As some long-awaited rain poured into the rivers and lakes across our region, our students are once again pouring into the hallways and classrooms of schools across the state. With the new school year upon us, I hope you’ll take a moment to thank the teachers, faculty, and administrators who have been working diligently to... Read More

AUSTIN – State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) joined dozens of legislators in two letters to the Texas Sunset Commission, expressing concern over the proposal to close 87 Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices around the state. In the letters, lawmakers noted that the Commission staff recommendation places an unfair burden on rural communities, as the... Read More

With temperatures climbing into the triple digits, it’s clear the dog days of summer have set in across the Lone Star State. As you squeeze in a summer vacation or plan a long weekend trip before school starts next month, I wanted to remind everyone about YOUR office at the State Capitol in Austin. My... Read More

As the curtain closes on another eventful Fourth of July holiday, I hope you’ll remain ever mindful of how blessed we are to call America home. I recently had the honor of participating in an Independence Day Parade, where I joined with thousands of fellow Texans to celebrate the many freedoms we’ve been afforded. It... Read More

As I write this column, our national leaders are considering different proposals to secure the border and address our broken immigration system. While it remains to be seen what results, if any, will materialize, it seems timely to remind everyone that the Texas Legislature has appropriated over $1.6 billion over the last two sessions to... Read More

For centuries the American Flag has served as a beacon of freedom and liberty the world over. From the cobblestone streets at Yorktown to the deserts of the Middle East, countless American patriots have fought valiantly under the stars and stripes that symbolize the unified strength and resolve of our great nation. As Flag Day... Read More

One of my favorite things to do around this time of year is attend as many of our county fairs and youth livestock shows as possible. As the son of a dairy farmer, I’ve been involved with raising and showing animals since before I could even walk. Some of my fondest memories as a young... Read More

Spring Break has come and gone. It’s my sincere hope that you and your family were able to enjoy some quality time during this break from school, and that you were able to enjoy the long awaited sunshine and warmer temperatures that have peaked through recently. With that, here’s what’s happening at your Capitol. .... Read More

To Senators John Cornyn & Ted Cruz and Congressmen Kevin Brady, Bill Flores & Louie Gohmert regarding the high-speed rail project. Dear Senators & Congressmen, I would like to begin by thanking each of you for the service to the areas that we jointly represent, and to the State of Texas as a whole. In recent... Read More

Since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated by Punxsutawney Phil and his ability to predict the end of winter.  With the utmost respect to the world’s most famous groundhog, I sure hope he’s wrong this year, as I’d be happy to trade his prediction of six more weeks of winter for some milder... Read More