It was truly an East Texas kind of week in Austin!  I was privileged to meet with delegations from both Cass County and Shelby County this week as we celebrated Cass County Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday and Shelby County Day on Thursday.  It is always great to have folks from home come visit in Austin.

This week continued with committee hearings and bill filings.  The Transportation Committee heard testimony that would end the authority of the Department of Transportation to issue more debt out of the Texas Mobility Fund.  This is an important step in the process of returning Texas to the pay-as-you-go model of funding our roads and ending the startling growth in state debt.

There are some important deadlines coming up as well.  Next Friday is the deadline to file bills in the House and the beginning of debate on House bills.  Bills will start coming out of committees and will be voted on by the entire House.  I would encourage you to do research at www.house.state.tx.us and let me know if there are bills that you support or oppose.

This week, I filed a bill that would help law enforcement battle oil field and industrial thefts, which are rampant in our area.  These thefts often cause considerably more in damage than the stolen items are even worth.  This damage and loss is ultimately passed down to you and me in the prices of goods and services we use every day.

I also filed a bill that would allow innovative technology companies such as Uber and Lyft to operate under predictable, sensible statewide regulations that will bring more options and better service to the transportation industry.  As Republicans, we talk a lot about free market principles. This bill enacts those principles and will ultimately empower you, the consumer.

As always, if you have any ideas for legislation or any comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.state.tx.us.