From the desk of Travis Clardy

This week, Austin was buzzing with inaugural activities for Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. The three leaders of our executive and legislative branches have now been sworn-in.

The Texas Legislature convenes in Austin every two years, and I was excited to begin the 86th Legislative Session on Tuesday, Jan. 8. I am ready to work with my colleagues to improve the lives of my fellow Texans, and the Texas House will tackle many important issues. I am genuinely humbled to represent the hardworking people of Cherokee, Nacogdoches, and Rusk counties this session.

On Monday, Jan. 7, I was honored by to be named the Deep East Texas Legislator of the Year by the Deep East Texas Coalition of Government and the Deep East Texas Commissioners and Judges Association. I have enjoyed working with this group of elected, business and community leaders from across East Texas and look forward to continuing to improve the way of life, and economy opportunities, East Texans value.

On the first day of the legislative session, the members of the Texas House elect one of our peers to serve as Speaker of the House. I was honored to cast my vote for Representative Dennis Bonnen. I look forward to a productive session under the leadership of Speaker Bonnen.

It is important for Gov. Abbott, as our state executive, to work with Lt. Governor Patrick, leader of the Texas Senate, and House Speaker Bonnen during the legislative session to accomplish and implement meaningful reforms for Texans.

During his inaugural speech, Lt. Governor Patrick reiterated the differences between the Texas Legislature’s work in Austin and the temperament in Washington, D.C.

In Texas, we put people over politics and cooperate with a bipartisan collegiality that is not exercised in many legislative bodies.

Governor Abbott’s speech foreshadowed his State of the State address, which will be delivered in early February. The Governor stated that fixing the public education funding system must be a priority for the 86th Legislative Session.

I believe that, with the express commitments of Gov. Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick and Speaker Bonnen, we have a unique opportunity to address our school finance system and take care of the teachers, both current and retired, who commit to our children.

This session, I look forward to working with colleagues in both the House and Senate as we prepare to address school finance and work to make schools safer for the young people of Texas. I believe in the vision of the framers of the Texas Constitution who wrote that the state is responsible for providing an efficient and free education to its citizens. This must be a priority so we can promote a successful, safe, and prosperous public school system for generations of Texans.

Capitol Spotlight

Representative Clardy recently filed House Bill 684 (HB 684), known as Sam’s Law.

This bill is named after Samantha Watkins, a Kilgore ISD student who passed away from complications from an epileptic seizure. HB 684 would ensure public school personnel are trained to provide first aid for people suffering from a seizure.

Additionally, Rep. Clardy has filed resolutions to honor local leaders who have left a great impact on our region and state:

- House Resolution 46: In memory of Louise Herrington Ornelas of Tyler;

- House Resolution 47: In memory of Jack Raymond Stone;

- House Resolution 48: In memory of Judy Clifton Bowman Pitts of Nacogdoches;

- House Resolution 49: In memory of Dr. Marjorie Roper of Bullard; and

- House Resolution 50: In memory of U.S. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Michael John Butchko of Nacogdoches.

Mark your calendar for important dates coming:

· Feb. 12: Jacksonville Leadership Day at the Capitol

· Feb. 19-20: Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the Capitol

Texas District 11 Representative Travis Clardy-(R) reporesents Cherokee, Nacogdoches and Rusk counties.

Contact Rep. Clardy at his Austin office, PO Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768; (512) 463-0592 or at his Nacogdoches office, 202 E. Pilar, Room 310, Nacogdoches, TX 75961; (936) 560-3982.

Visit his website, www.travisfortexas.com.