On Thursday this week, the Texas Speaker of the House announced committee assignments.  Although members have been working on issues throughout the interim and many bills have been filed, committee memberships must be assigned before the legislative process can begin.  

The House Committee on Transportation has jurisdiction over issues dealing with the state highway system, control of traffic, commercial motor vehicles and rail, water and air transportation systems.  Since transportation issues are very important to Fannin and Grayson counties, I am very happy to have the opportunity to again serve on the Transportation Committee.

The House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism has jurisdiction over many state agencies: the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife; the Historical Commission; the Commission on the Arts; and the Texas State Cemetery, to name a few. 

The House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics is an investigating committee, and is unlike other committees.  Very few, if any bills are referred to this committee during session, and a majority of the committee's work occurs during the interim.  The committee is charged with overseeing all matters pertaining to the conduct of and ethical standards applicable to state and local government officers and employees. 

The senators were assigned committees a few weeks ago.  Senator Estes, who represents Grayson County, was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Vice-chair of the Committee on Natural Resources; a member of the Committee on Business and Commerce; a member of the Committee on International Relations and Trade; and a member of Veteran Affairs and Military Installations.   Senator Deuell, who represents Fannin County, was appointed Vice-chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services; Vice-chair of the Committee on State Affairs; a member of the Committee on Economic Development; a member of the Committee on Finance; and a member of Natural Resources.    

I am looking forward to working with both Senators Estes and Deuell and their staffs this session.  It is important that senators and representatives have a strong working relationship in order to effectively work through the legislative process, and I am lucky to have such great senators representing District 62.   

For more information on state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.

My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.