AUSTIN, TEXAS – State Representative John Raney (R – Bryan/College Station) declares the 83rd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature a success for House District 14 and the State of Texas.

“We’ve made serious progress on a lot of the issues confronting the citizens and business owners of Texas,” said Representative Raney. “We were able to pass legislation that will assist in securing our state’s economic future and in bringing jobs to our state, our schools will now have more flexibility for both parents and students, and we reduced the tax burden on Texas businesses. I’m proud to say that the Legislature accomplished all these things with a balanced budget and no new taxes.”

With the passage of House Bill 4 and Senate Joint Resolution 1, monumental progress was made in strengthening our state’s water infrastructure. These measures ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations by allowing for the funding and implementation of the State Water Plan, which will help Texans prepare for continued drought conditions and encourage job-creators to relocate or create businesses in Texas.

“We will continue to prioritize and fight for tax reform, government accountability, and other measures that will continue successful economic development in Texas.”

– Representative John Raney

Education reform was another major accomplishment for the Legislature. The state budget fully funds enrollment growth and provides an additional $3.4 billion for the Foundation School Program. House Bill 5, signed by the Governor on Monday, provides flexibility for students’ graduation requirements and reduces the number of mandated end-of-course tests from 15 to 5. In addition, Senate Bill 1406 provides much needed oversight to the CSCOPE curriculum by the State Board of Education, and Senate Bill 2 expands the public charter school program so that Texas schoolchildren will have increased opportunity and school choice.

The Texas Legislature also addressed state taxes through House Bill 500, which provides over $710 million in tax relief for Texas businesses, with most of the relief going to small businesses. Texas will continue to lead the nation in small business development, job growth and economic prosperity.

“We’ve made a lot of progress this session,” said Representative Raney. “We will continue to prioritize and fight for tax reform, government accountability, and other measures that will continue successful economic development in Texas.”

Representative Raney passed several bills that provide for economic development and promotion of the Bryan-College Station area. His legislation includes the creation of two municipal management districts, the restoration of the jurisdiction of the Brazos County Court, and two pieces for Texas A&M University: one providing more flexibility with the main campus land use, and another assisting with funding for the Kyle Field renovation.

Representative Raney serves on the Committee on House Administration, the Committee on Higher Education, and the Committee on Appropriations, where he serves on the Sub-Committee on Budget Transparency and Reform and as Vice Chair of the Sub-Committee on Articles VI, VII, and VIII.