85th Session Begins – Weekly Legislative Update

85th Session Begins & Swearing In Ceremony

January 10th kicked off the first day of the 140 day session. On that day, accompanied by my wife and friends, I took the Oath of Office and was sworn in as your State Representative. Through that oath, I promise to uphold and champion the conservative values that Parker and Wise counties call on me to defend.

We are already hard at work in the Capitol office. Committee assignments will be released in the upcoming weeks, and more legislation is being filed every day. I’ve enjoyed meetings with constituents that represent various organizations and discussing legislation that may affect their industry and impact Texas. Our office is always here to listen and answer any questions you should have regarding legislation, so please feel free to reach out to us with your support or concerns. You can reach my Capitol office at (512) 463-0738.

HB 89 – Anti- Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Legislation

I am very proud to announce a bill that is a top priority for me this session that blocks discriminatory trade practices against Israel. HB 89 boosts the state’s global economy by prohibiting the state from investing public funds in companies that boycott Israel.

This bill sends a strong statement that Texas stands with its friends. Boycotts of entities and individuals on the basis of national origin, often amount to ethnic, religious, racial and/or nationality discrimination, which directly contradicts state public policy.

Israel is Texas’ fourth leading trade partner with numerous joint projects in agricultural research and development, science and technology and industrial research. The Lone Star State exports $495 million in product to Israel and in 2012, had $118 million in military contracts. Nearly 300 Texas companies do business with Israel. The state also has more than $50 million in high-rated State of Israel Bonds.

Texas is just one of a growing number of states in the country to respond legislatively to national origin discrimination.

On February 9, I will be hosting a Citizens Advocacy Day to show our support of Israel at the Capitol. If you are interested in this legislation, we encourage your attendance and hope to see you there!