Bill heads to Senate where I expect it to pass
By State. Rep. Phil King
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas We are in the homestretch of the 84th Legislature. With the exception of Friday the House has been
in session late each night trying to work through the backlog of proposed legislation. Over the next two weeks I believe we will complete work on
historic tax cuts a
very conservative state budget open carry ethics reform regulatory reform
and border security among other critical matters.
Texas Ranked #1 for Business Again
CEO Magazine recently rated Texas the #1 place to do business for the 11th year in a row! Just more evidence that our Texas Model creates an environment where businesses can flourish.
I think its interesting that every state included in the top five rankings has a Republican governor.
Texans know that limited government provides the greatest opportunity for businesses to thrive and it is gratifying to see this model successfully work around the nation.
Major Pro-Life Victory
Earlier this week
the House passed HB 3994 which addresses the issue of judicial bypass. Judicial bypass allows a minor to seek an abortion without the permission of their parents in certain cases with approval by a
judge.
The United States Supreme Court mandates this process which I find deeply disturbing.
Pro-abortion groups have worked to exploit judicial bypass removing parents further from the process.
HB 3994 adds reforms and strengthens parental rights.
This was a major pro-life victory. The bill will now head to the Senate where I expect it to pass and be signed by Governor Abbott.
Republican Caucus Letter Supporting Traditional Marriage
I along with 92 of my colleagues in the House Republican Caucus signed a letter affirming our support for Article 1 Section 32 of the Texas Constitution this week. This section of our Constitution was overwhelmingly passed by Texas voters and affirms that marriage is between one man and one woman.
The letter also stressed that states should make the decision on marriage - not the federal government.
Traditional marriage has been a bedrock institution of our country since we were founded over 200 years ago. Im proud to see House Republicans united and standing strong on this issue.
Wise County Added to Disaster Declaration
Due to the intense storms this month Wise County has been added to Governor Abbotts recent State of Disaster" Declaration. Other counties included in the declaration are
- Bosque
- Clay
- Cooke
- Denton
- Eastland
- Gaines
- Grimes
- Hood
- Montague
- Navarro
- Smith
- and Van Zandt counties
I commend Judge J.D. Clark for his leadership and hard work to help coordinate state resources for Wise County. By adding Wise County to his declaration Governor Abbott has ensured that a wide range of state resources to help residents and businesses affected by the tornados and floodwaters are available.
My office will work closely with the Governors to support Wise County residents.
I should have much more to report next week.
State Representative Phil King represents the people of Parker and Wise Counties and the 61st District in the Texas Legislature. King serves on the Energy Resources and the Pensions Committees and is also a member of the Joint Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination and the Energy Resources Subcommittee on Seismic Activity.
