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

Below is a brief summary of the ballot propositions currently up for a vote. I hope this helps inform your decisions at the ballot box and that you will make your voice heard in this important election. Prop 1: Allows an elected or appointed municipal judge to serve in more than one municipality at one... Read More

As many of you are aware, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen had a meeting in June with a political operative in the Speaker’s Capitol Office. The conversations that took place that day were recorded and recently released to the public. After hearing the recording for the first time, I am deeply troubled by the profanity... Read More

I recently had the pleasure of congratulating a dear friend of mine—Dr. Keven Ellis, of Lufkin—on his recent appointment by Governor Abbott to chair the State Board of Education. This occasion reminded me of how important it is to have individuals from East Texas serving in leadership capacities. Did you know that the Governor of... Read More

Governor Abbott recently declared a state of emergency due to flooding in southeast Texas from Tropical Storm Imelda. My prayers are with all of those who have again been affected by immense rainfall from this natural disaster. As usual, our brave first responders are already helping save lives and mitigate damages for those affected by... Read More