85TH SESSION OF THE TEXAS STATE LEGISLATURE

The 85th Session of the Texas Legislature is well underway. During the first week of February, Governor Abbott delivered his “State of the State Address”, in which he outlined his four emergency legislative priorities: reform of the State’s Child Protective Services (CPS) system; an end to “Sanctuary Cities” that harbor and protect illegal immigrants; support of a Convention of the States to address the strengthening of the 10th Amendment to combat Federal overreach; and ethics reform among state agencies, employee unions and members of the Legislature. I am completely supportive of the Governor’s priorities and I look forward to working on each of these important issues.

Committee and Caucus Assignments

Committee assignments were announced in mid-February, and Speaker Joe Straus has asked that I serve on the Agriculture and Livestock Committee and the Investments and Financial Services Committee. I am honored to serve on these committees on behalf of House District 83, where agriculture and our rural banks and financial institutions are of critical importance. Additionally, my House colleagues have chosen me to serve as a member of the Texas House Republican Caucus Policy Committee. The Caucus Policy Committee is tasked with making sound policy recommendations throughout the session to assist my colleagues as they consider their votes.

Legislative Spotlight

I’m excited to begin work on the Ag and Financial Services Committees, and also ready to push for support of my legislative bills. Of particular note is House Bill 2082 , focusing on our First Responders and their difficulties contending with a complex and unwieldy bureaucracy when they seek help after being injured on the job. Texas First responders put their lives on the line every day and many are injured — some quite severely. These men and women are then left to their own devices as they navigate a complex and confusing workers compensation process. Bill 2082 will create an ombudsman position within the worker’s compensation agency to help these injured police and fireman as they file their claims.

Stay Up to Date

As Session progresses, please visit both my Official House of Representatives web site to learn more about the bills I have filed (and their progress through the Senate and the House) as well as Burrows4Texas.com, where you can keep up with the latest news releases, district news, and events in the District. “Like” my Facebook page and also follow me on Twitter for the latest breaking news from your state capitol. I’m grateful for your support and input, and encourage you to contact my office with your views and concerns. You can email me at [email protected] or call my office at (512) 463-0542.

God bless you and your families, and God bless Texas.

Dustin