Congress Congressional District 5
BIDEN’S BORDER CRISIS PUTS MIGRANT CHILDREN AT RISK OF TRAFFICKING
The border crisis is not only threatening the safety of our communities, but it’s also putting innocent children crossing our border at risk of human trafficking and exploitation by criminal cartels. Since taking office, President Biden has removed safety protocols designed to keep these children safe and has likely released them to unknown and unvetted guardians. On Wednesday, I demanded the Biden Administration provide information about their ability to vet sponsors claiming custody of unaccompanied migrant children and the risk this creates for human trafficking.
The border crisis is not only threatening the safety of our communities, but it’s also putting innocent children crossing our border at risk of human trafficking and exploitation by criminal cartels. Since taking office, President Biden has removed safety protocols designed to keep these children safe and has likely released them to unknown and unvetted guardians. On Wednesday, I demanded the Biden Administration provide information about their ability to vet sponsors claiming custody of unaccompanied migrant children and the risk this creates for human trafficking.
February 24, 2023
Friends,
Last week, I called for an investigation into Biden-appointee Dominic Ng’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party. In response, House Democrats have spent this week calling me a “racist” and “xenophobe” because Mr. Ng is Asian-American.
The Left deploys race-baiting and baseless attacks when the facts don’t fit their narrative. Demanding an investigation into someone with legitimate and concerning ties to the CCP is not racist, especially if that person is appointed to a government position with significant access to sensitive information. To be clear, I would be demanding an investigation into any individual with ties to Chinese intelligence.
By attacking my demands, Judy Chu, Adam Schiff, and Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries are betraying their oath to the United States and choosing politics over national security, but I will not bow to their absurd accusations. Dominic Ng has confirmed he was a member of at least one Chinese intelligence front group. That alone merits an investigation and disqualifies him from public service. However, Democrats refuse to accept that because he has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to their campaigns and must be rewarded.
Standing up to Communist China should be our number one priority, and we cannot allow the Biden Administration’s negligence or Democrats' communist sympathies to stand in the way. I will continue fighting to ensure the FBI conducts a thorough investigation into Mr. Ng.
Sincerely,
Last week, I called for an investigation into Biden-appointee Dominic Ng’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party. In response, House Democrats have spent this week calling me a “racist” and “xenophobe” because Mr. Ng is Asian-American.
The Left deploys race-baiting and baseless attacks when the facts don’t fit their narrative. Demanding an investigation into someone with legitimate and concerning ties to the CCP is not racist, especially if that person is appointed to a government position with significant access to sensitive information. To be clear, I would be demanding an investigation into any individual with ties to Chinese intelligence.
By attacking my demands, Judy Chu, Adam Schiff, and Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries are betraying their oath to the United States and choosing politics over national security, but I will not bow to their absurd accusations. Dominic Ng has confirmed he was a member of at least one Chinese intelligence front group. That alone merits an investigation and disqualifies him from public service. However, Democrats refuse to accept that because he has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to their campaigns and must be rewarded.
Standing up to Communist China should be our number one priority, and we cannot allow the Biden Administration’s negligence or Democrats' communist sympathies to stand in the way. I will continue fighting to ensure the FBI conducts a thorough investigation into Mr. Ng.
Sincerely,
February 19. 2023
ICYMI: Gooden Joins Sunday Morning Futures to Discuss the House Judiciary Committee’s Plans for Oversight
WASHINGTON – On Sunday, Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas) joined Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the House Judiciary Committee’s plans for oversight of the Department of Justice, FBI, and Big Tech.
Last week, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan subpoenaed the CEOs of big tech companies for information related to their collusion with the Biden Administration to suppress free speech online. Congressman Gooden is a member of the Judiciary Committee and will be demanding answers on this as well as the FBI and Department of Justice’s targeting of conservatives. Interview excerpts:
“I’m looking forward to bringing [the FBI and DOJ] into our committee. We’ve got a lot of questions for them about past elections, interference in past elections. I think all of the executive branch is well deserving of some oversight that’s been missing for the past four years.”
“We expect some of these document requests to come back towards the end of March. I think you’ll start to see some of the more explosive hearings around April or May. We’ve only had subpoena power for a few weeks…. We’re issuing these requests, were issuing these subpoenas, we are bringing in witnesses for depositions, and I believe the American people are going to be presented with a very strong case this next year.”
WASHINGTON – On Sunday, Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas) joined Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo to discuss the House Judiciary Committee’s plans for oversight of the Department of Justice, FBI, and Big Tech.
Last week, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan subpoenaed the CEOs of big tech companies for information related to their collusion with the Biden Administration to suppress free speech online. Congressman Gooden is a member of the Judiciary Committee and will be demanding answers on this as well as the FBI and Department of Justice’s targeting of conservatives. Interview excerpts:
“I’m looking forward to bringing [the FBI and DOJ] into our committee. We’ve got a lot of questions for them about past elections, interference in past elections. I think all of the executive branch is well deserving of some oversight that’s been missing for the past four years.”
“We expect some of these document requests to come back towards the end of March. I think you’ll start to see some of the more explosive hearings around April or May. We’ve only had subpoena power for a few weeks…. We’re issuing these requests, were issuing these subpoenas, we are bringing in witnesses for depositions, and I believe the American people are going to be presented with a very strong case this next year.”
February 13, 2023
Friends,
Last week, President Biden delivered his State of the Union Address, where he spent over an hour gaslighting the American people and lying about Republican positions. This speech was nothing more than bad political theater, and I know Texans saw right through the president’s deceit.
For starters, President Biden falsely accused Republicans of planning to cut Social Security and Medicare. This is one of the Democrats’ oldest plays in the book. I remain committed to ensuring our nation’s seniors receive the benefits and healthcare they have earned and deserve. I will not support any cuts that negatively affect the seniors I represent.
Biden also downplayed the ongoing border crisis while claiming he has sought to invest in border security. There have been 2.4 million illegal crossings in the past year alone, and enough fentanyl has been seized to kill every single American. The truth: President Biden stopped construction of the border wall and has lifted every policy possible to deter illegal immigration.
Meanwhile, the president has allowed a Chinese spy balloon to cross the entire continental United States before shooting it down, and now more airborne objects have been shot down over American soil. The real state of our union is vulnerable, and our adversaries are taking advantage of each of Biden’s failures.
Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington.
Respectuflly,
Last week, President Biden delivered his State of the Union Address, where he spent over an hour gaslighting the American people and lying about Republican positions. This speech was nothing more than bad political theater, and I know Texans saw right through the president’s deceit.
For starters, President Biden falsely accused Republicans of planning to cut Social Security and Medicare. This is one of the Democrats’ oldest plays in the book. I remain committed to ensuring our nation’s seniors receive the benefits and healthcare they have earned and deserve. I will not support any cuts that negatively affect the seniors I represent.
Biden also downplayed the ongoing border crisis while claiming he has sought to invest in border security. There have been 2.4 million illegal crossings in the past year alone, and enough fentanyl has been seized to kill every single American. The truth: President Biden stopped construction of the border wall and has lifted every policy possible to deter illegal immigration.
Meanwhile, the president has allowed a Chinese spy balloon to cross the entire continental United States before shooting it down, and now more airborne objects have been shot down over American soil. The real state of our union is vulnerable, and our adversaries are taking advantage of each of Biden’s failures.
Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington.
Respectuflly,
February 3, 2023
Friends,
My colleagues and I on the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Wednesday to kickstart our investigations into the Biden Administration’s handling of the crisis at our southern border. Since President Biden took office, more than 4.5 million migrants have been apprehended, over 100,000 Americans have died from fentanyl poisoning, and nearly 100 known terrorists have been caught. The numbers speak for themselves and we are demanding accountability.
During the hearing, I questioned El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego regarding his open border sympathies and his past comments labeling Republicans as “racist.” Protecting Americans from Fentanyl poisoning, drug cartels, and potential terrorists is a national security issue, not a “race” issue, as Democrats would like you to believe. Gaslighting the American people does not change the fact that our nation is being invaded.
On Thursday, House Republicans also upheld our commitment to national security and Jewish Americans by removing Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs committee. Congresswoman Omar is an unashamed antisemite, has labeled our ally Israel as “evil,” and has downplayed the September 11th attacks on our nation. These remarks call into question Omar’s patriotism and her judgment, and I proudly voted to remove her from the committee.
Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington.
Sincerely,
My colleagues and I on the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Wednesday to kickstart our investigations into the Biden Administration’s handling of the crisis at our southern border. Since President Biden took office, more than 4.5 million migrants have been apprehended, over 100,000 Americans have died from fentanyl poisoning, and nearly 100 known terrorists have been caught. The numbers speak for themselves and we are demanding accountability.
During the hearing, I questioned El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego regarding his open border sympathies and his past comments labeling Republicans as “racist.” Protecting Americans from Fentanyl poisoning, drug cartels, and potential terrorists is a national security issue, not a “race” issue, as Democrats would like you to believe. Gaslighting the American people does not change the fact that our nation is being invaded.
On Thursday, House Republicans also upheld our commitment to national security and Jewish Americans by removing Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs committee. Congresswoman Omar is an unashamed antisemite, has labeled our ally Israel as “evil,” and has downplayed the September 11th attacks on our nation. These remarks call into question Omar’s patriotism and her judgment, and I proudly voted to remove her from the committee.
Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington.
Sincerely,
January 26, 2023
Friends,
Now that the 118th Congress has begun and conservatives control the House of Representatives, I want to hear from you about what issue is most important to your family. What should be the new Conservative majority's top priority this Congress?
Securing the BorderReining in Reckless SpendingAddressing Inflation and High Energy PricesInvestigating the weaponization of the FBI and Federal Government to target conservatives I want to hear from you
Now that the 118th Congress has begun and conservatives control the House of Representatives, I want to hear from you about what issue is most important to your family. What should be the new Conservative majority's top priority this Congress?
Securing the BorderReining in Reckless SpendingAddressing Inflation and High Energy PricesInvestigating the weaponization of the FBI and Federal Government to target conservatives I want to hear from you
January 21, 2023
Friends,
This week, the true extent of President Biden’s mishandling of classified documents became even more evident. I’ve been working to ensure the president is held accountable for his actions and will continue fighting to ensure our Justice system treats all Americans equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Not only did President Biden keep documents containing our nation's secrets in his home’s unsecured garage and his office at the University of Pennsylvania, but he also refused to maintain visitor logs at his residence to keep the American people from knowing who had access to those classified documents. I was the first Member of Congress to call for the release of those visitor logs, which we now know do not exist.
It has become clear the Penn Biden Center, where Joe Biden maintained an office after his time as Vice-President, likely took donations from Chinese entities while simultaneously storing classified documents. President Biden’s mishandling of our nation’s secrets is more serious than President Trump’s alleged crimes, yet there was no televised FBI raid of our current president’s home and office. The hypocrisy of our federal law enforcement agencies is staggering.
Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on the actions I’ve taken this week to hold the Biden Regime accountable.
Sincerely,
This week, the true extent of President Biden’s mishandling of classified documents became even more evident. I’ve been working to ensure the president is held accountable for his actions and will continue fighting to ensure our Justice system treats all Americans equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Not only did President Biden keep documents containing our nation's secrets in his home’s unsecured garage and his office at the University of Pennsylvania, but he also refused to maintain visitor logs at his residence to keep the American people from knowing who had access to those classified documents. I was the first Member of Congress to call for the release of those visitor logs, which we now know do not exist.
It has become clear the Penn Biden Center, where Joe Biden maintained an office after his time as Vice-President, likely took donations from Chinese entities while simultaneously storing classified documents. President Biden’s mishandling of our nation’s secrets is more serious than President Trump’s alleged crimes, yet there was no televised FBI raid of our current president’s home and office. The hypocrisy of our federal law enforcement agencies is staggering.
Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on the actions I’ve taken this week to hold the Biden Regime accountable.
Sincerely,
Friends,As we gather to celebrate the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ this year, I want to extend a very Merry Christmas to you and your family. The Christmas season is a time for reflection and gratitude, and I am thankful faith and family remain the bedrock of our nation.I hope that you have a joyful holiday season, and for those who have lost loved ones this year, I pray that Christ’s comfort surrounds you.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Sincerely,
Friends,This week, I was scheduled to question FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried until the Department of Justice decided otherwise. The night before a hearing where Bankman-Fried was going to answer for the billions of dollars he stole from his customers, he was arrested. While this man is a criminal who should go to jail, the timing of his arrest is suspicious.Sam Bankman-Fried was the second largest donor to liberal politicians this past election cycle behind only George Soros, and now that he is behind bars, he cannot testify and incriminate them. The Biden Justice Department gave every Democrat in Congress an early Christmas present.Justice will be served to Bankman-Fried, but in the meantime, every politician who took a single penny of his stolen money should return it to the victims of his scam. It’s time for investigations and accountability.Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening Washington. Sincerely,
’Friends,This week, the Biden Administration traded an arms dealer for basketball player Britney Griner in a prisoner swap with Russia. While a former U.S. Marine currently suffers in a Russian maximum-security prison, the President chose to prioritize a basketball player who kneels for the national anthem and was arrested for carrying drugs illegally. It is shameful.To make matters worse, the arms dealer released by President Biden has been labeled the “merchant of death” and a threat to international stability. The Biden Administration’s misplaced priorities will have disastrous consequences far into the future.Meanwhile, the countdown has begun. In just twenty-six days, Republicans will gain control of the House and have the subpoena power to investigate decisions like these, the ongoing border crisis, and the Biden crime family’s business dealings. We are just a few short weeks away from accountability for this corrupt administration.Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Gooden Statement on Re-election to U.S. House of RepresentativesNovember 8, 2022
This week, five of the world’s top-producing oil countries, including Saudi Arabia, announced they will be cutting oil production by nearly 2 million barrels per day. This will result in higher gas prices here at home unless the Biden Administration accepts reality and boosts U.S. oil production.This decision comes just months after President Biden visited Saudi Arabia to beg the country to produce more oil and help lower energy prices, but the Biden Administration’s weakness abroad means the U.S. no longer commands the respect of these nations. In response, instead of unleashing U.S. energy production, it was reported on Wednesday Biden is considering easing sanctions on socialist Venezuela in exchange for pumping more oil.President Biden would rather deplete our strategic oil reserves and beg foreign dictators for help rather than return the United States to energy independence. The Left must stop catering to the radical environmentalists in control of them. If they do not act soon, American families will be unable to afford to heat their homes this winter. Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington. Sincerely,
October 3, 2022
Friends,This week, House Republicans unveiled our Commitment to America outlining the conservative plan to fight against the Biden Administration’s reckless policies and put the United States back on the path to prosperity.I am fighting for these policies to create an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a future that’s built on freedom, and a government that’s accountable. The American people can no longer afford the price of socialism, inflation, and Green New Deal policies. It’s time to stop the radical ideas that got us in this situation in the first place.This starts by standing up to the status quo and reining in out-of-control government spending. I voted against the Democrats’ government funding bill this week because I will not support legislation that gives another dollar to Joe Biden’s open-border and soft-on-crime agenda. Republicans cannot continue to enable this president.
Sincerely,
Friends,This week, House Republicans unveiled our Commitment to America outlining the conservative plan to fight against the Biden Administration’s reckless policies and put the United States back on the path to prosperity.I am fighting for these policies to create an economy that’s strong, a nation that’s safe, a future that’s built on freedom, and a government that’s accountable. The American people can no longer afford the price of socialism, inflation, and Green New Deal policies. It’s time to stop the radical ideas that got us in this situation in the first place.This starts by standing up to the status quo and reining in out-of-control government spending. I voted against the Democrats’ government funding bill this week because I will not support legislation that gives another dollar to Joe Biden’s open-border and soft-on-crime agenda. Republicans cannot continue to enable this president.
Sincerely,
’September 23, 2022It was confirmed this week that Vanderbilt University Medical Center has performed gender transition surgeries and given experimental hormone therapies to children as young as 13. These treatments are unscientific, irreversible, and mutilate their bodies.Vanderbilt has even boasted that these operations are “extremely profitable” for the medical center. Chemically castrating and sterilizing children for profit is sick and should not be occurring in the United States.PARENTS AND DOCTORS INVOLVED IN THIS DISGUSTING ACT ON MINORS SHOULD BE LOCKED UP AND FAR AWAY FROM CHILDREN. I’ve introduced legislation to criminalize this practice, and I will not stop fighting until our kids are protected from the Left’s radical gender confusion agenda.Take my survey below and keep reading for more information on what’s happening in Washington.Respectfully,
Friends,This week, major credit card processors, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, announced they will categorize gun purchases separately to help track “suspicious gun sales.” This is an attempt by major corporations to infringe on law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights.These liberal corporations have worked in tandem with the Biden Administration since he took office to push his radical agenda. Categorizing gun sales separately will allow card processors to proactively decline transactions at gun shops and help the administration establish a national registry of gun owners.On Thursday, I sent a letter to all three companies demanding they abandon any attempt to categorize gun purchases and warned conservatives would hold them accountable. We can no longer allow these corporations to punish Americans they disagree with.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
GOODEN DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY FROM THE U.N. ON MIGRANT LOANS
On Thursday, I sent a letter to the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations demanding she turn over information related to taxpayer-funded loans encouraging mass migration to the United States. The Refugee Travel Loan program is ripe for abuse, and the organizations in charge of collecting these loans have made millions off the border crisis. Taxpayer dollars should not be funneled through international organizations to incentivize mass migration to our country.
I enjoyed welcoming Texas High School students to Washington this week and discussing my work in Congress, as well as the issues most important to them.
State Senate Senate District 2 Bob Hall
February 25, 2023
The multi-approach to ending the gender reassignment of children
Social pressure is the number one driver of gender dysphoria, and the way it is currently being treated is not working. We don’t let young children get tattoos, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol, indicating that society believes they are not mature enough to make responsible decisions about these things. We also don’t tell a child who thinks they are too tall to cut off a portion of their legs, so what person in their right mind thinks it’ ok to cut off healthy body parts or give irreversible drugs to children to treat gender dysphoria?
Texas must ban cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers, chemical castration, genital or body altering surgeries, psychological, and social transitioning, or any other gender transitioning methods applied to or performed on children.
Transgender mutilating surgeries were initiated by perverted medical professionals as a new opportunity for hospitals to offer a very profitable surgical service, not just with the initial surgery, but because these procedures create a patient for life.
We could lament the fact that this topic is even up for discussion or bemoan the horrors children who have these treatments face for the rest of their lives, or we could rage against the institutions that have elevated their greed or ideological values at the expense of truly compassionate health care for these children, but instead, let’s discuss how we stop it. Full stop.
It is time to end this madness. It is time for a full force, all-sides attack to put an end to the gender reassignment treatments of minors. To do so, we must address the issue on three fronts: revoking of licenses of doctors, setting criminal penalties for the facilitators, and prohibiting coverage by health insurance companies. The doctors. There is no excuse for intentionally mutilating the non-diseased, healthy genitalia or breasts of a minor. Nor is there any legitimate reason to give a gender-confused minor body-altering, sterilizing, life-wreaking hormone blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments. None. Doctors or other healthcare workers who do this should be guilty of malpractice and lose their license and other qualifications to practice medicine.
Senate Bill 250 will address this issue by prohibiting gender reassignment surgeries and other treatments of minors by physicians (except in limited, medically necessary instances), prohibiting liability insurance coverage for these treatments, and requiring the license revocation of any physician who performs these prohibited treatments.
The facilitators. Children have limited ability to travel to doctors’ appointments or determine treatment options. They rely on the adults in their lives to advocate for them, care for them, and, ultimately, make healthcare decisions for them. That is why it is important to hold the people who are facilitating the gender reassignment treatments of minors responsible. Gender dysphoria is not a new issue, but the way it is being addressed is new. Instead of helping a child figure out why they are experiencing these feelings and helping them work through them, the treatment options have moved towards harmful hormone treatments and mutilating surgeries.
Anyone who facilitates a child’s access to gender reassignment surgeries should be held accountable. It is currently illegal in Texas to mutilate the genitalia of a female minor. Senate Bill 249 amends this statute by applying the prohibition to both genders. The penalty for assisting a minor in obtaining a gender reassignment surgery is a state jail felony.
The health insurance companies. One of the reasons that gender reassignment treatments for minors, either through hormones or surgery, are becoming more prevalent is because health insurance companies offer coverage for these treatments. Unfortunately, many times, the coverage does not extend to the myriad of lifelong health complications that accompany these treatments.
That is why I have filed Senate Bill 1029 which would prohibit any public funds from being used for the purpose of transgender treatment or surgeries, would make health insurance companies that perform transgender treatments strictly liable for the care of a patient for their lifetime, and would prohibit state-funded health plans, including Medicaid and CHIP, from covering these treatments.
Together, these three bills offer a comprehensive approach to fully terminate the practice of hormone blockers, cross-sex hormone therapy, and transgender surgeries of minors in Texas. This is the best way to protect children from facing a life of regret because those that should have protected them failed to do so.
Social pressure is the number one driver of gender dysphoria, and the way it is currently being treated is not working. We don’t let young children get tattoos, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol, indicating that society believes they are not mature enough to make responsible decisions about these things. We also don’t tell a child who thinks they are too tall to cut off a portion of their legs, so what person in their right mind thinks it’ ok to cut off healthy body parts or give irreversible drugs to children to treat gender dysphoria?
Texas must ban cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers, chemical castration, genital or body altering surgeries, psychological, and social transitioning, or any other gender transitioning methods applied to or performed on children.
Transgender mutilating surgeries were initiated by perverted medical professionals as a new opportunity for hospitals to offer a very profitable surgical service, not just with the initial surgery, but because these procedures create a patient for life.
We could lament the fact that this topic is even up for discussion or bemoan the horrors children who have these treatments face for the rest of their lives, or we could rage against the institutions that have elevated their greed or ideological values at the expense of truly compassionate health care for these children, but instead, let’s discuss how we stop it. Full stop.
It is time to end this madness. It is time for a full force, all-sides attack to put an end to the gender reassignment treatments of minors. To do so, we must address the issue on three fronts: revoking of licenses of doctors, setting criminal penalties for the facilitators, and prohibiting coverage by health insurance companies. The doctors. There is no excuse for intentionally mutilating the non-diseased, healthy genitalia or breasts of a minor. Nor is there any legitimate reason to give a gender-confused minor body-altering, sterilizing, life-wreaking hormone blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments. None. Doctors or other healthcare workers who do this should be guilty of malpractice and lose their license and other qualifications to practice medicine.
Senate Bill 250 will address this issue by prohibiting gender reassignment surgeries and other treatments of minors by physicians (except in limited, medically necessary instances), prohibiting liability insurance coverage for these treatments, and requiring the license revocation of any physician who performs these prohibited treatments.
The facilitators. Children have limited ability to travel to doctors’ appointments or determine treatment options. They rely on the adults in their lives to advocate for them, care for them, and, ultimately, make healthcare decisions for them. That is why it is important to hold the people who are facilitating the gender reassignment treatments of minors responsible. Gender dysphoria is not a new issue, but the way it is being addressed is new. Instead of helping a child figure out why they are experiencing these feelings and helping them work through them, the treatment options have moved towards harmful hormone treatments and mutilating surgeries.
Anyone who facilitates a child’s access to gender reassignment surgeries should be held accountable. It is currently illegal in Texas to mutilate the genitalia of a female minor. Senate Bill 249 amends this statute by applying the prohibition to both genders. The penalty for assisting a minor in obtaining a gender reassignment surgery is a state jail felony.
The health insurance companies. One of the reasons that gender reassignment treatments for minors, either through hormones or surgery, are becoming more prevalent is because health insurance companies offer coverage for these treatments. Unfortunately, many times, the coverage does not extend to the myriad of lifelong health complications that accompany these treatments.
That is why I have filed Senate Bill 1029 which would prohibit any public funds from being used for the purpose of transgender treatment or surgeries, would make health insurance companies that perform transgender treatments strictly liable for the care of a patient for their lifetime, and would prohibit state-funded health plans, including Medicaid and CHIP, from covering these treatments.
Together, these three bills offer a comprehensive approach to fully terminate the practice of hormone blockers, cross-sex hormone therapy, and transgender surgeries of minors in Texas. This is the best way to protect children from facing a life of regret because those that should have protected them failed to do so.
January 31, 2023
Quick 88th Legislative Sesson Snapshot Update.....Last week, the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the Senate committee assignments. I was honored to be assigned Chairman of the Administration Committee and also serve on the Finance, Health & Human Services, Local Government, and Veteran Affairs Committees.
I want to thank Lt. Governor Patrick for his confidence in appointing me to these positions. Not only are these areas important issues for Senate District 2, but they are crucial to Texas' continued leadership.
According to the legislative priorities set by Senate leadership, these five committees will make pivotal decisions on hot-topic issues ranging from medical freedom, meaningful veteran support, as well as, strategically setting the Local and Uncontested Calendar for the Senate Floor.Texas Electric Grid Update
While increasing capacity is important, we must not overlook the vulnerability of our grid to multiple threats. We must ensure it is both reliable and resilient by incorporating the necessary technologies that protect against both natural and man-made threats.
Currently, the electric grid is vulnerable to a wide range of both natural and man-made existential threats, including cyber-attacks, malware, electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) that would, at best, disrupt the grid, and at worst, cause the entire grid to go down. Electricity affects almost every aspect of our modern life: healthcare, transportation, banking, sanitation, water, and food.
Electricity is the second most important thing for sustaining life as we now know it. The state does not have a robust plan in place to address a widespread, long-term power outage. Since electricity is vital for survival, if the grid goes down, thousands of people risk losing their life.
Solutions to harden the grid, once thought to be too expensive, can now be implemented at a fraction of the cost due to technological advances. While some cities and localities have implemented measures to harden their infrastructure, it is time for Texas to take steps to ensure the safety of all Texans by addressing grid vulnerabilities.
I have filed, Senate Bill 330, to address these infrastructure needs. Watch a video update on the Texas Electric Grid here.Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Finance met for the first time for the 88th Legislative Session. The State Comptroller, Glen Hegar, briefed us on expected revenue estimates for the upcoming budget cycle. Highlights from this hearing:
The state is expected to have $342.3 billion in 2024-25. The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF)–the State’s savings account will reach its constitutional cap during the 2024-25 biennium.
The decisions the Legislature has to make in coming months include, but not limited to:
What do we spend and what do we save? Find a way to control costs so that Texans can keep more of their money. Do we raise the constitutional cap on the ESF in order to save more for future needs or emergencies? What will the impact of inflation have on spending and tax collection in the months ahead? If we increase funding for ongoing items in this cycle, how will it meet those needs in future years? What are the one-time expenses we can use the money for this cycle?
Quick 88th Legislative Session Snapshot Update.....Last week, the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the Senate committee assignments. I was honored to be assigned Chairman of the Administration Committee and also serve on the Finance, Health & Human Services, Local Government, and Veteran Affairs Committees.
I want to thank Lt. Governor Patrick for his confidence in appointing me to these positions. Not only are these areas important issues for Senate District 2, but they are crucial to Texas' continued leadership.
According to the legislative priorities set by Senate leadership, these five committees will make pivotal decisions on hot-topic issues ranging from medical freedom, meaningful veteran support, as well as, strategically setting the Local and Uncontested Calendar for the Senate Floor.Texas Electric Grid Update
While increasing capacity is important, we must not overlook the vulnerability of our grid to multiple threats. We must ensure it is both reliable and resilient by incorporating the necessary technologies that protect against both natural and man-made threats.
Currently, the electric grid is vulnerable to a wide range of both natural and man-made existential threats, including cyber-attacks, malware, electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) that would, at best, disrupt the grid, and at worst, cause the entire grid to go down. Electricity affects almost every aspect of our modern life: healthcare, transportation, banking, sanitation, water, and food.
Electricity is the second most important thing for sustaining life as we now know it. The state does not have a robust plan in place to address a widespread, long-term power outage. Since electricity is vital for survival, if the grid goes down, thousands of people risk losing their life.
Solutions to harden the grid, once thought to be too expensive, can now be implemented at a fraction of the cost due to technological advances. While some cities and localities have implemented measures to harden their infrastructure, it is time for Texas to take steps to ensure the safety of all Texans by addressing grid vulnerabilities.
I have filed, Senate Bill 330, to address these infrastructure needs.
I want to thank Lt. Governor Patrick for his confidence in appointing me to these positions. Not only are these areas important issues for Senate District 2, but they are crucial to Texas' continued leadership.
According to the legislative priorities set by Senate leadership, these five committees will make pivotal decisions on hot-topic issues ranging from medical freedom, meaningful veteran support, as well as, strategically setting the Local and Uncontested Calendar for the Senate Floor.Texas Electric Grid Update
While increasing capacity is important, we must not overlook the vulnerability of our grid to multiple threats. We must ensure it is both reliable and resilient by incorporating the necessary technologies that protect against both natural and man-made threats.
Currently, the electric grid is vulnerable to a wide range of both natural and man-made existential threats, including cyber-attacks, malware, electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) that would, at best, disrupt the grid, and at worst, cause the entire grid to go down. Electricity affects almost every aspect of our modern life: healthcare, transportation, banking, sanitation, water, and food.
Electricity is the second most important thing for sustaining life as we now know it. The state does not have a robust plan in place to address a widespread, long-term power outage. Since electricity is vital for survival, if the grid goes down, thousands of people risk losing their life.
Solutions to harden the grid, once thought to be too expensive, can now be implemented at a fraction of the cost due to technological advances. While some cities and localities have implemented measures to harden their infrastructure, it is time for Texas to take steps to ensure the safety of all Texans by addressing grid vulnerabilities.
I have filed, Senate Bill 330, to address these infrastructure needs. Watch a video update on the Texas Electric Grid here.Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Finance met for the first time for the 88th Legislative Session. The State Comptroller, Glen Hegar, briefed us on expected revenue estimates for the upcoming budget cycle. Highlights from this hearing:
The state is expected to have $342.3 billion in 2024-25. The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF)–the State’s savings account will reach its constitutional cap during the 2024-25 biennium.
The decisions the Legislature has to make in coming months include, but not limited to:
What do we spend and what do we save? Find a way to control costs so that Texans can keep more of their money. Do we raise the constitutional cap on the ESF in order to save more for future needs or emergencies? What will the impact of inflation have on spending and tax collection in the months ahead? If we increase funding for ongoing items in this cycle, how will it meet those needs in future years? What are the one-time expenses we can use the money for this cycle?
Quick 88th Legislative Session Snapshot Update.....Last week, the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the Senate committee assignments. I was honored to be assigned Chairman of the Administration Committee and also serve on the Finance, Health & Human Services, Local Government, and Veteran Affairs Committees.
I want to thank Lt. Governor Patrick for his confidence in appointing me to these positions. Not only are these areas important issues for Senate District 2, but they are crucial to Texas' continued leadership.
According to the legislative priorities set by Senate leadership, these five committees will make pivotal decisions on hot-topic issues ranging from medical freedom, meaningful veteran support, as well as, strategically setting the Local and Uncontested Calendar for the Senate Floor.Texas Electric Grid Update
While increasing capacity is important, we must not overlook the vulnerability of our grid to multiple threats. We must ensure it is both reliable and resilient by incorporating the necessary technologies that protect against both natural and man-made threats.
Currently, the electric grid is vulnerable to a wide range of both natural and man-made existential threats, including cyber-attacks, malware, electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) that would, at best, disrupt the grid, and at worst, cause the entire grid to go down. Electricity affects almost every aspect of our modern life: healthcare, transportation, banking, sanitation, water, and food.
Electricity is the second most important thing for sustaining life as we now know it. The state does not have a robust plan in place to address a widespread, long-term power outage. Since electricity is vital for survival, if the grid goes down, thousands of people risk losing their life.
Solutions to harden the grid, once thought to be too expensive, can now be implemented at a fraction of the cost due to technological advances. While some cities and localities have implemented measures to harden their infrastructure, it is time for Texas to take steps to ensure the safety of all Texans by addressing grid vulnerabilities.
I have filed, Senate Bill 330, to address these infrastructure needs.
Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Finance met for the first time for the 88th Legislative Session. The State Comptroller, Glen Hegar, briefed us on expected revenue estimates for the upcoming budget cycle. Highlights from this hearing: The state is expected to have $342.3 billion in 2024-25. The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF)–the State’s savings account will reach its constitutional cap during the 2024-25 biennium.The decisions the Legislature has to make in coming months include, but not limited to:
What do we spend and what do we save? Find a way to control costs so that Texans can keep more of their money. Do we raise the constitutional cap on the ESF in order to save more for future needs or emergencies? What will the impact of inflation have on spending and tax collection in the months ahead? If we increase funding for ongoing items in this cycle, how will it meet those needs in future years? What are the one-time expenses we can use the money for this cycle?
Texas Senators serve staggered four- year terms of office. Every 10 years, after the Legislature completes re-districting, every senator is up for election. During the opening days of session, the Senators draw lots to determine who will serve a two-year term and who will serve a four-year term going forward for the next decade. That practice was carried out on the Senator Floor this afternoon and I am happy to announce I drew a four-year term.
The 88th Legislative Session is upon us!Today, the 88th Texas Legislature gaveled in for the first time of this session. Over the next several months, I have the honor of representing the constituents of Senate District 2 at the Texas Capitol. After the re-districting process of last session, Senate District 2 welcomes some new constituents from Collin, Ellis, and Navarro Counties, while bidding a found farewell to some former constituents in Delta, Fannin, Hopkins, Hunt, and Rains Counties. We look forward to serving all of you.
During a time when other states are facing unprecedented fiscal deficits and the need to increase taxes, Texas lawmakers have the task of deciding how to allocate a record surplus of $27 billion. In some ways, that can be as difficult as dealing with a shortfall. Though the money may be available, the Legislature is restrained by multiple constitutional spending caps. And, since the money is not guaranteed to be available in future sessions, the Legislature must be prudent not to raise spending in a way that will be unsustainable in the future.
If you are interested in following the Texas Legislature, you may do so at http://capitol.texas.gov. In addition to tracking specific legislation, this is the website to watch committee meetings or floor sessions for both the House and Senate. Below is an initial list of highlighted legislative priorities and legislation which our office has requested or filed as we approach the 88th Legislative Session. Please note that this list may change as we progress through session.
Election IntegrityNothing is more important in a Republic than fair and transparent elections. Our current election process creates far too many opportunities for human error. We will be filing a series of bills to require paper ballots and paper poll books, as well as, processes to reduce error and increase transparency.
Children and Gender ModificationThere is a growing practice of surgically removing or altering perfectly healthy, normal body parts of children suffering from gender dysphoria in the name of "healthcare." This barbaric practice is traumatic for children who are at an age when they cannot adequately comprehend the gravity of an action that is not reversible and has a lifelong impact. No child should be subjected to such an atrocious act. Altering a person's genitals does not miraculously make their life better, but it will lead to a future with severe consequences. We have filed Senate Bill 249 and Senate Bill 250, which would prohibit anyone from prescribing hormone therapies or performing gender reassignment surgeries on minors suffering from gender dysphoria. Healthcare professionals who prescribe or perform hormone therapies or reassignment surgeries could lose their license.
Protecting the GridOne of my major legislative priorities since first elected has been to secure the Texas electric grid. We have filed Senate Bill 330, to create the Texas Grid Security Commission (TGSC) under the direction of the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to evaluate all hazards to the ERCOT electric grid, vulnerabilities of essential service systems for municipalities, and create a plan for securing the resiliency of our electric grid, that will be folded into the State Emergency Plan.
Medical FreedomMedical freedoms are under attack, affecting both providers' ability to provide health care and patients' ability to access beneficial health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians and nurses were ostracized for providing life-saving treatment to their patients, simply because they did not mimic the federal government’s health care experts’ COVID-19 recommendations. Many have faced expensive fines, ridicule from peers, having their livelihood threatened, and some have even had their board certifications revoked. Patients should be treated with dignity and respect, have access to their doctor of choice, and be able to choose their treatment options. We have filed Senate Bill 298, Senate Bill 302, and Senate Bill 305 to address individuals’ freedom to make their own decisions regarding vaccines; Senate Bill 297, Senate Bill 299, Senate Bill 300, and Senate Bill 301 to protect patients’ access to medical care and physicians’ practice of medicine; Senate Bill 303 and Senate Bill 304 to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s vaccination status; and finally, Senate Bill 306 and Senate Bill 307 to address medical freedom during a public health disaster. Senate District 2 continues to have some of the most involved citizens in the State and you can be proud of your active voting record. I am proud to represent this district and I thank you for your continued participation in issues that are so important to our community and state.
As we move forward into session, I ask for your prayers for wisdom and guidance for both myself and other members of the 88th Texas Legislature as we evaluate policies that affect the people of Texas.
As always, our office is open and you are welcome to discuss any issue of concern. No appointment is necessary.
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you." - 1 Chronicles 28:20
During a time when other states are facing unprecedented fiscal deficits and the need to increase taxes, Texas lawmakers have the task of deciding how to allocate a record surplus of $27 billion. In some ways, that can be as difficult as dealing with a shortfall. Though the money may be available, the Legislature is restrained by multiple constitutional spending caps. And, since the money is not guaranteed to be available in future sessions, the Legislature must be prudent not to raise spending in a way that will be unsustainable in the future.
If you are interested in following the Texas Legislature, you may do so at http://capitol.texas.gov. In addition to tracking specific legislation, this is the website to watch committee meetings or floor sessions for both the House and Senate. Below is an initial list of highlighted legislative priorities and legislation which our office has requested or filed as we approach the 88th Legislative Session. Please note that this list may change as we progress through session.
Election IntegrityNothing is more important in a Republic than fair and transparent elections. Our current election process creates far too many opportunities for human error. We will be filing a series of bills to require paper ballots and paper poll books, as well as, processes to reduce error and increase transparency.
Children and Gender ModificationThere is a growing practice of surgically removing or altering perfectly healthy, normal body parts of children suffering from gender dysphoria in the name of "healthcare." This barbaric practice is traumatic for children who are at an age when they cannot adequately comprehend the gravity of an action that is not reversible and has a lifelong impact. No child should be subjected to such an atrocious act. Altering a person's genitals does not miraculously make their life better, but it will lead to a future with severe consequences. We have filed Senate Bill 249 and Senate Bill 250, which would prohibit anyone from prescribing hormone therapies or performing gender reassignment surgeries on minors suffering from gender dysphoria. Healthcare professionals who prescribe or perform hormone therapies or reassignment surgeries could lose their license.
Protecting the GridOne of my major legislative priorities since first elected has been to secure the Texas electric grid. We have filed Senate Bill 330, to create the Texas Grid Security Commission (TGSC) under the direction of the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) to evaluate all hazards to the ERCOT electric grid, vulnerabilities of essential service systems for municipalities, and create a plan for securing the resiliency of our electric grid, that will be folded into the State Emergency Plan.
Medical FreedomMedical freedoms are under attack, affecting both providers' ability to provide health care and patients' ability to access beneficial health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians and nurses were ostracized for providing life-saving treatment to their patients, simply because they did not mimic the federal government’s health care experts’ COVID-19 recommendations. Many have faced expensive fines, ridicule from peers, having their livelihood threatened, and some have even had their board certifications revoked. Patients should be treated with dignity and respect, have access to their doctor of choice, and be able to choose their treatment options. We have filed Senate Bill 298, Senate Bill 302, and Senate Bill 305 to address individuals’ freedom to make their own decisions regarding vaccines; Senate Bill 297, Senate Bill 299, Senate Bill 300, and Senate Bill 301 to protect patients’ access to medical care and physicians’ practice of medicine; Senate Bill 303 and Senate Bill 304 to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s vaccination status; and finally, Senate Bill 306 and Senate Bill 307 to address medical freedom during a public health disaster. Senate District 2 continues to have some of the most involved citizens in the State and you can be proud of your active voting record. I am proud to represent this district and I thank you for your continued participation in issues that are so important to our community and state.
As we move forward into session, I ask for your prayers for wisdom and guidance for both myself and other members of the 88th Texas Legislature as we evaluate policies that affect the people of Texas.
As always, our office is open and you are welcome to discuss any issue of concern. No appointment is necessary.
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you." - 1 Chronicles 28:20
State Representative House District 4 Keith Bell
March 17, 2023 Updates
On Tuesday, I was proud to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Number 1 British Flying Training School Museum. Thank you to Executive Director Patrick Hotard and Board Chairman Bill Hutmacher for your work in ensuring that we can continue to showcase this historic site in House District 4!
Wonderful to see one of Kaufman County's finest, Constable Jason Johnson of Precinct 2, in Austin before his testimony on H.B. 879. Kaufman County and HD 4 are lucky to have such a dedicated public servant!
Yesterday, The House Committee on Environmental Regulation held its first hearing. We received reports from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding the impact this committee will have on shaping regulatory policy.
Great reception at the Kaufman Civic Center celebrating the retirement of Kaufman’s City Manager Mike Slye. Mike’s been a great leader during the meteoric growth of our area. It was my privilege to present him with a Resolution recognizing his service, congratulations!
February 25, 2023
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Thanks to the educators from Crandall ISD and Terrell ISD who made the trek to the Capitol this week to discuss how the legislature can continue to support the students of HD 4!.
Good to see Mayor Carmona of Terrell after his testimony to The Senate Finance Committee on the needs of Terrell State Hospital.
Scurry-Rosser Parents & Friends FFA-4H BBQ and Auction. Hats off to the students, parents and local elected leaders for their commitment to these organizations and projects!
Enjoyed a visit from the Byrnes family. As a former Texas Ranger Captain, Sheriff Byrnes was in Austin as the Legislature commemorated the bicentennial of the Texas Rangers.
Great to visit with Judge Casey Blair about how the Legislature can continue to support our local courts.
Support Our Efforts, Let's Cut Your Property Taxes Now!
2/15/2023By: State Rep. Keith Bell
Texas is known far and wide as a low-tax state, boasting the fifth lowest taxes in America. This is one reason we are one of the most economically strong places to do business on Earth. Each year, companies and jobs flock to Texas, making us the top exporting state in America - exporting more products than the following three highest states combined.
But despite this reputation, there is one kind of tax Texans pay more of than most other states: property taxes. When I got elected to the legislature in 2020, I planned to lower property taxes once and for all. At that time, Texas had the 2nd highest property tax bills in America. I have since voted to lower property taxes during every legislative session. While we've made progress, Texas is still ranked 7th highest. It's clear that we still have much more work to do.
This year, I will push for the biggest tax cut in Texas history – it may be the biggest in any state's history.
Texas is known for being a fiscally conservative state. When COVID hit, we did not raise taxes like many other states. Instead, we figured out ways to lower taxes. States that raised them are now suffering, while states like Texas are thriving. California raised taxes and now faces a $22.5 billion deficit. Of course, they will raise taxes again. But Texas, after cutting taxes every legislative session since COVID, has a surplus of $32.7 billion- more than the entire state budget of 29 states.
So, what should Texas do with all that money? Pass a new spending program? No. We should pass the most significant tax cut ever and let Texans benefit from Texas' fiscal responsibility.
We will do it on every front. First, we will increase your Homestead Tax Exemption- a simple and permanent solution. We raised the exemption by 60% to $40,000 in the last session of the legislature by passing a Texas Constitutional Amendment. You and your fellow citizens voted with nearly 88% of the statewide vote in favor of this tax cut. This year, I want to increase the exemption once again.
But we should not stop there. We must work to cut your local school taxes (education taxes are the largest share, by far, of your local property tax bill). Part of public school spending is paid by the state, while part is paid by local taxes. Currently, local taxes are covering too much as statewide education spending has shrunk. In the last two sessions, we began to turn that around. As the state pays more, local property taxes pay less.
One other property tax reform measure is very close to my heart. This legislative session, I introduced a bill to reform the appraisal process. My bill, HB 868, will cut the amount your home tax appraisal can rise to just 3.5% per year. As we've seen over the last several years, home appraisals can be more volatile than the stock market. During the COVID pandemic, home prices went down and then shot up. A person not buying or selling a home has watched as their tax bill increases out of control. My bill will stop this volatility by lowering the appraisal cap. Though appraisal caps like this one have failed in the past, this is the year we have the best chance we have ever had.
States across the nation are taking notice of what Texas and other states are doing to lower taxes. They might soon come to realize that high taxes are economic poison. By lowering taxes in a substantial, permanent way, we can put money back in the pocket of every Texan family and empower them to make their own financial decisions.
Texas is known far and wide as a low-tax state, boasting the fifth lowest taxes in America. This is one reason we are one of the most economically strong places to do business on Earth. Each year, companies and jobs flock to Texas, making us the top exporting state in America - exporting more products than the following three highest states combined.
But despite this reputation, there is one kind of tax Texans pay more of than most other states: property taxes. When I got elected to the legislature in 2020, I planned to lower property taxes once and for all. At that time, Texas had the 2nd highest property tax bills in America. I have since voted to lower property taxes during every legislative session. While we've made progress, Texas is still ranked 7th highest. It's clear that we still have much more work to do.
This year, I will push for the biggest tax cut in Texas history – it may be the biggest in any state's history.
Texas is known for being a fiscally conservative state. When COVID hit, we did not raise taxes like many other states. Instead, we figured out ways to lower taxes. States that raised them are now suffering, while states like Texas are thriving. California raised taxes and now faces a $22.5 billion deficit. Of course, they will raise taxes again. But Texas, after cutting taxes every legislative session since COVID, has a surplus of $32.7 billion- more than the entire state budget of 29 states.
So, what should Texas do with all that money? Pass a new spending program? No. We should pass the most significant tax cut ever and let Texans benefit from Texas' fiscal responsibility.
We will do it on every front. First, we will increase your Homestead Tax Exemption- a simple and permanent solution. We raised the exemption by 60% to $40,000 in the last session of the legislature by passing a Texas Constitutional Amendment. You and your fellow citizens voted with nearly 88% of the statewide vote in favor of this tax cut. This year, I want to increase the exemption once again.
But we should not stop there. We must work to cut your local school taxes (education taxes are the largest share, by far, of your local property tax bill). Part of public school spending is paid by the state, while part is paid by local taxes. Currently, local taxes are covering too much as statewide education spending has shrunk. In the last two sessions, we began to turn that around. As the state pays more, local property taxes pay less.
One other property tax reform measure is very close to my heart. This legislative session, I introduced a bill to reform the appraisal process. My bill, HB 868, will cut the amount your home tax appraisal can rise to just 3.5% per year. As we've seen over the last several years, home appraisals can be more volatile than the stock market. During the COVID pandemic, home prices went down and then shot up. A person not buying or selling a home has watched as their tax bill increases out of control. My bill will stop this volatility by lowering the appraisal cap. Though appraisal caps like this one have failed in the past, this is the year we have the best chance we have ever had.
States across the nation are taking notice of what Texas and other states are doing to lower taxes. They might soon come to realize that high taxes are economic poison. By lowering taxes in a substantial, permanent way, we can put money back in the pocket of every Texan family and empower them to make their own financial decisions.
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It was my honor to welcome you to the Capitol!The 2023 Kaufman County Day was a huge success with over 150 attendees. Thanks for attending and know my office and I enjoyed being your host.I appreciate the opportunity to be your State Representative!
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Tuesday, January 10, 2023 was the Opening Day of the 88th Legislative Session! I want to especially thank Annette, without her support I could not do this job. Know that I am truly humbled and appreciative for the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. Thanks for your confidence and support!
Enjoyed visiting with my friend and State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) Member for Senate District 2, Bruce Bishop.
As required by the Texas Constitution, the Comptroller of Public Accounts released the revenue estimate that the state of Texas expects to receive through the next two-year budget period.
legislative Interim Report
Today, I filed my first bill of the 88th Legislative Session to protect our elections and ensure that voter fraud is fully investigated and prosecuted. House Bill 678 will restore the authority of the Texas Attorney General to investigate voter fraud and appoint a special prosecutor if local prosecutors refuse to act.
Thanks to the voters of House District 4, I am honored to announce that I have won re-election to a 3rd Term in the Texas House!I am thankful for all the encouragement, support and confidence you have shown. Especially, to Annette, Kate, Sarah and the rest of my family for your love, sacrifice and support of my civic service!
How We Measure Our Public Schools, Students MattersOur Public School Testing, Accountability System Needs Reform
By Keith BellSchools and testing go hand in hand. We test and grade students to ensure mastery of the content and preparation for the next grade, for college, and for careers. The State of Texas’ testing and accountability system has too long been a point of contention and controversy. Our students, our teachers, our schools, and our taxpayers deserve better. It’s time for the state to get testing and accountability right. Today, the State of Texas relies on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and, for high school, End of Course exams to gauge student and school progress and success. Results shared by the Texas Education Agency this summer show Texas students bouncing back strong from a COVID pandemic, a credit to the hard work of our classroom teachers and the students themselves. Students’ reading and math scores on the state’s STAAR assessment improved over last year, and, even better news, is that many grades saw reading scores above pre-pandemic levels. But, that good news shouldn’t mask a deeply flawed testing and accountability system in need of reform. Assessments can be valuable tools to better inform instruction, help teachers address gaps in students’ learning, provide diagnostic tools to meet individual student needs and track student academic growth over time. That’s not what the state’s required testing does today. Instead, our state places entirely too much emphasis on one test given on one day to grade our public schools’ and students’ performance. The use of a single test to grade a campus, a teacher, or a student fails to look holistically at the many factors that contribute to educational success. End of Course exams for high school students are another form of high-stakes testing that results in one test, on one day to determine if a student can graduate. We need a system that doesn’t grade schools on a single test. Such a system, as our current A-F accountability system, simply doesn’t provide meaningful data or perspective on how our schools are doing to prepare students for their future. Texas can create a robust accountability system that uses tests to help guide academic decisions, without making it the sole focus of that accountability system. We need to make such reform a focal point of lawmakers’ work at the Capitol next year. Our students and our schools are such an integral part of our state’s long-term vibrancy, strength and, success. We owe it to them and to all of us to get this right.
August 23 , 2022 Texas Gun RanchGreat time Saturday supporting Rockwall/Kaufman CASA at their annual skeet shoot, thanks Lauren Rowe and your members for your advocacy!
rOE v WADE OVERTURNED
On June 24, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade resulting in the protection of millions of lives across many States in our great Nation. In preparation for this moment, the Texas Legislature passed several substantial measures to protect both unborn babies from abortion and to support women with unplanned pregnancies. I was proud to support HB 1280 to completely ban abortions, if Roe v. Wade was overturned. Now in motion, the law will go into effect July 24, 2022. This is a huge win for the pro-life movement, and the many innocent lives in Texas.
sunset advisory commission meeting
A productive week has come to a close while serving on the Texas Sunset Commission. During the June 22 hearing, the commission reviewed and assessed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. We took a closer look at the effectiveness of both agencies and reviewed the Sunset staff's recommendations for future improvement. It has been a great honor and privilege to further improve Texas agencies on this commission.
SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF PRAYING
FOOTBALL COACH
On June 27, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District involving Joseph Kennedy, a former high school football coach in the Bremerton School District in Washington state. Kennedy had a practice of praying after school games until the school asked him to stop. However, the coach refused to stop praying and was promptly removed from his coaching position. Kennedy then sued the school district arguing it violated his First Amendment right of free exercise of religion and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. His case progressed before the Supreme Court where Justices ruled in favor of Kennedy in a 6-3 decision. This is a landmark decision for American principles of religious freedom and free speech!