As we approach the month of October, the fall is fast approaching with the promise of cooler temperatures just around the corner. The autumn season also brings a new election, and I wanted to start this column by reminding you and your family to be sure to register for the upcoming election before the October... Read More

I’d like to start this week’s column by highlighting an exciting opportunity for high-school students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For the last 25 years, The State of Texas has partnered with the Johnson Space Center in Houston to develop the High School Aerospace Scholars Program, which provides selected high-school juniors with an... Read More

With September just around the corner, the school year is in full swing, football stadiums will light up the Friday night sky, and hunters across the state are chomping at the bit to get back into the field. As I’m sure many of you are aware, this year’s dove season starts on September 1 and... Read More

The wheels on the bus go round and round! With another school year upon us, please be on the lookout for schoolchildren boarding or exiting our buses or in school crosswalks. The safety of our children should always be a top priority and we all have a role in helping keep them safe from harm.... Read More

As record-breaking temperatures continue to climb and drought conditions worsen, burn bans have gone into effect for most Texas counties, and House District 9 is no exception. Despite these preventative measures, the number of reported wildfires is growing at an alarming rate. In fact, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported 50 wildfire calls just last... Read More

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas House of Representatives gave final approval to three pieces of legislation, which will deliver the largest property tax cut in Texas history. Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) issued the following comments in response to the passage of the property tax relief package: “Property tax relief has been the number one priority... Read More

On a summer day in July 1776, the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia to boldly declare total independence from King George III and Great Britain. In doing so, our founding fathers would lay the foundation for a new form of government where power was to be derived only from the consent of its citizens;... Read More

Sunday, June 18, is the final day for Governor Abbott to sign or veto bills passed during the 88th regular legislative session. If, after the Sunday deadline, the Governor neither signs nor vetoes legislation, the bill automatically becomes law. While many legislators eagerly await the Governor’s approval (or objection) to bills on his desk, I’m... Read More

AUSTIN – State Senator Robert Nichols (R – Jacksonville) and State Representative Trent Ashby (R – Lufkin) secured $800,000 through House Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act, for the construction of an interpretive rendering of the Mission Dolores Complex. Mission Dolores, located in San Augustine, Texas, is a state historic site where a Spanish mission... Read More

At the beginning of the 88th Legislative Session, our state coffers were brimming with a budget surplus of nearly $33 billion. Fortunately, the Legislature put some of this money to good use. Through the budget-writing process, the Legislature appropriated money to bolster border security, strengthen the electric grid, expand mental health access, and improve our... Read More