AUSTIN –  Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick received the 2016 Public Leadership in Energy & Environmental Stewardship Award, during the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) meeting in Washington D.C. The award, in partnership with General Electric (GE), recognizes an official who played a key role regarding energy and environmental stewardship, enhancing the lives of constituents… Read more »

MCALLEN – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick recently toured the Texas-Mexico border for an accountability update of his number one priority – border security. This was Patrick’s first chance to see firsthand the benefits of Texas’ unprecedented $800 million border security initiative approved by the Texas Senate, during the 84th legislative session.   Click to… Read more »

AUSTIN –  Today, Chairman Kel Seliger and I sent a letter to each public university president, requesting they send information on tuition and costs of attendance at each institution since 2002. In addition, we have requested an overview of their plans to reduce student debt and improve their graduation rates. Last year, the legislature provided… Read more »

AUSTIN –  I applaud Ken Paxton for defending House Bill 2 (HB2) before the United States Supreme Court. HB2 which passed during the 83rd legislative session, ensures the health and safety of women at facilities by holding the clinics to the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers while also requiring practitioners to have admitting privileges… Read more »

AUSTIN – I am extremely pleased that the unconstitutional criminal charges filed against Governor Rick Perry by a rogue Travis County prosecutor have been dismissed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. As I pointed out more than a year ago, Gov. Perry is a dedicated public servant who served our state with integrity and… Read more »

AUSTIN – I support today’s action by the Texas Racing Commission to repeal its rules for historical racing in Texas. As a state district court has ruled, only the Texas legislature can approve any expansion of gambling. With this issue now behind us, I look forward to sitting down with responsible members of the horse… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed six members of the Texas media to the Elections Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee is to evaluate the reporting and tabulation of unofficial returns for the primary and general elections. The committee makes recommendations to the office of the Texas Secretary of State. The following… Read more »

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 »