With Mother’s Day upon us, I hope you’ll take some time to say ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ to the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and even great-grandmothers, in our lives. While we should always be thankful to the women in our lives, Mother’s Day provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for the way they help shape... Read More

With less than four weeks to go in the 85th Legislative Session, the Legislature has shifted into high gear as we are now meeting even on weekends. This next week the Texas House will have its last chance to take action on the bills that were authored by House members. In the weeks that follow,... Read More

With less than a month remaining in session, mornings are coming earlier and nights lasting longer. On several recent occasions, the Texas House debated legislation well through the night and into the early hours of the morning. While these long nights will only become more frequent, I find motivation by working with my colleagues to... Read More

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