Posts Categorized: Capitol Hall Report

Capitol Hall Report – February 2, 2017 – Evaluating and Clarifying Senate Bill 2

Evaluating and Clarifying SB 2   The Texas Property Reform and Relief Act of 2017, will, at long last, provide Texas citizens a meaningful voice in limiting out of control property tax growth by requiring an election to approve an annual increase over 4%. It is the ultimate in local control by citizens. For far… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – January 27, 2017 – Welcome to the 85th Legislative Session

On Tuesday, January 10th, my team and I hosted a number of guests from Senate District 2 in a reception we held to celebrate the opening day of the 85th Texas Legislative Session.   I also took the oath to “preserve, protect, and defend” the Constitution of Texas and the Constitution of the United States. (Article 16,… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – November 29, 2016 – Uniform Non-Discrimination Bill, Senate Bill 92

Capitol Hall Report – Uniform Non-Discrimination Bill, Senate Bill 92 Article I of the Texas Constitution sets out the state’s Bill of Rights, declaring the state to be a free and sovereign state and recognizing that “all free men, when they form a social compact, have equal rights” and “equality under the law shall not… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – Monday, October 24, 2016 – Paris Community College – Dollars and ‘Sense’

Paris Community College – Dollars and ‘Sense’ On November 8th, residents of parts of Lamar, Delta, Hopkins, Hunt and Red River Counties will be asked to significantly increase their property tax rates by approving to be annexed into the Paris Junior College (PJC) tax base. While the initial increase is being advertised as a low 8.5… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – October 20, 2016 – Election Integrity

Election Integrity A government for the People only exists by the People when the People have confidence that the results of an election are a reflection of the collective intent of the voters. That confidence will cease to exist when the ability to post-facto, independently confirm that all votes cast were counted as intended by… Read more

Hall Report – October 6, 2016 – Are We at the End of the Road for the Driver Responsibility Program?

Are We at the End of the Road for the Driver Responsibility Program? The Texas Driver’s Responsibility Program (DRP), criticized for its overly-complex structure and the fact that funds collected are often diverted to other state needs, has outlived its usefulness. First passed by the Texas Legislature 12 years ago, DRP was created to help… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – September 28, 2016 – The 85th Legislative Session and Homeland Security

The 85th Legislative Session and Homeland Security Issues One of the primary duties of state government is to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the state.  Therefore, several items on my legislative agenda address compelling homeland security threats to the great state of Texas. Electric grid security, border security, refugee resettlement, and… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – August 30, 2016 – Title Insurance and the Free Market

Title Insurance and the Free Market Free markets are stifled when the government controls price and/or product. American is the world economic leader because of our free market policies. When the government controls price and/or product the free market is destroyed. The good news is that consumers are the principle benefactors of free market competition…. Read more

Capitol Hall Report – August 8, 2016 – Are Gun Free Zones Safe?

Gun Free Zones Safe? Gun-free zones have become hunting preserves for Islamic terrorists and psychopathic murderers, who have declared open season on innocent civilians. As I have articulated before, it is no surprise that terrorists and criminals seeking to commit mass murder target gun-free zones. Businesses that establish themselves as “gun-free” provide a guaranteed path… Read more

Capitol Hall Report – June 30, 2016 – Title Insurance and the Free Market

Title Insurance and the Free Market Competition is always good for consumers but in Texas the highly regulated Title Insurance business is stifling competition. Free market competition was a key element in making America great. America was founded on competition. When a marketplace is allowed to be a free market, our economy thrives.  So why then… Read more