Author Archive

The work of your Texas State Senate is in full swing, with important action this week on providing property tax relief as well as progress on reforming a broken bail system that has allowed violent criminals to get out of jail and harm our citizens. Lots of folks from SD 10 were in Austin this week as Monday and Tuesday were Tarrant County Days at the Capitol. I hope you will take a few minutes to review my latest update, and of course you can always email me with your feedback at [email protected].

Texas Senate Passes Additional Historic Property Tax Relief

With Texas enjoying another budget surplus, I believe we must return those funds to the taxpayers. On Thursday, the Texas Senate voted out priority property tax relief legislation, SB 4 and SJR 2. This legislation would raise the current property tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. The exemption would be $150,000 for seniors over 65 and the disabled.

SB 4/SJR 2 must next pass the Texas House (SB 4 is the enabling legislation for SJR 2). Then, voters would need to approve this measure in a statewide constitutional election, just as prior increases to the homestead exemption have gone before the voters. Amending the constitution makes it much harder for these exemptions to ever be rolled back in the future, because passing an SJR in Texas requires a two-thirds supermajority in the House and Senate, not just a simple majority. Also, Texas voters have made clear in these elections they support these increased exemptions. Included in SB 4 is a “hold harmless” to school districts – the state will make up any formula funding deficit a school district might incur as a result of this exemption increase.

In addition to using the surplus to increase the property tax exemption, the proposed Texas budget continues what is known as “property tax compression.” Remember not too many years ago the M&O (maintenance and operation) portion of your school property tax bill was $1.50 per $100 valuation. For several sessions now, the Legislature has been using the surplus to “buy down” the M&O, and in the new budget it will go to .60 per $100 valuation, providing additional relief. Tax compression also provides tax relief to small businesses, not just homeowners.  

This action continues an effort which began in 2015, when the residence homestead exemption was increased from $15,000 to $25,000. In 2017, the Legislature passed and voters approved increasing the exemption up to $40,000 per homestead. In the most recent legislature, we asked voters to raise the homestead exemption to $100,000. In 2023, voters overwhelmingly approved this measure with 83% support. 

Keeping Dangerous, Violent Criminals Behind Bars: Major Bail Reform Voted Out of Committee

During my time as a Fort Worth police officer, I would arrest a criminal, book them into jail, and trust that the bail system would work to protect citizens from those who shouldn’t be released. For the most part, the system worked well, as we could usually trust judges to use their discretion properly in making these decisions. 

However, the system is now broken, due to the irresponsible and reckless actions of certain liberal judges in recent years. I have not seen this occur in SD 10, where we are blessed with many fine judges – many of whom I know personally. Though Harris County and the Greater Houston area are home to some of the most shocking and egregious examples of this judicial abuse, make no mistake – these abuses have impact all across Texas. Far too often, bail is granted to violent criminals who are then released on the streets to terrorize law abiding citizens. Those who are released in one part of Texas can migrate to any county, any community, and inflict their violence again. This is frustrating to law enforcement, as those they apprehend are released in very short order.   

This week in the Criminal Justice Committee, I listened to heartbreaking testimony from family members whose relatives were murdered at the hands of those released on bond. One such person was Alexis Nungaray, whose 12-year old daughter Jocelyn was kidnapped, assaulted and strangled last year. Harris County prosecutors say her alleged killers came into the country illegally, and Alexis was forced to appear in court as part of determining bail for her daughter’s killers. Jocelyn’s Mom told us, “I feel outraged that Texas judges are allowed to provide bail for evil people who do heinous things. I feel like it was a slap in the face to Jocelyn and our family to even have to make sure they got an adequate bond, because they preyed on her, on her innocence, and they had no business being here (in the U.S.) in the first place.”

Four bills to correct these injustices and reform the bail system were voted out of the Criminal Justice Committee on which I serve. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has named bail reform as one of the Senate’s top legislative priorities, and Gov. Abbott designated bail reform as an emergency item during his State of the State address. These bills now move the full Senate, and here is a summary of what each bill does. 

SJR 1 prevents bail for an illegal alien accused of a felony. President Trump recently signed the “Laken Riley Act” to protect against violent offenders that are here illegally, and SJR 1 is the Texas version of this important legislation. SJR 1, to be named “Jocelyn’s Law,” would amend the Texas Constitution to prohibit bail for an undocumented immigrant accused of a felony offense. 

Congressman Roger Williams calls on Congress to Reimburse Texas for Border Security

This week, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced the Operation Lone Star Reimbursement Act, allowing the State of Texas to be reimbursed for the $11.1 billion we were forced to spend on border security efforts from 2021-2025. I applaud this effort and wish Roger much success. On February 5, Gov. Greg Abbott was in Washington, D.C., meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss border security. In that meeting, the Governor said he asked the President to reimburse Texas for the $11 billion. As you know, because of the failure of the Biden/Harris administration to protect the southern border, we had no choice but to act. We have deployed aircraft, gunboats, DPS troopers, Texas Rangers, the State Guard and National Guard, installed over 5,000 cameras, established the new Texas Task Force on Border & Homeland Security, and invoked the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to work collaboratively with neighboring states.  Texas has done far more than any other state to secure our border.   

Tarrant County Days at the Texas Capitol

Over 140 people from Tarrant County converged on Austin to make their presence known, meet with elected officials, and enjoy their state capitol. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our office to say hello. It’s an honor to serve Tarrant County, Texas’ largest conservative county. 

Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare joined us on the Senate Floor on Tuesday. Judge O’Hare is doing a great job of increasing government efficiency and keeping Tarrant County a great place to live and work.  

On Monday, I met with Fort Worth City Council Members and staff members about their legislative priorities for this session. Fort Worth is rapidly growing – nearing one million residents – thanks to the fantastic leadership from their local government officials, and private partners like the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.  


I was honored to give remarks and recognize those gathered in the gallery for Tarrant County Days at the Capitol. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare, and Commissioner Matt Krause joined us on the Senate floor. Mattie was my Chief of Staff many years ago, and I have been proud to watch her serve as Mayor. 


On Monday and Tuesday, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Chamber of Commerce welcomed business leaders from Tarrant County to the capitol. On Monday, I spoke to the group about our efforts to bolster the electricity grid so we can continue to provide reliable, affordable electricity to all Texans. 

With my former Chief of Staff and now Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.

Today, I filed SB 10, priority legislation that would require Texas’ public schools to once again display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. SB 10 follows the historic 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision which overturned a faulty legal precedent used since 1980 to prohibit these displays.

The Ten Commandments are part of our Texas and American story. They are ingrained into who we are as a people and as a nation. Today, our students cry out for the moral clarity, for the statement of right and wrong that they represent. If our students don’t know the Ten Commandments, they will never understand the foundation for much of American history and law.

In fact, few documents have had a greater impact on the whole of Western Civilization than the Ten Commandments. That’s why for 200 years, up until 1980, they were displayed in public buildings and schools across America. Today you’ll still find them displayed inside the U.S. Supreme Court and a monument to the Ten Commandments stands prominently on the Texas Capitol grounds.

Religious liberty is a bedrock of America’s founding. Until 1980, in a now discredited U.S. Supreme Court decision, Stone v. Graham, schools could acknowledge the role that fundamental religious documents, such as the Ten Commandments, had in America’s heritage. Now however, the legal landscape has been restored. In 2022, in the case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the Supreme Court overturned what was known as the Lemon test (Lemon v. Kurtzman, 1971) which was the precedent upon which Stone v. Graham was errantly decided. The now overturned Lemon test had been used for decades in an effort to eradicate all references to religion from the public square. 

SB 10 recognizes the fundamental shift in the legal landscape of religious liberty in America. This legislation is in accord with the history and traditions of our state and nation. It will help ensure our students understand and appreciate the role of the Ten Commandments in our heritage, our system of law, and their impact throughout Western Civilization.

I hope everyone is enjoying this brief respite from cold winter weather and the needed rains from this past week. It looks like we will begin the week with sunshine and temps in the 70s and possibly the 80’s in some parts of SD 10. Enjoy! In the meantime, here’s an update on what is happening in your state capitol.

 Establishing Education Savings Accounts: SB 2 Passes Out of Senate Education Committee

On Tuesday, I voted to pass SB 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, out of the Senate Education K-16 Committee. We expect this school choice bill will be voted out of the full Texas Senate this coming week. As you know, last session this bill died in the Texas House, but we have hopes that it will pass during this new session.

Texas is normally a leader in conservative reforms, but sadly in this area we are way behind. Did you know that 34 other states have empowered families with education freedom? Families can access school choice programs in these states and it’s past time for Texas to create a universal education savings account program. SB 2 makes it clear that parents make the decision concerning one of the most important issues in their child’s life: how and where they are educated. 

SB 2 will provide nearly 100,000 students with the opportunity to benefit from an Education Savings Account. SB 2 includes anti-fraud safeguards, mandatory criminal history checks for vendors, rigorous reporting requirements, and robust data protections. This will be the largest initial education choice rollout for any state.

With this bold legislation, Texas will move to the head of the class as a national leader in providing education freedom to families.

Ten Commandments Bill Named Top 10 Priority Bill

This week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his list of top 25 bills receiving priority status in the Texas Senate; an additional 15 priority bills will be released soon. I’m pleased that my bill to restore the Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms was named as priority bill number ten. As I have stated previously, this bill is about restoring religious liberties that have been lost, liberties that were a bedrock of America’s founding until a 1971 court decision which rolled them back. Texas students will once again be reminded of a fundamental foundation of American and Texas law: the Ten Commandments.

DOGE: Senate Economic Development Committee to Lead Government Efficiency Efforts

I learned that the Economic Development Committee, which I have the privilege of chairing, will be tasked with exploring ways to increase government efficiency and reform. This DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) initiative will be soliciting ideas from citizens and businesses in the effort to ensure that state government is stewarding your taxpayer dollars in the best manner possible. More on this later.

Sponsoring Senate Resolution for Holocaust Remembrance Week

It was a powerful moment this week as the Texas Senate highlighted Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp. In Texas, this week is also Holocaust Remembrance Week as we remember over six million Jewish victims of the brutal Nazi regime.

I introduced SR 15, a resolution commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Week and underscoring the work of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission. This entity, established by the legislature, educates all Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to dismantle antisemitism and prevent such future atrocities. It was very moving to hear heartfelt remarks from many of my colleagues from both parties. These senators shared their thoughts on why we must remember this horrific chapter in the history of mankind to ensure it never happens again. If you’d like to see the video, click on the image above, or on this link.

Texas Police Chiefs Association Meeting

On Wednesday, I was honored to welcome 85 police chiefs from across Texas to the Capitol for the Texas Police Chiefs Association Legislative Day. I’m proud to note that SD 10 resident Trevor Barnes, Chief of Police in Clyde (Callahan County) is this year’s statewide president. It was a pleasure to welcome him, his fellow officers and staff, and others who serve SD 10 including Mansfield Assistant Chief of Police Travis Waybourn. I also got to say hello to Carrie West, former Chief of Police in Willow Park. As a former police officer, I am especially grateful for the role these men and women play in their communities, working to keep us safe and free from harm.

 More Meetings and Greetings

Matt and Kelly Ticzkus stopped by the SD 10 office on Tuesday. Matt was in town to testify before the Senate Committee on Education K-16 in support of school choice on behalf of the Texas Private Schools Association. Matt also serves on the Republican Party’s State Republican Executive Committee and on the Weatherford City Council. Thanks, Matt and Kelly, for saying hello.
 

I was able to say hello to Judge Nicki Harle from Callahan County and Judge John Viertel from Shackelford County. It’s always great to see county leadership from across SD 10 in their capitol and hear their counsel on issues that affect their counties back home.

I met with Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson in my Capitol Office on Monday. As we explore ways to ensure that the Texas grid can keep up with our exploding growth, I look forward to continuing to work with Chair Gleeson on a range of issues this legislative session. 

 Governor Greg Abbott to Deliver State of the State Address

On Sunday, February 2nd, at 5 pm, Governor Greg Abbott will deliver his annual State of the State address. Nexstar Media Group Inc. television stations across Texas will carry the live telecast. For viewing in SD 10, the address will air on KDAF-TV (CW) in Dallas and on KTAB-TV (CBS) in Abilene.

At the beginning of last week, many of our state leaders and officeholders were in Washington, D.C. for President Trump’s inauguration. I spent much of the week preparing for the important work ahead on my various committees.  

Tuesday, January 28, is the first meeting of the Senate Education K-16 Committee, on which I serve.  During this hearing we will begin hearing testimony on SB 2 which creates a fully universal Education Savings Account (ESA) Program. Various aspects of SB 2 will be covered by the author including eligibility, prioritization of applicants, allocation per student, measures to prevent fraud, and eligible expenses.

To watch this hearing, tune in Tuesday at 11:00 AM (or upon Senate adjournment), by clicking here.

SB 1 Filed – First Draft of State Budget

The only official legislative business mandated by the Texas Constitution is that we must pass a state budget. On Wednesday, Senate Bill 1, the State Budget, was filed. This is the beginning of the process that culminates in passage of a budget covering the 2026-2027 biennium. This document will be the subject of numerous public hearings over the coming months in order to receive feedback from the public and the state agencies covered by the budget. Though I’ll do a deeper dive on the budget in future newsletters, I’m pleased to report that the Senate draft makes continued property tax relief a priority. SB 1 includes over $32 billion to extend the historic property tax cuts from last session and increase the homestead exemption to $140,000 for regular homeowners and $150,000 for seniors.

New Leadership For America, An Ally For Texas 

What a great day on Monday of last week as President Trump assumed the oath of office, bringing a return of leadership and competence. We are only as secure in our homes as we are at our borders, so I am thrilled to have a president and federal agencies working with us in this effort, not against us. President Trump’s actions in the first few days make clear that he means business in the effort to secure our borders and restore American respect in the world. We are praying for you, Mr. President!

Honoring the Life of Patty Williams

As announced in the above statement by her husband, Congressman Roger Williams, Patty Williams passed away last week. She is at home with the Lord, of this there is no doubt. She trusted with all her heart in Jesus her Savior. On Saturday, Terry and I had the opportunity to attend her funeral and it was an uplifting service honoring a great life. Patty was such a part of our local community, always so uplifting. Her family is such a wonderful legacy and tribute to her life. She will be deeply missed. We pray for Roger and the family but take comfort knowing they will be together again someday.

Closing on Some Personal Notes

As of Sunday (yesterday), Terry and I have been married for 46 years! If you’ve read Proverbs 31 that’s Terry. She’s amazing. We didn’t have a long courtship. In fact, we were engaged two weeks after our first date! We kept our engagement quiet for a while, because we thought people would think we were being rash, but we knew it was forever. Six children and eighteen grandchildren later we are more in love than ever.

There is no “formula” for a great marriage. And there have been some difficult times—not in our marriage but just in life. However, if I had to pick one thing that got us through everything, it’s that we have prayed together every day. God just seems to work everything out when we pray. Thank you Terry for 46 years. Looking forward to 47!

Also, as you can see from our latest emails, we have updated our family photo. As you can imagine, it’s hard to get a decent family picture and with 18 grandchildren, it’s more like organized chaos! This photo was taken during our New Year’s celebrations. Terry and I are grateful for the amazing family that God has blessed us with.

On Tuesday at noon the Texas Legislature gaveled in for the start of the 89th Legislative Session. It is always a humbling experience to stand on the floor of this historic body, lay my hand on the Bible, and with my wife Terry by my side, take the oath of office to protect and defend the Texas and United States constitutions. What an honor and privilege to begin another term representing the counties of Brown, Callahan, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Shackelford, Stephens and Tarrant in the Texas Senate.   
 

New Committee Assignments

Friday morning, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced committee assignments for the 89th Legislative Session. I’m honored with the confidence the Lt. Governor has placed in me as I will Chair the Senate Economic Development Committee and also continue as Vice Chair of the Business & Commerce Committee. Additionally, I’ll serve as a member of the Transportation, Education K-16 and Criminal Justice committees. 

These assignments provide an incredible opportunity to implement solid public policy anchored in our conservative perspectives and also advocate for the needs of our eight counties. In the weeks ahead I’ll be sharing more about the jurisdiction of these committees and the work we hope to accomplish.

How to Stay Connected with Our Office and Your State Capitol

If you are in the Texas Capitol please stop by my office to visit with me and my staff. We are located on the ground floor of the Capitol building, in GE.5.

My official email is [email protected] and the capitol phone number is (512) 463-0110. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.  

To keep apprised of activities in the Senate, please visit https://senate.texas.gov/. There, you can view live or past Senate proceedings, including Committee meetings, and view calendars of upcoming events.

If you want to track a bill as it moves through the legislative process, click here: https://capitol.texas.gov/billlookup/billnumber.aspx.

On this Christmas Eve, I wanted to send a quick note to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.  Around this time of year, when able to spend time with our family, Terry and I are reminded how blessed we are.  Time with our kids and grandkids is treasured, especially when we see children and teenagers take in the miracle of Christmas.

I’ve often thought that God created the family structure to demonstrate his great love for us.   When surrounded by those we love we gain a better perspective of how much our heavenly father loves us.  At times like Christmas, we more fully understand the sacrifice he made in sending his Son to die for us – which is, after all, what we celebrate on Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas from Phil, Terry, our six kids – and eighteen grandkids!

I plan to hit the ground running when the legislative session begins next month and I’ll soon be updating you on our legislative agenda.   

In the meantime, I returned from Israel on Friday, December 6th. During my visit, I had the opportunity to receive excellent briefings on national security and policy. Our delegation, which consisted of eight legislators from Texas and adjoining states, attended at the invitation of the Israeli government.  

Our second day, we went to Kibbutz Nir Oz which is a small community near Gaza. On October 7, 2023, over 25% of Nir Oz’s residents, including women and very young children, were either killed or taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. Sexual assaults and many other acts of barbarism took place. We also visited the site of the Nova Music Festival and other locations along the Gaza border. Nearly 400 were massacred at the Nova festival alone. Other communities near the Gaza border suffered similar attacks.  

Nir Oz remains as it was the day after the attack. A former resident walked us through the village of burned and bullet ridden homes telling us the stories of family after family.  

One of the homes burned by terrorists at Kibbutz Nir Oz (A Kibbutz is a small community of Jewish citizens). 

 

 Some of the many victims at Nir Oz

At Nova we met with a young man who was present during the attack at the music festival. We heard what he and others witnessed and endured that terrible day, reinforcing the unspeakable evil of these terrorists. As he spoke, we were reminded of the ongoing reality of Israeli life as we heard outgoing artillery fire.
 
I had hoped we would be able to travel to the north but the situation remained too unstable near the border with Syria and Lebanon. Little did I know that regime change in Syria was unfolding. A day or so after my return, in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 8, Syria’s President Bashar Assad was forced to flee the country. He is reportedly now in Moscow. With the future of Syria uncertain, Israel’s defense forces moved to secure Mt. Hermon, ensuring that this critically strategic elevated position in the north doesn’t fall into the hands of rogue terrorists.
 
Though more than a year had passed since the brutal assault of October 7, 2023, it was clear that the nation cannot yet move on. Nor should they. There are still approximately 100 hostages who must be returned to their homeland and families. These innocents are held in horrible conditions, malnourished and with severely failing health. It is amazing any still survive.
 
Tourism, a staple of Israel’s economy, is still reeling from the aftermath of October 7 and the continuing war. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv reminded me of what Washington, DC was like when I went there a few weeks after 9/11 in that the bustling crowds were completely gone. The Ben Gurion Airport tarmac was almost empty. One shop owner said we were his first customer of the day. In fact, 2024 is expected to conclude with less than a quarter of the number who visited Israel in 2019.

Looking at the bigger picture, it is important to remember that the main cause of this war and the entire region’s instability is Iran. There is no question—Iran IS the financier and puppet master behind Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and others. The Iranian government’s financial and military capabilities MUST be destroyed or acts like October 7th will repeat and, in fact, increase. And never forget that Iran views the U.S. through the same lens as it views Israel. Iran must NEVER be allowed to control nuclear weapons and its ability to fund and sponsor international terror must end. 
 
Everywhere we went the resolve of Israel’s people was strong. They wish for nothing more than peace. Their very greeting, Shalom, means peace. As always, the Israeli people were warm and welcoming and incredibly thankful for America’s support.  

Sincerely,

Phil King
State Senator, District 10

(L), Our delegation shown with an IDF officer who briefed us during our trip
(R), Receiving a briefing near the Gaza border

We have so much to be thankful for, and I hope and pray the days ahead allow you to be with family and loved ones as you observe Thanksgiving Day.

Have you ever read the first Thanksgiving Day proclamation, issued by President George Washington in October of 1789? As you reflect on the meaning of tomorrow, I encourage you to read how our first president exhorted Americans to reflect on God Almighty and His many blessings. This proclamation is clear in affirming that George Washington understood the Divine Providence at work in our young nation. May we always remember the incredible blessing that we have to live, prosper and worship in the United States of America.

By the President of the United States of America—
 
A Proclamation
 
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
 
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
 
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us—and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
 
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
 
Go. Washington

Early voting for the November 5th election begins this Monday, October 21st, and runs through Friday, November 1st. Find your voting locations below.
 
I humbly ask for your vote to continue serving as your District 10 State Senator. There is so much at stake in this critical election: the Presidency, Senator Ted Cruz’s race, and other important races where Republicans need our support. We have suffered enough with runaway inflation, unprecedented gas and grocery costs, a porous open border, and a weakened America on the global stage. Now, we can make our voice heard at the ballot box.

Here are some important reasons why you should vote early:
 

1. You never know what could happen on Election Day. You could have a family, medical, or business emergency over which you have no control that could impair your ability to vote on November 5th.
2. Inclement weather could complicate your ability to get to the polls.
3. Early voting saves campaigns valuable time and resources. Once you vote, you are removed from mailing lists within a few days, significantly reducing the chance that you will receive additional phone calls or mail pieces.
4. Early voting allows campaigns and candidates to focus their time and effort on voters who haven’t yet turned out.
5. Early voting means you can avoid potentially long lines on Election Day.
6. After you vote early, you’re able to encourage others to do so.
7. If you’re so inclined to volunteer in some capacity on Election Day, voting early allows you that flexibility to help at a poll or in some other way.

So mark your calendar for Monday, and let’s get to the polls! For early voting locations and times please use the following links below.

Brown County
Callahan County
Johnson County
Palo Pinto County
Parker County
Shackelford County
Stephens County
Tarrant County

It’s hard to believe that it is almost one year from the October 7, 2023, brutal, unprovoked and cowardly terrorist attack on Israel. On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott has called for a moment of silence at 7:00 AM. It is important that we reflect and remember the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Last October 7th, approximately 3,000 Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel by land, air, and sea. Almost 1,200 civilians were slaughtered amid heinous atrocities, and over 200 hostages were seized.

The Texas response following the horrific attack was swift, strong and unwavering. Both chambers of the legislature passed unanimous resolutions, and I was honored to author the one passed by the Texas Senate. These resolutions – the first in the nation by a U.S. legislative body – expressed Texas’ solidarity with and support for the people of Israel, and underscored their absolute right to defend themselves against these brutal attacks. Texas has also been a national leader in taking actions to address the growing antisemitism on college campuses and in the population at large. It is unacceptable that the Jewish community must live in fear for their safety simply because of their heritage.

The death, injury and carnage inflicted on October 7th has devastated families and communities across the Israeli homeland. Early this year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, in part, “I think of the ache and the sense of yearning that will not yield, the feeling that the sun has been extinguished, I think about the heroes that we lost, about broken dreams, shattered hopes.” I have twice sat down with families of hostages to hear their stories, including two who were present during the attack but escaped. I remain so overwhelmed with the courage of a teenager who related her account of that day. She lost family and had family members abducted, yet led her young brother to safety.

The regional effects and aftermath of this awful day continue. Soon after the attack, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza aimed at eliminating Hamas and bringing home hostages. Last Saturday, Israel eliminated Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s brutal terrorist leader. Then, in an unprecedented development, Iran directly launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this week. Israel remains at war with forces of evil who will stop at nothing to fulfill their goal to annihilate our trusted ally, the only true democracy in the Middle East.

The massacre of October 7th is a deep stain on humanity, and reminds us why we must continue to stand with Israel as they continue to secure their country and fight for their very existence. As we remember those who were brutally slaughtered on this solemn occasion, I ask that you stand in solidarity with the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. And let us continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.