By Senator Robert Nichols (Senate District)

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. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

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. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

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.  

Here are five things happening around your state: 

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. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

Nichols Requests Applications for Texas Armed Services Scholarship

May 6, 2021 - Today, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) request qualified students to apply for a Texas Armed Services Scholarship.

"This scholarship is a way to encourage and reward students interested in military service," said Nichols. "It provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue higher education and take advantage of preparation from the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs at universities in Texas." 

My Five Cents: Texas Gains Seats, Border Crisis, School Funding, Battleship Texas, Vaccines

April 29, 2021 - Last week, the House passed its version of the state budget for the next two years. It differs in some significant ways from the budget the Senate passed. In order to reconcile our differences, we'll convene a conference committee with 5 members from each chamber to work out the details. I'm honored to once again serve as a conferee for the state budget.   

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. Texas to gain two new congressional seats

My Five Cents: ERCOT Reform, Declaration Legislature, Lobbyist Ban, TX Sovereignty, Municipal Elections

April 22, 2021 - On April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston led the Texan Army in a decisive victory over General Santa Anna in the Battle of San Jacinto. The fighting lasted a mere 18 minutes. Though Santa Anna escaped the battlefield and fled, he was captured the next day and held as a prisoner of war for about three weeks until he signed the peace treaty that ended the conflict and paved the way for the Republic of Texas.    

Here are five things happening around your state: 

1. Texas Senate passes bill reforming the ERCOT board 

My Five Cents: Vehicle Waivers End, Texas Sues Biden, Preventing Defunding Police

April 15, 2021 - We have less than 50 days left in the 87th legislative session and the pace is picking up rapidly. Just this week, the Senate unanimously passed the Texas Consumer Privacy Act Phase 1, a bill I authored to ensure that the data the state has on private citizens is protected. Protecting consumer privacy is a priority for the Senate this session and I was proud to author this bill and see it pass unanimously through the Senate. Now, on to the House! 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

My Five Cents: Vaccine Passports, Election Security, Vaccines, STAAR, Trooper Walker

April 8, 2021 - This week the Senate passed Senate Bill 1, the Senate's version of the budget for this year. The budget includes over $11 billion for children and teacher public education support, $8 billion for mental health support, including an almost $20 million increase for children's mental health programs, and over $25 billion for highway improvements and new construction. The budget is a reflection of our priorities this session and took over six weeks to put together. 

Here are five things happening around your state: 

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