AUSTIN – President Obama and his administration may not believe it but we are indeed in a time of war. I stand with Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Greg Abbott calling on Congress to immediately pass much needed legislation strengthening states’ legal rights to block potential terrorists.

AUSTIN – “I want to thank Sen. Paul Bettencourt for serving as Chair of the Property Tax Reform and Relief Select Committee. He conducted his first hearing today. “The Senate did not waste any time during the last legislative session and we are not slowing down now,” said Patrick. “This Select Committee is tasked to… Read more »

AUSTIN – President Obama’s speech on the war against Islamic terrorism was predictably weak and only serves to highlight his lack of attention to the safety and security of the American people. In his remarks he failed to announce any real action on national security and seeks to undermine our personal security by once again… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made the following statement following the first interim hearing on Border Security. “I am very pleased the Texas Senate continues to lead on border security and efforts to end the practice of allowing Sanctuary Cities,” Patrick said. “Clarification and consistency on this issue for our 254 counties and… Read more »

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 »