As a seventh-generation Central Texan, I don’t just represent rural Texas—I live it. I was raised on the values that come from working the land, keeping your word, and fighting for what matters. I live on a farm that has been in our family since the late 1800s. Agriculture isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life.
When most people hear “emergency item,” they think of bail reform or border security—not water. But this session, the most urgent and most overlooked emergency we faced was protecting Texas’ water supply. And for those of us in rural communities, nothing hits closer to home.
My ol’ Daddy once said, “An old barn is like a storyteller. It jogs your memory and plants a question for you to ponder on!” This week, we will talk about barns.
Similar to many of my colleagues in medicine, I see firsthand how vitally important access to affordable medication is for patients battling autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Many of my patients rely on costly biologic therapies to manage their conditions and maintain their quality of life. Yet, an essential federal program designed to help vulnerable patients afford their medications—the 340B Drug Pricing Program—is failing to meet its mission.
Gov. Greg Abbott says he got everything he pushed for during the Legislature’s 89th session, which ended on June 2.