Unfortunately, we have had three hurricanes make landfall on or near the Texas coast since late July. First was Dolly, which hit around South Padre Island. Gustav was next making landfall just east of Texas. And last week we had Ike which devastated much of southeast Texas. The State Guard activated me for each of these hurricanes to assist with relief efforts. I’m very pleased to inform you that the Texas State Guard and all of the other volunteer and relief organizations are doing an outstanding job in handling these efforts.

Democrat Jim Dunnam, who supported a competitive electricity market in Texas along with a majority of Democrats, is dead wrong with his historical facts and his view of the current market in his op-ed piece Friday, August 1 (“Utility Customers Pay for Wild West Ride”).

“Many of my constituents have recently contacted me about large increases in their local property tax appraisals. This is deeply disturbing, as the Texas Legislature voted in 2006 to reduce school property taxes by a full one-third. Additionally, we went further by requiring voter approval before certain property taxes could be raised."

"The people of House District 61 will benefit from having a reform-minded taxpayer advocate, such as Representative King, on this committee," Speaker Craddick said. "Representative King is committed to easing the tax burden on property owners, and his experience will be an asset to this committee."

The Texas Universal Service Fund review began with the passage of SB 5, groundbreaking legislation in 2005, which directed the Texas Public Utility Commission to determine what changes needed to be made to the fund to better reflect today’s competitive marketplace. State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford), the chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, sponsored the bill.

Texans for Lawsuit Reform’s Political Action Committee endorses Rep. Phil King for re-election in HD 61 because of his commitment to a fair, honest and efficient civil justice system.

The Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission filed a complaint today with the Texas Ethics Commission against Texans for Economic Development, a political action committee of racetrack owners and supporters of video slot machines, alleging the group could be using corporate funds inappropriately to try to influence legislative races.

Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC today announced that State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford) is the recipient of TLR’s Civil Justice Leadership Award for his support in leading the fight to improve medical malpractice and civil justice laws in Texas.

“Phil King is a true conservative leader in the Texas House. He represents the people of Parker and Wise counties with honor and distinction, and we are glad to endorse his candidacy,” explained Laura Elizabeth Morales, Director of Public Relations for the Young Conservatives of Texas. “The energy and passion that he has for working for Texas and his deeply held conservative principles make him a truly outstanding leader.”