Let’s make others’ holidays more merry

By Rep. Trent Ashby
District 19 Representative

With the Christmas holidays right around the corner, we are entering into a season of giving. As we run around town looking for stocking stuffers and gifts to put under the tree, I want to encourage you to consider our fellow Texans who are struggling and in need of support this holiday season. Together, by donating blankets, old coats, canned foods, or making a financial contribution to a local charity, we can make a profound difference in the lives of others. As it says in Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” This Christmas season, let’s join together to make others’ holidays a little more merry and bright by helping those who may be homebound or in need. To find a donation center near you, please visit: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/location-search To find a food bank near you, please visit: https://www.easttexasfoodbank.org/resource-centers/

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol …

The voters of Texas have spoken. In the recent Constitutional Election, roughly 2.5 million voters rallied to support 13 of the 14 propositions that were on the ballot. These critically important propositions will help deliver historic investments that will serve to benefit the future of Texas.

Perhaps the most notable outcome of the election was the resounding support for delivering the largest property tax cut in Texas history, which was supported by over 2 million Texas voters. Given the persistent problem of skyrocketing property taxes, this proposition will help reduce the financial burden of property owners across our great state.

Texans also supported historic investments in infrastructure, by approving propositions to establish constitutionally dedicated funds to increase access in rural areas to reliable broadband service and enhance our water infrastructure to meet the future demands of a growing population. The voters of Texas also signaled a commitment to protecting and expanding our natural parks by supporting the propositions to create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will help ensure access to the outdoors for future generations.

Equally as significant, Texans demonstrated their appreciation for our retired educators by supporting a proposition to deliver a much-needed cost-of-living-adjustment for our retired teachers.  As a coauthor of this resolution, I was proud to see the overwhelming support and gratitude for our retired teachers.

In summary, I was pleased by the resounding statement made by Texas voters to endorse initiatives that will help rural Texas and serve to address several of the challenges we face as a growing state.

The mobile office is on the road again and our district director will look forward to seeing you on the following dates in the following locations: Dec. 6 at San Augustine County Courthouse from 9-11 a.m., Dec. 13 at the Polk County Commissioners Courtroom in Livingston from 9-11 a.m. or the Tyler County Commissioners Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm, Dec. 20 at the Houston County Commissioners Courtroom in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. or at the Trinity County Commissioners Courtroom in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at 936-634-2762 and our Capitol office at 512-463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my official Facebook page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.