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Your Texas Legislators Need to Hear from Farmers, Ranchers & Rural Texans
AUSTIN, Texas (Texas Insider Report) — First, please join me in congratulating Governor Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick on being inaugurated for their 3rd Terms! This is an exciting – and hopeful time in Texas. And just as importantly, the Texas legislature has just begun its bi-annual 140 day Legislative Session.
 Now, normally I agree with the late, great humorist P.J. O'Rourke who wrote...
"Distracting politicians from governing is like distracting a bear from eating your baby. Or stopping a dog from chewing on your wallet, at least."
But inevitably, the politicians WILL govern, so it's best to have a plan to keep them focused on the things that matter... and away from our wallets!
That has been my goal since well before last November's elections – not just keeping them from chewing on our wallets, but encouraging them to do some good things for our state too!
To that end, I have promoted an agenda with a few important priorities to make Texas even better. It includes:
- Fully implement my Texas P.O.W.E.R. Plan to ensure not only a reliable supply of energy, but the infrastructure, processes, and contingencies to harden our grid against terrorists and hostile countries, as well as nature.
- Aggressively update the Texas Water Plan to include technology for deep and ocean water desalination, statewide transportation and storage systems, replenishing aquifers, and robust reclamation and retention systems.
- Pass a comprehensive compassionate use program for everyone who would benefit.
- End child sexual mutilation in the name of gender dysphoria.
- Education reform that funds the child instead of the system. This is the civil rights issue of the 21st century, and we MUST get it done!
- Fully fund rural healthcare (including the Agri-stress Helpline).
- Ban land purchases by hostile nations such as China.
- Authorize armed cafeteria resource officers in every school that wants them.
I encourage you to read more about these issues on my campaign news page.
Of course, there are many other issues under consideration this session that I support, including:
- Reforming our terrible Property Tax
- Securing our Southern Border
- Banning public lobbyists
 Protecting our Energy Industry- Classifying drag shows as Adult Entertainment, and
- Further strengthening Election Integrity Laws & Enforcement.
So while my focus will remain on the eight issues I outlined above – and a couple of my priorities don't deal directly with agriculture – that's never stopped me from being a moral leader, a grandfather, and a Christian. Accountability is essential to keeping lawmakers focused on the issues that matter to our state – and our people.
The more eyes on them, the better the outcome.
That's why I want to encourage you to politely, kindly, and respectfully let them know that you share these priorities – and show them you're watching by sending them a short email, a tweet, DM or call. Remember, just as I do, these elected officials work for you – and your legislature needs to hear from you.
Frankly, many of them may be relieved to see a real person. Most want to do the right thing, but sometimes the noise level gets a bit much when the Legislative process really heats up. So be polite, kind, and respectful... because Republican or Democrat, we're all Texans, and we all want to do what's best for our state, even when we disagree.
- Get involved – You can find your State Representatives and State Senators, and how to contact them HERE.
We have a chance to contribute to some reforms that will change lives, empower the next generation, and strengthen our shared values and unique culture.
As I always say, “Texas Agriculture Matters” – and in 2023, that has never been truer. over the next 140 days.
...and, we're just getting started!
 An 8th generation Texas Farmer & Rancher, Sid Miller is the 12th Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Having served in the Texas House of Representatives prior to being elected Ag Commissioner, he has devoted his life to promoting Texas agriculture, rural Texas communities, and the Great State of Texas.
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