Border Security, State of State and More
February 20, 2015
Legislative Update: February 20, 2015
It has been a very busy week in Austin. Committees have started to meet, and legislators are working hard to ensure we have a productive session. Here are some highlights from the last few days:
Wise County Day
This week I had the privilege to introduce a resolution recognizing February 17 as Wise County Day at the Capitol. It was great to see so many folks from home in Austin. We had a very productive time working on issues important to District 61. I always enjoy seeing friends from the district. If you are ever in town please know the door is always open to constituents.
The Wise County delegation at the Capitol
State of the State Address
Governor Abbott recognizes Richard Overton for his service
Governor Abbott gave his State of the State address on Tuesday. He laid out an ambitious agenda and declared five emergency items for the Legislature to consider. Governor Abbott’s emergency priorities include more funding for pre-K programs, border security, ethics reform, transportation and higher education research funding. By declaring these emergency items, the House and Senate can take up these five issues faster than is normally allowed.
One of my favorite moments from the speech is when Governor Abbott recognized Richard Overton. At 108 years old, Mr. Overton is the oldest living World War II veteran in the United States.
Watch Governor Abbott’s speech here
Texas leads the fight against President Obama’s executive amnesty
Governor Abbott, Senator Cruz, Lt. Governor Patrick and Attorney General Paxton discuss the state’s victory this week
I was proud this week to see Texas win a huge victory for the rule of law in America over President Obama’s executive amnesty order. Governor Abbott began this law suit as one of his last acts as attorney general. General Paxton has taken the baton and continues this fight.
Committee Hearing on Article V
One of the central duties of my role as Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility is to explore ways how Texas can push back against an ever-growing and runaway federal government. Recently, there has been a growing movement across the country regarding the use of Article V of the U.S. Constitution as a tool for the states to use as a check against Congress. I am excited that next Thursday, February 26, experts from across the country will be in Austin to testify at our first committee hearing which will be dedicated to learning more about Article V. Among the experts will be former Senator Tom Coburn (OK) & Mike Farris with the Convention of States Project, Roman Buhler of the Madison Coalition and Nick Dranias who is with Compact for America.
You can watch the committee hearing online here. The hearing is scheduled to start at 10:30 or upon final adjournment from the House floor. Most likely, the hearing will start right around 11:30am. We will send you an update next week as the hearing approaches.
If you would like to learn more about Article V click here
It is an honor to serve you in Austin. If I can ever be of assistance please don’t hesitate to call my office at (512) 463-0738.
God Bless,
Phil King
