Our DOGE Bill Signed by Gov. Abbott; Only 34 Days Left in Session; Historic Education Reforms; Honoring Patty Williams, & More

Before I provide a legislative update, let me first open with a personal note. I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratefulness for the many kind expressions of condolences so many of you extended to me, Terry, and our entire family in the wake of our son Josh’s passing.

We miss him terribly. And it has been a hard period, but we have been comforted by so many of you who have expressed fond memories of what Josh meant to you. Our son was a devoted disciple of Christ who placed his trust in his Lord and Savior.  We are promised and believe that when we see Josh again he will be completely healed and we will spend eternity with him. 

Again, thank you sincerely. We will always remember your kindness.

First Bill Signed By Governor Abbott Is Our DOGE Government Efficiency Bill

I’m excited to share that the first bill from the current legislative session signed into law by Governor Abbott is SB 14, our bill to increase government efficiency and reform. It was a privilege to author this DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) legislation in the Texas Senate, with a goal to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and that outdated regulations are repealed. Representative Giovanni Capriglione was the House sponsor.

NFIB Texas, which represents thousands of Texas small businesses, said, “Governor Abbott’s signing of SB 14 marks a historic step for Texas small businesses, creating the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office and building on the Small Business Freedom Council’s recommendations to reduce regulations, taxes, and workforce barriers. This legislation sets the stage for what could be the most impactful session for small businesses in Texas history.”
 

I joined Gov. Greg Abbott at the signing of SB 14, the Texas DOGE bill. Also attending the signing ceremony were Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione.

With Only 34 Days Left in Session, Major Legislation Has Passed the Senate

As of today, there are only 34 days left in the session as we approach sine die (end of session) on June 2nd. The Texas Senate has passed over 600 bills over to the Texas House, and we will continue to focus on passing well-crafted legislation rooted in conservative principles that benefits Texans. Here are some of the top bills that have passed the Senate:

Senate Bill 1 – Senate’s Budget for Texas 
Senate Bill 2 – Providing School Choice 
Senate Bill 3 – Banning THC in Texas 
Senate Bill 4 – Increasing the Homestead Exemption to $140,000 ($150,000 for Seniors) 
Senate Bill 5 – Combatting Alzheimer’s – Establishing DPRIT (Dementia Prevention & Research Institute of Texas) 
Senate Bill 6 – Increasing Texas’ Electric Grid Reliability 
Senate Bill 7 – Increasing Investments in Texas’ Water Supply 
Senate Bill 8 – Requiring Local Law Enforcement to Assist the Federal Government’s Deportation Efforts 
Senate Bill 9 – Reforming Bail – Keeping Violent Criminals Off Our Streets 
Senate Bill 10 – Placing the Ten Commandments in School 
Senate Bill 11 – Protecting the Freedom to Pray in School 
Senate Bill 12 – Establishing a Parental Bill of Rights in Public Education 
Senate Bill 13 – Guarding Against Inappropriate Books in Public Schools 
Senate Bill 14 – Texas DOGE – Improving Government Efficiency 
Senate Bill 15 – Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing 
Senate Bill 16 – Stopping Non-Citizens from Voting 
Senate Bill 17 – Stopping Foreign Adversaries’ Land Grabs 
Senate Bill 18 – Stopping Drag Time Story Hour 
Senate Bill 19 – Stopping Taxpayer Dollars for Lobbyists 
Senate Bill 20 – Stopping AI Child Pornography 
Senate Bill 21 – Establishing the Texas Bitcoin Reserve 
Senate Bill 22 – Generating Significant Returns for the Texas Economy 
Senate Bill 23 – Increasing the Homestead Exemption to $200,000 for Seniors 
Senate Bill 24 – Educating Texas Students on the Horrors of Communism 
Senate Bill 25 – Making Texas Healthy Again 
Senate Bill 26 – Increasing Teacher Pay 
Senate Bill 27 – Establishing a Teacher Bill of Rights 
Senate Bill 28 – Banning Lottery Couriers 
Senate Bill 29 – Texas: Open for Business 
Senate Bill 30 – Curbing Nuclear Verdicts 
Senate Bill 32 – Business Tax Relief 
Senate Bill 33 – Stopping Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Travel 
Senate Bill 34 – Wildfire Response 
Senate Bill 35 – Competing for Quality Roads 
Senate Bill 36 – Establishing a Homeland Security Division within DPS 
Senate Bill 37 – Reforming Faculty Senates 
Senate Bill 38 – Stopping Squatters 
Senate Bill 39 – Protecting Texas Trucking 
Senate Bill 40 – Bail Reform

A Historic Session for Education: School Choice, School Funding, Teacher Pay Raises, and Bill of Rights

This is shaping up to be a monumental session for education in Texas, with major legislation to provide school choice through education savings accounts, unprecedented levels of funding for public education, providing for teacher pay raises, and improving the classroom environment for our educators through a Teacher Bill of Rights.

School Choice, Empowering Parents: Providing parents with new opportunities to choose the best education for their child, Senate Bill 2 dedicates $1 billion for the education savings account program. The Texas House passed this bill with minor changes, the Senate concurred, and now this historic legislation is on its way to the Governor’s desk. It is my belief that SB 2 will expand educational options for families, allowing their children to better reach their God-given abilities in school and create a better future for themselves. Well over 30 states currently have school choice, and in the 2026-2027 school year Texas will finally join in providing these opportunities for our citizens. When the Legislature returns in January 2027, we will take a close look at how the launch has been implemented and make any adjustments needed.

Increased Public School Funding: For the 5.4 million public school students, Texas demonstrates robust investments in funding public education. Just ten years ago, we funded public schools with approximately $40 billion; we are now at over $80 billion. Over half of our state budget now goes to funding schools. Normally, about $2 billion in new dollars are allocated for public schools; right now, we are currently at between $6 and $8 billion in new funding.  

Teacher Pay Raises: The Senate has passed the largest teacher pay raise in Texas history. We strive to retain teachers with a tangible demonstration that we value their contribution. First, we establish guaranteed yearly pay increases for teachers with at least three years of experience, with additional increases for those with five or more years. We have endeavored to address the discrepancies between those who teach in urban versus rural areas. Teachers in smaller districts (5,000 students or less) receive larger raises: $5,000 for 3-4 years of experience and $10,000 for 5+ years. Teachers in larger districts receive $2,500 for 3-4 years and $5,500 for more than 5+ years. The bill expands the Teacher Incentive Allotment, allowing for higher bonuses for teachers based on performance, and provides free Pre-K for their children.

Teachers Bill of Rights: With SB 27, we empower educators to enforce discipline. Teachers who love their profession should never leave because classroom discipline has broken down or they fear for their safety.

Honoring Patty Williams in the Texas Legislature

On Monday, April 14, we honored Patty Williams, wife of Congressman Roger Williams who passed away on January 18. This was an opportunity to remember the life of an outstanding person who made so many contributions to her community and state. If you would like to read the resolution unanimously passed by both the Texas Senate and Texas House, visit this link.

Congressman Roger Williams along with his daughters, granddaughters, and friends came to the State Capitol on April 14 as we honored the life of Patty Williams.

“Lemonade Day”:  Supporting Young Entrepreneurs (Including my Grandkids!)

Saturday was a day to be a proud grandpa and support a great initiative as well. “Lemonade Day” was founded to give young people direct, hands-on experience in the free enterprise system, encouraging them to take risks by starting, own and operate their very own business…a lemonade stand. These hotbeds of entrepreneurship launched all over the state on Saturday, and there were over 20 lemonade stands in Parker County alone. I stopped by PlainsCapital Bank to support one in Weatherford where it just so happens that some of my grandsons built the stands for this particular operation. The kids participating share in the profits they make but are also encouraged to give back to their community.