Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas It was a busy last week for Texas starting off with the U.S. Supreme Court listening to oral arguments against Obamas executive amnesty program. The Senate Health & Human Services Committee looked into issues with our states foster care system this week. Id also like to remind you that this week the Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform & Relief will hold their next hearing in Arlington next week.
Obamas Illegal Executive Amnesty Program
The U.S. Supreme Court listened to oral arguments from a 26-state coalition against the presidents illegal attempt to create a program that will grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. His unconstitutional action only encourages more illegal immigration and sends the wrong message to those who came here
legally.
Obamas plan encourages criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border and border security has been my number one priority since I stepped into public office.
Now more than ever if the presidents executive program is allowed to stand our country is in trouble. With an unprecedented $800 million for border security passed by the Texas Senate I will continue to make border security a priority for the state of Texas.
- To read my press release on the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments click here.
Health & Human Services Committee Hearing
On Wednesday the Senate Health and Human Services Committee outlined the significant challenges our foster care system faces. Ive charged the committee with addressing child abuse and neglect in our states foster care system as well as improving services for children with complex health needs and strengthening adoptions.
Our foster care system is in serious need of an overhaul. Last session the Texas Senate increased Child Protective Services funding by $230 million in addition to enacting several reforms. The Senate will continue to look for ways to dramatically improve our foster
care system.
- To read my full statement on the hearing click here.
Senate Select Committee on Property Tax Reform & Relief
Chairman Paul Bettencourt (right) will lead the property tax reform and relief hearing next Wednesday April 27 at the University of Texas at Arlington. To this point the committee has held hearings in San Antonio Harlingen and Lubbock.
Each hearing attracts standing-room only crowds who all expect action on their skyrocketing property taxes. Lowering your property taxes has been one my top priorities.
Last session the Senate made Texas history by bringing property tax relief to all homeowners however were not done. Texans have called for their senators to bring lasting property tax relief and that is what I am committed to do.
Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday
I want to remind you that this weekend (April 23-25) is the Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday - a result of the passage of Texas Senate bill (
SB 904). As we have seen with the recent flooding across the state Texans must be prepared for severe weather and natural disasters.
- For a list of emergency supplies that are tax-free this weekend click here.
