A New President, Senate Budget Released, First Education Committee Meeting, Honoring Patty Williams and more
January 27, 2025
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.