News

PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Yesterday an undercover video of a Planned Parenthood executive staff member was released showing the doctor discussing Planned Parenthood’s ability to preserve a baby’s organs while conducting an abortion and to sell them for medical research. I can think of nothing more offensive and hideous. Shortly after the release of this viral video, Governor Abbott called for an investigation into these allegations. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Office of the Texas Attorney General will be conducting the investigation. If these allegations are found to be true, these horrible acts must be stopped at all cost and all involved must be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE EXCHANGE COUNCIL
Next week I’ll attend the annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council. I am currently serving as 2015 national chair, which has been a very rewarding experience.

ALEC is where conservative policy makers, business leaders and think tanks come together to find new ideas, best practices and model policies. We pursue free markets, limited government and the realignment of state and federal powers.

A quarter of America’s state legislators are members of ALEC. Together we represent more than 60 million constituents.

Our Texas legislators will have dozens of learning opportunities and outstanding policy discussions next week. We will be hearing from several presidential candidates and more again at our winter meeting. I know they’ll bring great ideas home along with a lot of encouragement to keep up the good fight.

For more information about ALEC, click HERE.

TEXAS CONSERVATIVE COALITION
This week the Texas Conservative Coalition announced the legislators designated as “Courageous Conservative”. I am honored to have received this recognition along with a number of other colleagues.

WE REFLECT ON A SUCCESSFUL SESSION

The Texas House delivered one conservative victory after another in the 84^th Legislature by cutting taxes, making the border region safer, improving education, funding transportation, protecting life and defending Second Amendment rights.

BUDGET

We continued to keep Texas on strong fiscal ground by passing a state budget that keeps growth beneath 2 percent per year. The budget, House Bill 1, grows less than population and inflation, it stays well beneath the constitutional spending cap and it leaves more than $11 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Even as it limits spending, however, the budget provides additional funding for education, border security, transportation and child protection.

TAX RELIEF

With a budget surplus provided by the success of the private sector, we worked throughout the session to deliver tax relief. Those efforts paid off as the Legislature approved nearly $4 billion in tax relief: a 25 percent reduction in the business margins tax, as well as a $10,000 increase in the homestead exemption, which will provide relief for homeowners.

BORDER SECURITY

The House demonstrated its commitment to border security early in the session by passing House Bills 10 and 11. House Bill 10 takes new steps to fight and eliminate human trafficking. House Bill 11 provides hundreds of new state troopers along the Texas-Mexico border while strengthening efforts to fight and prosecute border-related crimes. In addition, the budget provides a historic amount of funding – more than $800 million – for border security.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The Texas population and economy are growing rapidly, straining roads and highways. The Legislature addressed transportation this session without raising taxes, fees or tolls.

The budget ends diversions of the State Highway Fund, meaning all of the money in that fund will pay for transportation instead of other programs. That change increased transportation funding by $1.3 billion over two years. We also supported Senate Joint Resolution 5, a proposed constitutional amendment that would dedicate at least $2.5 billion of state sales tax revenue to transportation every two years.

PRO-LIFE

The Legislature has repeatedly defended the rights of the unborn in recent years and continued to do so in this year’s session. The Legislature passed critical pro-life bills, further defunded Planned Parenthood and expanded funding for alternatives to abortion. House Bill 3994 reforms the judicial bypass process for minors seeking abortions. These reforms will protect and strengthen parents’ rights while also increasing oversight of the bypass process. House Bill 3074, another crucial bill passed by the Legislature, addresses end of life issues and requires artificial hydration and nutrition to be provided to patients in the natural process of death.

2ND AMENDMENT

We also achieved two long-sought Second Amendment priorities this session with the passage of House Bill 910, which allows for the licensed open carry of handguns, and Senate Bill 11, which will expand the rights of Concealed Handgun License holders to possess their guns on college campuses.

PASTOR PROTECTION

In addition, we passed Senate Bill 2065, which protects pastors from lawsuits or criminal prosecution if they refuse to perform marriages that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.

This has been THE most successful legislative session in my tenure. I look forward to visiting with you in the district and discussing these victories in further detail. Thank you for all of your kind words and support.

We are in the homestretch of the 84th Legislature. With the exception of Friday, the House was in session late each night this week trying to work through the backlog of proposed legislation. Over the next two weeks, I believe we will complete work on historic tax cuts, a very conservative state budget, open carry, ethics reform, regulatory reform and border security, among other critical matters. I should have much more to report next week.

Wise County Added to Disaster Declaration

Due to the intense storms this month, Wise County has been added to Governor Abbott’s recent “State of Disaster” Declaration. Other counties included in the declaration are Bosque, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Eastland, Gaines, Grimes, Hood, Montague, Navarro, Smith, and Van Zandt counties. I commend Judge J.D. Clark for his leadership and hard work to help coordinate state resources for Wise County. By adding Wise County to his declaration, Governor Abbott has ensured that a wide range of state resources to help residents and businesses affected by the tornados and floodwaters are available. My office will work closely with the Governor’s to support Wise County residents.

For additional safety tips related to tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding, see:
http://dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/weather_aware_severe.htm

The American Red Cross has established the following website for individuals in impacted areas: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

Texas Ranked #1 for Business Again

CEO Magazine recently rated Texas the #1 place to do business for the 11^th year in a row! Just more evidence that our Texas Model creates an environment where businesses can flourish. I think it’s interesting that every state included in the top five rankings has a Republican governor. Texans know that limited government provides the greatest opportunity for businesses to thrive, and it is gratifying to see this model successfully work around the nation.

Major Pro-Life Victory

Earlier this week the House passed HB 3994 which addresses the issue of judicial bypass. Judicial bypass allows a minor to seek an abortion without the permission of their parents in certain cases with approval by a judge. The United States Supreme Court mandates this process, which I find deeply disturbing. Pro-abortion groups have worked to exploit judicial bypass removing parents further from the process. HB 3994 adds reforms and strengthens parental rights. This was a major pro-life victory. The bill will now head to the Senate where I expect it to pass and be signed by Governor Abbott.

Republican Caucus Letter Supporting Traditional Marriage

I, along with 92 of my colleagues in the House Republican Caucus, signed a letter affirming our support for Article 1, Section 32 of the Texas Constitution this week. This section of our Constitution was overwhelmingly passed by Texas voters and affirms that marriage is between one man and one woman. The letter also stressed that states should make the decision on marriage – not the federal government. Traditional marriage has been a bedrock institution of our country since we were founded over 200 years ago. I’m proud to see House Republicans united and standing strong on this issue.

Mike Huckabee Visit

My good friend, Governor Mike Huckabee, was in Austin this week for a campaign stop. Although I haven’t endorsed anyone for the 2016 presidential race, I am always happy to see Mike when he’s in Texas. I was also joined by some of my fellow House members.

Visiting with Governor Huckabee at his campaign event

Terry and I were joined for a photo by fellow House members and Governor Huckabee.

There are just over three weeks before the 84^th Legislative Session comes to a close. The House has been hard at work this week tackling some issues that will make a positive impact on our state for years to come.

Tightening Spending Limits

The House passed House Joint Resolution 111 this week, which limits budget growth and brings greater transparency to how your tax dollars are spent. I am a proud coauthor on HJR 111 because the Legislature shouldn’t spend money it doesn’t have. HJR 111 will ensure future legislators spend tax dollars for the purpose they were originally allocated and don’t divert them to pay for other programs. It is also important to note this legislation will help the Comptroller provide a more accurate revenue forecast to future legislatures so they can know what our state can allocate toward the budget.

Hearing on Seismic Activity

The House Energy Resources Committee met this week to hear invited testimony regarding seismic activity. Experts who conducted the SMU study presented information to the committee indicating that seismic activity is tied to disposal wells in Azle and Reno. They also indicated that recent quakes in Dallas County were not linked to oil & gas production.

Just this week Johnson County experienced an earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale. As a member of the Energy Resources Committee, I can tell you the Legislature and the Railroad Commission are taking this issue very seriously. The day after the seismic activity in Johnson County, top Railroad Commission personnel were on the ground inspecting wells to ensure their integrity. The House is also fast tracking $4.4 million for the purchase of seismographs and other resources to determine the cause of exactly why these events continue to occur in North Texas.

Texas Time?

One of the more interesting debates on the House floor this week was on House Bill 150, which, had it passed, would have eliminated daylight savings time in Texas. My office has been contacted by a sizable number of constituents asking me to support this legislation. Unfortunately, it failed to pass by a vote of 56-79. An amusing part of the debate was when the House unanimously adopted an amendment that would have put our state on “Texas time” had House Bill 150 become law. In reality if the bill became law we would simply stay on Central Standard Time. Like many of you who called my office to support ending daylight savings time, I find the practice of “falling back” and “rolling forward” tedious and unnecessary. That’s why I voted for this legislation. There’s a slight chance House Bill 150 could be taken up by the House again before the session comes to a close. I will keep you updated if this issue is addressed again.

Important Session Deadlines

With 22 days left in this session, there are procedural deadlines that are important to note. House committees must report out major bills by May 11th, and the House must begin debate on these bills by May 14th. Committees have until May 23rd to report out Senate bills. May 31st is the last day for the House and Senate to adopt conference committee reports.

Honoring Dana Ables

I had the privilege of honoring Dana Ables on the House floor this week for her 47 years of service as a public school teacher. Ms. Ables, who recently retired from Millsap ISD, was a mentor to many of her students and fellow educators. I also enjoyed visiting with her colleagues who made the trip down to the Capitol. There is no doubt Ms. Ables has made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless children in House District 61, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Ms. Ables (center left) and her colleagues from Millsap ISD

Looking Ahead/Update on Major Legislation

This coming week the House will take up legislation addressing:

• The protection of traditional marriage
• Judicial bypass for minors seeking an abortion
• E-verify for state contractors
• My legislation to reduce Obamacare taxes

The House and Senate are currently working to find solutions on Open Carry, tax cuts, border security, removing the Public Integrity Unit from the Travis County DA’s office and state budget. I expect all of these to pass and will continue to keep you updated on each of these items as they progress.

The House was hard at work this week working on some very large pieces of legislation that will positively affect all Texans. In addition, we also took steps to aid the families of slain first responders and protect personal liberty.

Transportation Funding

In a vote of 138-3 the House passed a bill that will add $3 billion more to transportation funding for nontoll roads. House Bill 13 will devote more sales tax revenue to the state’s highway fund. The Senate currently has a similar plan that will need to be reconciled with House Bill 13. Since transportation infrastructure is a major need across the state, I believe the House and Senate will quickly come together on a plan to help meet the transportation needs of our growing state.

House Bill 861

I am extremely proud to be an author on House Bill 861 that was passed this week. House Bill 861 will strengthen laws to protect children from online child predators. This legislation improves upon a 2005 law passed to address this issue. The solicitation of minors by child predators is a major issue across the entire country. Texans should be proud that their Legislature is leading the charge to stop the heinous individuals who seek to commit these crimes.

Jade Helm 15

Lt. Colonel Mark Lastoria talks with the citizens of Bastrop about the Jade Helm 15 training exercise.

Questions arose this week over a military training exercise called Jade Helm 15 set to take place in Bastrop later this year. I am not overly concerned about this exercise because the military currently train in Texas everyday. We have some of the largest military bases in the United States including over 90,000 soldiers who train daily at Ft. Hood. I personally participated in drills with the Texas State Guard just last weekend.However, Governor Abbott ordered the commanding general of the Texas State Guard to monitor the training on behalf of Texas and report back regularly. This is to make sure Texans are informed about the exercise. While I understand why there are questions being asked, I also support Governor Abbott’s decision and am confident the military will conduct themselves professionally during this training exercise.

Families of First Responders

It is always tragic when a first responder loses their life in the line of duty. Many times families not only lose a loved one but also face tremendous financial hardships in the aftermath of these devastating events. Along with Rep. Charlie Geren and Rep. Allen Fletcher, I added an amendment to House Bill 1094 that increases the State of Texas line-of-duty death benefit to $500,000 for families of fallen first responders. This issue is significant to me since I spent 15 years as a police officer. I am grateful to live in a state that places emphasis on taking care of the families of police officers and firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.

Capitol Happenings

I had the privilege of explaining the legislative process to my fellow state guard officers.

A view from my desk on Thursday as the sun sets on the Capitol. The State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee had a meeting that lasted until midnight this same evening.

Texas House Republican Caucus Letter on Tax Cuts

With only 36 days remaining we are nearing the home stretch of the 84^thLegislative Session. Recently there has been important news concerning House District 61 and major legislation is being addressed in the House.

Seismic Activity Update

As you know, SMU released a study regarding seismic activity in the Reno and Azle area this week. If you haven’t had a chance to read my comments on the study please take a minute to do so. At my behest, the Railroad Commission has announced they plan to hold a public hearing on seismic activity to review SMU’s findings. In addition, I have been in daily contact and met with the Commissioners and staff at the Railroad Commission. I take this issue very seriously and want you to know I will stay engaged, update you regularly and ensure that the state is fulfilling its responsibilities in House District 61.

Tax Cuts Up For Vote Next Week

One of the many blessings of being a Texan is being afforded the opportunity to live in a state where the size and scope of tax cuts are being debated instead of tax increases, as is the norm in blue states. Next week on the House floor two major tax cut bills are due to be debated.

House Bill 31 will cut the sales tax 5% and is expected to save Texans $2.3 billion over the next two years.

House Bill 32 will mean a 42% franchise tax (margin tax) cut for certain small businesses; 25% cut for most, and saves Texas businesses roughly $2.6 billion over the next two years.

The Legislative Budget Board estimates that through 2020 the House franchise and sales tax cuts will:

• Create 72,300 new jobs by 2020
• Grow Texas economic output by a cumulative $21.7 billion
• Grow Texas personal income by a cumulative $17.6 billion

Compared to the package of Senate bills, by 2020 the House plan creates roughly:

• 30,000 more jobs
• $12.4 billion more in cumulative Texas economic output
• $7.7 billion more in cumulative Texas personal income

Public Integrity Bill Moves Forward

Monday I took to the House floor to present House Bill 1690 concerning the Travis County Public Integrity Unit (PIU). I’m happy to report to you that House Bill 1690 passed through the House with 95 votes. As currently structured the PIU places too much power with a single county official. Under my plan the Texas Rangers would handle the investigation of alleged public administration crimes then refer them to a prosecutor with the proper jurisdiction. I feel confident this is a much better way forward than the current structure. The Texas Rangers are world renowned for their expertise and already specialize in white-collar crime. House Bill 1690 must still be reconciled with the Senate version but I am highly optimistic that Governor Abbott will sign it into law this year.

More Capitol Happenings

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Senator Gramm and Wendy Gramm this week. They were honored by the House for their commitment to the state.

You may not know I proud member of the Texas Military Forces. Recently I had the privilege of appearing in a video that spotlights some of the incredible work being done to protect our state. I hope you will take a moment to watch to learn more about the men and women who serve in these fine organizations.

Yesterday, a study was released by SMU regarding seismic activity in my district, specifically the Azle and Reno areas in late 2013 and early 2014. It was the possibility of a link between seismic events and saltwater disposal wells that motivated me to call for the creation of a special House committee on seismicity.

In 2014, the Texas Railroad Commission – at the advice of the new House Subcommittee on Seismicity on which I served – implemented new regulations to address many of the concerns now raised by the SMU study. Because seismic activity and our state’s geology don’t follow municipal boundaries, it is imperative that oil and gas regulation (including saltwater disposal wells) be consistent and statewide.

In April of 2014, the Texas Railroad Commission employed the state’s first seismologist, Dr. Craig Pearson. Well respected in the scientific community, Dr. Pearson took quick action to engage with the Subcommittee and work to develop the comprehensive new regulations. The rules require companies to provide historic seismic event data and analysis prior to permitting new wells and empower the Railroad Commission to take immediate action if a disposal well is likely to be causing seismic activity, including shutting in a well that is determined to be causing seismic events.

While the state seismologist has not yet reported to the Legislature regarding the review of the SMU report, I have called for a meeting with him this week.

The full text of the new regulations governing disposal wells can be found here:

This has been a historic week for conservatives! I’m happy to report to you that the promises made by the Texas House are being kept. In the past few days we have ensured that responsible oil & gas production will continue for years to come, fought to protect the unborn and passed historic legislation that affirms your 2^nd Amendment rights.

House Bill 40

The House made a powerful statement by overwhelmingly passing House Bill 40 this week by a vote of 122-18. House Bill 40 was filed to address the City of Denton’s ban on hydraulic fracturing. I am proud to be a lead joint author on this legislation that will ensure Texas maintains consistent regulation when it comes to oil & gas production. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle made it clear that having a patchwork of energy regulations that can literally change when you cross the street from one municipality to the next is an untenable solution for our state. The legislation does not prevent a city from addressing traffic, noise, aesthetics and similar concerns.

Protecting Life & Strengthening Parental Rights

Protecting life and strengthening parental rights are causes I have always championed as your state representative. Most Texans don’t know about a 1999 law that allows children to seek an abortion without their parent’s permission. This process is known as judicial bypass. As a parent and grandparent I find this process deeply disturbing. That’s why I filed House Bill 723. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to present this bill in committee. I am working with my Republican colleagues to make certain the House addresses this issue.

Open Carry

The House voting board lights up green when open carry is passed.

History was made this week when the House passed legislation that expands 2^nd Amendment rights. Soon Texans will be able to openly carry their handguns if they so choose. Texas gun owners will still be required to hold a license to open carry much like concealed carry holders do today. House Bill 910 must still be squared with the Senate version before it heads to Governor Abbott’s desk for his signature. As a coauthor of this legislation, I was pleased that House Republicans lived up to another campaign promise.

Great Visits This Week

I enjoyed seeing my friends from Parker County who were in town for the Texas Federation of Republican Women’s Legislative Day.

Realtors from House District 61 visit my Capitol office for their legislative day.

Looking Ahead

The House Ways & Means Committee voted out a $4.9 billion tax relief package that will soon head to the House floor. Since the House and Senate are still negotiating exactly what the final tax relief package will look like I plan keep you updated how the cuts are taking shape. In the coming days and weeks I want to share information that shows exactly what tax relief will mean for you. I invite you to “like” my Facebook page where you will find regular updates in addition to these emails.

On Monday, my bill dealing with the Travis County Public Integrity Unit will be debated on the House floor. Current law places too much power in the hands of a single county official. I am humbled that when I step up to the microphone to present House Bill 1690 I will have over 60 coauthors supporting me on this legislation.

I wanted to show you the tax cut plan that Texas House Republicans proposed last week. The plan’s focus is on job creation and overall economic expansion. Please read below, but if you would like more details see HB 31 & HB 32.

➢ The House tax cut plan provides the broadest benefits to taxpayers, delivering tax relief to big businesses and small business, homeowners and renters, and every single Texan across the state.

➢ At $4.87 billion, it is the largest tax cut on the table, and provides permanent tax relief: it cannot be eroded by local tax hikes or rising appraisals.

➢ It gives a tax cut to all businesses that currently pay the franchise tax rather than shifting 100 percent of the franchise tax burden to five percent of businesses.

➢ It protects the integrity of the spending cap, while reducing the state tax burden and state spending; it shrinks government rather than shifting a growing spending burden to the state to buy down property tax rates.

➢ It reduces the state sales tax for the first time since it was enacted more than 50 years ago, and provides tax relief to 900,000 businesses not paying the franchise tax.

➢ The combination of franchise tax cuts and sales tax relief will have the most dynamic impact on the Texas economy.

SALES TAX

• HB 31 cuts the state sales tax rate from 6.25% to 5.95%. This is real, tangible tax relief that will benefit families and businesses of all sizes every time they buy something.

• Today, Texas has the 12th highest state sales tax rate in America. HB 31 will drop Texas on that list to #26.

FRANCHISE TAX

• HB 32 cuts the franchise tax rate by 25% across-the-board for all businesses, large and small, that currently pay the franchise tax. Retailers and wholesalers will pay 0.375%, and all other businesses will pay 0.75%.

• This approach maintains the original intent of the franchise tax, which was to create a tax structure that was broad, fair and low… so that everybody helps to carry a little bit of the load.

• And HB 32 expands eligibility for the EZ computation by doubling the cap to $20 million in total revenue, and lowers the EZ rate from 0.575% to 0.331%. This will substantially lower the cost of compliance for thousands of small businesses.