Over the last year, many Texans have faced tougher challenges than ever before. Many have lost their jobs to an economic downturn and others have lost loved ones to COVID-19. While it can be easy to opine about the loss and struggles of 2020, it is important to remember that we end each December celebrating... Read More

AUSTIN – State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) wrote a letter to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner, Dr. John Hellerstedt, expressing concern over the exclusion of rural hospitals and clinics in the first round of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. “Never before has the disparity in access to healthcare between rural and urban communities been... Read More

As holiday decorations go up and temperatures come down, we know that the Christmas season is upon us. Though the holidays might seem unusual without the ordinary hustle and bustle, we should find pleasure in carrying out our holiday preparations by remembering what Christmas really is—a celebration! In the coming weeks, I hope you and... Read More

November 18, 2020 The Honorable Mike Morath Commissioner, Texas Education Agency 1701 N. Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701 [Delivered Electronically] Commissioner Morath: We are writing to request that, for the 2020-2021 school year, the Texas Education Agency seek the waivers necessary from the United States Department of Education for federal testing and accountability requirements to... Read More

With the 2020 Election finally behind us, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the fine folks of House District 57 for entrusting me to continue serving as your State Representative. It is the honor of a lifetime to be your voice in Austin, and I want you to know – whether you voted... Read More

With Election Day just around the corner, Texas voters have been taking advantage of the early voting period in record numbers. Though the Lone Star State has historically lagged behind in voter participation, Texas is currently leading the nation in voter turnout with nearly 6 million cast ballots, according to the Secretary of State’s latest... Read More

With the 2020 General Election upon us, I want to remind everyone that the State of Texas will have an extended early voting period that begins on October 13 and end on October 30. I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this extended early voting period. By voting early this election cycle, you... Read More

As leaves change and temperatures drop, we celebrate the coming of a new season. Though this time of year may seem out of the ordinary without bustling community events and familiar fall festivals, the autumn season brings a beautiful change of scenery that invites us to spend more time outdoors. Whether raking leaves in the... Read More

As our nation observes the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that stole thousands of American lives, I hope we reflect on the selfless courage of the first responders who rushed into harm’s way to save countless others. Though we mourn the fearless men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice that solemn... Read More

My heart goes out to the people in East and Southeast Texas, as well as our neighbors in Louisiana, who have been affected by Hurricane Laura. While a last-minute change in direction spared much of Texas from vast destruction, the aftermath of this horrifying natural disaster has devastated countless communities and left thousands without electricity,... Read More