Dear friends of Senate District 28,
Today marks the 81st day of the 81st Legislature.
Although we're a little more than halfway through this legislative session, we will soon will be even busier than ever around the Capitol. The Legislature observes the Easter holiday, and then our long days of legislating become longer.
Earlier this week, the Senate passed its version of the state budget. I believe it's a conservative plan to meet our needs for the next biennium, and we recorded a brief message about its highlights. You may listen to it here or read the transcript.
Thank you for your interest in the Texas Legislature.
Yours very truly,
Robert Duncan
Today marks the first major deadline of the 81st Legislature ~ the 60th day is the last opportunity to file a bill for regular consideration. Our office has been busy putting the finishing touches on some of our most important legislation this session.
During the past week, we have filed a bill to create a National Research University Fund to take emerging research institutions to the coveted Tier I status; Senate Bill 6 will provide access to health insurance for small businesses; and legislation to protect private property owners.
The Texas Senate held a marathon, 23-hour debate and hearing on Voter ID as the Committee of the Whole. It was my honor to serve as chairman of this committee as we considered voter protection legislation. We will revisit the issue on Monday, when Senate Bill 326 is eligible for a vote by the full Senate. On www.senatorduncan.com, we have a recorded message to give you additional insight into our work on this important legislation.
Also on the website, we've posted recorded messages on the fund to assist schools seeking Tier I status and the Healthy Texas initiative. I hope this information is useful to you.
81st Legislature is at work
Dear $(FirstName)
It's an honor to serve you in this 81st legislative session. This Legislature has presented my turn to serve as the President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate, and on Opening Day, I was escorted to the dais by some of my dearest friends in the Senate to take the official oath. Please visit our Opening Day photo album on the website where you'll see shots from the most relaxed time of any legislative session.
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst has made committee assignments. In Senate Finance this week, we heard testimony from the Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. On Friday, we will continue to hear invited testimony on a number of issues.
Finance Chairman Steve Ogden has appointed me to the Senate Finance Working Group on Education. Our group has met most evenings after other scheduleded committees to resolve the funding issues surrounding both higher and public education.
You may watch the Senate Finance Committee's deliberations live, as well as view Senate chamber proceedings as they happen.
This year, we have been working to update the website, and hope you find it to be a useful window on your state government. The site will feature messages recorded each week to address important legislative issues of the moment. Transcripts will also be posted for those who prefer reading a document to listening to an audio file.
Our updated site permits us to add photos of our friends who make the trek to the Capitol These shots can be downloaded to your personal computer, too. Four outstanding students from Lubbock Christian University who have each earned Tuition Equalization Grants recently visited the Capitol, and we were happy to introduce them to the Texas Senate.
We have also honored the memory of Rudy Acosta, an outstanding advocate for those with physical limitations. Rudy was diagnosed at age 2 with a form of muscular dystrophy that eventually confined him to a bed. But, his spirit was such that he continued his education and his advocacy for others who, as he put it, "can't speak for themselves." He died one year ago today.
Thank you for the privilege of representing your interests in the Texas Senate.
Senator Robert Duncan
State Senate District 28
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