By Senator Robert Nichols (Senate District)

My Five Cents: Alamo Exhibition Hall, Battleship Texas, Broadband Work, More

August 4, 2021 - The Battle of Nacogdoches occurred 185 years ago this week. On August 2, 1836, a group of Texas settler defied an order from a Mexican Army commander and did not surrender their weapons. This battle is often referred to the opening gun of the Texas Revolution. The revolutionaries were successful in this first conflict and cleared East Texas of military rule, allowing citizens to meet in convention without military intervention.

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My Five Cents: Opal Lee, Jobs, Broadband, Border, Unemployment

July 29, 2021 - The 2021 Olympic Games have begun in Tokyo, Japan. Over the next few weeks, we will all get to watch and enjoy the very best the United States has to offer compete on a global scale. I'll be watching and cheering on our Olympic athletes, particularly the 40 athletes who are from Texas. 

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1. "Grandmother of Juneteenth" Opal Lee honored in Senate

My Five Cents: Senate Bills

July 15, 2021 - Even though many House members and some State Senators are still in Washington, D.C. to break quorum, special session continues in Austin. The State Senate has enough members at the Capitol to continue working on important legislation we've been called to address. Though these measures cannot be finally passed until the House has a quorum, the Senate's work continues. 

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Elections bill passes the Senate 

My Five Cents: Special Session, Revenue Estimate, Education.

July 7, 2021 - On July 4, 1845 the Convention of 1845 was called to meet in Austin to consider the joint resolution of the US Congress proposing to annex the Republic of Texas. By a vote of 55 to 1, the delegates formally accepted the annexation offer from the US Congress. Texas was formally admitted to the United States later that year on December 29. 

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1. Agenda for special session called by Governor Abbott released 

House Bill 5, Expanding Broadband Service, Signed by Governor Abbott

June 16, 2021 - Today, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 5 by State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) and State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) which will increase access to and adoption of high-speed internet throughout Texas. The measure was deemed by the Governor as one of only eight Emergency Items for the 87th Legislature and received a low bill number, indicating priority status, by both Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan.

My Five Cents: Budget, Broadband, College Athletes, Freedom to Worship, Workforce Training

May 28, 2021 - The last week of session is coming to a close and the long nights have stretched into the early hours of the following mornings. We're sprinting to the finish of an unusual session and passing consequential and substantial legislation. 

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1. Budget Conference Committee Report approved by Senate 

My Five Cents: Gulf Coast Protection, Pandemic Unemployment Benefits, Winter Storm Uri, Religious Freedom Act, HB 33

May 20, 2021 - Session is drawing to a close. This is the last week for Senate committees to realistically consider bills to vote out of committee. We have until May 26 to vote on any bill on the floor. After that, the Senate can only vote on Conference Committee Reports or concur with House amendments until we adjourn Sine Die on May 31. 

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1. Gulf Coast Protection District bill passes the House 

My Five Cents: Texas Mobile Vaccine Team, PPP Loan Franchise Tax Exemption, Best State for Leading CEOs, Turkey Super Stocking, $15.8 Billion Pandemic Aid

May 14, 2021 - One hundred and thirty-three years ago this month, the present Texas Capitol was formally dedicated. On May 16, 1888, the dedication ceremony was held with a service, parade, and a celebration to mark its opening. Over 20,000 people attended the week of festivities. There were military displays, concerts, drill team competitions, and fireworks. Senator Temple Houston, Sam Houston's youngest son, accepted the building on behalf of the state.  

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1. Texas launches mobile vaccine team 

My Five Cents: Comptroller Projection, Drug Prices, PUC Price Caps, Military, HS Personal Finance Class

May 6, 2021 - At the end of this week, we'll only have three weeks left in this year's legislative session. These last three weeks are some of the most intense weeks, with long hours and lots of bills to read. A number of deadlines begin to crop up during this time. For example, May 26th is the last day for the Senate to consider all bills and joint resolutions, whether they originated in the House or Senate. We adjourn Sine Die, the last day of session, on May 31st. 

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