Budget Cuts; Investigating Birth Tourism; Y’all Street Comes to TX; Sec. Birdwell Swearing In at the Pentagon & More

Texas GOP Leadership Instructs State Agencies To Cut Their Budget By 3% 
 
Before a legislative session begins, state entities are required to submit a Legislative Appropriations Request (LAR) to the Legislature outlining their budgetary needs. This week, the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House instructed all state agencies, appellate courts and institutions of higher education to reduce their requests by 3% from last year’s $338 billion budget. This cut will exempt the Foundation School Program, the Texas Education Savings Account Program, Medicaid and CHIP and other social programs mandated by state law. Even with these exemptions, this fiscally conservative approach will allow Texas to further invest in public schools and provide property tax relief, putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Texans. 
 
Over the last two sessions, the Legislature has made historic investments in our state’s future, delivering major wins in property tax relief, public education and school choice, border security and water infrastructure. As we prepare for the 90th Legislative Session, this directive will protect taxpayer dollars and prioritize Texas families through responsible budgeting. I currently serve on the Senate Finance Committee, and I look forward to ensuring Texas’ economy continues to lead the nation while helping Texans manage the rising cost of living.

Newly-Launched Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick Podcast

In June, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick launched his weekly “Lt. Dan Podcast,” where he shares his thoughts on issues that matter to Texans and Americans. Earlier this month my good friend, constituent and WallBuilders founder David Barton joined the Lt. Governor’s podcast for a two-part interview discussing the religious and foundational history of the United States, including the Founding Fathers, the Constitution and religious liberty. 

Texas Welcomes Y’all Street

The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) officially began trading on July 6, marking a historic milestone for the state’s financial sector. The launch kicks off a phased rollout that will continue through the end of the year, when the exchange is expected to begin accepting corporate listings. 

This is an exciting development that further strengthens Texas’ position as a premier destination for business and finance. The establishment of the TXSE is expected to drive continued growth in the state’s financial services industry, attract new investment and create additional opportunities for Texas businesses and workers. 

Texas Continues to be the Best Business Climate in the Country

For the fourth consecutive year, Texas has been ranked the state with the best business climate in the nation by Business Facilities Magazine’s Annual Rankings Report.

The ranking evaluates states based on key factors such as economic strength, regulatory and tax environment, infrastructure and workforce quality.

This recognition is a testament to the policies that have made Texas the nation’s premier destination for job creation, business investment and economic opportunity. Our commitment to maintaining a low-tax, business-friendly environment continues to attract companies from across the country and around the world, creating new jobs and expanding opportunities for Texas families.

Investigating Birth Tourism and Combating Exploitation of Surrogacy

Last week, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to investigate Mission Regional Medical Center, in the Valley, following reports that the hospital marketed “birth packages” to foreign nationals in South Texas. According to the reports, foreign nationals purchased these packages to travel to Texas to give birth, resulting in their children being born as United States citizens. This is simply unacceptable.

Alongside the Governor’s directive, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee also met last week to hear its interim charge on combating the exploitation of surrogacy. During the hearing, the committee heard testimony from surrogate mothers who described their experiences of being paid up to $40,000 to carry a child to term. After the child, who is born a United States citizen, was delivered, the baby was taken from the surrogate and placed with the intended parents, who in some cases were located in China, Russia or other countries designated as foreign adversaries.

Combating birth tourism and exploitative surrogacy will be a priority during the 90th Legislative Session, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these issues. Protecting the integrity of our laws, safeguarding vulnerable women from exploitation and ensuring that our state’s policies are not used to facilitate practices that undermine the public interest will remain central to these efforts.

Former Senator Brian Birdwell Sworn In as Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment

Last week I was present as my friend and former Senate colleague Brian Birdwell was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment. His life of service is a powerful testimony of God’s providence. Brian suffered devastating injuries in the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon, has endured over 50 operations since then, and now President Trump has appointed him to return to the Pentagon to serve our nation. Terry and I are blessed to have Brian and Mel as friends and wish them all the best as they once again answer the call of service.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and many of Secretary Birdwell’s Senate colleagues made the trip to Washington for this special occasion.