The 2019 Texas Legislative Session is off and running! Members of the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, along with the Governor and Lt. Governor, have all taken their respective oaths of office. Texas House members, as required by the Texas Constitution, have elected a Speaker from its own membership: Dennis Bonnen, who was elected unanimously.
After the election of House Speaker, the next big chip to fall during the start of each legislative session is the assignment of committees. This occurred on Wednesday, and I could not be more pleased with the committee assignments I received.
One of the top priorities for this legislative session is to find ways to improve infrastructure in areas of the state where oil and gas production is highest. As proud residents of the Permian Basin, we are all well aware of the impact oilfield traffic has on our roads. That’s why I’m thrilled to be named vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee.
As vice chair of the Transportation Committee, I will have a front row seat on any legislation that deals with Texas highways, railroads, commercial vehicle licensing, TxDOT, and any other transportation-related issues facing the state.
House committees hold hearings on bills under their jurisdiction, and then vote on whether or not the bill should receive consideration on the House floor by the full body. The role of committee chairmen and vice chairmen includes facilitating the committee process, ensuring House rules are followed during committee hearings, and bringing bills up for a vote. This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure the voice of West Texas is well represented when it comes to transportation policy in this state. I could not be more honored that Speaker Bonnen saw fit to appoint me to this position, and I’m grateful for his confidence in me.
Now that committee assignments have come out, it is time for my colleagues and me to roll up our sleeves and get to work. When we are not fine tuning the state’s budget, we will be considering hundreds of legislative proposals. Rest assured the hard-working people of the Permian Basin will be top of mind with each vote I cast.
Thank you for your trust and prayers.
God bless Texas!
