State Rep. Brooks Landgraf succeeded on a number of the legislative priorities in the Texas House of Representatives during the final week of this year's legislative session.

 

As a result of legislation filed by Landgraf, the University of Texas-Permian Basin (UTPB) and the Texas Tech Health Science Center-Permian Basin (TTUHSC) received authorization for funding to construct new buildings. UTPB will receive $48 million for the construction of an engineering and a kinesiology building, and TTUHSC will receive more than $14 million for a new academic building in Odessa.

 

"It was a pleasure to work with administrators from both UTPB and TTUHSC to secure needed funds for important construction projects on their campuses," Landgraf said. "Fighting in the Capitol for the institutions in our community was one of my first legislative priorities, and I am pleased to fulfill my pledge and produce results for higher education in West Texas."

  

Landgraf supported a state budget that stays well below the spending limit imposed in the Texas Constitution. The Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget prioritizes transportation needs across Texas, and ensures that West Texas Highways are not neglected. The budget was approved by the Legislature and sent to Gov. Greg Abbott this week. 

 

"This budget allocates important infrastructure funding that will significantly benefit our West Texas region, while also adequately funding for our state's public school system," Landgraf said. "The budget provides a significant increase in funding for border security and public safety."

  

Landgraf voted for a bill that passed on Friday that would permit concealed handgun license-holders to openly carry handguns. 

 

"I heard from countless constituents about their desire for the open carry bill to pass," Landgraf said. "I am proud to preserve the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans."

 

Gov. Abbott has indicated he will sign the open carry bill into law, and it will take effect January 1, 2016.

  

Texans will soon see lower taxes thanks to legislation Landgraf supported. Landgraf voted in favor of a tax relief package that will cut the business franchise tax and increase the homestead exemption for Texas homeowners.

"As a result of these tax cuts, Texans will be able to keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets," Landgraf said. "This fiscally responsible tax cut will also help to continue to grow our strong Texas economy." 

 

The tax relief package passed the House and Senate last week, and is now on its way to Governor Abbott's desk for final approval. The measure will ultimately have to be approved by Texas voters on the November 2015 ballot before taking effect. 

 

State Representative Brooks Landgraf was elected in 2014 to serve House District 81, which includes Andrews, Ector, Ward, and Winkler Counties. Landgraf resides in Odessa with his wife Shelby and works as an attorney and rancher. He also serves on the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance Board of Directors, the Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute Advisory Council.