Pay Raise for Teachers, Honoring Riley Gaines, Brown County Day, and More!

Legislative Progress This Week

Bail Reform – Keeping Dangerous Criminals off our Streets:  You may remember last week I wrote to you about four bills reforming our broken bail system that were voted out of the Criminal Justice Committee. This week, those four bills were passed by the full Senate: 

SJR 1 – requires the denial of bail for an illegal alien accused of a felony

SB 9 – strengthens our bail system and protects our communities by creating more tools to keep repeat, violent offenders off our streets

SJR 5 – allows Texas to detain our most habitual, violent felony offenders without bond

SB 40 – bans taxpayer dollars from being spent on bail bonds

Pay Raises for Teachers:  Also this week, Senate Bill 26, legislation for teacher pay raises, passed the Senate Education Committee, on which I serve, and is headed to the Senate floor. This bill supports our Texas teachers by providing across the board teacher pay raises (providing them the opportunity to earn over $100,000), improving the Teacher Incentive Allotment, providing free PreK for teachers’ kids, and creating statewide teacher liability insurance.

Brown County Day at the Texas Capitol

It was so good to have citizens from across Brown County in town this week as Wednesday was “Brown County Day” at the Capitol. With a population of over 38,000, the county is the economic hub for eight surrounding counties in central Texas. Major manufacturers such as 3M and Kohler have called Brownwood home for almost 50 years. The county is home to the historic Camp Bowie military base, and the county was crucial in supplying a quarter of a million soldiers during World War II. Brown County is also home to Howard Payne University, one of the premier faith-based universities in the State of Texas. Since 1889, Howard Payne University has provided its students the opportunity to further their education while growing in their faith. It’s an honor to serve the wonderful people of Brown County, who always welcome me with hospitality on my visits there.

Grateful that over 30 citizens from Brown County came to town. Some of the leaders visiting the Capitol included Brown County Republican Party Chairman Robert Porter, Brownwood City Councilman Draco Miller, Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford, Brownwood Economic Development Department Executive Director Ray Tipton and Brownwood Deputy City Manager Marshal McIntosh. 

During our question and answer session, we discussed electricity, continuing to secure the border, addressing the water crisis and educational freedom. 

Recognizing Manufacturing Jobs In Our District

Tuesday was Texas Manufacturers’ Day at the Capitol. I sponsored Senate Resolution 103, highlighting the significant impact of manufacturing jobs in our senate district and across Texas. More than 847,000 Texans work in manufacturing, including over 48,000 here in Senate District 10. These are the employees who create goods and products and help make the Lone Star State the top exporting state for manufactured goods. 

Manufacturing jobs are high quality and high wage jobs for our citizens, paying workers an average annual compensation of over $123,000. In Senate District 10, these employees are making products for aerospace and defense, oil and gas, agriculture, food and beverage, chemical and plastic, and metal fabrication.

To keep the “Texas Miracle” going strong, we must ensure we continue to provide the pro-growth, pro-business, and pro-job policies that have made our economy the envy of the nation. 

Honoring Riley Gaines for her Courage and Leadership

On Thursday, the Texas Senate honored Riley Gaines, who was robbed of her legitimate win in college swimming by being forced to compete against a biological man. Instead of standing silent, she launched a national movement to correct this injustice. Riley was a 12-time NCAA All-American and 5-time SEC Champion. In 2022, she was forced to compete against transgender athlete Lia Thomas for a national title. Even though Riley and Lia tied with the exact same time, the NCAA awarded the trophy to Lia Thomas. In large part because of Riley’s courage, landmark legislation banning this insanity has been passed in Texas, around the country, and signed nationally by President Trump. Last session, I was proud to co-author Senate Bill 15, which requires athletes in college sports to compete under their biological gender, and protects the integrity of fair competition and women’s sports in Texas. 

Inspired and Encouraged at the Texas Legislative Prayer Breakfast

Wednesday morning I joined many of my Senate and House colleagues for the Annual Texas Legislative Prayer Breakfast. Former baseball great Darryl Strawberry was the guest speaker, presenting his story not just of the gospel but the hope of redemption. Darryl played in the Major Leagues for 17 years, and led the New York Mets to win the World Series in 1986, and he won again with the New York Yankees in 1996 and 1999. He was also voted to the All-Star team eight years in a row.

This was an encouraging and inspiring message for those who follow Christ, and really to anyone present. Darryl shared his struggles and what really matters in life. Thank you to Dallas Baptist University for inviting me to be a guest at their table for this well attended event.

Senator Pete Flores (a former game warden himself) and I took time to honor those who serve as Texas Game Wardens. These law enforcement professionals work every day to protect our state’s wildlife and natural resources, and promote safety on land and water. We commend these men and women who courageously protect our state every day.

Arlington ISD trustees, Vice President Sarah McMurrough (left) and Secretary Brooklyn Richardson (right) came by to meet with me this week. Thank you for stopping by. I enjoyed our visit.