Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 3
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement September 22nd following the passage of Senate Bill 3, the Fair Sports for Women and Girls Act, by Senator Charles Perry, R-Lubbock:
"Women have fought for equality in sports for decades, and they have achieved enormous success along the way. It is not fair to allow boys to compete in girls' sports because, statistically, boys run faster, jump higher and throw farther. In Texas, we refuse to deny any woman or girl athlete the right to compete on a level playing field, and to be the best in their sport.
"We cannot allow our women to be pushed out of athletic scholarships and out of sporting excellence. This is the fourth time we have passed this bill out of the Senate this year, and we will continue passing this bill until it finally becomes law in Texas."
Statement on the Public Utility Commission Vote to Finance $2.1B Without Transparency
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement September 30th following the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ vote on Docket 52322, that finances $2.1B for retail electric companies:
“Today’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) vote on Docket 52322 is bad public policy and a bad decision for Texas taxpayers. The PUC violated the spirit of House Bill 4492 and undermined the public trust. Their actions today will inevitably enrich some companies who made money during Winter Storm Uri since the settlement agreement the PUC endorsed does not provide transparency to distinguish between companies that made money and those who lost. The fact is, the public will never know because of this lack of transparency.
“After the winter storm, I called for the resignation of members of the PUC. They all resigned. I can assure you that the new commissioners’ Senate confirmation hearings would not have gone as smoothly if senators knew they intended to disregard the will of the Senate.
“The House author of House Bill 4492, Representative Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, has been disingenuous throughout the legislative process and after. After passage of the bill, Representative Paddie wrongly told the PUC the legislative intent of the bill did not include netting, despite on the record evidence during the passage of the bill to the contrary. Now, his motivations have been exposed as he prepares to leave the legislature and may be seeking a highly compensated position in the same electric industry that stands to benefit from his position of no netting and no transparency. Representative Paddie has forfeited his credibility with my office and with many members of the Texas Senate. “I, and the members of the Texas Senate, have repeatedly made clear to the PUC we always intended any company’s uplift to be a net of losses against profits. Winners do not need a bailout.
“The Senate passed House Bill 4492 because the $2.1 billion was only intended to support those entities who had net losses. It was never intended to assist those companies who profited during the winter storm.
“I again wrote to the members of the PUC this morning, in advance of their vote, making clear that the proposed settlement is in opposition to the Senate’s legislative intent of House Bill 4492.
“The PUC has voted to finance $2.1 billion in direct opposition to the stated policy expressed by the Texas Senate. Immediately after the storm, I committed myself to the public interest and called for full transparency in all aspects of Winter Storm Uri. My commitment continues.”
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 4
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued this statement on October 4th following the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 4, the Texas Senate District Map, by Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston:
“The Senate’s map that passed today is fair and legal, and passed with bipartisan support. This map illustrates our commitment to making sure every Texan is well-represented in their state legislature and their voices are heard. I want to thank Senator Huffman for her leadership, and the 30 other senators for their hard work.”
Statement on the Passage of Senate Bill 6
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today, October 8th, following the passage of Senate Bill 6, the Congressional District Map, by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:
"The congressional district map that the Texas Senate passed today is both legal and fair. This map dis plays our collective commitment to making sure every Texan's voice is heard in Washington, D.C. I want to thank all 31 senators for their hard work, and especially Sen. Huffman for her leadership throughout the redistricting process."