By Senator Robert Nichols (Senate District)

My Five Cents: Texas Talent, Special Session, Shark Tank, Job Growth and Training

October 26, 2023 - On October 25, 1886, the Texas State Fair opened in Dallas. For 137 years, the Fair has operated in Dallas. During the first State Fair, a rival organization opened the Dallas Exposition at the same time. Both fairs were successful and drew crowds of over 35,000 people a day at the time. Eventually the groups merged and became the State Fair of Texas. The current fair grounds in Fair Park were the original location of the Dallas Exposition. The grounds were expanded in 1936 when it became the site of the Texas Centennial Exposition.

My Five Cents: Port Arthur LNG, State Revenue, Mitigation Projects, SFA 100, Broadband

September 29, 2023 - It’s officially fall! September 22 marked the official start of autumn. Hopefully that means some cooler weather.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Port Arthur LNG obtains approval to expand gas plant project

My Five Cents: School Zones, TWIA Increases, Grants, New Laws, Carbon Capture

August 31, 2023 - This month we remember President Lyndon B. Johnson on what would have been his 115th birthday. President Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas in 1908 and was elected as a Congressman, Senator, and later President of the United States. His birthday is an official state holiday in Texas.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. TxDOT urges drivers to be mindful in school zones

My Five Cents: Property Tax, Lamar State College, TxDOT Operation, Drawn Hunt, SFA

July 27, 2023 - Summer is in full swing, but back to school is right around the corner. Be sure to stay cool during these hot Texas days!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Property tax relief measures passed, signed by Governor Abbott

My Five Cents: Rusk State Hospital, Special Session, TEA, Broadband, Texas #1

June 29, 2023 - Next week, the nation will celebrate Independence Day. The Fourth of July commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, establishing the United States of America. Our Founding Fathers made history in declaring our independence from Britain 247 years ago and establishing this great nation. Happy Fourth of July!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Grand opening of improved Rusk State Hospital

My Five Cents: School Safety, Economic Incentive, College Finance, License Plates, Border Security

May 26, 2023 - It’s that time. Only a few days left before Sine Die and wrapping up the 88th Legislative Session!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. School Safety bill moves to conference committee

My Five Cents: State Parks, Student Athletes, Women's Sports, Family Care Items, CDL Program

May 19, 2023 - On May 18, 1912 the USS Texas, also known as Battleship Texas, launched and quickly became one of the most powerful weapons in the world. It is credited with the introduction and innovation of advances in gunnery, aviation, and radar. She is the last surviving Dreadnought and the only battleship in existence today that fought in both World War I and World War II.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. New fund to support creation of more state parks passes House

My Five Cents: Data Privacy/Security Act, School Safety, SFA, TEA Fellowship, Health Care Billing

May 12, 2023 - The first few bills have made it to the Governor’s desk for his signature, which signals the end of session is fast approaching. Of the over 8,000 bills filed this session, just over 100 bills and joint resolutions have been sent to the governor and four have been signed into law.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. House Bill 4 passes the Senate

My Five Cents: Ankle Monitors, Right to Farm, Transferring Students, TPWD 100th Birthday, Session Deadlines

May 5, 2023 - This week we celebrate Cinco de Mayo! On May 5, 1862, Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French expeditionary forces at Puebla, Mexico.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Ankle monitor bill heads to the governor

My Five Cents: One Month Left in Legislative Session

April 28, 2023 - May is right around the corner which means we only have a month left in this Legislative session. Deadlines are looming for bills to reach certain benchmarks. It’s a race to the finish!

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Bill moving SFA to UT-System passes House, going to Governor

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