By Senator Robert Nichols (Senate District)

My Five Cents: Redistricting Committee, Dogs On Patios, Unclaimed Property, Bills Effective September 1st, Tax Free Weekend

July 25, 2019 - As the last days of summer are fast approaching and you are trying to fit in one last vacation, why not look at some of the exciting destinations in Texas? You can visit the Texas Travel Guide online at www.traveltex.com to find a compilation of attractions and places to stay all across the state, including your Texas State Capitol.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Redistricting Committee

My Five Cents: Rural Broadband, Veto Period, Stealing Packages, Selling Lemonade, Unemployment Rate

June 27, 2019 - On July 4th, we will celebrate our nation's freedom. The signing of the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, marked the birth of the United States of America as an independent Nation. I hope you are able to celebrate with fireworks, friends and family, as I know I will be.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Rural Broadband

Nichols Ends 86th Session With Success

May 28, 2019 Austin - On Monday, the 86th Legislative Session convened Sine Die, marking the end of another successful legislative session for Texas.

"The Legislature came together once again and passed integral legislation that will benefit all Texans, and help our State to continue to move forward with one of the strongest economies in the country," said Senator Robert Nichols. "I am also grateful to Lt. Governor Patrick for entrusting me to serve as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee for the fourth time."

My Five Cents: Free Speech, Battleship Texas, Income Tax, Firearm Carry, Tobacco

May 23, 2019 - The next time you hear from me, the 86th Legislative Session will have come to an end. On average only about 1 in 5 bills will make it successfully through a legislative session. At the writing of this column, approximately nine percent of the 7,324 bills, filed in the Senate and House, have been passed and sent to the Governor. This number will continue to rise. In 2017, 18 percent passed and in 2015, it was 21 percent.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. Free Speech on College Campuses

My Five Cents: Telemarketer Bill, Medications, Major in Education, Red Light Cameras, Veto Period

May 16, 2019 - While session is five months long, 80 percent of the work is done in 20 percent of the time.

At the writing of this column, we have 11 days left in the Session, and much of the work is left to be done.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. Telemarketer Bill

My Five Cents: School Finance, Monuments, Fantasy Sports, Sunset Bills, TEA Do Not Hire List

May 9, 2019 - The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas. SCR 20, which was passed by the Senate Administration committee this week, would make this true for even our knives. It designates the Bowie knife, made famous by Jim Bowie when he carried it during the Battle of the Alamo, as the official knife of Texas.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. School Finance

My Five Cents: School Safety, School Finance, Fire Fighter Day, Legislative Updates

May 2, 2019 - Students across the state are counting down the days until they are out of their classrooms and can begin their summer vacations. In an almost identical countdown, legislators are marking the days left until the end of session. As I write this column, we have 25 days left till the end of the 86th Legislative Session.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. School Safety Bill

My Five Cents, Tax Free Shopping Day for Emergency Preparedness Supplies

April 25, 2019 - Did you know you can buy tax free emergency preparedness supplies from April 27th - 29th, and ensure you are prepared for the next natural disaster? There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, including: portable generators, batteries, ice chests, first aid kits, and more. To find out more information on items that qualify you can visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php.

My Five Cents: Property Tax Relief, Powdered Alcohol, Tax Payer Lobbyist, Missing Adults, Feral Hogs

April 18, 2019 - This past weekend the northern part of Senate District 3 was hit hard by tornadoes, resulting in the loss of lives, severe injuries and property. My office is working closely with these communities to ensure they are receiving the aid they need to help with their recovery and rebuilding. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were affected by this disaster and the families who lost loved ones.

Here are five things happening at your Capitol this week:

1. Property Tax Relief

My Five Cents: Human Trafficking Task Force, State Budget, Special Ed Cost, Open Meetings Act, Rural Broadband

April 11, 2019 - With only seven weeks left in session, the Legislature is well on its way to completing its to do list with both chambers passing their versions of the budget. This is the only constitutionally required task for the Legislature to complete.

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