The economic and political leadership in our country is in question.  However one thing is certain, Texas as been a bastion both for job growth and opportunity even in these troubling times.  While our unemployment rates are at unacceptable highs we are still significantly better off than many other states.  Our tax revenues are down, our housing starts are lower, our real estate sales are not as robust as they have been, there are concerns about retail sales, and many of our citizens are out of work.  We have the federal government spending at unprecedented rates, a national Cap and Trade bill that would increase costs to every Texan, and a health care plan that could take away the right of our citizens to choose or manage their health care. These federal bills will drive up costs on the State of Texas if they are passed.  I joined with many of my conservative colleagues in writing Congress and asked them not to pass these unfunded mandates on our state and its citizens.  All of these items will hit our budget in 2011 and we anticipate a short fall of at least 8 billion dollars.  We will then face the same problems we had in 2003.  I know how to solve those problems.  In addition to these critical issues, the next session is a redistricting year.  Redistricting will affect our state and nation for the next decade.

I have prepared this survey as a means of gathering your input on the important issues coming to the front for the upcoming 82nd Legislature. I am your Representative and as such I need to know your collective opinions on these issues to better represent you. This coming year I expect to cast more than 4,000 votes as your Representative in Austin and it is my goal to use your input to make a truly representative vote on each issue.