AUSTIN –  Today, an amicus brief was filed with the United States Supreme Court by Texas state legislators urging the Court to affirm the 5th Circuit’s decision to uphold House Bill 2 (HB2), passed during the 83rd legislative session in 2013. HB2 ensures the health and safety of women at Texas abortion facilities by holding… Read more »

Some Local Governments Constantly Overtaxing Homeowners By Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick   Texans are frustrated with the unsustainable disconnect between constantly increasing local property taxes and household incomes. That’s why in 2015, 86 percent of voters approved a constitutional amendment to increase their homestead exemption for the first time in nearly 20 years. But more… Read more »

I applaud the Texas Transportation Commission for taking this important step toward reducing the congestion on roadways in the major metro areas of Texas – Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. Since I became a state senator, I made ending the diversions of transportation funding one of my top priorities. As lieutenant governor… Read more »

I fully support Attorney General Ken Paxton’s stand against the Obama administration to protect Texas from potential terrorists. The Obama administration has defied a directive from a federal district judge to notify Texas of refugees being settled in the state. In addition to the federal government’s failure to secure the border, this total disregard for… Read more »

“The horrific nature of these videos demand scrutiny and investigation. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will continue to examine the practices of abortion providers and whether state law adequately protects the sanctity of life. “The recent anniversary of Roe v Wade decision is a solid reminder of the over 50 million innocent… Read more »

AUSTIN – This week Texas is celebrating one of my top priorities, school choice. Since I joined the Texas Senate in 2007 I have pushed for more school choice. Giving our children the flexibility of attending a better school, for a better future, is about giving them opportunity. No parent or student should ever feel… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement in response to the public hearing on sanctuary cities by the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations Subcommittee on Border Security. “I applaud the thorough review and broad discussion about this important public safety issue,” Patrick said. “Under Chairman Brian Birdwell’s leadership… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement in response to the arrest of a terror suspect in Houston. “I applaud the thorough law enforcement investigation that resulted in this arrest,” Patrick said. “Based on the facts, as we know them, today’s action may have prevented a catastrophic terror related event in… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today’s presidential announcement on increasing gun control is simply political posturing and more propaganda. President Obama’s rhetoric demonstrates that he has no interest in protecting our Second Amendment right. He is simply out of step with mainstream America and certainly out of step with the majority of Texans. This is the latest example… Read more »

AUSTIN – Former State Senator Chris Harris of Arlington was a dedicated public servant with a 28-year career as a state lawmaker. He had a reputation of being tough and tenacious in representing his district and his conservative values. He was also known for his sense of humor on and off the Senate floor and… Read more »