Along with the recent cooler weather we are experiencing, we welcomed the official arrival of the Fall season this past week. From Friday night football games to filling corn feeders, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Fall also means that many communities across East Texas will be hosting annual festivals and... Read More

Governor Abbott recently announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is set to receive $5 million in federal funding to help serve rural hospitals. This funding is part of a new program dedicated to addressing health disparities, improving health outcomes, and furthering access to telemedicine. Participating hospitals will have the opportunity to... Read More

As our nation observes the twentieth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, join me in remembering the nearly 3,000 Americans that lost their lives to this senseless act of violence. I remember the sorrow of that morning like it was yesterday, but also the feeling of unity that overtook our country in the following... Read More

As our students return to the classroom, and with COVID-19 cases on the rise, my office has received numerous calls from parents requesting that the STAAR test not be used as a factor when determining academic promotion. During the 2020-2021 school year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) worked with the Legislature to reduce the high-level... Read More

As we approach the month of September, I hope all of my fellow sportsmen and women are preparing for the start of dove season. That being said, I recommend taking advantage of and downloading the new Texas Parks & Wildlife Department app, Texas Outdoor Annual. This smartphone application allows you to purchase your license online,... Read More

On August 19, the Texas House officially reached a quorum. With the required number of members now present to conduct business, committees can start meeting in committee to consider the critical items on Governor Abbott’s agenda. I look forward to taking swift action on items such as election integrity, bail reform, border security, and property... Read More

For most East Texas school districts, a new school year has either just begun or is about to. Last year was as trying as any in recent history, particularly for our school teachers, faculty, and administrators. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation, as they have worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare for our... Read More

On August 2, 1832, Texas settlers refused to surrender their arms to the Mexican Army in Nacogdoches, escalating into The Battle of Nacogdoches, which is often referred to as the opening salvo of the Texas Revolution. James Bowie marched with the Texian Militia and initialed a siege on the Mexican Garrison, eventually capturing the Old... Read More

As the month of July comes to an end and the Olympic games begin to heat up, I hope you are rooting for the red, white, and blue every step of the way. An athlete to keep an eye on is fellow East Texan, Mackenzie Brown, of Flint. As the lone East Texas Olympian, Mackenzie... Read More

As we approach the month of August and the start of another school year, I hope you and your family enjoy the remainder of the 2021 summer vacation. In preparation for the first day, I would like to remind everyone that Texas will host Tax-Free Weekend from August 6-8. Tax-Free Weekend provides an excellent opportunity... Read More