Recent reports confirming the presence of New World screwworm in South Texas have renewed attention to an issue that underscores the importance of protecting animal health and Texas agriculture. While this is the first confirmed case in Texas in decades, animal health officials, veterinarians, researchers, and agricultural producers are working closely together to monitor the situation and prevent further spread.
Texas has long been a leader in agriculture, and protecting the health of our livestock and wildlife remains critically important to rural communities and local economies across the state. Situations like this serve as a reminder of the important work being done every day by state and federal agencies, researchers, and producers to address emerging challenges and safeguard one of Texas’ most important industries. Rest assured, my office will continue working with state agencies and agricultural stakeholders to monitor developments and ensure our citizens and communities remain informed as the situation evolves.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol …
As the Texas House begins interim work ahead of the 90th Legislative Session, the House Transportation Committee has been tasked with studying several important issues that impact Texans every single day.
One of the committee’s responsibilities during the interim is monitoring legislation passed during the 89th Legislative Session to ensure those laws are being implemented as intended. This includes legislation related to ship channel improvements that support Texas ports and strengthen our state’s maritime economy. Ports throughout Southeast Texas support thousands of jobs and play a critical role in energy production, manufacturing, agriculture, and international trade. As commerce and population continue to grow across Texas, maintaining efficient port infrastructure and improving connectivity to surrounding roadways will remain essential to supporting long-term economic growth and keeping Texas economically competitive.
Another major focus will be reviewing how transportation projects are prioritized across the state. Texas continues to grow rapidly, placing increasing pressure on our highways, bridges, and local road systems. Rural communities often face unique transportation challenges, particularly in maintaining farm-to-market roads and improving connectivity to support economic development. The committee will study whether additional legislative input could help ensure transportation dollars are directed toward projects that best meet the needs of local communities.
The Texas Department of Transportation’s communication strategies during roadway construction will also be reviewed. Texans understand that road improvements are necessary, but construction projects can be frustrating when closures and detours are not clearly communicated. Improving communication and planning can help reduce delays, improve traffic flow, and enhance public safety. The committee will also examine safety in work zones and school zones, focusing on protecting roadside workers, students, and drivers while ensuring any enforcement proposals include strong privacy protections for Texans.
Lawmakers will also review the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and eliminate duplicative services. A Transportation Funding Subcommittee will examine whether current funding mechanisms are sufficient to meet Texas’s future infrastructure needs, including programs that support rural roads and improve public safety. Texans expect state agencies to operate responsibly and efficiently, and oversight helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
While transportation policy may not always receive the same attention as other issues, it affects nearly every aspect of daily life. Whether it’s getting to work, taking children to school activities, transporting agricultural products to market, or moving goods through our ports, reliable infrastructure helps keep our economy strong and our communities connected.
The mobile office is on the road again in June and our district director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates in the following locations: June 10 at the Polk County Commissioners Courtroom in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m., June 17 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at 936-634-2762 and my Capitol office at 512-463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my official Facebook page, where I will post regular updates on what's happening at your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
