Education has been the buzzword around your Capitol this past week. From increasing school funding, to taking care of our retired teachers, the Texas House has taken decisive action on fulfilling our commitment to making meaningful improvements to the education system here in Texas. As hearings continue and proposals are discussed, I can’t help but... Read More

  AUSTIN – State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) has been appointed by House Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) to serve on the Conference Committee for Senate Bill 1, which represents the state’s biennial budget. Prior to his appointment, Ashby has been deeply involved in crafting the House budget as the Chairman for the Article III... Read More

He is risen! With the Easter season upon us, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a state where your Legislature begins every day with a prayer. With all the hustle and bustle that surrounds the Capitol this time of year, it is so helpful to come to the Lord in reverence... Read More

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