By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
As your state representative, I recently committed to continue advancing conservative priorities in the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature. This commitment is a promise to my constituents and to all Texans that I will work tirelessly to uphold our shared conservative values and ensure that Texas remains a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and family. The Texas Conservative Commitment, also signed by dozens of other Texas House Republicans, is more than a pledge; it is a roadmap to a brighter future for all Texans.
One of the key pillars of the Texas Conservative Commitment is to continue strengthening our border security. As a result of the Biden administration’s repeated negligence in enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, our state faces imminent and ongoing threats in the form of cartel activity, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crime. In the face of this crisis, Texas has stepped up to defend our Southern Border. Last year, I proudly fought for legislation to allocate $6.6 billion for constructing and maintaining border walls and barriers, providing our law enforcement officers with necessary resources, and deploying technology to deter and monitor illegal crossings.
Furthermore, Operation Lone Star, which I fought to fund in 2021, continues to combat the surge in illegal immigration, human smuggling, and the illegal drug trade on the border. In a little over three years, this joint operation between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department has resulted in the apprehension of more than 503,800 illegal migrants and the seizure of 469 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Although not covered in the national media, Operation Lone Star, in conjunction with the Texas Legislature’s continued support to secure our border, will ensure the safety and sovereignty of Texas, halt the flow of fentanyl into our communities, and protect our state from the various challenges posed by illegal immigration.
While we work to defend the Southern Border, we must also focus on providing financial prosperity to hardworking Texas families and businesses. This involves implementing meaningful property tax cuts, another principal objective of the Texas Conservative Commitment. Last year, I proudly co-authored legislation to deliver $12.7 billion worth of property tax relief by raising the homestead exemption, compressing school district tax rates, and limiting local appraisal value increases. With approval from voters last November, this legislation provided much needed financial alleviation for millions of Texans. With my signing of the Texas Conservative Commitment, I remain dedicated to property tax cuts and keeping money in the pockets of Texas families and business owners.
Lastly, this commitment places a focus on ensuring the reliability of our power grid for Texas’ continued growth and safety. Born and raised in the Permian Basin, I know firsthand the importance of the oil and gas industry not only for our local economy, but for the reliable and affordable provision of power to the entire state. For that reason, I have worked diligently as your state representative and as Chairman of the House Environmental Regulation Committee to maximize the ability of hardworking men and women to make a living in the oil and gas sector. In 2023, I authored HB 33 to prohibit any Texas agency or official from assisting a federal entity in the enforcement of federal oil and gas regulations. By cutting through overreaching and restricting federal regulations, our energy sector can continue booming and keeping the lights on for Texas.
Signing the Texas Conservative Commitment was not just a ceremonial act; it was a declaration of my dedication to the principles and values that define us as Texans. In West Texas, we want policy results that matter, not parliamentary parlor games that only matter to the talking heads in Austin.
Through these continued legislative victories, we are making significant strides in securing a prosperous and free future for Texas. I remain committed to these ideals and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Texas remains the greatest state in the nation.
God bless Texas!
