Texas’ property tax burden is ranked the 14th highest in the nation, and it weighs heavily on homeowners and businesses.  My husband and I scrimped and saved for years, living well below our means so that we could pay off our mortgage and become entirely debt-free.  Unfortunately, even though we paid off our mortgage, our house is still not ours – and our monthly payment in taxes is about the cost of renting a modest apartment!  We are, in actuality, paying rent to the government in a home we bought and paid for at great personal sacrifice.  My husband has remarked grimly that he feels like a serf in his own home.  The American dream of home ownership is ruined by the reality that under Texas’ heavy property tax system, no one who owns a home or commercial property can ever truly claim ownership.  We all rent from the government – indefinitely – with no pay off in sight!

Of all the rights enumerated by our Founders, the right to bear arms is surely one of the most vital and must be protected.  Texans know best when it comes to defending our inalienable Second Amendment rights and as a State Representative, ensuring this fundamental liberty remains intact will be one of my highest priorities.

Providing our children with a quality education allows them to be competitive and to truly live out their dreams.  I believe that when it comes to educating children, families know best.  We must ensure that our hard-earned tax dollars go to the classroom, instead of bloated central administrations in our school districts.  Texas must seek out and reward our most qualified and highest performing educators.  Further, we must make it easier for parents to choose the best option they see fit for their own children, whether it be public schools, private schools, charter schools, or home school.