I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my web site. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for here, please remember that my staff and I are always available to answer your questions, concerns, and to serve the residents of Senate District 18.

As you may be aware, the Texas Legislature has convened for its 81st Session. As with all legislative sessions, the first and most important issue is always the creation and adoption of our state’s budget. During this period of economic downturn, it is more important than ever to maintain our fiscally conservative values and to protect Texas taxpayers. I will work to ensure that our state government lives within its means just as you do, and that there is greater transparency to the budget writing process.

While our state faces a number of important issues, my specific areas of focus will include reducing property taxes, reforming the business franchise tax, increasing funding for our transportation needs, while at the same time working to ensure that the Trans Texas Corridor remains dead, and expanding economic development opportunities for Texas communities. One of my highest priorities remains ensuring the protection of private property rights, including reforming the reach, process, and application of eminent domain and condemnation. Ensuring adequate funding for education and state parks are two other areas on which I will focus, because of the vital economic role both play in our local communities.

As Vice-Chairman of the influential Sunset Advisory Commission, I am personally involved in legislation that restructures or eliminates 27different state agencies including the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Insurance, Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Agriculture, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Transportation and insurance issues are perennial but will receive particular scrutiny this session because of the sunset process. Serving the people of Senate District 18, and the people of Texas, is a tremendous honor and privilege. The legislature confronts many issues that are of great importance to our communities and to our families. I approach each legislative decision by asking the question will this decision help or hurt Texas taxpayers and their families. Rest assured, I will continue to seek meaningful solutions to our state’s problems that are fiscally prudent, and which protect the conservative values which have made Texas strong and that I will work tirelessly to address our district's priorities. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and friends in the Texas House to find common sense solutions to the unique challenges facing our great state.

Sincerely,