Appraisal Reform

Home ownership is important to living the American dream. A detriment to affordability of one’s home and business is our current appraisal system. We must bring accountability and transparency to the current appraisal system. As a member of the House Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal, I will continue to fight vigorously for such reforms.

The problem with the appraisal system is not the increase in one’s property values but that the increase is directly tied to the tax rate charged by the local taxing bodies, such as cities, counties, school districts, municipal utility districts and other taxing districts. So when appraisals escalate each year the local taxing bodies bring in more and more tax money.

We must pass a ‘Truth-in-Taxes’ law that says if your appraisal is reduced by a certain percentage then your tax rate must also be reduced by the same amount. This will require local taxing bodies to raise the tax rate if they collect more revenue from taxpayers,
allowing the taxpayer to know why the city, etc. needs more money and giving
them the ability to judge whether the increase in the local tax rate is for
a valid purpose.

I will continue to advocate for appraisal reform policies that will give property owners more rights and will make the appraisal district more accountable to voters.

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Balanced Budget

For last two consecutive regular sessions, I have had the privilege of being selected to serve on the conference committee which writes the state budget. As one of five House members serving on the conference committee, I have had the unique opportunity to have a powerful voice in helping to shape a balanced and fiscally responsible budget. A sound budget that meets both the needs of our citizens and has a fiscally conservative growth of approximately 3.5% per year is a remarkable achievement considering our population growth.

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Businesses & Jobs

Our state’s pro-business policies have made Texas a thriving location for businesses and workers alike. These policies have resulted in Texas consistently being recognized as having the strongest economy in the nation. Policies such as worker’s compensation reform, no state income tax, and lawsuit reform allow for the continued success of Texas businesses. I am honored to have been named a ‘Defender of the American Dream’ by Americans for Prosperity for two consecutive sessions and I will continue to promote policies that are good for our state’s economic wellbeing.

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Education

An investment in quality education is an investment in our state’s future. I am working on initiatives to bolster primary education, such as replacing the TAKS tests, placing an emphasis on trade learning, and encouraging students to study in the fields of science and engineering. Making higher education more affordable is another of my priorities. I will once again look at ways to make education affordable for middle class families, so more students have the opportunity to receive a higher education. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and a conferee on the budget bill, I am proud that we have made education a top priority in our fiscally responsible and balanced budget.

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Energy

Texas has long been a leader in energy with significant oil and gas exploration and production capabilities. Many people don’t realize that Texas is also a leader in renewable energy. In fact, our state produces more wind power than any other state in the country. Energy independence can be achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes increased domestic exploration and production as well as investigating the various alternative energy sources. There has been much discussion in the news about raising the gas tax. I am against an increase in the gas tax, as it will be a burden on hard-working families throughout Texas.

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Health Care

At a time when our population is growing and Baby Boomers are reaching retirement, access to healthcare is an issue confronting individuals and families throughout the nation and our State. A talented medical workforce begins with quality education, which is why I worked to bring the Texas A&M Health Science Center to Williamson County. This campus will educate future doctors and other medical professionals. I also supported funding for the Texas State University Nursing Program that will be housed at the university’s Round Rock campus. Both of these efforts are examples of the success that can be achieved when community leaders join together for a common cause.

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Public Safety

I have continually supported bills that keep our families and communities safe. I helped author our state’s version of Jessica’s Law, which implemented harsh punishments for child sex predators. I also wrote a bill to protect individuals from vicious dogs by making dog owners accountable when their dog attacks or kills somebody. I have also consistently supported Child Advocacy Centers and other resources that support and protect victims of crimes.

I strongly support the right of honest citizens to keep and bear arms. I worked to protect the privacy of individuals seeking a concealed handgun license. I supported the Castle Doctrine, which gives individual the right to protect their family during a home invasion by using deadly force if needed.

Border security is another aspect of public safety that we must take into consideration. I supported funding for increased law enforcement along the border to put an end to the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and humans into our country. These public safety efforts will allow our communities to be safe, prosperous places to raise our children and grandchildren.

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Transportation

As Central Texas grows, so too does the traffic on our roadways. As a member of the House Appropriations Interim Subcommittee on Transportation Issues, I am taking a hard look at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The department must listen more closely to the concerns of individuals and it needs to focus on improving current roads and bridges. I supported legislation to impose a moratorium on the Trans Texas Corridor and sponsored legislation to expand current roads, rather than building the Trans Texas Corridor. I am also an advocate for alternate modes of transportation, such as local commuter rails and high speed trains that would go from Dallas to San Antonio.

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Water

An abundant supply of clean water is vital to the health of Texas. Responsible stewardship of our rivers, bays and estuaries is necessary to ensure we have water for the future. I am honored to serve on the Natural Resources Committee and two other committees studying the availability of clean water and developing solutions to meet the increasing demands on this vital resource. I will continue to advocate for fair conservation policies and the availability of water throughout the state.

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