Opinion

As your state senator, I am deeply honored to represent nearly one million Texans from the piney woods of Montgomery County to the shores of Rockport. Whether you live in a city, suburb or remote rural area, my goal is always to build a better Texas for our children and grandchildren.

Gov. Greg Abbott, in a State of the State address last Thursday, outlined his seven top priorities for the ongoing legislative session before an invitation- only audience at a manufacturing facility in San Marcos, the Austin American- Statesman reported. Those priorities include $4 billion for border security, property tax relief and more school choice for parents, which he called “education freedom.” He avoided use of the word “vouchers.’

For all the challenges facing Texans, our state government serves the people pretty darned well, especially when compared to the frequent dysfunction in Washington. Having just finished eight years in statewide elected office as Texas Land Commissioner, I can share the “secret sauce” that makes Texas work: relationships.

Down at the sale barn Saturday, the think tank had coagulated there with coffees to go. Doc and Dud had their dogs with them, while Bert and Dewey and Steve went stag.

Fifty years ago, responding to public demand in an era of reform, Texas enacted a sweeping law ensuring the people’s right to know about their government. The Texas Public Information Act – originally known as the Open Records Act when it passed in 1973 – was one of the strongest transparency laws in the nation.

As lawmakers work through the 88th Legislative Session, many bills will be introduced that could impact our schools. Over the past few weeks school choice is a topic that has garnered a lot of attention. Last week I saw a quote from Governor Abbot that read, “Every child deserves a highquality education. Parents should be empowered to make those decisions - not government bureaucrats.”

The City’s citizens, businesses and newcomers continue to experience growth, and a need to revitalize buildings, homes, fences. In addition, developers building apartments, residential homes on property in the city limits often bring various requests that differ from the code of ordinances previously established over the decades.

“Ihave to say, that is a very nice hat!” I told the man as he passed me on the sidewalk. The man in the snazzy blue fedora had a serious look on his face, as if he was thinking deeply about something far more important than the indigo-blue hat with the red feather sitting on his head.