally requested a delay in the implementation of proposed fee increases by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). A letter was sent to the commissioner earlier this week. “I have called on Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller to put the brakes on these proposed fees… Read more »

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Joe Straus have named their respective appointees to the newly created Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability. House Bill 2804 authorized the creation of the commission with the purpose of developing and making recommendations for new systems of student assessment and public… Read more »

AUSTIN – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick today released the following statement after a judge was shot in Travis County: “I am saddened to hear about the shooting of State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek in Travis County. Jan and I are praying for her recovery and that whomever is responsible will be apprehended and… Read more »

AUSTIN – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick today released the following statement after a judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging state tax policy: “Today’s decision by a District Judge to dismiss the City of Austin’s lawsuit against the Travis County Appraisal Review Board is a victory for all taxpayers. Courtrooms are not the proper venue for… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the appointment of seven Senate members to a Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief. The Select Committee on Property Tax Reform and Relief will travel the state holding public hearings and look for ways to improve the property tax process as well as reduce… Read more »