Issue Position: State Agencies and State Employees

Issue Position

Throughout session, I heard from many state employees who haven't received a raise in many years, and are often getting training at state expense, but then moving on to work in private industry where the pay is greater. With the talk of teacher raises, I often heard, "What about us?" Next session, we must work to rectify the low pay for state employees.

While passing legislation is the focus of session, another important task of Legislators is to oversee state agencies. While on the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee (HSPS), I became familiar with the role of DPS, the Department of Public Safety, as well as TDEM, the Texas Department of Emergency Management. After the Deer Park fires, our committee, along with the Environmental Regulation Committee, met with the Texas Department of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and TDEM to ask questions about the fires and the response. During the interim, we will continue to follow up to ensure these agencies are taking the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of people in Texas.

Source