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Dear Proud Texan,
The Texas Senate took a stand against the economic boycotts of Israel. My legislation prohibits state contracting with and investing in companies that boycott Israel, who is a valuable trade partner to Texas and an essential US ally. Texas joins 17 states who have adopted similar measures. I was pleased to work on the first bill signed by the Governor this legislative session!
Below are a few highlights from the week.
God Bless Texas,
State Senator, District 4
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Abbott Signs Creighton's Pro-Israel Bill
"Today is a great day for Texas," said Senator Creighton. "We sent a message to the state, country and entire world -- Texas stands with Israel today, tomorrow and every day."
The bill was signed on Israel's Independence Day, which is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar (the Hebrew date). The holiday commemorates the formal establishment of the State of Israel when members of the provisional government read and signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv.
"Representative Phil King, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and I worked on this important legislation to ensure our friend and trade partner has strong support from Texas," said Senator Creighton. "This is the strongest pro-Israel legislation in the country. Where Texas leads, other states will follow."
Senator Creighton is the Senate sponsor to House Bill 89 and author of Senate Bill 29 which prohibits state contracting with or investing in companies that boycott Israel. The law goes into effect September 1, 2017.
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Senate Passes Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Legislation
"With the passage of this legislation, Montgomery County citizens will have the ability to elect board members to oversee the management of our aquifers," said Senator Creighton. "Seven board members ensure every citizen has a voice so we can properly protect and manage the consumption of water in our county."
House Bill 1982 (Rep. Metcalf) was amended in the Senate Local Calendar to reflect the same language of Senate Bill 2250. The bills will change the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District board of directors to seven elected board members with term limits. The introduction of term limits would prohibit a member from serving more than three 4-year terms. In addition, there is language to ensure a smooth transition from appointed to elected.
"I have been working on this important issue for many years and I am pleased the Montgomery County delegation has worked together to reach this solution," concluded Senator Creighton. |
The next step is for the House of Representatives to concur on the changes made before it is sent to the Governor.
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Creighton Priorities Out of the Senate
- Property Taxes:
- Property Tax Reform & Relief - Senate Bill 2 - This bill empowers voters to have more say over their local government finances by lowering the tax rate that can be adopted without voter approval. If local government takes in an excessive amount of revenue compared to previous years, the bill requires an election to be called for voters to approve the use of funds. I am proud the Senate is a leader in this effort and passed the bill promptly.
- Appraisal Cap - Senate Bill 376 - This bill will provide tax relief to homeowners with lesser valued homes by establishing a three percent limitation for those homes. The current limitation on increases in appraisals is not sufficient in protecting homeowners from the continuous growth in value of their property.
- Education:
- Inappropriate Student/Teacher Relationships - Senate Bill 7 - This bill updates current law relating to improper relationships between educators and students. Currently the statutes only pertain to intra-district relationships.
- PTECH Program - Senate Bill 22 - This bill updates the The Pathways in Technology Early College High School program, a partnership between school districts, higher education institutions and industry working together and making long-term commitments to the success of the school and its students.
- ISD Check Registry - Senate Bill 1605 - This bill requires the 50 most populous districts in the state to disclose how they spend their money on their website. Several school districts in Senate District 4 have already done this and received Transparency Star Awards from the Texas Comptroller (Conroe ISD, East Chambers ISD, Hardin-Jefferson ISD, Huffman ISD). Under the Senate budget, education funding increases by roughly $4.6 billion when you consider both state and local sources. Taxpayers deserve to know how local school districts are spending their taxpayer dollars.
- Top Ten Percent - Senate Bill 2119 - This bill
| does not require state universities to have more than 30 percent of their incoming freshman class to be from automatic admissions and maintains automatic admissions for high school students in the top of their class. In addition, the legislation reinstates language that would limit UT Austin's out-of-state admissions to 10 percent of their admitted freshman class. Currently, at the University of Texas at Austin, 75% of the incoming freshman class is admitted through Top Ten Percent. |
- Fiscal Conservatism:
- Ethics Reform - Senate Bill 14 - This bill contains four major pillars including felon politicians losing their pension and office, disclosure of government contracts, bond counsel and legal referrals, shining a light on lobbyist wining and dining and establishing a clear line between elected officials and lobbyists. This omnibus ethics bill is unprecedented in scope.
- State Agency Savings Incentive Program - Senate Bill 132 - This bill is an incentive program for agencies to reduce their annual spending.
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Visit Your Office at the Capitol
Call 512-463-0104 for directions or drop by the Capitol Extension, E1.606, to visit with Senator Creighton and his staff anytime.
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