News

There are only 50 days left in the 84^th Legislative Session! It isn’t uncommon to see committees meet until well past midnight and debate on the House floor is getting longer. The Legislature is working hard and I know at the conclusion of the session you will be proud of the conservative victories achieved.

Make Your Voice Heard On Tax Cuts

This week House and Senate began a vigorous debate on tax cuts. The debate between the House and Senate is centered around how large the cuts will be. House members laid out a tax relief plan of nearly $5 billion this week that cuts sales tax for the first time in Texas history and reduces the franchise tax by 25%. The Senate plan proposes relief in the form of a property tax reduction and cuts the franchise tax by 15%. The House plan includes about $500 million more in tax relief than the Senate plan.

I have three priorities regarding tax cuts. First, I want tax cuts that you and your family can actually feel. Next, I want the taxes we cut to create jobs and help the business climate in our state. Finally, I want these cuts to be the beginning of the end of the business franchise tax.

I need to hear from you on this issue. Please participate in my online poll and tell me what matters most to you. There’s nothing to sign up for – I simply want to know what tax cut would most benefit your family. Please take a second to make your voice heard.

Click here to tell me what tax cut matters most to you!

Thank you for participating. You can expect to hear much more on this subject in the coming weeks.

State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee Update

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility. This committee has examined important ways to advance the conservative cause in Texas. Our committee has passed legislation thaturges Congress to balance the federal budget, statutorily defines how Texas can continually review and fight against out-of-control federal actions, and also advanced legislation regarding Article V of the United States Constitution. I’m proud to lead a committee that stands up for our constitutional rights and is leading the charge to insulate Texas against the disastrous policies of the federal government.

Border Prosecution Unit

A Texas Parks & Wildlife warden patrolling the Rio Grande

This week the House passed legislation that strengthens our efforts to secure the Texas border. House Bill 12 formally codifies the Border Prosecution Unit. This unit will ease the caseload of border prosecutors by appointing special prosecutors to tackle border-specific crimes like money laundering and gang activity. House Bill 12 is one of Governor Abbott’s priorities and now heads to the Senate.

The most critical item the Legislature must pass each session is the State’s budget. I’m proud to report to you that the House passed our proposed budget for 2016-17 earlier this week. In addition, we had a full week of committee meetings and constituent visits before the Easter weekend.

House Budget

After nearly 18 hours of debate (we finished at 5:40am!) the House passed our proposed budget for 2016-17 by a vote of 141-5. This vote total represents great consensus for such an important item. I believe that the budget we are sending over to the Senate is conservative while still meeting the core needs of our state.

I’m especially pleased that border security is being funded at historic levels, funding for public education is increased by $3 billion, and that this budget keeps us under the spending cap.

One key point to note regarding the House budget is that there is room left for significant tax relief. I expect that $4.5-4.8 billion will be dedicated towards tax relief before the 84th Legislative Session comes to a close. Still to be determined is whether this relief will come in the form of a sales, business, property tax cut, or a combination of the three. I know that discussions are happening daily between House and Senate members as well as Governor Abbott’s office. Tax relief is a top priority this session, and I intend to do everything I can do ensure Texans receive real benefit from the cuts.

You can read more about the proposed House budget here.

Update on Legislation

This week I had two important pieces of legislation voted out of the State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee. I serve as chairman of this committee and am pleased thus far with the work we are doing to examine how to strengthen Texas and push back against our dysfunctional federal government.

House Bill 1110 simply adds structure to the process of how Texas would participate in an Article V convention if one were ever called. Article V has been a much-discussed topic at the Capitol this session as well as among grassroots activists across the state. Both supporters and opponents of using Article V have concerns about what has been called a “runaway convention.” HB 1110 seeks to address those concerns.

HCR 54 seeks to restore constitutional balance by providing that whenever one quarter of the members of either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate send the president a written declaration of opposition to a proposed federal regulation, the regulation would require a majority vote from both chambers in order to be adopted. It would also restore much needed balance in the regulatory process. It is all too common to see unelected federal bureaucrats enact regulations that should have had prior congressional approval. Furthermore, states have little recourse today when federal agencies overstep their constitutional authority other than lawsuits. The main avenue to challenge whether a regulation is constitutional is federal court as the law stands today. HCR 54 gives the people a voice through our elected representatives to challenge overreaching federal regulations.

Capitol Visits

Governor and Mrs. Abbott hosted an Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday. After a long week, Terry and I were so happy to spend time with our daughter Hannah, and grandchildren, Peyton and Molly. It was a very relaxing way to end the week and the Abbott’s were extremely gracious hosts.

Touring the House floor with the Harmer family

Springtime at the Capitol

The 84^th Legislative Session intensified quite a bit this week. Many committees met until midnight or later, and the House Appropriations Committee voted to send the budget to the House floor for debate. I expect many more long days but am proud of the work being accomplished for Texans this session.

Energy Resources Committee Recap

After hearing from over 150 witnesses, the House Energy Resources Committee adjourned Monday night at 11:57pm. We heard testimony on House bills 40 and 539. These bills were prompted by the City of Denton’s fracing ban which prohibited new oil and gas production. I believe 28 cities in Texas have outright bans on drilling thus far and many others have varying degrees of municipal regulation. The hearing was instructive as environmental groups, private citizens, city officials, business owners, and legal and industry experts all testified.

I am opposed to the outright banning of energy production by cities and like regulations which go beyond reasonable setbacks, nuisance, noise and similar issues that are proper for local control. The expertise to regulate the technical and engineering aspects of energy production properly lies with state regulatory agencies and I believe that was apparent after Monday night’s hearing.

It is vitally important that Texas remain our nation’s leader in oil and gas production. Over 8,000 jobs in Parker and Wise counties are directly related to energy production. And oil & gas production accounts for almost 15% of the tax base for our local schools and communities. This is also a property rights issue as land owners want to produce their minerals and receive their royalty checks.

In the end, I’m hopeful we will strike the right balance between local control, property rights and economic development.

Great Texas News

I don’t know about you, but I never get tired of hearing good news about Texas! Last year Texas created 407,000 jobs, which is first in the nation per capita. Our personal income also rose 5.6%. This is well above the national average. I’m proud that Texas remains “open for business.” I’d invite you read more here.

Looking Ahead

This week the House Appropriations Committee voted to send the budget to the full House with a vote of 27-0. Next Tuesday the House will debate the budget on the floor. This is one of the longest days we will have at the Capitol this session. I’m looking forward to a vigorous debate on Tuesday but this is only one of several more steps in the appropriations process. In the end, I believe the Legislature will pass a very conservative budget with historic tax cuts.

Constituent Visits This Week

With rodeo champion Trevor Brazile

Visiting with 4th graders from Trinity Christian Academy

Texas voters spoke loud and clear last November. Legislators were sent to Austin to govern conservatively and tackle some of the biggest issues facing not only our state, but also our entire country. I’m proud to tell you we are working hard to solve the problems that matter most to you.

Fighting Obamacare

Recently, I filed House Bill 2467 to stop an automatic tax increase triggered by Obamacare. This increase is in effect, a tax on a tax, and will result in higher healthcare costs for hardworking Texas families. I would invite you to read more about House Bill 2467 by clicking here. Rest assured I will continue to do everything I can to oppose Obamacare.

Shocking News About Driver’s Licenses

Would you believe that over 6,000 people from Iran and North Korea have been issued a Texas Driver’s License? I didn’t believe it myself until my friend, Representative Tony Dale, brought this issue to my attention. I strongly urge you to watch this news piece on Rep. Dale’s legislation to address this issue. I’m proud to be a joint author on his bill and will keep you updated on this story.

Protecting Texans

This week the House passed landmark legislation by a vote of 142-0 that will increase the penalties regarding human trafficking and the sex trafficking of children. House Bill 10 removes the statute of limitations on the trafficking of children under the age of 18. It also creates a Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit. Governor Abbott declared fighting human trafficking an emergency item earlier this session, and I’m proud to stand with him against the criminals who commit these heinous crimes.

Border Security

House Bill 11 passed this week. When signed, this bill will make Texas the only state in the nation that has a long-term plan to address border security. Addressing border security is a top priority for Texans and as long as the federal government shirks its constitutional duty to defend our borders the Legislature will act.

Looking Ahead

You’ve probably heard about the discussion happening at the Legislature concerning the restriction of energy production in local communities. On Monday, the House Energy Resources Committee will hear testimony on two pieces of legislation that are designed to address this issue. I am the lead author of House Bill 539 and a joint author on House Bill 40. One of the key reasons Texas is a leader in job creation is because businesses know our state offers consistent regulation along with a predictable business climate. It is detrimental to the future of our state’s economy to have a patchwork of energy regulations that can literally change when you walk from one street to another. I strongly believe that the state, not cities, is where energy production should be regulated. However, I also believe there are acceptable instances where cities should have a clearly defined role in this process on matters such as land use and zoning. Finding the right balance between protecting the welfare of the public and allowing businesses to grow and create jobs is essential for Texas’ future.

We expect the hearing to begin around 3:30pm on Monday and you can watch here.

As you can see I’m working hard to protect the values that make our state great. If I, or my office, can ever be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at (512) 463-0738.

This week marked an important juncture in the 84^th Legislative Session and also one of the busiest days yet. The House advanced legislation that will further secure our border, and the State & Federal Power & Responsibility Committee continued to look at ways to rein in the federal government.

Bill Filing Deadline

Friday was the last day to file bills in both the House and the Senate. Historically this is one of the busiest days of any session, this year being no different. Nearly 1,000 bills were filed last Friday alone! This single day surge of bill filings represents about 15% of all the bills filed this session.

House Leads On Border Security

Department of Public Safety officers patrol the border

The House made significant advances on a long-term plan to secure our southern border this week. This plan would add 250 state police officials on the border, strengthen anti-smuggling laws, and create new southbound vehicle checkpoints. I strongly favor a long-range plan that allows the Department of Public Safety to boost their manpower and patrols along the border. Protecting Texans and securing the border will continue to be a top priority for the House.

Curbing Federal Power

I am proud to be the Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility, which is charged with examining the effects of the federal government’s spending and actions on Texas. Our committee met for nearly 6 hours this week to evaluate how Texas can push back against an ever-growing federal government.

The 10^th Amendment is a viable option in many cases where the federal government exceeds its legal authority. I am a Joint Author on House Bill (HB) 98 otherwise known as the Texas Balance of Powers Act. This bill was the first bill our committee heard this session and gives statutory authority and direction to the Legislature to curb constitutional abuses by federal government under the 10^th Amendment.

With the national debt ballooning to over $18 trillion and likely to reach $27 trillion by 2025, states are looking at ways to not only insulate themselves from the federal government but also look at what they can do to get our country back on the right fiscal path. Article V of the United States Constitution is a tool states are looking at to help pull our country back from the fiscal cliff. Alexander Hamilton wrote, “We may safely rely on the disposition of the State legislatures to erect barriers against encroachment of the national authority.” Article V gives the states the power to address national problems when the federal government refuses to do so. The committee took up four pieces of legislation relating to Article V, and we heard from folks who traveled from as far as Lubbock to make their voice heard on this topic. You can watch a replay of the hearing by clicking here.

Office Visits

One of my favorite parts of each day is getting to visit with constituents and friends from home. If you are visiting the Capitol please don’t ever hesitate and stop by to say hello. My staff and I love hearing about issues that matter to you.

Meeting with the Ft. Worth Builder’s Association

Legislative Update: February 20, 2015

It has been a very busy week in Austin. Committees have started to meet, and legislators are working hard to ensure we have a productive session. Here are some highlights from the last few days:

Wise County Day

This week I had the privilege to introduce a resolution recognizing February 17 as Wise County Day at the Capitol. It was great to see so many folks from home in Austin. We had a very productive time working on issues important to District 61. I always enjoy seeing friends from the district. If you are ever in town please know the door is always open to constituents.

The Wise County delegation at the Capitol

State of the State Address

Governor Abbott recognizes Richard Overton for his service

Governor Abbott gave his State of the State address on Tuesday. He laid out an ambitious agenda and declared five emergency items for the Legislature to consider. Governor Abbott’s emergency priorities include more funding for pre-K programs, border security, ethics reform, transportation and higher education research funding. By declaring these emergency items, the House and Senate can take up these five issues faster than is normally allowed.

One of my favorite moments from the speech is when Governor Abbott recognized Richard Overton. At 108 years old, Mr. Overton is the oldest living World War II veteran in the United States.

Watch Governor Abbott’s speech here

Texas leads the fight against President Obama’s executive amnesty

Governor Abbott, Senator Cruz, Lt. Governor Patrick and Attorney General Paxton discuss the state’s victory this week

I was proud this week to see Texas win a huge victory for the rule of law in America over President Obama’s executive amnesty order. Governor Abbott began this law suit as one of his last acts as attorney general. General Paxton has taken the baton and continues this fight.

Read more about the case here

Committee Hearing on Article V

One of the central duties of my role as Chairman of the Select Committee on State & Federal Power & Responsibility is to explore ways how Texas can push back against an ever-growing and runaway federal government. Recently, there has been a growing movement across the country regarding the use of Article V of the U.S. Constitution as a tool for the states to use as a check against Congress. I am excited that next Thursday, February 26, experts from across the country will be in Austin to testify at our first committee hearing which will be dedicated to learning more about Article V. Among the experts will be former Senator Tom Coburn (OK) & Mike Farris with the Convention of States Project, Roman Buhler of the Madison Coalition and Nick Dranias who is with Compact for America.

You can watch the committee hearing online here. The hearing is scheduled to start at 10:30 or upon final adjournment from the House floor. Most likely, the hearing will start right around 11:30am. We will send you an update next week as the hearing approaches.

If you would like to learn more about Article V click here

It is an honor to serve you in Austin. If I can ever be of assistance please don’t hesitate to call my office at (512) 463-0738.

God Bless,

Phil King

King: “I am Eager to Serve as Chairman of the State and Federal Power and Responsibility Committee”

AUSTIN – The following statement may be attributed to State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford):

“Yesterday the Speaker of the Texas House announced committee assignments for the 84^th Legislative Session. I am excited to announce that I will be serving as Chair of the State and Federal Power and Responsibility Committee and also serving on the House Committee on Energy Resources and the House Committee on Environmental Regulation. I am exceptionally pleased with these opportunities.”

The House Committee on State and Federal Power and Responsibility will monitor actions of the federal government, including federal legislation and regulations that require or advise that states take certain actions or the actions of the federal government in providing or failing to provide services to the state. “This committee is about federalism and the proper balance between the state and federal government. We will be considering various issues relating to the Tenth Amendment, Article V constitutional amendment initiatives, unfunded federal mandates, and issues relating to the federal budget and its impact on Texas.”

“I am also pleased to be serving on the Energy Resources Committee and the Environmental Regulation Committee. Energy production accounts for over one-fourth of the Texas economy and is an economic driver in the Barnett Shale area. Also, issues relating to air, water and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality affect Texas’ families and businesses everyday.”

“These committees deal with extremely important topics facing Texas and I am eager and honored to have the opportunity to get to work on these critical matters.”

Weekly Lege Update – January 23, 2015

Last week we began the first week of session, which will take place over the next 5 months in Austin for 140 days.

The Legislature passed HR 4, which sets up all of the procedural rules that will govern the proceedings and operations of the lower chamber for the 84^th Legislative session. This is a critical step and the Texas House is now prepared to undertake the people’s business.

Our first new Governor since 2000, Greg Abbott was officially sworn in on Tuesday. Thousands descended upon the State House to watch the historical swearing in ceremony, which was followed by a parade and inaugural ball.

Our new Comptroller, Glenn Hegar announced lawmakers would have roughly $113 billion for preparing the state budget for the 2016-17 Biennium. The Legislative Budget Board released their budget recommendations for the Texas House. These recommendations are the starting point for the base budget bill.

This week the Speaker of the House began the process of selecting committee assignments for the 84^th Legislative Session. Each member of the legislature receives a preference card where he/she selects his or her top committee assignment preferences. The Speaker takes these preferences into consideration when giving out committee assignments. One selection is based on seniority and the other by Speakers preference. Committee assignments are two year terms.

I officially began serving my term as National Chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council. ALEC is the largest public-private membership association of state legislators and we work to advance limited government, free markets and federalism at the state level through this partnership. To learn more about ALEC and what we are doing visit: http://www.alec.org/.

Parker and Wise County Early Voting Locations and Hours:Early Voting Dates: Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 31, 2014Election Day: November 4th, 2014

For Parker County:

Monday, Oct. 20 – Friday, Oct. 24 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 – Friday, Oct. 31 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

During Early Voting, you can vote at any of these locations:

Parker County Courthouse Annex 1112 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford, TX Annex Kitchen Springtown City Hall 102 East 2nd St., Springtown, TX City Council Meeting Room Peaster Fire Department 220 Judd St., Peaster, TX Meeting Room Willow Park Municipal Building 516 Ranch House Rd., Willow Park, TX City Council Meeting Room Aledo Community Center 104 Robinson Ct., Aledo, TX Meeting Room Old Brock ISD Admin. Building 100 Grindstone Rd., Brock, TX Meeting Room

For Wise County:

Monday, Oct. 20 – Friday, Oct. 24 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. *Saturday, Oct. 25 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. *Sunday, Oct. 26 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 – Friday, Oct. 31 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

*Saturday and Sunday early voting ONLY at Decatur City Hall

During Early Voting, you can vote at any of these locations:

Decatur City Hall 201 E Walnut St., Decatur, TX

Rhome City Hall 105 1st St., Rhome, TX

Bridgeport Law Enforcement Center 1000 Thompson St., Bridgeport, TX

For More Information Contact: (817) 381-8282

For Immediate Release –
October 17, 2014

Austin, TX – Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford) calls for an immediate ban on all commercial flights traveling from foreign destinations where Ebola is a crisis issue.

“The simple truth is, had we had a flight ban in place, we would not have people infected from Dallas today,” said Phil King, State Representative for HD 61.

Today, a letter was sent to President Barack Obama signed by Representative King and 45 other Texas legislators urging the President and Congress to work to institute a travel ban to ensure that no further cases of Ebola are brought to the United States.

To view the full text of the letter, click HERE.

October 16, 2014

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States of America

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Texas is home to a limited but very serious outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. Our state is the site of the only two known human-to-human transmissions of the disease in the history of the United States. As such, we request that you use your authority to institute a ban on direct commercial travel to the United States from foreign destinations where Ebola is a crisis issue (chiefly many Western African nations). We further request that you use your authority to prohibit travel to the United States if the traveler’s journey began or involved a stop in a country where Ebola is a crisis issue.

Two health care professionals in Dallas are currently suffering from Ebola, and many more individuals who came into contact with those confirmed to be infected with the virus are being monitored. The situation simply cannot be made worse by additional instances of the Ebola virus being brought to the United States from Western African nations.

As you know, the two confirmed cases both resulted from an Ebola-infected Liberian citizen, Thomas Eric Duncan, traveling to the United States via Belgium to visit family in Dallas on September 20. It has been widely reported that Mr. Duncan showed no signs of having contracted Ebola when he made his journey to the United States. It is for this reason that a travel ban is appropriate: without such a ban it is probable that other individuals who have contracted the virus but who show no symptoms will travel to, and enter the United States. The ban must apply to direct travel from nations where Ebola is a crisis issue, and to journeys that began or involved a stop in such countries.

As elected officials, our first duty is to protect the safety of those we represent. Preventing a public health crisis by ensuring that individuals who may have contracted Ebola are not able to travel to the United States is an essential part of this duty. Therefore, we respectfully request that you work urgently with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that no further cases of Ebola are brought to the United States via commercial air travel from countries where the virus is a crisis issue.

Sincerely,