South Texas is growing rapidly. It is important to ensure that current and future generations not only have a developed and modernized infrastructure that grows with them but also access to good and well-paid jobs.

I have worked diligently to bring state tax dollars to support businesses and economic development in the Rio Grande Valley and Hidalgo County. In my first session in 2013, I was one of the lead authors of House Bill 1000, which created the first medical school in South Texas and established the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley. Twelve years later, this has been an incredible benefit to the RGV, bringing hundreds of jobs and developing a skilled workforce, bringing more permanent, well-paying jobs to Hidalgo County.

As Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for three legislative sessions and now as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Transportation Funding, I have been proud to lead transportation infrastructure and project funding in this state. The RGV continues to need transportation project funding to keep pace with our rapidly growing population and expanding economic impact on Texas. Over the past seven years, I have developed close relationships with leadership in the Legislature, the Governor, and officials at the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to steer funding to South Texas, especially Hidalgo County, to develop and modernize our roads, international bridges, ports, and airports. I look forward to continuing this vital work next legislative session.

I recognize that small businesses are what fuel Texas’s economic growth. Owning my own small law firm has taught me the hard work required to run a small business. South Texans know the meaning of entrepreneurialism. Small and family-owned businesses are the unsung heroes of our economy. This past legislative session, I was proud to work with my colleagues to pass a Constitutional Amendment that increases the tax exemption for business personal property from $2,500 to $125,000. This will free up capital for reinvestment and allow small and mid-sized businesses to better compete with larger corporations that can absorb tax costs. I will always fight for small business owners and ensure Hidalgo County is the best place to start and grow a business.