News

Thanks for allowing me to update you on some recent events.   Now that Labor Day is behind us, it’s full steam ahead to the upcoming November 5th Election, including tonight’s high-stakes presidential debate.  The Biden/Harris administration has delivered runaway inflation, allowed millions of illegals to pour across the border and has eroded our standing in the world. I am praying that President Trump will expose Kamala Harris as Joe Biden’s full and complicit partner in this shameful record.  

Here are some important dates for you to mark on your calendar:

Removing One Million Voters From the Rolls

At the end of August, Governor Abbott announced that one million people have been removed from the state’s voter rolls since 2021. This includes those that are deceased, have moved out of state, have felony convictions, and noncitizens.

Of the 6,500 possible noncitizens that were removed, about 1,930 had voting history, meaning they were voting illegally in elections. The Secretary of State is providing those names to the Attorney General’s office for possible legal action.

Senate Bill 1, passed in 2021, along with Senate Bill 1113 and House Bill 574, also passed in 2021, aimed to provide harsher penalties for illegal voters, banned distribution of unsolicited mail-in ballot applications, and made it a felony to knowingly count invalid votes, or refusing to count valid ones.  I strongly supported each of these measures.

Investing in Texas Roads

On August 27th, Governor Abbott announced a record $148 billion in total investment for Texas roads and infrastructure. These funds will be used to help improve safety, connectivity, ease congestion, and maintain our roads. With record numbers of people moving to Texas, it’s critical that our transportation system can keep up with the increasing number of drivers.

There are many projects that are currently underway, or will be underway soon, throughout Senate District 10. If you’d like to view current or upcoming projects from TxDOT in your area, click HERE. You’ll be able to search several different ways, including by region or county.

Committee Hearing on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, recently held a hearing on how to regulate the exploding area of artificial intelligence (AI) in the state’s agencies. It’s become evident that laws are needed to control many aspects of this fast-growing sector. While AI has been reported to save time and money in the workplace, it also comes with increased risk of the spread of false information, biased decision making, and violations of privacy.   If you want to learn more on this topic and the issues facing the Texas Legislature concerning AI, watch the hearing by CLICKING HERE.


Texas Right to Life Dinner and Fundraiser

Vince & Mona Puente hosted the Texas Right to Life Dinner & Fundraiser in their Tarrant County home on Saturday evening, August 17th. There was great turnout with many elected officials and candidates in attendance. Vince gave the welcome and recognized the sponsors, including Terry and me. Dr. John Saego, President of the Right to Life organization, gave a powerful speech. It was a great event!

Dr. John Saego, Texas Right to Life President, speaking to attendees at the fundraiser in Tarrant County

Me with Andy Nguyen (Chief of Staff, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare) and
Pastor Lance Perkins

Mamie Johnson (President-Fort Worth Republican Women) Terry King, Julie Vu (Andy Nguyen’s wife), and Shanda Perkins representing our campaign.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve you in the Texas Senate.   I hope to see you on the campaign trail over the next two months. 

Thanks for taking time to hear my thoughts on important issues and allowing me to update you on some recent news. Top of mind for me is the deeply concerning messages coming from Democrats this week at their national convention, underscoring the high stakes in the November election.

Texas Promotes a Culture of Life, While Democrats Worship at the Pro-Abortion Alter in Chicago
President Bill Clinton once said that abortion should be “safe, legal, and rare.” Joe Biden, after being elected to the Senate, stated after the original 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, “I don’t like the Supreme Court decision on abortion. I think it went too far. I don’t think that a woman has the sole right to say what should happen to her body.” Four years later, Biden voted for the Hyde amendment which banned federal funding of abortion. 

How things have changed. Sadly, today’s national Democrats have completely aligned with the most extreme, barbaric pro-abortion practices and we shockingly saw that on full display this week at the Democrat National Convention. Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America, stationed a mobile facility near the convention, where they provided actual abortions (yes, you read that right). Protestors marched dressed up as abortion pills. It seems that no longer is the Democrat battle cry simply to protect and preserve abortion, but to brazenly promote and celebrate the taking of the most innocent life imaginable – an unborn child. Quite honestly, this breaks my heart and I pray for the future of our country.

Conversely, under Republican leadership, Texas has taken a different approach, one that values and encourages life. Along with protecting unborn children, we have worked to provide solutions to mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. For example, Texas was the first state to pass the Baby Moses Law which provides an avenue for women in crisis to give up their babies without fear of prosecution. Mothers can take their babies (if healthy and under 60 days old) to certain fire stations, hospitals and urgent care centers that have EMTs on site around the clock, with no questions asked. In 2005, Texas launched the Alternatives to Abortion Program, allocating state funding to non-profit agencies that provide pregnant women life-affirming alternatives to abortion, such as pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies.  I am proud to have worked to provide full support to moms who, for whatever reason, feel they cannot parent their child but wish to choose life. 

I am incredibly proud that Texas has promoted a culture of life, and that includes supporting women who find themselves in crisis after an unplanned pregnancy. Every unborn baby is worth protecting!

Tarrant County Federal Judge Upholds Texas Common Sense Laws, Blocks Biden/Harris Gender Identity Mandate in Title IX Laws
Back in the 1970s, Congress passed amendments to Title IX’s sex discrimination provisions with a goal to provide girls and women equal access to education and sports programs. These provisions have been on the books for over 50 years and have helped expand scholarship opportunities for women in collegiate sports. Unfortunately, on April 19th, the Biden/Harris Department of Education issued new regulations to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s “gender identity.” Since institutions who don’t comply with Title IX risk losing federal funding, this is another example of the federal government holding funding hostage to promote a woke, liberal agenda. This social experimentation undermines fairness in women’s sports, and increases risks to safety by potentially forcing men and women to share facilities. These new rules, which affect K-12 schools, colleges and universities, were scheduled to go into effect on August 1st. Thankfully, implementation of the Biden/Harris overreach has been blocked in Texas.  Federal Judge Reed O’Connor ruled on August 5th, stating in his opinion:

“To allow Defendants’ unlawful action to stand would be to functionally rewrite Title IX in a way that shockingly transforms American education and usurps a major question from Congress. That is not how our democratic system functions,” adding that, “the Department lacks authority to redefine sex in a way that conflicts with Title IX.” Approximately 26 other states have also successfully fought this unlawful and wrongheaded mandate from being forced upon their citizens. 

Is Unclaimed Money Waiting for You?

More than $4 billion in unclaimed funds are sitting in the state treasury waiting on Texans to claim what is rightfully theirs. This could include utility deposits or other refunds, insurance proceeds, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, dividends, mineral royalties, dormant bank accounts and abandoned safe-deposit box contents. It only takes a few minutes for a quick search, and who knows – you may have something long forgotten coming your way. Do a search at https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/claim-search.

If you find money that is yours, the claim process is handled online.  This FAQ link will provide you with answers to most of your questions about this program, which is administered by the Texas Comptrollers Office:  https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/faq-ucp. Happy Hunting!

Out and Around the District: Tarrant County Republican Assembly, Arlington Republican Club, North Side Baptist
Summer is wrapping up and fall is approaching, and that means the various clubs and organizations are resuming their meetings. This past week, I had the opportunity to speak to the Tarrant County Republican Assembly on Tuesday night. Earlier that day, I spoke to a large group of engaged seniors at North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford, and Thursday evening took me to the Arlington Republican Club, who generously presented us with a $2000 campaign contribution.

On Thursday, August 15th, I participated in a legislative panel hosted by the Texas Tribune at Tarrant County College’s Trinity River campus with State Representatives Nicole Collier and Salman Bhojani. We discussed a wide range of topics, including the current budget surplus and my support for further property tax cuts to ensure more homeownership opportunities and provide tax relief. During the discussion, I was challenged on my support for ending DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) policies in higher education. I emphatically stated my belief that any time that government or individuals judge people by their group – which is what DEI policies do – it is a fundamentally dangerous approach.Last session, Texas banned DEI programs at our state’s colleges and universities, and it was the right thing to do.

I appreciated the chance to speak to the Tarrant County Republican Assembly.

I was honored to join the Texas Electricity Panel at the Texas Association of Manufacturers annual meeting. We discussed the need to ensure reliable power as the Texas economy continues to grow.

In Closing

I enjoy getting out and connecting with grass roots Republicans and community organizations. In the coming weeks, I’ll have more appearances in Brown, Johnson, Tarrant, Parker and Palo Pinto counties. If you have an event you’d like me to consider attending, please email [email protected]. Finally, if you have a friend who might enjoy receiving these updates, please forward this email and encourage them to sign up for our updates at www.PhilKing.com. 

Butler, PA:  Did God Spare Trump – or Simply a Coincidence?

Tonight at 7PM, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick will join Matt Crouch, President and Chairman of Trinity Broadcasting Network, Dr. Phil, a pastor and a news anchor to discuss whether God spared the life of the president or if the incident in Butler, PA was simply a random act of luck.  I’m told the discussion also touches upon what the Bible says about God choosing our leaders and being involved in elections.  This should be an interesting discussion, and I encourage you to tune in tonight.  Let me know your thoughts if you do!

Rev. Curtis Jefferson Honored with Earl King Award

Last week, I was honored to join the Christian Mens Fellowship (CMF) of Parker County as Rev. Curtis Jefferson was announced as the Earl King Award at CMF’s monthly meeting Monday. Jefferson is the founding pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, which he led for 35 years until his retirement in 2022. 

The Earl King Award is named for CMF’s founder, my dad, who passed away in December of 2020.  The award honors a Parker County man for exhibiting Christian leadership over a significant length of time. Rev. Jefferson is the second recipient of the Earl King Award.

CMF President Lin Bearden said, “Earl’s vision when he started CMF many years ago was that it would be a local group of men in business whose sole purpose was to encourage each other to spiritually lead their families, share the Gospel, and make our community a loving, caring place.  Curtis certainly exemplifies that ideal through his testimony in Weatherford and in the workplace.” 

Rev. Jefferson was a bi-vocational pastor, working two full-time jobs until he retired from Chevron Pipeline in 2007. He has also preached at several other churches in Parker County and preached at The Potter’s House in Dallas, home of Pastor T.D. Jakes. He has been very involved in the community, serving on the boards of the Parker Baptist Association, the Weatherford College Foundation and Center of Hope, as well as coaching youth and little league football and basketball as well as a women’s softball team. Rev. Jefferson was not able to attend Monday’s meeting, so his son, Doug Jefferson, accepted the award on his behalf. 

I was honored to present the Earl King Award to Rev. Curtis Jefferson’s son Doug, who accepted the award on behalf of his father.
 

UTA Will Build New Campus, UTA West, on the Parker/Tarrant County Line

In an exciting development for Senate District 10, the University of Texas at Arlington has announced plans to build a new campus west of Fort Worth, on the Parker/Tarrant County line. The campus, to be named UTA West, is set to open in 2028 on 51 acres of land where Interstates 20 and 30 merge near Aledo in Parker County. Once completed, the campus could accommodate 10,000 students.

UTA is the second-largest university in the UT System, with enrollment of over 41,000 students. From 2010 to 2020, enrollment grew by 29%. Over the next ten years, enrollment is predicted to grow another 19%, which does not include the new campus. The new UTA West campus will serve to educate students for careers in aerospace, defense, IT, AI, and manufacturing.

For more information visit https://www.uta.edu/west

UTA West, located on the Parker/Tarrant county line, will be located on a 51-acre tract featuring rolling hills and a lake.  UTA expects the first building to open in 2028.
 

More Proof that The Texas Economy Works:  Chevron Leaving California for Texas

Chevron has announced they will move out of California and relocate to Texas over the next five years, marking the first time Chevron will be headquartered outside of California since its inception over 100 years ago. This latest move adds to a growing list of other companies that have left California in recent years. Recent relocations to Texas include Tesla, X (formerly known as Twitter), SpaceX, Oracle, McKesson, AECOM, CBRE, and Charles Schwab. Texas is now home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies.

According to the Texas Association of Business, from 2010 to 2019, more than 25,000 businesses and 281,000 jobs relocated to Texas, with more than 44,000, or about 16% of those jobs coming from California.

This latest move by Chevron proves that our state’s economic model of low taxes and business-friendly regulations continues to thrive.  In fact, Texas now boasts the eighth largest economy in the world.

Senator Phil King Sets Record Straight on CenterPoint Debacle; Calls for Financial Transparency, Accountability to Ratepayers

In light of recent news reports which I believe to be misleading and inaccurate, I would like to set the record straight on the facts regarding my position on CenterPoint’s abuse of a very well intentioned, simple and practical new law intended to ease the suffering of Texans in the aftermath of storms and other emergencies.   

Almost 18 months ago, I took the word of senior CenterPoint executives when they asked me to sign a letter in support of their reportedly $200 million investment in what they represented to be mobile generators. I had seen how successful these mobile deployments were in my area of North Texas and was assured that CenterPoint had similarly deployed their units in its service area. I have since learned this was not the case. I am extremely upset to learn that CenterPoint clearly ignored the legislative intent envisioned when we unanimously passed the bill to improve public safety and minimize power outages in the aftermath of a storm or other emergency. Had I known then that I had been deceived I would never have signed that letter.

In retrospect, it is clear that CenterPoint was angling for profits, and it is past time for the company to provide full accountability and transparency concerning the generators it leased. I call on CenterPoint to immediately respond to all relevant information that has been requested by myself, other legislators and the Public Utility Commission (PUC).  

Furthermore, CenterPoint must find a way to terminate its lease of its costly stationary generators that were useless following Hurricane Beryl. All costs associated with the leases must be absorbed by CenterPoint and not passed on to its customers. 

Finally, there have been many other serious allegations with respect to how CenterPoint negotiated and secured the leasing contracts. These allegations must be officially investigated.  On my end, I intend to file legislation to ensure that the Legislature’s intent with regard to life saving mobile generation is strictly followed.

Background and Details 

In February 2021, more than 246 people died in Texas as a result of Winter Storm Uri and the extended power outages. In the aftermath, we spent countless hours discussing what needed to be done to ensure this never happens again. I personally asked senior executives of CenterPoint and other electric utilities a very simple question: “What other tools could you have used to relieve the suffering of Texans?” Their answer was mobile generation units that could be moved around on trucks and deployed quickly where most needed. Utilities could then generate temporary power to critical infrastructure (hospitals, police stations, grocery stores, water pumps, and warming centers) or hook up to a substation to help minimize extended power outages at homes. 

When we learned this was not allowed under current law, my colleagues and I unanimously supported legislation to allow this. It was clearly a commonsense, practical solution to help prevent fatalities and ease the suffering of customers following a storm or other emergency. In promoting this legislation, I continually and consistently repeated that temporary emergency generators were to be mobile and available for rapid deployment. In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the facts demonstrate that CenterPoint clearly failed in this mission: 

• During the recovery from Beryl, I called CenterPoint to see how its mobile generation was being deployed. I was mystified when told that nearly all its fleet was stationary by design and not available to be deployed.
• We now know that CenterPoint was forced to borrow mobile generation units from Oncor and AEP Texas, utilities which had followed the intent of the new law. In fact, Oncor has secured mobile generation units for less than $5 million, even though they have a much larger service area than CenterPoint.
• I learned at our recent Senate hearing that the cost of CenterPoint’s lease totals at least $800 million, not the $200 million expressed during the rate recovery process 18 months ago when I signed that letter of support. Notably, this cost is not publicly documented because legislators still haven’t been given access to the contract(s) which CenterPoint requested to be sealed at the PUC. However, this figure was not denied by CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells when questioned by me at the Senate hearing.
• When I questioned CenterPoint’s CEO on how much of the $800 million was used for mobile generation, to my great surprise he testified that only $500,000 – less than one percent – was used for mobile units that can be rapidly deployed.  
• It is clear that CenterPoint strongly deviated from legislative intent and made a very poor business decision in leasing these large stationary units that are basically useless when they are needed most, as we witnessed last month.
• Nonetheless, for years now, CenterPoint has been producing documents for the Legislature showing images of mobile generation on wheels, not stationary generation, clearly engaging in deceptive and misleading tactics.
• We also now know the bidding process was exceptionally questionable, including very serious allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former CenterPoint executive and an executive of the leasing company. These allegations must be thoroughly investigated.  

Statements have been made that the law allowing mobile generation is too broad and vague, but in fact we provided for checks and balances. For any costs to be recovered, a utility must prove, in a transparent process with the public’s input before the PUC, that the lease and the use of assets are reasonable and necessary. This is a high standard with the ultimate decision made by the PUC, the agency entrusted with oversight of how this legislation is implemented. Looking back through CenterPoint’s cost recovery application, there were over 400 filings, thousands of pages of documents, with multiple intervenors. 

It is also concerning that the Office of Public Utility Counsel, the State agency charged with representing residential and small consumers, did not even bother to intervene in this proceeding. Nonetheless, CenterPoint’s lease and excessive expenditures were ultimately approved by the PUC. Additionally, I was disappointed to learn just today that after more than two and a half years since opening its docket on rulemaking for mobile generation, the PUC has still not finalized its rules concerning mobile generation. This is a critical part of the PUC’s oversight responsibility. 

In an August 2, 2024 letter, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick urged the PUC to immediately utilize any and all authority to reconsider CenterPoint’s previously approved rate recovery and that they be disallowed from using ratepayer dollars to pay for these exorbitant leases. I fully concur with this request.

As many of you may know, I serve on the Board of Directors of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization comprised of legislators from all 50 states united in passing policies rooted in federalism and free market principles. Having served as ALEC National President back in 2015, I remained involved in this important group. Last week, we met in Denver for our annual conference, and some of the highlights are shared below.

Every State is Now A Border State:  Moderating a Panel Discussion on Border Security

At the conference, I had the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion with National ALEC Chairman and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson; Michigan Leader and ALEC Board Member Matt Hall; and Florida Representative and ALEC Board Member Demi Busatta. The theme of this discussion was how every state is impacted by a porous border, even those that are not border adjacent. Crime, human trafficking and deadly fentanyl all make their way from this region and impact communities across our land. Additionally, the fiscal impact from the strain on education, health care, social services, law enforcement in non-border states is growing. I also pointed out the disturbing increase in the number of military-aged men we are seeing from Russia and China.

A couple of months ago, Texas hosted legislators from across the country who came to see the Biden/Harris border debacle firsthand and learn how Texas is stepping forward with our own border security efforts. During the panel, legislators praised Texas for tackling this problem head on, in light of the federal government failing to do so.  Many of the states represented at ALEC have sent reinforcements from their state National Guard to assist in Texas’ border security efforts.

If you would like to watch the full discussion, click HERE.

Moderating a panel discussion on border security
 

Sharing Texas’ Strong Pro-Israel Policy with National Legislators

I participated in a panel discussion with Florida Representative Randy Fine; Aryeh Lightstone, Former Senior Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to Israel; and Shabbos Kestenbaum, student at Harvard University.

We discussed how state legislatures can take action to support Israel, which is even more important following the brutally unprovoked Hamas attacks. It was an honor to share with this national audience the many ways Texas has done just that, including fighting the organized campaign known as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to delegitimize and destabilize Israel through economic warfare. In response, Texas passed the nation’s strongest anti-BDS bill which prohibits the State of Texas from doing business with any companies or individual contractors who boycott Israel.

Additionally, I shared that we have passed legislation to root out antisemitic activities on college campuses, establish the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC), and passed a unanimous resolution condemning Hamas and supporting Israel’s inherent right to defend itself.

If you would like to watch the full discussion, click HERE. 
 

I participated in an ALEC panel discussion on the urgency for states to stand with Israel at this critical time in their history

A Personal Note on Our Latest Grandchild

Terry and I are blessed to now have our 18th grandchild. The picture on the left is our son Josh, on July 20, 2020 just after he had brain surgery for cancer. The picture on the right is Josh on July 18, 2024, almost four years to the day, holding he and Sarah’s first child, Katelyn Grace. To God be the glory for the things He has done!
 

On Saturday, we were all shocked and angered at the turn of events in Pennsylvania, when President Trump survived a near-miss assassination attempt. Terry and I are so grateful that God saw fit to spare the life of our 45^th President.  

After returning from church yesterday I felt compelled to write a letter to my kids concerning my thoughts on this situation. What came to mind were the immortal words of Thomas Paine, written in the fall of 1776, when he stated, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” In July the Declaration of Independence had been signed, but the Revolutionary War was not going well. In fact, the American army’s situation was desperate. Victory was far from ensured.  

Earlier that year, Paine had published the pamphlet Common Sense, which inspired the colonists by clearly articulating the call for independence that was growing in their hearts. By autumn, General Washington shared with Paine that the troops needed another call to arms to boost their morale, something to explain the perilous times. Paine retreated to Philadelphia where he wrote a new article, The American Crisis. More from that historic letter is below, which inspired the American soldiers and helped turn the tide in the Revolutionary War: 

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

Today, these are indeed perilous and difficult times, and I believe we are in another “American Crisis.” Violence rules our streets. In fact, over 100 people where shot in Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend! Our borders are open, allowing free entry to criminals and terrorists, along with thousands of illegal immigrants we simply cannot absorb. Fentanyl is a leading killer of our citizens.  We have a national debt with numbers too large to apprehend. I could go on and on.

Then, the events of Saturday shocked us all. Yet God in his providence ensured that the bullet aimed for President Trump did not succeed. I believe that Donald Trump will win in November and begin the process of implementing the policies that previously benefited our nation. 

God established this nation and he has sustained it over three centuries. In two years we will reach our 250^th anniversary as a free and independent republic. I do not believe God is through with America. These are again “times that try men’s souls,” yet we must not be “summer soldiers” or “sunshine patriots.” Let us resolve ourselves to be light to the world and strong warriors for what is right. “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered” yet, “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

With summer well underway, I want to check in and update you on some recent news.  I hope your summer is going well.
 
Fox News Appearance:  Restoring the Ten Commandments Back in Schools

Early on a recent Saturday morning, I was interviewed by the hosts of “Fox and Friends” concerning Texas’ plans to restore the Ten Commandments back in schools.  You can watch that interview HERE.

Last year, I passed the Ten Commandments bill in the Texas Senate. While it wasn’t brought up for a vote in the Texas House, we will file it again when we reconvene in January 2025.
The Ten Commandments is part of our history. It’s who we are. Few documents have had a bigger impact on western civilization than the Ten Commandments. If you don’t know the Ten Commandments you don’t know the basis for much of American history and law. 

Up until 1980, the Ten Commandments were commonly seen in public buildings and schools. In 1980, SCOTUS stopped that in Stone v. Graham relying only on a 1971 case, Lemon v. Kurtzman. SCOTUS overturned Lemon in 2022 in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. That opens the door for the Ten Commandments to return to schools.
 
Important Interim Hearings on Border Security, Criminal Justice, and our Electric Grid

Even though we have a part-time citizen legislature, the work of policymakers continues throughout the year.  One of those ways is through “interim hearings”, where we assess the impact of legislation we passed in the most recent session and consider new legislation needed in the coming one. Below is a summary of some of those hearings that I have participated in over the past month. If you wish to watch any of these archived hearings, you may click on this link.  

Criminal Justice Committee Hearings- June 5th and June 6th

As the newly appointed Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, I recently participated in two interim hearings addressing bail reform and child predators’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) to harm and exploit children. During these hearings, the Committee received testimony examining charitable organizations that pay bail for defendants and considered how these organizations can be further restricted from posting bail for violent individuals.

The Committee also heard testimony from law enforcement officials explaining how child predators are using deepfake technology and AI to create sexually explicit visual material involving children. Prosecutors, including Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Lori Varnell, provided strict recommendations for how the state can further criminalize this behavior.  Aledo resident Anna Berry McAdams shared how her daughter and other Aledo High School students were victim to such exploitation with the use of AI. By sharing her daughter’s story, Ms. McAdams is helping shed light on new dangers threatening our children. The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice is actively working to address this pressing issue and, with the passage of HB 2700 last session, clarified that this behavior is criminal. My committee members and I remain committed to strengthening state law penalizing this behavior and providing law enforcement with the tools needed to convict these offenders.

Border Security Committee Hearing – June 11th

The Senate Committee on Border Security met to review state and local agencies’ participation in border security.  We reviewed Operation Lone Star, from its costs to personnel deployments. Texas is still deploying a tremendous amount of resources to try to solve a federal problem. The pronouncement from the Biden administration on June 4th, which would allow the first 2,500 illegal immigrations to enter the country per day, underscores that the most important thing we can do to ensure border security is to defeat Joe Biden this November and elect Donald Trump.

It was encouraging to learn that Texas has seen a 74% decrease in illegal border crossings since Operation Lone Star was implemented in March of 2021.  I also heard from agency leaders speaking on the communication between Texas law enforcement agencies, local law enforcement, and Federal Border Patrol agents to ensure the illegal crossings response is coordinated with a swift deterrence.  It was impressive to learn that there is a 97% volunteer rate for Texas Military Department personnel that decide to leave their post and go to the Southern Border to participate in Operation Lone Star.

While there are positives to take from the hearing, I also heard from local sheriffs who reported that highspeed pursuits have increased, leading to dangerous situations for law enforcement and other drivers on these highways. Additionally, we learned federal support for these local law enforcement jurisdictions is nonexistent; instead, federal agencies are opting to allocate grant funds to non-governmental organizations who operate with no oversight on how these funds are spent. Our next hearing is September 19^th, when we will further discuss supporting our border security personnel and monitor priority legislation passed in the 88th Legislative Session.

Business & Commerce Committee Hearing – June 12th

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee, where I serve as Vice Chair, discussed incentives for new thermal generation, identifying future electric transmission and distribution system needs of the state, as well as the impact of bitcoin on the Texas electric grid.

During the last two legislative sessions we’ve taken tremendous steps in increasing the reliability and resilience of our grids through weatherization, and providing incentives for companies to build new gas-fired power plants.  However, the federal government’s policies are still placing our grid at risk. 

Our state population is growing very fast, and much of the growth is heavily dependent on a high power load, such as new factories and industries coming to Texas that demand a lot of electricity. Bitcoin mining in the state also uses an extraordinary amount of electricity. Additionally, the recent boost of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud-based technologies are adding to the demand.  We heard concerning testimony from ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas that within six years, our power grid needs will grow from about 85,000 to 150,000 megawatts (MW), well beyond the 110,000 MW previously projected.  As a policymaker entrusted with ensuring Texas has the power we need, I believe I will be spending an increasing amount of time in meeting this challenge.
 
The Runoffs Are Settled

The runoffs are behind us, and I congratulate our two Republican nominees for CD-12 and SD-30, Craig Goldman and Brent Hagenbuch. As you know, I strongly endorsed Craig Goldman for Congress, and Brent Hagenbuch for Texas Senate.

First, let me congratulate Craig Goldman, who won his primary runoff with over 62% of the vote, and over 58% from here in Parker County. As I’ve stated before, Craig is a longtime friend of mine and Terry’s. I’ve worked with him in the Texas Legislature for well over a decade. I know he will be an effective conservative Congressman for Parker County. We need to lock arms and guarantee that he wins his November race with a strong margin, which with your support I know he will do.

Brent Hagenbuch won his primary runoff with over 56% of the vote, earning over 61% here in Parker County. Brent is a Naval Academy graduate who served over a decade on active duty.  He’s a Texas entrepreneur who created a successful business from the ground up and now runs a national trucking business with hundreds of employees.  Like Craig, he does face a Democrat opponent in November. After winning that race, I look forward to partnering with him to ensure strong conservative representation for Parker County and SD 30.

Today is Election Day! You’ll find links for voting locations for counties in SD 10 that have local runoffs at the bottom of this email. Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm. As long as you’re in line by 7 pm, you’ll be able to vote.  I have made endorsements in two key races:

Craig Goldman for Congress

In Congressional District 12, I am strongly endorsing Craig Goldman, a businessman and former staff member for Senator Phil Gramm. For over a decade, we’ve worked together to advance conservative principles.  I know Craig to be a strong pro-life advocate, committed to border security, and a passionate defender of Israel. Terry and I have traveled to Israel with Craig when Lockheed delivered the first F-35.  Most recently, in light of the brutal attacks by Hamas, we collaborated on a joint House/Senate resolution making clear that Texas stands with Israel, a resolution now considered the national model for states. Terry and I have known Craig Goldman for many years, and we are proud to endorse our longtime friend.  (As an aside, please ignore the lies on those red signs being posted illegally in right of way areas. Craig has always voted to ban gender modification surgeries on minors.)

Brent Hagenbuch for SD 30

In Senate District 30, Brent Hagenbuch has earned my endorsement. Brent is a Naval Academy graduate who served over a decade on active duty.  He’s a Texas entrepreneur who created a successful business from the ground up and now runs a national trucking business with hundreds of employees.  He’s at a season in life where he can step away from his business and serve Texas.  I like that he started at the grass roots level as a precinct chair, then served as GOP County Chair before being asked to run for Texas Senate. He’ll be a strong conservative partner with me in Austin.

Please join Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Sen. Drew Springer and me in supporting Craig Goldman for Congress and Brent Hagenbuch for Texas Senate.

Election Day Locations:
Brown
Johnson 
Palo Pinto
Parker
Tarrant
 

Early voting ends Friday in the runoff elections, and Election Day is Tuesday, May 28.  There is no weekend voting during this runoff period.  You’ll find links for Early Voting and Election Day locations for counties in SD 10 that have local runoffs at the bottom of this email. I have made endorsements in two key races:

Craig Goldman for Congress

In Congressional District 12, I am strongly endorsing Craig Goldman, a businessman and former staff member for Senator Phil Gramm. For over a decade, we’ve worked together to advance conservative principles.  I know Craig to be a strong pro-life advocate, committed to border security, and a passionate defender of Israel. Terry and I have traveled to Israel with Craig when Lockheed delivered the first F-35.  Most recently, in light of the brutal attacks by Hamas, we collaborated on a joint House/Senate resolution making clear that Texas stands with Israel, a resolution now considered the national model for states. Terry and I have known Craig Goldman for many years, and we are proud to endorse our longtime friend.  (As an aside, please ignore the lies on those red signs being posted illegally in right of way areas. Craig has always voted to ban gender modification surgeries on minors.)

Brent Hagenbuch for SD 30

In Senate District 30, Brent Hagenbuch has earned my endorsement. Brent is a Naval Academy graduate who served over a decade on active duty.  He’s a Texas entrepreneur who created a successful business from the ground up and now runs a national trucking business with hundreds of employees.  He’s at a season in life where he can step away from his business and serve Texas.  I like that he started at the grass roots level as a precinct chair, then served as GOP County Chair before being asked to run for Texas Senate. He’ll be a strong conservative partner with me in Austin.

Please join Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, Sen. Drew Springer and me in supporting Craig Goldman for Congress and Brent Hagenbuch for Texas Senate.

Early Voting Locations:
Brown
Johnson
Palo Pinto
Parker
Tarrant

Election Day Locations:
Brown
Johnson 
Palo Pinto
Parker
Tarrant

I have ten grandchildren in public schools in Texas Senate District 10.  All are doing very well.  Two have Down Syndrome and I couldn’t be more grateful for the love and support they receive from the staff and other students. 
 
In 2023, the Texas Legislature demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to support our 5.4 million public school students.  However, leading up to the March primary election we heard repeated claims about state government’s funding of education that are simply not true.
 
Education is our state’s largest funding priority. In fact, state spending on public education increased by roughly 22% from the last budget to our current budget.  For the current biennium, Texas is spending $41.6 billion on public education, which represents 28% of General Revenue spending. When you include state spending on higher education, that percentage jumps to 46%. This only represents state General Revenue spending on education and does not consider other sources of revenue.
 
The data is indisputable. According to the most recent Texas Education Agency annual report (linked here), per student annual funding is up 42% since 2011.  During the 2021-2022 school year the average per student allocation was $14,928. This equates to $373,200 for a class of 25 students. 
 
You may have read (repeatedly) that school districts this year have been hard hit by inflation.  Of this there is no doubt. However, inflation has also impacted every family and every business in Texas.  I wish the Texas Legislature could end inflation, but it’s not caused by our state.  Our Texas economy is among the strongest in the nation.  Inflation rests squarely on the inexplicable polices of the Biden Administration – policies such as hyper deficit spending, a war against abundant fossil fuels and a treacherous open border allowing millions to flood in annually.
 
One of the best ways to help our schools is to financially support our teachers. Just last fall, the Texas Senate proposed and voted on legislation that allocated over $7 billion in additional funding for public education. That included approximately $4 billion for teacher raises.  However, the legislation died in the House simply due to an overreaction to the issue of private school choice—an option available to families in 32 other states. 
 
Opponents to private school choice forfeited $7 billion for education simply because $500 million, less than 8%, would have gone to a school choice program.  The remaining $6.5 billion would have increased funding for the basic funding allotment, provided bonuses to teachers, funded additional school security, increased the Teacher Incentive Allotment, and increased appropriations for special needs children.
 
Regardless of the misleading campaigns, you can rest assured that the Texas Legislature will continue its commitment to finance public education.  The success of our state depends upon a first class education system.  As we move past rhetoric and into the facts, I believe Texas should and will provide additional funding for schools and additional choices for parents and students.  Education should never be one size fits all and it must be among Texas’ top funding priorities.