• Chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs
• Vice-Chairman of Senate Committee on Natural Resources
• Member, Texas State Senate Republican Caucus
• Board of Directors, Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute
• Appointed by Governor Perry to serve on Western States Water Council
• Appointed by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst to serve on the Agriculture and Energy Committee for the National Conference of State Legislators
• Named “Fighter for Free Enterprise” by the Texas Association of Business

When it comes to balancing the needs of government and protecting our personal liberties – rest assured that I will always err on the side of our personal liberties. Whether it be excessive taxation, illegal immigration, protecting our private property rights, or protecting our Second Amendment rights – my goal will be to protect and preserve your rights. There is a reason we have a constitution and for those in government – it should be required reading.

• Authored and passed new homeowner and property owner protections
• Passed voter Photo ID bill
• Passed balanced state budget with NO new taxes
• Passed resolution calling for a federal balanced budget amendment
• Restored local control to public education
• Passed pro-life “sonogram” bill
• Passed “Loser Pays” tort reform
• Passed requirement to show proof of citizenship to obtain a Texas Drivers License
• Passed stronger border security measures
• Passed 2nd Amendment gun owner rights protections
• Passed a resolution reaffirming States’ rights
• Helped protect public safety with first-in-the-nation “fracking” chemical disclosure bill
• Passed senior citizen property tax rate reduction
• Strongly Opposes Amnesty
• Strongly Opposes Obamacare