Lieutenant Governor of Texas
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 2202 Stops Critical Race Theory & 1619 Myths in Texas Schools
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement April 28th, following the passage of Senate Bill 2202, by Senator Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe:
"Texans reject critical race theory and other so-called 'woke' philosophies that maintain that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex or that any individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive. These divisive concepts have been inserted into curriculums around the state, but they have no place in Texas schools. SB 2202 will ensure that they cannot be taught.
"When Texan parents send their children to school, they expect their students to learn to think critically without being forced to consume misinformation about our country's founding and the biases of advocacy groups that seek to belittle our democracy and divide us. I congratulate Senator Creighton and the Texas Senate for passing this critical legislation for our children and our schools."
Statement on the Updated Biennial Revenue Estimate
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement May 3rd, following Comptroller Glenn Hegar's updated biennial revenue estimate (BRE):
"I am not surprised by Comptroller Hegar’s announcement today affirming that our conservative policies — low taxes and reasonable regulation — as well as our commitment to keeping our state open — have caused the Texas economy to take off like a rocket. Businesses are flocking to Texas, creating thousands of new jobs and fueling productivity, growth and innovation. The Texas economy continues to lead the nation and is a major force in the global marketplace."
Statement on Senate Resolution 342 - Urging PUC to Lower the Statewide Pricing Cap
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement on May 3rd, following the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 342, urging the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to significantly lower the system-wide energy pricing cap:
"I congratulate Senator Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and the Texas Senate for unanimously passing Senate Resolution 342 today. During Winter Storm Uri, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) deployed the $9,000 per megawatt hour system-wide energy price cap, resulting in exorbitant energy costs for some and windfall profits for others. Today, the Texas Senate officially called on the PUC to significantly lower the pricing cap. I remain committed to making sure that we fix what went wrong during the winter storm, and significantly lowering the sky-high pricing cap is one thing that can be done immediately. What happened during the February storm cannot be allowed to happen again."
Statement on the Passage of House Bill 1927
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement on May 5th, following the passage of House Bill 1927, carried by Senator Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown:
“I am proud that the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1927 today, the Constitutional Carry bill, which affirms every Texan’s right to self-defense and our state’s strong support for our Second Amendment right to bear arms. In the Lone Star State, the Constitution is our permit to carry. I congratulate Senator Charles Schwertner for his leadership on this important issue and for the thoughtful and respectful debate in the Texas Senate today. We have moved quickly on this legislation, and I want to thank all those involved who helped gather the votes needed to pass this historic bill.”
Statement on Senate Resolution 342 - Urging PUC to Lower the Statewide Pricing Cap
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement on May 3rd, following the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 342, urging the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to significantly lower the system-wide energy pricing cap:
"I congratulate Senator Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and the Texas Senate for unanimously passing Senate Resolution 342 today. During Winter Storm Uri, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) deployed the $9,000 per megawatt hour system-wide energy price cap, resulting in exorbitant energy costs for some and windfall profits for others. Today, the Texas Senate officially called on the PUC to significantly lower the pricing cap. I remain committed to making sure that we fix what went wrong during the winter storm, and significantly lowering the sky-high pricing cap is one thing that can be done immediately. What happened during the February storm cannot be allowed to happen again."
Statement on the Passage of House Bill 1927
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement on May 5th, following the passage of House Bill 1927, carried by Senator Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown:
“I am proud that the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1927 today, the Constitutional Carry bill, which affirms every Texan’s right to self-defense and our state’s strong support for our Second Amendment right to bear arms. In the Lone Star State, the Constitution is our permit to carry. I congratulate Senator Charles Schwertner for his leadership on this important issue and for the thoughtful and respectful debate in the Texas Senate today. We have moved quickly on this legislation, and I want to thank all those involved who helped gather the votes needed to pass this historic bill.”
Statement on the Unanimous Final Passage of the State Budget
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement, May 26th, on the final passage of Senate Bill 1, the 2022-2023 State Budget, and House Bill 2, the 2021 Supplemental Budget:
“I congratulate Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and the Texas Senate for the unanimous final passage of the State Budget and House Bill 2, the Supplemental Budget, today. This budget is within all state spending limits and once again affirms that our conservative budgeting principles are sound and that Texas is coming back stronger than ever because our fiscal foundation is solid.
“When we began work on the budget last summer, we were facing the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic as well as the market problems that plagued our oil and gas industry. At that time, I affirmed my commitment to the property tax cuts and education funding laid out in 2019, and this budget does that. We also increased our support for retired teachers.
“Because of the border crisis precipitated by current federal policies, I made sure we maintained support for enhanced border security as well as providing $120 million in pay increases for our brave Department of Public Safety troopers and other law enforcement. In addition to the skyrocketing border surge, our law enforcement officers are being called on to quell unrest on some city streets. Law enforcement puts their lives on the line for us every day to protect our communities and now, more than ever, they deserve our support.
“This budget reflects our increased investments in transportation and infrastructure, including highway planning and construction, higher education, bolstering our health care workforce, as well as our on-going commitment to health care, mental health, our rural hospitals and women’s health.
“Again, I commend Chairman Nelson and the Senate Finance Committee for their work on the Texas State Budget. I also congratulate them for earning the unanimous approval of the Texas Senate. Texas has the 9th largest economy in the world, and this budget ensures that it will continue to flourish.”