Flores elected to five committees

Sen. Pete Flores, the elected official for State Senate District 24, has been named to five different committees by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, his office announced this week.

Senate District 24 covers the entirety of 11 counties, including Coryell, and portions of two others.

Patrick named Flores vice chair of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Border Security and was named to the Senate Finance Committee, which handles the state’s $150 billion-plus budget, his office said in a news release.

“I first want to thank Lt. Governor Patrick for entrusting me with these important committee placements,” Flores said in the release. “This session, I look forward to giving Senate District 24 a strong seat at the table during the budget process as a member of the Senate Finance Committee.”

Flores said he is also working to provide law enforcement officers across the state with resources to keep the state safe.

“A top priority bill of mine that I look forward to filing soon would create a racketeering offense, similar to the federal RICO Act,” Flores said. “This will have a big impact on the safety of our State, and allow Texas law enforcement officers to further prosecute and seize property of organized crime gangs and cartels. Hitting these groups as hard as possible in ways that truly hurt and impact their assets is crucial.”

In addition to the three committee assignments mentioned above, Flores was also named to the education and water, agriculture and rural affairs committees.

Flores said he looks forward to working on what he called “the essential roles of government.”

“Government should operate within its key functions: education, health care, roads and water — and do so in a balanced budget,” Flores said in the release. “If we invest in these areas, Texas remains the great State that it is. When Texas shines, the country shines.”

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today upon announcing his Texas Senate committee appointments for the 88th Legislative Session: “As the Texas Senate begins its work this session, the committee assignments I made today will ensure we succeed in addressing the priorities of the people of Texas.

“This is the strongest, best equipped group of senators in Texas history. They are proven leaders with the expertise and experience needed to keep Texas moving in the right direction. That includes the most outstanding freshman class we have ever had.

“The overwhelming majority of bills voted on by the chamber will have bipartisan support. But make no mistake, the priority bills will address the concerns of the conservative majority in Texas.

“Our committees have worked long hours throughout the interim to prepare for this session. The senators’ commitment to public service is unwavering and I am proud to serve the people of Texas alongside them. It is a team effort and we are ready to do the work Texans expect of us.”

To see a full list and membership of the Texas Senate committees, visit the Texas Senate webpage at senate.texas.gov.