AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced interim charges for the State Affairs, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs Committees. Interim charges for other committees will be announced tomorrow. All the interim charges reflect the concerns and priorities of Texans across the state and include input from every senator. “I’m asking the State Affairs… Read more »

AUSTIN – Tragic news out of Afghanistan today that the crash of a C-130J claimed the lives of 11 people, including four Airmen from Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, is heart breaking. I hope all Texans will join Jan and me in extending our condolences and prayers to these brave Americans and their… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement regarding the upcoming University of Texas System (UT) Board of Regents meeting where they will discuss a framework for potential tuition rate increases: “It is my understanding that the University of Texas System board is discussing the framework for how they may raise tuition… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson sent a letter to Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor, affirming the need for Medicaid therapy rate reductions and the importance of preserving access to care. The Lt. Governor issued the following statement about that letter: “Anyone claiming… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the appointment of five Senate members to the Joint Interim Committee to Study Border Security. The Joint Interim Committee to Study Border Security will assist with the management and implementation of resources that will help to secure our Texas/Mexico border. After the federal government’s failure to properly… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the appointment of six Senate members to the Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee, and the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System. The Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee will help guide the reorganization of five existing agencies into one…. Read more »

AUSTIN – I am deeply saddened by the fatal school bus accident that claimed the lives of two Houston ISD students today. This tragic incident is a reminder of just how important it is to hug your loved ones and thank our first responders for their public service. Please join me in praying for the… Read more »

AUSTIN – The spirit and prayers of Texas were with the Goforth family, and all law enforcement, today in a final farewell to Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth. More than 11,000 people gathered at his funeral service at Second Baptist in Houston. Officers from all across Texas showed their support by attending the service. I… Read more »

AUSTIN – As more details of the tragic death of Harris County Sheriff Deputy Darren Goforth unfold, a morbid reality is unveiled about America’s negative attitude toward our law enforcement officers. It must end now or we run the risk of fewer men and women willing to go into the profession and families insisting their… Read more »

AUSTIN – I am very pleased to announce that House Appropriations Chairman John Otto has joined the Senate Legislative Budget Board (LBB) members’ plan to extend temporary administrative funding for the Texas Racing Commission. This authorization immediately allows the commission to operate for the next 90 days. It also allows Governor Greg Abbott additional time… Read more »