I’d like to start this week’s column by highlighting a group that brightened my week by inviting me to their legislative conference in Austin. I had the opportunity to speak in front of over 1,000 retired teachers at a luncheon this past week and I cannot express to you how encouraged I was by their... Read More

Last week marked the official halfway point of the 85th Legislative Session.  With throngs of college basketball fans watching the playoffs, I was recently reminded that we have our own version of March Madness happening right here in Austin.  With hundreds of bills being heard in committees, and voted upon daily on the House floor,... Read More

As the pollen piles up across East Texas, so does the pile of bills waiting to be heard and voted on at your State Capitol. This past week, my colleagues and I moved closer to finalizing our budget by focusing on funding for the next biennium. I look forward to continue working  with my fellow... Read More

The State Capitol was filled with energy this past week, as folks from around the state poured into the building to celebrate Texas Independence Day. On March 2, 1836 our brave ancestors adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence, which officially established Texas’ independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas. As I walked the... Read More

REPRESENTATIVE ASHBY HONORED BY CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMISSION AUSTIN – This week, at a reception hosted by the Christian Life Commission, State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) was honored with the Micah 6:8 Justice Award for his dedicated public service and advocacy on behalf of Texas school children. The Christian Life Commission is the public policy arm... Read More

I’d like to start the column by recognizing a very special group of young constituents that made their way to Austin this past week. The San Augustine High School Band was selected to come to their State Capitol to help commemorate the State of Texas Anniversary Remembrance Day. It was my distinct honor to introduce... Read More

AUSTIN, TX – Today, a group of key state lawmakers filed a slate of legislation to push back against Texas Central Railway’s controversial proposal to construct a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.  Senators Birdwell (R-Granbury), Creighton (R-Conroe), Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), Perry (R-Lubbock), and Schwertner (R-Georgetown) joined with Representatives Ashby (R-Lufkin), Bell (R-Magnolia), Cook (R-Corsicana),... Read More

It’s been a very busy week at the Capitol, so let’s jump right into what’s happening at your State Capitol. . .   Lufkin – Angelina County Day Recently, we celebrated Lufkin/Angelina County Day in Austin. Many of you made the long drive to Austin to be with us for this special occasion, and I... Read More

I’d like to start the column by highlighting an event that is particularly special to me and other members of the Legislature. This week I joined my colleagues, and hundreds of other Texans, when we gathered in prayer on the South steps of your Capitol to launch the Texas Legislative Prayer Caucus. With the 85th... Read More

This past week was a busy one at your State Capitol with lots of constituent visits, office meetings, and a variety of resolutions being considered on the floor. As the House eagerly awaits committee assignments to be announced by the Speaker, here’s the latest update on what’s happening in Austin . . .   State... Read More