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 »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the appointment of two Senate members to the Texas Judicial Council and one to the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families. Sen. Royce West has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth, and… Read more »

AUSTIN – The senate members of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) today unanimously agreed to keep the agency open through the first quarter of the 2016 fiscal year. The Legislature has already appropriated $15.4 million to the agency but voted to make the Commission’s administrative funds totaling $1.5 million subject to LBB approval. The Senate… Read more »

AUSTIN – “Overnight tragedy struck in Northwest Harris County. A deputy from the Harris County Sheriff’s office was ambushed, shot and murdered in cold blood after stopping for gas at a convenience store near Houston. “This senseless act is a reminder of the danger our men and women in law enforcement face everyday and the… Read more »

AUSTIN – “Today the Texas Racing Commission met to continue their push for an expansion of gambling that the court’s have ruled, exceeds their statutory authority. I will have a comment on their vote at the appropriate time. “However, I do have a statement at this time on the inappropriate and offensive comments concerning Chairwoman Jane… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick along with Senator John Whitmire held a news conference announcing an interim study on jail safety standards in Texas. “I have called on Criminal Justice Committee Chair Sen. Whitmire to conduct an interim study on our jail safety practices,” said Patrick. “Our criminal justice system assumes a… Read more »

AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the following statement regarding widespread anti-Semitic vandalism in a North Side San Antonio Jewish community: “Today’s discovery of racially-targeted and anti-Semitic vandalism in a San Antonio Jewish community is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Texas. “This criminal and cowardice act has no place in any Texas… Read more »