The 84th Session of the Texas Legislature is underway. Here are some of the issues I’m diligently working on for West Texans:

Budget

This week, the Texas House proposed the first draft of the state budget for the next two years. It focuses on conservative principles and only increases spending by .2 percent from the previous budget, well below the constitutional spending limit. The House plan will be modified to include tax relief so that Texans can keep more of their hard-earned money.

Transportation

We continue to be reminded of the growing dangers that drivers face on West Texas roads. It’s unacceptable for collisions to occur at the alarming rate, and I will continue to prioritize transportation issues. I look forward to working with local governments and the Texas Department of Transportation to make our highway system safer and more reliable.

AUSTIN -- State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R - Odessa) signed on to co-author House Bill 910, which would legalize the licensed open carry of handguns in Texas. Landgraf supports this legislation to protect Texans' Second Amendment rights, while also making Texas communities safer.

"As a life-long Second Amendment advocate and hunter, I'm proud to help co-author this bill," Landgraf said. "In addition to having a constitutional right to bear arms, I believe all law-abiding Texans should have the ability to defend themselves."

If passed into law, House Bill 910 would allow concealed handgun license (CHL) holders to openly carry a holstered handgun. Currently, Texas is one of only six states that prohibit open carry of handguns.

"I have spoken with hundreds of fellow West Texans who have asked for their Second Amendment rights to be protected through an open carry bill," Landgraf explained.

Today, with Shelby by my side, I was honored to stand, with my hand on my Bible, and raise my hand to take the oath of office as your state representative. The tough decisions of the office began immediately today, and they will continue throughout the next 139 days of the legislative session, but I'm honored to be a strong voice that fights for the needs of West Texas in the State Capitol.

AUSTIN- Wednesday, Representative-Elect Brooks Landgraf pre-filed two bills aimed at furthering the opportunity for higher education institutions in West Texas. House Bill 626 and House Bill 625, would finance the construction of necessary buildings at both the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin and the University of Texas Permian Basin.

“Higher education is of vital importance to our region and both the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and University of Texas Permian Basin offer incredible opportunities for our community,” Representative-Elect Landgraf said upon the filing of this landmark legislation.

House Bill 626 authorizes the issuance of $45 million in tuition revenue bonds to fund an engineering building at UTPB. House Bill 625 authorizes the issuance of $17.8 million in tuition revenue bonds to fund construction of a medical education building for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin.

Thank you to the voters of West Texas, our tireless supporters and loving family for your role in the electoral process over the last eleven months! Our victory would have been impossible without you all, and our gratitude knows no bounds. I'm ready to serve you, and roll up my sleeves to work for the future of this great state. God bless Texas!

I am honored to answer the call to serve the people of West Texas in the Texas House of Representatives!

Our victory would have been impossible without the unconditional love of family, the hard work of volunteers and the active participation of the voters! Shelby and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Our work to be a strong voice begins now. May God bless Texas!

Respectfully yours,

Brooks Landgraf