Ordinary Texans practice faith protect their family and have freedoms guaranteed in U.S. Constitution
By State Rep. Dan Flynn
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas As the 84th Legislative Session has now come to an end Im very pleased with the conservative victories we had this session. I was honored by
the Texas State Rifle Association who
named me Legislator of the Year for championing current legislation
preserving the 2nd Amendment and for my entire body of work over the last 14 years.
Faith Family and Freedom is not just a saying it is the basis of what makes us great in Texas.
In that regard I am proud to report that I was able to support lead and share authorship on many conservative legislative initiatives that make a difference in your everyday lives. This was especially true this session with the Employee Retirement System Teacher Retirement System and with the Capital Appreciation Bonds bill.
We also passed:
- A balanced budget with $4 billion dollars in tax cuts that puts additional resources into public education and higher education
- Expanded 2nd Amendment Rights
- Ended the practice of using appropriated funds for unintended purposes.
- Approved further Pro-Life Protections
Broadened the accountability system used to evaluate public schools and- Diminished the role of standardized testing and taking other academic factors into account
Senate Bill 11 which authorizes a concealed handgun license holder to carry a concealed handgun while on a college campus passed after hours of extensive debate.
SB 11 allows for universities to establish rules regulations or other provisions concerning the storage of handguns in dorms or other residential facilities owned or operated by the university.
The Concealed Handgun License program has been successful in Texas for almost 20 years and the Texas House of Representatives stood behind that program and its 825000 license holders.
This bill will ensure that license holders will have the right to protect themselves on college campuses the same way they are able to in any other location in the state.
To be eligible for a concealed handgun license in the state of Texas citizens must pass state and federal background checks pass both an educational course and shooting proficiency test and be over the age of 21.
I was proud to have the opportunity to be a leader in protecting the 2nd Amendment Rights of citizens and honored to be a joint author of another major piece of legislation open carry.
I am extremely disappointed that HB 91 which passed overwhelmingly in the House and would have allowed farmers in our district to sell their raw milk in farmers markets did not get passed and more frustrated that certain Senators did not uphold their commitments regarding this bill.
It is also frustrating that no Senators took up
HCR 26 to repeal the Dodd-Frank Act which also passed overwhelmingly in the House and would have released our financial institutions from a burden which hurts all Texans and makes every day banking in our community more difficult on a daily basis. Rest assured I will not give up this fight and look forward to working with many of you during the interim to gather input and hear your ideas and concerns.
The Legislature also approved a plan to more quickly and effectively reform schools that repeatedly fail to meet academic standards.
House Bill 9 which makes the State Pension actuarially sound passed both houses and is on its way to the Governors Office to sign. This is a major step forward for retired state employees. We fully funded healthcare and the two major state retirement systems at the end of this session are in the limits of being actuarially sound.
House Bill 114 the Capital Appreciation Bond bill passed both houses and is
on its way to the Governors Office.
Senate Bill 9 also passed and reforms the current method for limiting the growth of state spending. This fiscally responsible legislation was strongly supported by House Republicans and is on the Governors desk to sign.
Lastly the House guaranteed more transparency in government for the citizens.
I am proud for supporting the everyday Texan in our district and their needs. I will not ever support the wealthy individuals that support front organizations that stand to profit in place of the ordinary Texans who just wants to practice their faith protect and defend their family and have the freedoms guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
I also would like to thank my staff who many have spoken with or written to during the session:
- Chief of Staff David Erinakes
- Legislative Director Kelli Linza
- Committee Coordinator Drew Graham
- Assistant Clerks Maureen Metteauer and Madison Albrecht
- and we can never forget the ever watching eyes of our District Director Mrs. Janice Melton
It remains my pleasure and honor to represent all the people of House District 2. My staff and I continue to welcome your input and your questions. You can contact our office at: P.O. Box 2910 Austin TX 78768. Or Email me at
District2.Flynn@house.state.tx.us.
May God continue to bless you and the Great State of Texas!
State Rep. Dan Flynn represents Texas House District 2 and is Chairman of the Texas Houses Pensions Committee. He also serves as a member of the Investments & Financial Services Committee 
and the Investments & Financial Services Sub-Committee on Bond Indebtedness.
Flynn has consistently been ranked a Top 10 Conservative since being elected in 2000 and was named a Texas Taxpayer Hero" by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.
