On the Issues
As your State Representative, I have used my experience as a local business owner, proud U.S. Army Veteran, and engineer to help keep taxes low and encourage job growth, protect our veterans, and improve local transportation. To see my straightforward stance on the important issues facing our community and state, please read below:
Jobs, Taxes & the Economy:
Helped pass legislation that cut taxes for 40,000 small businesses in Texas – 7,000 in Harris County alone – by raising small business tax exemptions • Helped pass homeowner appraisals reforms to alleviate the long felt pressures of appraisal creeps and increased property tax burdens • Helped pass landmark lawsuit abuse reform to cut down on frivolous lawsuits • Strongly oppose a state income tax • Supports reduced government spending, and lower taxes to encourage job growth
Border Security:
Strongly oppose “sanctuary city” policies • Have consistently voted for increased border security funding to put more manpower and technology along our border
Election Integrity:
Strongly support legislation that would require a valid Texas Photo ID to vote
Veterans:
Helped pass property tax exemptions for disabled veterans • Co-authored legislation that created the Texas Vietnam Memorial at the State Capitol
Port of Houston/ Houston Ship Channel:
Authored and passed legislation that allows the Port of Houston Authority to use existing Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) security and communication systems to better protect the Houston Ship Channel
Hurricane Preparedness:
Served on a select committee to review local government
response to Hurricane Ike
Local Transportation:
Authored and passed legislation that improved the availability of resources to our freight rail districts to encourage the movement of cargo off of our state highway systems to reduce congestion and wear and tear on our roads • Helped pass a 2-year moratorium on tolling existing free roads
Battleship Texas/ San Jacinto Battleground:
Is leading the effort to dry berth the Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground
Health Care:
Oppose President Obama’s national health care plan • Oppose rationing of care, especially as it pertains to seniors • Support insurance reform to drive down the costs of health care
Public School Education:
Strongly support local control • Oppose state/federal mandates on our local schools • Helped pass legislation that replaced the TAKS test in high school with end-of-course exams so our teachers aren’t forced to teach to the test
2nd Amendment Rights:
Strongly support 2nd amendment rights including the
right –to–carry handgun law
Private Property Rights:
Support true eminent domain reform that includes stricter penalties for not negotiating in good faith; adequate compensation for diminished access; a 10-year buy back provision for land that isn’t used; and clarifies that eminent domain can only be exercised for public use
Pro-Family Values:
Support prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance in schools
Support Pro Life legislation
Awards:
• “Distinguished Engineer,” 1997-Texas Engineering Foundation
• “Engineer of Year,” Baytown Chapter, Texas Society of Professional Engineers
• “Service Award,” Baytown Chapter, Texas Society of Professional Engineers
• National Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Defense Medal with Four Bronze Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
• “Fighter for Free Enterprise,” Texas Association of Business 78th Legislator
• “Outstanding Public Servant Award,” Republican Caucus 2003
• “Certificate of Appreciation” – Texas Eagle Education Foundation 2003
• “Conservative Leader Award” Heritage Alliance 2007
• George Washington Award for Citizen Engineer 2007
LEARN MORE