By Senator Robert Nichols (Senate District)

My Five Cents: Teacher Honored, Session Ends, DETCOG, THC, Hunting Changes

September 25, 2025 - On October 2, 1835, fighting began between Mexican soldiers and the Texas militia at Gonzales, officially starting the Texas Revolution. American colonist at Gonzales had refused a request by the Mexican government to surrender a small cannon that had been given to the settlement years earlier to defend against Indian raids. When the settlers declined the request, Mexican soldiers were dispatched to retrieve it. The iconic “Come and Take it” flag was raised above the cannon during the battle, and the moniker was adopted by the Texian rebels.

My Five Cents: Special Session, Groundwater, THC, Screwworm, Rodeo

July 31, 2025 - Recently, our state experienced a tragedy in the Hill Country. We mourn the lives lost during the flooding over the Fourth of July holiday on the Guadalupe River. Texas lost 135 men, women, and children with some still missing. We pray for the recovery of the missing, the Texans we lost, and the communities impact by this tragedy. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. Governor Abbott calls First Special Session

My Five Cents: 1,200 Bills Passed, In-State Tuition, Rainy Day Fund, License Plates, Gold Shovel Award

June 26, 2025 - As we approach the Fourth of July, we celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence and honor those who have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, grilling with family, or simply taking a day off, I wish you a safe and joyful Independence Day.

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. The 89th Texas Legislative Session has come to a close

My Five Cents: Water Crisis, E.Texas BBQ, Student Testing, HB 126, Compassionate Use

May 30, 2025 - The state legislature will adjourn on Tuesday as we reach the 140th day of the legislative session, or Sine Die, which means “without days.” It has been a productive session and I am honored to have once again had the opportunity to represent east and southeast Texas in the Texas Senate!

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. Major water infrastructure bill passes both chambers

My Five Cents: Lottery Overhaul, SNAP, Bail Reform, School Finance, BEAD Funding

May 23, 2025 - Session is coming to a close and, as it does, critical deadlines have to be met for legislation to pass. Those deadlines fall throughout the next week and if bills do not pass those benchmarks, they won’t become law this session. It’s a sprint to the finish, but we’re almost there!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Lottery overhaul passes Senate

My Five Cents: Dementia, Land Ownership, Unified Sports, Travis Letter, Financial Crimes

May 16, 2025 - Thursday was the first of many deadlines the legislature will reach over the next two and a half weeks. It’s the last day for the House to pass House Bills on second reading. After, the House will only pass Senate Bills until the Legislature adjourns Sine Die on June 2. Historically, only about one in five bills filed actually become law.

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. Bill creating Dementia Prevention and Research Institute goes to the Governor

My Five Cents: SFA, Aoudad Sheep, Property Tax, TX Lottery Scandal, TASSP

May 8, 2025 - On May 8, 1945 the Allied forces celebrated Victory in Europe Day after the defeat of Nazi Germany. During the war, more than 1,500,000 military personnel came to Texas for training. There were 142 major military installations across the state, and more than 750,000 Texans served in uniform during the war.

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. Stephen F. Austin State University enters compact with area community colleges

My Five Cents: New WMA, Best State, Healthcare Data, Tomato Bowl, NFL Draft

May 1, 2025 - On May 1st, 1718, San Antonio de Valero Misson was founded by Franciscan Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares near present-day San Antonio. It was one of the early efforts by Spanish missionaries to convert American tribes to Christianity. This mission would later become the Alamo.

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. Texas Parks and Wildlife acquires Wildlife Management Area in East Texas

My Five Cents: Tax Relief, School Funding, Autonomous Vehicles, Job Creation, Squatters

April 25, 2025 - This year, we commemorate the 189th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. On April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston led the Texan Army against General Santa Anna and the Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. The Texans’ victory paved the way for Texas independence from Mexico and the birth of the Republic of Texas.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Senate passes additional property tax relief for seniors

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