Texans can see what Appraisal Districts are doing; They're jacking up appraisals in order to ‘bank’ appraised values for the next decade so they can get more funding even if confronted with a Legislature in Austin that's willing to stop them. That means the benefits from a Homestead Exemption Increase might be eaten up within the next couple of years - so let's address this.

With an increased reliance on high-speed internet, the Trump Administration began taken important steps to provide connectivity to those that need it, particularly in rural areas, which still continues today. One such program that started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which eventually became the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP.)

The RRC’s well plugging program, which has exceeded goals set by the Legislature for six straight years, will continue its prioritization system to extend its successful work plugging orphaned oil and gas wells throughout the state with state funds.

The bill extends financial assistance to older cadets who attend the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, or one of the other five state maritime academies, and who commit to a post-graduation service obligation. Current age requirements for the federal Maritime Administration’s Student Incentive Payment Program prohibit cadets older than 25 from participating in the program.

The grant supports the New Beginnings Project, a reentry program by Alvin Community College in partnership with Lee College, to assist second-chance individuals with classes that lead degrees and certifications in the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast, Brazos Valley, Capital Area, Coastal Bend, Deep East Texas, Heart of Texas, and Rural Capital regions.

Over two million passengers fly each day in the United States. ​​​​​​​And because every day that passes without President Biden having named someone to lead the FAA puts the flying public at risk, Mr. Cruz is calling on him to immediately name a full time FAA Administrator Nominee to help keep passengers safe. The FAA is facing serious challenges – from near-misses by airplanes to a shortage of air traffic controllers.

"We're dealing with technology that's evolving rapidly, and we needed a legal framework that gives Texas and my office flexibility to evolve with that technology. I think we have that now, and I'm grateful to lawmakers and the Governor for getting this passed and signed,” said Comptroller Hegar, announcing today that his agency will be enhancing broadband & digital opportunities to address Texas' digital divide.

“To protect Texans’ privacy and basic civil liberties, legislation creating the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council to study and monitor artificial intelligence systems used by our State Agencies will help cement Texas’ position as a national leader in innovative technology and ensure we continue designing and employing the greatest technology in a responsible and ethical way,” said Gov. Greg Abbott.

One of the best features of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was the introduction of “expensing” for capital investments. Translation: Corporations that made investments could deduct (i.e., expense) those costs from taxable income in the year they made the expenditures. The only condition for expensing was that the asset had to have a “life” of 20 years or less, and had to be purchased after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023.

"In March, two of my constituents – Emilia Tambunga & Maria Alvarez Tambunga – were killed in a tragic collision stemming from a high-speed chase with Local Law Enforcement and an individual smuggling illegal migrants across the border," said Cong. Tony Gonzales earlier today while introducing the "Emi-Coke Accountability Act of 2023" to provide members of the public with an Advanced High-Speed Chase Warning System.

The last time the United States had this magnitude of indebtedness was after World War II. It took decades for Congress to reduce our debt to a responsible level, but as a result of their steadfast efforts, the country emerged as the only global superpower. The strategy was simple — bring down spending and grow the economy. Today’s leaders must relentlessly run the same plays.

“We believe consumers should have more choices, not fewer. Our legislation would ensure that AM Radio continues to be available for millions of Americans who want to listen to it in their cars & trucks – and who rely on it during emergencies," said the two senators from opposite sides of the political spectrum, as they introduced their bipartisan and bicameral bill to keep AM radio in new vehicles.

For months, I've pushed the State Department and Secretary Anthony Blinken to allow Congress to view the Afghanistan dissent cable – a document in which 23 Kabul Embassy Employees warned against the Biden White House's withdrawal plan – or lack thereof. I recently issued a subpoena for the document, and threatened to hold Mr. Blinken in contempt of Congress if he did not comply.

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the next stop in the 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit will be in The Woodlands on Thursday, June 15. The Governor’s Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.

The Texas Senate’s “2-Step” Property Tax Reform Plan, by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, passed the Senate unanimously with bipartisan support on the first day of the 88th Special Session, with all 30 Senators as co-authors. The plan increases the Homestead Exemption permanently to $100,000 – totaling $5.3 billion and $12.3 billion worth of compression for Texas homeowners.

Millions of law-abiding family, friends & neighbors are now at risk of prosecution and arrest on federal gun charges as of June 1st. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ (ATF) new rule, effective as of January 31st with a 120-day grace period, reclassifies pistols as short-barreled rifles if they are equipped with a stabilizing brace, rendering millions of firearms illegal.

For the first time since World War II, the Federal Public Debt has reached 100% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP,) meaning the federal government will soon owe more in debt than the annual size of the American economy. And, that number is projected to double to 200% by 2050 – when interest payments will be the single largest budget item, exceeding even Social Security & Medicare.

"There should be no political division when it comes to public safety. When it comes to protecting our children & families from illicit drugs, violence, lawlessness — there's no room for debate. Local departments should not have to fund themselves alone, and there are federal dollars available," said Cong. Gonzales, who has successfully secured millions of federal dollars for Police & Sheriff Departments throughout District 23.

RRC Chairman Christi Craddick, Commissioner Wayne Christian, and Commissioner Jim Wright each sent letters to Texas Senator John Cornyn and Commerce, Science & Transportation Ranking Member Senator Ted Cruz outlining concerns about S.576, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, and its specific impacts on the energy supply chain in America.