February 26, 2021 - As Texas recovers from the destructive storms last week, the legislature is back at work and focused on finding answers to what happened last week. This week we also resumed work on the budget in the Senate Finance Committee. We heard from Article III agencies, including TEA and all of our institutes of higher education. To finish the week, we will hear from Article II agencies, including Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services.
February 18, 2021 - This week has been historic in terms of the severity of the weather across the state. I am praying for the safety of our community and our state.
February 4, 2021 - Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, signaling 6 more weeks of winter. Since 1887, the groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been central to the legend of Groundhog Day, celebrated every February 2. Let's hope he's wrong this year.
Here are five things happening around the state this week:
February 2, 2021 - Monday night, in his biennial address to outline priorities for the Legislative Session, Governor Greg Abbott announced that increasing access to broadband services would be an Emergency Item. Broadband - which the Governor noted is no longer a luxury, but an essential tool - is one of five Emergency Items that will be eligible for the Legislature's consideration within the first sixty days of the 87th Legislative Session.
January 28, 2021 - The third week of session is coming to a close. The Redistricting Committee has been meeting every day this week to hear testimony from the public and Senate Finance will start meeting next month.
Here are five things happening around the state this week:
January 22, 2021 - On January 25, 1839 the Lone Star flag was adopted by the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas as the national flag since Texas was an independent nation at that time. When Texas joined the United States as the 28th state six years later, the national flag became the state flag.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Senate Redistricting Committee to begin hearings
January 20, 2021 - Last week, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced committee assignments for the 87th Legislative Session. I am honored to once again chair the Senate Transportation Committee and look forward to working with my fellow members on transportation legislation. The Lt. Governor also appointed me as the Vice Chair of the Senate Business and Commerce committee and a member of the Senate committees on Criminal Justice, Finance, Local Government (formerly known as Intergovernmental Relations), and the Select Committee on Redistricting.
January 14, 2021 - The Legislature has ended its first week of session. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Senate has decided to recess until January 26th. However, we will still be working hard in the meantime on legislation for Senate District 3.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. The Texas Legislature begins the 87th Legislative Session
January 7, 2021 - With the beginning of the 87th legislative session fast approaching, my staff and I are gearing up to do the work of the people at your Texas Capitol. Though this session will certainly look different than past sessions, we are prepared to do this important work on behalf of Senate District 3.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. FCC announces $362 million in funds to expand broadband in rural Texas