Dear Fellow Texan,

On the first day of session, my colleagues and I began by coming together and choosing a Speaker to lead our body through what promises to be a difficult and challenging session.  I was honored to be asked by Speaker Straus to place his name into nomination and was pleased to see that he was elected to another term with nearly unanimous support.

Many of you have contacted me regarding Speaker Straus' election.  I carefully listened to each of your concerns.  I believe that the Texas House, now comprised of 101 Republicans, can and will demonstrate conservative principles in action - in budgeting, education, border security, election integrity and other important issues.

As Chairman of the Public Education Committee, I will continue to employ the principles of transparency, accountability and high standards to ensure that the next generation of Texans reaches their full potential.  

As a former basketball coach, I know that it isn't the score at the end of the first five minutes that matters.  I believe that at the end of 140 days that my colleagues and I will have more to show for our work to advance our conservative agenda than any session in the last decade. I implore you to reserve your judgement until the end of the game.  

I am a conservative and with the most conservative Texas House in decades, I believe we will achieve tremendous accomplishments this session.  We have, of course, incredible challenges - not the least of which is Comptroller Combs' revenue estimate that shows we will have to make tough decisions to reduce the size and scope of government this session.  My conservative principles will be my guide as we navigate through these challenges.

As always, Linda and I are tremendously grateful for all of your support and encouragement.  

Thank you and God Bless Texas