I’d like to start this column by providing an update on a recent development with Teachers Retirement System (TRS) and their proposal to rent high-end office space in downtown Austin at an exorbitant cost. After pushback from numerous elected officials and scores of concerned citizens, the TRS board has decided to scrap plans to move the investment division... Read More

With the primary elections around the corner, I want to remind everyone that early voting in Texas for the March 3rd Primary Election will begin on Tuesday, February 18th and end on Friday, February 28th. I always like to take advantage of the early voting period as the lines are often shorter, allowing for a... Read More

My office has recently received a number of phone calls regarding the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) and their tentative plan to rent upscale offices in downtown Austin. While my colleagues and I will continue to monitor this recent development, I have serious concerns with the current plan. As the organization responsible for managing... Read More

With the dawning of a new decade, the United States Census Bureau will begin carrying out a constitutionally mandated count, or Census, of every US resident from sea to shining sea. The importance of this process cannot be understated, as the final numbers will determine everything from the number of electoral votes the State of... Read More

With the first decade of the 21st century in the rear view mirror, this New Year provides a unique opportunity for new beginnings. As we turn the page to a new year and a new decade, it’s important to spend time reflecting not only on what we did right over the years, but also what... Read More

With Christmas upon us and the New Year around the corner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the hustle and bustle surrounding this holiday season. Whether immersed in the pageantry and fanfare of the Christmas holiday, preoccupied with finalizing holiday preparations, or distracted by what’s going on in Washington, our focus can easily... Read More

Following every Legislative Session, the Texas Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House issue interim charges for committees in their respective chambers to study important issues that help guide the Texas Legislature’s policymaking in the future. The Texas House recently received our interim charges, and members will soon begin to meet with their respective committees... Read More

As the days grow increasingly shorter with the change in seasons, many East Texans wonder why it’s necessary to change our clocks back an hour around this time every year. Over the last several weeks, my office has received numerous phone calls regarding the observation of Daylight Savings Time in Texas. While some support changing... Read More

AUSTIN – State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) has officially filed for re-election to seek another term as the State Representative for House District 57. “It is a tremendous honor to represent the wonderful people who are blessed to call this area home,” Ashby said. “After prayerful consideration and discussing it with my family, I am... Read More

I’d like to start this column by expressing my sincere gratitude to all of the brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in our armed forces. With Veterans’ Day around the corner, it’s important that we remember these American heroes and express our appreciation for their dedicated service. And while we... Read More