HB 100 was my signature piece of legislation for the 88th Regular Legislative Session. I'm very sad to say that it ultimately did not pass! Below is my statement.
After six years of work by myself, my staff, and Rep.
@KyleKacal
, HB 428 has been signed into law, meaning that all FDA-approved ovarian and cervical cancer screening tests will now be covered by insurance for Texas women.
I have to say with all that goes on in life… I am blessed with the best wife/partner/friend ever! This awesome lady has put up with me for 28 years today! Happy anniversary Robin… I love you!
#happywife
#happylife
#blessed
Thank you Speaker
@RepDennisBonnen
for appointing me to the conference Committee on HB 3, the House school finance reform package. It's an honor to be trusted with this crucial role and as always, I will seek to secure the best for our students, teachers, and schools.
#txed
I have announced my re-election campaign for 2024. Our district and the state of Texas have many challenges ahead, but I am eager to continue fighting on behalf of the Texas Panhandle, South Plains, and the Permian Basin.
In the first public conference committee hearing on HB 3, we're working hard to hammer out an agreement between the House and the Senate to support teachers, improve services for our kids, and strengthen public schools across our state.
#txed
#txlege
There’s not much that makes me happier than a good horse! Look what my beautiful wife bought me for Valentine’s Day😍 I married way above my head for sure!
#blessed
#ranchlife
Gov.
@GregAbbott_TX
addressed the Republican Caucus regarding school finance this morning. I spoke with him about the importance of supporting our small and rural schools and reiterated my support for legislation to help every child in Texas receive an excellent education.
#txed
It's an honor to be reelected as your state representative here in the Panhandle & the South Plains. I look forward to continuing the fight for our conservative values, rural communities & rural schools. I couldn't be more grateful for your trust & support.
#HD88
#txlege
It’s a bittersweet day for Robin and I...
@Karisking12
is off to college and the nest is officially empty 😞 we’ve decided to worry about that next month 🎉🍾
It's always good to see Governor
@GregAbbott_TX
! I had the opportunity to say hello when he stopped by the
@TexasHouse
floor today. Thank you, sir, for continuing to be a strong leader for our great state.
#txlege
While I was in meetings for Texas Commission on Public School Finance, Robin went to a breakfast hosted by
@pastors4txkids
where I was honored with the Hero for Children Award. Thank you all for this special recognition and joining me in the fight for Texas schools!
Rural public education has always been one of my top priorities as your State Representative. Our district is the proud home to many outstanding schools, and remarkable students and teachers. Did you graduate from a local public school? Reply and tell us!
Congratulations from Robin and I to Charles Butt on receiving the History-Making Texan Award! Charles is not only a successful businessman, but has been a true champion for public education in our state. I can think of no one more deserving.
#txed
Today, I took my official oath of office as a member of the 86th
#txlege
surrounded by Robin and our kids. Ready for another good session of working for the people of the Panhandle and the South Plains!
Having the Permanent School Fund (PSF) managed by two different agencies is costing our schools $200 million per year—every year. I've filed HB 3467 to place the PSF under the sole purview of the State Board of Education to cut waste and increase
#txed
funding.
#txlege
Public schools are a foundation of our communities and vital to building our future. I have always supported our local schools and I look forward to continuing to serve the best interests of our schools in the Texas Legislature.
A rising tide lifts all boats! Today the House took up and passed
#HouseBill3
, the Texas Plan for school finance reform. HB 3 drastically increases the amount of money the state spends per student and will ensure every Texan sees a property tax reduction.
#TheTimeIsNow
#TxLege
I'm working to remove all exit exams in high schools and give schools the option to use the SAT/ACT/TSI as their exit exam instead. Paired with a prep class, this will give students a head start in applying for colleges, trade schools, or straight into the workforce.
#txed
Thank you to Speaker
@RepDennisBonnen
for appointing me to the Public Education and Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committees of the
@TexasHouse
. I'm honored and look forward to serving all of Texas alongside my colleagues this session.
#txed
#txlege
HB 2 & HJR 1 have passed the TX House! I am authoring these bills to increase funding and provide grants for public schools to keep our kids safe and strengthen school security. No child should feel unsafe and no parent should have to worry about their child's safety at school.
I have officially filed for re-election! It’s an honor to serve my neighbors & I look forward to representing the Panhandle & the South Plains in the TX House as we continue to advance our conservative values & quality of life.
In House Bill 3, we raise the minimum salary for fully certified teachers and ensure that districts will have enough money to pay for these increases. By putting this in statute, we're ensuring that it would take a change in statute to ever do away with these pay raises.
#txed
One of the things my mamma gave me was a love for horses! I miss her every day but I’m truly blessed to have had such a special lady for a mother..if you still can hug your mom every chance you get! Happy Mother’s Day to my wife Robin and all the moms who help shape who we are!
Thank you, HD 88! Robin and I are eager to continue serving the Panhandle, the Permian Basin, and the South Plains in the Texas House. Thank you for re-electing me as your State Representative.
(1/2) My bill, HB 100, has passed the House and is now in the hands of the Senate! HB 100 will invest $4.5 billion in Texas public education, including a new minimum salary schedule for teachers and raises for all school employees.
And we're off! Today marks the beginning of the
#txlege
's 87th Session. My staff and I are already hard at work for the Panhandle and the South Plains to make sure our voice is heard over the next 140 days.
I have tried talking to them about practicing social distancing but they never listen 🤷🏻♂️Don’t be BULL headed my friends 😷😷😷
#StayHome
#StayWellTexas
It's official! I have filed to run for re-election in HD 88. I look forward to serving the conservative values of the Panhandle and the South Plains for another term.
The Public School Finance Commission met in Austin today. We heard a lot of testimony from parents, teachers, administrators, and many others who genuinely care about the Texas Public School system.
Crazy opening day, but one to remember. As we get ready to get back to work for Texans over the next 139 days, I was glad to be joined by old friends, colleagues, and my beautiful wife Robin. It's shaping up to be a great session.
#txlege
I would like to thank Speaker Phelan for appointing me to be the Chair of the Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee and allowing me to serve my sixth term on the Public Education Committee.
Robin and I have voted! We get an extra week of early voting this year, but I encourage you to get out and vote as soon as possible. Remember that there is no straight-ticket voting this year, so check every vote on your ballot. Let's keep Texas Red!
Today I attended the first Legislative Budget Board meeting for the 86th
#txlege
. Thank you
@RepDennisBonnen
for appointing me to fulfill the remainder of your position previously held as Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee.
My Granddaddy told me building a good fence would build character and make good neighbors! He never said what tearing an old one out would do....guess I’ll have to ask Kaleb! I think someone is missing A & M🤣🤣🤣🤣
It was my privilege to offer closing remarks on HB 3, the Texas school finance reform package, before we voted for initial approval. Voting this bill out of the House is a huge step forward for our rural schools, teachers & districts. I'm proud to be a joint author!
#pubed
#txed
After a 9.5-hour hearing yesterday, we're back at it discussing how we can improve mental health services for our children. We're going to need parents, teachers, health professionals, and lawmakers to work together on this.
#txed
#txlege
#mentalhealth
We had a good panel at the Texas Tribune Festival on supporting rural schools. I was also joined by Plainview ISD Superintendent H.T. Sanchez, President Russell Lowery-Hart of Amarillo College, and President JuliAnn Mazachek of Midwestern State University. Thank you to everyone!
Robin and I are back in Austin for the 88th Texas Legislature. We had a swearing-in ceremony followed by an address from our state's top leader, Governor Greg Abbott. Time to get things done for the people of Texas!
#txlege
Congratulations to the Canadian Wildcats the 2020 3A Div II state champs! An unbelievable program! Hats off to Franklin as well...the game is what a state title game should look like...two great programs slugging it out😃
#football
#leavealegacy
It was good to see Wade Callaway, the Superintendent of
@Gruver_ISD
. I was glad to talk to him about the work we're doing in Austin and the future of Texas
#PubEd
!
#txed
Honored to be appointed to the Commission on Public School Finance. My hope is that this commission will help to push a solution for school finance reform over the line.
#txlege
Anytime I can get Robin to saddle up and ride with me you know it’s gonna be a good day! Hope your Saturday has been as good as mine!
#SaturdayMorning
#blessed
I'd like to thank the Texas Association of Midsize Schools (TAMS) for the invitation to their annual breakfast. It was an honor to receive their Golden Apple Award and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with them this session for
#txed
.
#txlege
GOOD NEWS! The TX House just unanimously passed HB 5, the bill to expand broadband to underserved communities. Reliable internet is a necessity in today's digital world. I look forward to seeing this bill passed into law and put into effect on behalf of rural Texans.
Words can’t express how proud I am of this guy! Congrats Kaleb I know you will are gonna do great…I can’t wait to see your next chapter!
#graduate
#gigem
#prouddad
By adding $9B in funding above enrollment growth & current law entitlement,
#HB3
invests in student achievement and teacher quality. Texas classrooms must have the resources they need to turn today's students into tomorrow's workforce.
#txlege
#TheTimeIsNow
Memorial Day is more than a day for barbecues and mattress sales. Today we remember those who gave their lives in defense of our great nation. All gave some, some gave all. We can never repay their sacrifice, but we can work to uphold this great nation they died to defend.
As your State Rep, I'm always working to cut taxes, strengthen our rural schools, and defend our conservative values. It's my privilege to work with Governor
@GregAbbott_TX
to get all of this done and I'm honored by his endorsement!
Today I officially filed to run for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives. I am looking forward to continuing to serve the constituents of House District 88.
#txelects
I was very happy to see Prop 9 pass earlier this month. Texas voters have approved the much-needed cost of living increase for retired teachers that we passed in the legislature earlier this year. Our retired educators have earned it.
Even in the middle of early voting, life goes on. Calving heifers on a cold February night can sure bring things into perspective! Watching a new life enter the world, take its first breath, and first steps never gets old.
I am proud to be the only candidate for HD88 to be rated “Friendly” by Texans for Public Education. Fighting for our rural schools and taking care of teachers.
I was honored to join
@GregAbbott_TX
,
@DanPatrick
, and
@RepDennisBonnen
for a press conference to discuss the passage of HB 3, Texas's school finance reform package. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to pass this bill on behalf of our students, teachers, and schools.
It's an honor to once again represent the conservative values, rural communities, and rural schools of the Panhandle and the South Plains in the Texas House. Thank you for your support and let's keep working to make our part of Texas the best part of Texas!
#txed
#txlege
I am co-authoring HB 9 to create the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund. The fund's purpose will be to provide broadband suitable for the economic, educational, and health care needs of our state. It's time that all Texans had access to reliable, high-speed internet.
#txlege
This morning I had the opportunity to speak with representatives from ISDs in ESC 16, 17 and 18. Public education is, and always has been, one of my biggest priorities.
The Texas Commission on Public School Finance met today with education leaders from across our state to address how we can best serve our children through early childhood education. Thank you to everyone who made the drive and thank you for all you do for our kids!
#txed
#txlege