I want to thank many of you for getting in touch with my office this week.  It was great to hear from constituents on issues ranging from teacher pay to high quality pre-kindergarten to pro-life concerns.  We are working on getting everyone a personal response, but please know that your communications are received and taken into account.

This week the House passed one of Gov. Abbott's emergency items, high quality pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year olds.  H.B. 4 establishes a pre-k program with additional funding for school districts that adopt new standards, such as hiring only certified teachers for the classes, implementing curriculum that aligns with the Texas Pre-kindergarten Guidelines, and establishing a plan for parental and family engagement.

The House outlined its tax relief plan this week.  The plan includes a $4.87 billion cut to the sales tax and the franchise tax. The plan cuts the sales tax rate from 6.25% to 5.95%, which would be the first cut in the sales tax rate in state history. This cut is projected to save an average family of four almost $200 per year. The plan also includes a 25% cut to the margins tax.

The House Ways & Means Committee heard my bill, H.B. 849, that would provide two sales tax holidays for firearms and hunting equipment.  This bill will create a sales tax holidays on the weekends before dove and deer season and would save Texas hunters an estimated $7 million each year.  I look forward to debating this bill on the House floor and providing tax relief for millions of Texas sportsman. 

As the legislative session continues, I want to encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about legislation. I want to hear your opinion regarding the issues that are important to you. It is with your input that I am able to best represent you. My office number is 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.state.tx.us.