POLICY

Every biennial legislative session (odd-numbered years) hundreds of policy items are introduced, heard in the assigned committees, and debated before being voted into law.

  • Texas compassionate use of medical cannabis is becoming more and more sought after. Whether as an alternative to addictive opioids, freedom from seizures, or relief from PTSD, cannabis is proven to be a reliable and less harmful medicinal remedy and Texans want access. Greater access is on the horizon and doctors and patients alike will greatly benefit from  improved and expands medical cannabis policy. 

    Energy reliability in the "Energy Capital" has had its challenges in recent extreme weather events. We've learned from the past and are working to make energy more diversified and reliable in the future by bringing more energy sources online, improving inter-agency real-time communications, and exploring alternative energy models.

    Transportation is an ever-growing part of our state. Safety, innovation, increased mixed modality, and walkability make our cities more useable, less congested and more attractive to businesses and families alike. 

    Paid parental leave is our hope for Texas families. Although this is a new concept for Texas businesses, we are working to find the best approach to getting this pro-family, pro-business and pro-Texas policy passed. 

  • Education is a bedrock of the American middle class and of the American dream. Education has been the great equalizer to opportunity, business, and success. Protecting public education from government overreaching and under-funding is key to its preservation. 

    Healthcare is a universal need and Texas must do better with accessible and high quality care—not just for some, but for all. 

    Safe communities are what every Texan wants. This means policymakers must take a comprehensive approach to work on safety policy improvements with all levels of local government and allocating adequate funding for safety planning.  

    Paid parental leave is a measure that we believe will help Texas families as they grow and welcome their new family member. Whether through birth or adoption, every parent needs time to adjust and bond. They also need to know that they can safely take time off from work to do so without the worry of keeping their job or not having a steady income while they are away from the workplace. 

  • Houston is home to the largest petro-chemical industry. The inevitable by-product is increased pollutants in our air, water and land. The same air, water and land that we depend on. While industry is a boon to the economy, if under-regulated, it poses an increased threat to the community’s health and well-being. I am committed to policy measures that align with industry growth while ensuring environmental safety.

  • Texas is booming and so is the population growth. Our state welcomes over 1,000 new residents a week. Housing security for all Texans is a policy priority. Affordably-priced homes and rentals in safe communities will keep families, workforce, and seniors thriving.  Reducing insurance rates, incentivizing lower rents, good education systems and well-paying jobs are each a part of the solution. 

  • Justice Our jail and justice system is a massive network that functions on a system of predominately punitive versus rehabilitative practices. We need both. Rehabilitative justice for the right individuals leads to a more productive society, reduces recidivism and jail overcrowding, and paves the way for a brighter future. Judicial discretion and pretrial intervention opportunities; strengthening and rebuilding community bonds with local law enforcement; enhanced training on mental health and deescalating situations are just some of the ways that we address this ever-demanding issue. 

    LGBTQIA+ These individuals have come under fire by people who hold a different personal view. As a state representative, we represent every voice at the State Capitol. And, this means actively acknowledging LGBTQIA+ persons' rights to be who they want to be and live their fullest life without fear of violence, threats, or subjugation. Equal rights at the workplace, in healthcare spaces, in housing and everywhere else where rights and privileges are enjoyed are meant for each and every Texan. LGBTQIA+ people are entitled to the same protections under the law as the next individual. 

  • Texas and industry are practically synonymous—Texas is a place to work and fulfill dreams. That opportunity is growing everyday as companies move or expand here and as entrepreneurs build their vision. As state legislators, we work to ensure good wages, workplace safety, affordable childcare, corporate responsibility, state tax break accountability, fitting regulation, and great schools and trade skills programs. Better jobs means a better quality of life.