As we end the Thanksgiving week, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday. This season is a welcome chance to pause, gather with loved ones and reflect on the many blessings we share. Here are five things…
On October 2, 1835, fighting began between Mexican soldiers and the Texas militia at Gonzales, officially starting the Texas Revolution. American colonist at Gonzales had refused a request by the Mexican government to surrender a small…
This month the Legislature began our Second Called Special Session. We again have 30 days to complete the items on the Governor’s call. Here are five things happening around your state: 1. Redistricting maps pass both chambers, head to…
Recently, our state experienced a tragedy in the Hill Country. We mourn the lives lost during the flooding over the Fourth of July holiday on the Guadalupe River. Texas lost 135 men, women, and children with some still missing. We pray for…
As we approach the Fourth of July, we celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence and honor those who have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, grilling with family, or simply taking…
For Immediate Release Contact: (512) 463-0103June 24, 2025 AUSTIN – Today, I am announcing that I will not be running again for the Texas Senate. I do intend to continue serving the people and communities of Senate District 3 until the end…
The state legislature will adjourn on Monday as we reach the 140th day of the legislative session, or Sine Die, which means “without days.” It has been a productive session and I am honored to have once again had the opportunity to…
Session is coming to a close and, as it does, critical deadlines have to be met for legislation to pass. Those deadlines fall throughout the next week and if bills do not pass those benchmarks, they won’t become law this session. It’s a…
Friday, May 16 was the first of many deadlines the legislature reached. It was the last day for the House to pass House Bills on second reading. After Friday, the House will only pass Senate Bills until the Legislature adjourns Sine Die on…
On May 8, 1945 the Allied forces celebrated Victory in Europe Day after the defeat of Nazi Germany. During the war, more than 1,500,000 military personnel came to Texas for training. There were 142 major military installations across the…
On May 1st, 1718, San Antonio de Valero Misson was founded by Franciscan Antonio de San Buenaventura y Olivares near present-day San Antonio. It was one of the early efforts by Spanish missionaries to convert American tribes to…
This year, we commemorate the 189th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. On April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston led the Texan Army against General Santa Anna and the Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. The Texans’…
This week we observed Holy Week and remembered the sacrifice Christ made for us. We look forward to celebrating the resurrection this Easter Sunday. I hope you enjoy time with your families this Easter weekend. Here are five things…
This week the Texas Senate welcomed DJ Daniel to the chamber. DJ is a 13 year old from the Houston area who is battling terminal brain and spine cancer. His dream is to become a police officer and he has set a goal to be sworn in by 1,000…
This week we welcomed the Texas Forestry Association (TFA) to sthe Texas Capitol. TFA, which has been active since 1914, has members in a variety of fields including logging, consulting, conservation, planting, and prescribed burning. We…
In 1969, our nation made history by putting a man on the moon. A lesser known fact the astronauts who joined us on the floor this week shared is that Texas is the only state with a flag on the moon, and now we have two! Here are five…
After the flurry of bills filed on the deadline, we have the final number of bills filed and an accurate picture of the universe of topics we will work on. In total, both the House and Senate together filed 8,898 bill – almost 800 more…
The pace of session continues to pick up and important deadlines are around the corner. Committee hearings, voting, and debating on the Senate Floor take up most of my days. Only a little over 80 days left! Here are five things happening…
On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell to the Mexican army after thirteen days under siege. General Santa Anna launched an early morning assault on the mission; the battle lasted 90 minutes. All defenders of the Alamo were killed in the battle.…
On March 2nd, 1836 The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the Brazos. This Sunday will mark 189 years since the Republic of Texas declared itself an independent nation. Here are five things happening around your…
This week will mark the anniversary of the “Travis Letter.” On February 24th, 1836, William B. Travis wrote a letter addressed “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the World” ending his letter with the powerful “Victory or Death.”…
This weekend we celebrate President’s Day, honoring all US presidents. The holiday originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday on February 22. It became a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February in 1968. Here are…
One hundred and forty-three years ago this week, building commissioners for the Texas Capitol broke ground for the present-day building. Nimrod Norton and Joseph Lee turned the first shovels on February 1, 1882. The construction took six…
An unspeakable tragedy unfolded in our nation’s capital this week after a mid-air collision between an Army Blackhawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 in what may be one of the worst air disasters in decades. Our hearts and…
Session is starting to heat up in Austin – the budget has been filed, committees have been appointed in the Senate, and our first hearings are scheduled. We hit the ground running this year and are prepared to accomplish as much as we can…
This week session began! It will be an exciting and fast-paced 140 days. We will do our best to keep East Texans informed about the goings on in Austin. Here are five things happening around your state: 89th Legislative Session begins On…
With the holidays right around the corner, now is an appropriate time for reflection, grace, and thanks. I want to express my gratitude to each of you for continuing to allow me to advocate on your behalf. It is one of the greatest honors…
This week we celebrate one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. Enjoy food, family, and football – including the return of a historic in-state rivalry. Happy Thanksgiving! Here are five things happening around your state: Comptroller…
The holidays are fast approaching and we’re busy gearing up for the next legislative session. It will be here faster than we know it! Here are five things happening around your state: Texas Veterans Commission awards over $1.4 million in…
Fall is just around the corner! Which means the 2024-2025 hunting season is here. Dove hunting season opens this weekend. Be sure to get a license from Texas Parks and Wildlife and as always be safe. Here are five things happening around…