I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas spent with family and loved ones. As we welcome the New Year, I am honored to serve the people of Texas and to continue fighting for our shared values of faith, family, and freedom.
Earlier last month, as Chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, I was proud to chair a joint interim committee hearing on the New World screwworm. This invasive parasite, which has moved north into Mexico, poses a serious threat to Texas wildlife, livestock, and domestic animals. The hearing brought together key experts and stakeholders, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Texas Animal Health Commission, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and industry leaders. Testimony underscored the significant risk the screwworm presents to our livestock industry and broader agricultural economy. Committee members reviewed current surveillance and containment protocols, assessed interagency coordination, and discussed whether Texas has the necessary tools in place to respond swiftly should this threat escalate. The hearing was productive and informative, reinforcing the importance of lawmakers remaining fully engaged and proactive in addressing emerging risks with potentially far-reaching economic and environmental impacts on our wildlife, ranchers, and rural communities.
During this interim, the Speaker of the Texas House has requested that all committee Chairs submit proposals and recommendations for interim charges, which outline the topics each committee should study ahead of the next legislative session. Interim charges are used to monitor legislation passed in the previous session and ensure laws are being implemented as intended. This process allows committees to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and develop thoughtful recommendations ahead of the next legislative session on issues within their jurisdiction. The House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, which I chair, will submit its proposals early next month.
Just before Christmas, I was honored to attend the grand opening of Children’s Safe Harbor’s new permanent facility. In 2023, I was honored to secure $5 million in the state budget to support the completion of this facility, and it was incredibly meaningful to see this investment come to life right here in House District 16. For more than 20 years, Children’s Safe Harbor has served our community and surrounding counties by advocating for child victims of assault and pursuing justice with compassion, professionalism, and efficiency. I am deeply grateful to Executive Director Victoria Constance and her entire team, as well as our law enforcement and DSHS partners who will work on-site to protect and support victims and their families.
Looking ahead, property tax relief remains a top priority. Governor Abbott has outlined plans to pursue meaningful reductions, including proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate school property taxes, cap homestead appraisal increases at 3 percent, down from the current 10 percent, and limit property appraisals to once every five years. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to deliver relief for Texas homeowners and families. As property values continue to rise, Texans deserve policies that ease the burden and help keep homeownership affordable. I will continue fighting and provide real, lasting property tax relief.
As always, it is an honor to serve you. I look forward to the year ahead and to continuing our work together on behalf of House District 16 and the State of Texas.
May God bless you, your families, and the great State of Texas.