ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) will host a town hall on Tuesday, December 7 in Andrews at the Andrews Senior Center. During the event, Rep. Landgraf will provide an update on actions taken by the Texas legislature in 2021. This is the one of four town halls Landgraf is scheduled to host before the end of the year, one in each of the four counties he represents.

“These town halls are an opportunity for the community to come together, ask questions and get a no-nonsense update on what the Texas legislature has been up to and how it impacts our lives in the Permian Basin,” Landgraf said. “This is going to be a family-style event and food will be provided.”

Andrews County Town Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Andrews Senior Center (310 W Broadway St, Andrews, Texas 79714)

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) hosted a town hall on Thursday evening in Monahans at the Ward County Event Center. During the event, Rep. Landgraf provided an update on actions taken by the Texas legislature in 2021 and fielded questions from those in attendance. This was the second of four town halls that Landgraf is scheduled to host in November and December, one in each of the four counties he serves as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

“Ward County is a special place filled with great people,” Landgraf said. “I’m always impressed by the turnout we get in Ward County. I know everyone has busy lives, being pulled in a million directions, so I’m very thankful to all of the folks who joined us at the town hall.”

Landgraf fielded questions regarding, among other things, the state’s ramped up border security, federal vaccine mandate concerns, broadband development, and his work to secure transportation funding for the Permian Basin. 

“The goal of these town halls is to have an open, honest, family-type discussion, and I think we accomplished that tonight at the beautiful Ward County Event Center. I want to thank Pappy’s BBQ for providing an incredible meal and Teresa Burnet for all of her help getting this town hall put together,” Landgraf concluded.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) issued the following statement announcing his plans to run for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives.

“With a heart full of gratitude, I’ll be asking my fellow West Texans to send me back to the Texas House of Representatives in the 2022 election to serve as our state representative,” Landgraf said. 

Landgraf’s announcement is in response to speculation that he would be running for a seat in the Texas Senate.

“I was born and raised in West Texas. I will never stop fighting for West Texas and the Texas House of Representative is where I can best fight for us and our conservative values,” Landgraf said. “We’ve made the voice of West Texas as strong as it has ever been in the Texas Capitol, and we’re not done yet.”

Brooks Landgraf has been recognized by multiple conservative groups for his efforts in the Texas Legislature to promote life, defend Texans' constitutional rights, cut taxes, secure the border and to fight federal overreach. In addition to being a conservative leader, Brooks has a steadfast reputation at the Capitol as a lawmaker who fights for West Texas. 

Brooks continues to fight for common-sense, conservative solutions that protect the rights of law-abiding Texans and prioritize individual liberty. As chairman of the House Environmental Regulation Committee, Brooks is on the frontlines protecting the Texas oil and gas industry—and the West Texans who power it—from federal overreach by the Biden Administration and liberal Democrats who’ve infiltrated Texas. 

“With your vote and prayerful support, I’ll keep my nose to the grindstone, pounding the pavement and serving as a megaphone for West Texans at the state Capitol—the way that I have since day one,” Landgraf said.

Brooks is a native son of Odessa whose family has been ranching in West Texas for five generations. He and his wife, Shelby, have one daughter, Hollis Rose. They enjoy volunteering together for local charities, and the family loves spending time together working on the family cattle ranch. They attend church at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Odessa.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) hosted a town hall on Monday evening in Odessa at Odessa College. During the event, Rep. Landgraf provided an update on actions taken by the Texas legislature in 2021 and fielded questions from those in attendance. This was the first of four town halls that Landgraf is scheduled to host in November and December, one in each of the four counties he serves as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

“I’m thankful to everyone who was able to make it out to the town hall,” Landgraf said. “The turnout was great, and so were the questions and food. I want to thank Trina Moralez for providing an incredible La Margarita meal, as well as Odessa College for making this town hall one of the best I’ve ever been a part of.”

Landgraf fielded questions regarding, among other things, his work as chair of the House Environmental Regulation Committee, federal vaccine mandate concerns, broadband development, and the Leila Hernandez Act, legislation Landgraf passed to create the Texas Active Shooter Alert System.

“Odessans truly care about their neighbors; we are a patriotic bunch who love our state and country. We won’t back down from a fight. After several extra months in Austin this year, it is energizing to come back home and get in front of my friends and neighbors to report back and answer questions. It is my honor and great joy to serve as the voice for my hometown in the halls of the Texas Capitol,” Landgraf concluded.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) will host a town hall on Monday, November 15 in Odessa at the Saulsbury Campus Center at Odessa College. During the event, Rep. Landgraf will provide an update on actions taken by Texas legislature in 2021. This is the first of four town halls that Landgraf is scheduled to host in November and December, one in each of the four counties he represents.

"These town halls are an opportunity for folks to ask questions and get a no-nonsense update on what the Texas legislature has been up to and how it impacts our lives in the Permian Basin," Landgraf said.

Ector County Town Hall
WHEN: Monday, November 15, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Odessa College, Joe Zant Room in the Saulsbury Campus Center (201 W University Blvd., Odessa, Texas 79764)

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) provides the following schedule of upcoming Town Hall events in the four counties (Andrews, Ector, Ward, and Winkler) he serves in the Texas House of Representatives. During these events, Rep. Landgraf will discuss the 2021 legislative sessions. Rep. Landgraf encourages his fellow West Texans to take this opportunity to share their thoughts.

"I'm glad to be back home after several overtime sessions, I've missed our sunsets, food and, most of all, my fellow West Texans," Landgraf said. "These town halls are an opportunity for folks to ask questions and get a no-nonsense update on what the Texas legislature has been up to and how it impacts our lives in the Permian Basin."

Ector County
WHEN: Monday, November 15, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Odessa College, Joe Zant Room in the Saulsbury Campus Center (201 W University Blvd, Odessa, Texas 79764)

Ward County
WHEN: Thursday, November 18, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Ward County Event Center (1525 East Monahans Parkway, Monahans, Texas 79756)

Andrews County
WHEN: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Andrews Senior Center (310 W Broadway St, Andrews, Texas 79714)

Winkler County
WHEN: Thursday, December 9, 2021 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Poor Daddy's BBQ (123 N Mulberry St, Kermit, Texas 79745)

AUSTIN — Senate Bill 8, legislation directing how the state will spend federal dollars allocated to Texas under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, was passed out of the House and Senate on Monday. The legislation includes $40 million for a behavioral health center that will be constructed and operated by the hospital districts of Midland and Ector County. State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) and State Representative Tom Craddick (R-Midland) worked together to ensure the funding was included in the final version of the bill.

“This $40 million to construct a new mental health hospital will improve quality of life in Odessa, Midland and throughout the Permian Basin. Russell Tippin and Russell Meyers worked together, Rep. Tom Craddick and I worked together and Odessa and Midland worked together on this. I’m thankful we were able to get this done for our region that desperately needs better access to mental health services,” Landgraf said.

The center will include 100 inpatient beds and outpatient psychiatric care facilities, along with a crisis stabilization unit, professional offices, and counseling and therapeutic spaces appropriate for all ages. Texans who live in the Permian Basin currently have to drive to Lubbock or San Angelo to access similar care.

“In the weeks and months after the August 31, 2019 mass shooting, local leaders in Odessa and Midland identified the need for additional behavioral and mental health services in our region. COVID-19 put that discussion on hold momentarily. I’m thankful that we kept the drum beat going, and that our communities have come together to accomplish this important goal. I’m proud of our work together,” Landgraf added.

Senate Bill 8 now heads to the governor’s desk for signature, the final stage in the legislative process. If SB 8 is signed into law, it is expected that the Permian Basin behavioral health center will be completed by 2024. 

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) is pleased to announce that West Texas is poised to retain its 16 districts in the Texas House of Representatives following the 2021 redistricting process. The Texas Senate on Friday passed House Bill 1, legislation containing the proposed political boundaries for the state’s 150 house districts. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“The results of the 2020 census showed that West Texas population growth did not keep pace with growth in other parts of the state, specifically along the I-35 corridor and around Houston,” Landgraf said. “This led many to predict that West Texas could lose up to three state representatives in the redistricting process this year. Needless to say, I’m thrilled that the House district map passed by the House and Senate retains 16 West Texas-based districts.”

“We were supposed to lose, but West Texas held our ground while remaining compliant with all relevant state and federal laws,” Landgraf added.

Publication of the census results was delayed due to COVID-19, forcing the legislature to take up the redistricting process during a special 30-day legislative session rather than the regular 140-day legislative session that ended on May 31, 2021.

“Even though we make up a small portion of the state’s population, the work we do out here in West Texas benefits the entire state and nation,” Landgraf continued. “If you go to the grocery store, pump gas or wear blue jeans, you’re likely enjoying blessings from West Texas. Our voice must continue to be heard in Washington, DC and Austin.”

Following the results of the 2020 census in which the state’s overall population increased by nearly 4 million, the ideal population for each of Texas’ 150 house districts was set at 194,303, meaning that every district must be within 5 percentage points of that amount. Landgraf represents House District 81, which was one of the only West Texas districts above the ideal population level according to the 2020 census. This led to Andrews County and its population of 18,610 being drawn out of Landgraf’s district and into House District 88.

“I love Andrews County, so I’m sad I will no longer be their state representative. But HD 81’s loss is a gain for West Texas, as the population of Andrews helped to anchor HD 88 in West Texas, allowing us to keep 16 districts in the Texas House. While losing Andrews is disappointing, I’m excited to welcome Loving County and its 64 residents into the fold. I’ve represented the majority of Wink-Loving ISD for years, so adding Loving to HD 81 ensures the entire school district has a dedicated state representative. Regardless of which counties are in HD 81, however, I will never stop fighting for the interests of the Permian Basin and West Texas. I’m so thankful to have 15 other members in the Texas House to join me in that fight,” Landgraf concluded.

If HB 1 is signed into law by Governor Abbott it will be in effect for the 2022 primary elections. Under the proposed map, HD 81 will comprise the following counties: Ector, Loving, Ward, and Winkler. The state house district map proposed by HB 1 can be found by following this URL: https://dvr.capitol.texas.gov/House/4/PLANH2316

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa), who serves the people of Andrews County in the Texas House of Representatives, filed House Bill 7 to prevent the country’s high-level radioactive waste from being shipped into Texas and Andrews County. The Andrews County Commissioner’s Court voted unanimously on July 30th specifically opposing the storage of high-level radioactive waste in the county.

“This was a priority for my constituents in Andrews County and for the entire state of Texas,” Landgraf said. “I appreciate Governor Abbott for adding this issue to the agenda for the special session so that the state could take action before the NRC issues the license later this month. Thankfully, HB 7 received enough votes in the House and Senate to go into effect immediately, protecting Texas from becoming the storage site for the entire country’s high-level radioactive waste.”

The Biden Administration’s U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is poised to issue a license to compel the storage of high-level radioactive waste at a new facility in Andrews County as early as September 13, 2021. If the license is issued, high-level radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear reactors from all over the country could be stored in West Texas for 40-years. House Bill 7 received more than two-thirds support in the House and Senate, allowing the bill to go into effect immediately upon signature by the governor.

House Bill 7 bans the storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste anywhere within state lines. Importantly, however, House Bill 7 allows nuclear reactors in Texas to continue operating as normal, storing waste they generate on site. Additionally, the bill does not impact the low-level facility that currently and safely operates in Andrews County, and which generates millions of dollars for the county and state.

“My job is to represent the people of Andrews County, who clearly support the existing low-level facility, but oppose expansion to store high-level waste that is much more radioactive. That’s why I fought to pass HB 7 into law without being amended by anyone who didn’t have the best interests of Andrews at heart. In addition to the governor, I’m thankful to Speaker Dade Phelan, Senator Brian Birdwell, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for all they did to ensure House Bill 7 got done. And of course, nothing would have ever happened if it wasn’t for all of my amazing constituents in Andrews who spoke up and demanded action,” Landgraf concluded.

On August 7th, the Texas Legislature was convened by Governor Greg Abbott for a special legislative session. Special sessions in Texas can last for up to 30 days, and the legislature is only permitted to consider legislation related to items placed on the agenda by the governor. Legislation limiting the ability to store high-level radioactive materials was one of the items on the agenda. The House adjourned on September 2nd, bringing the special session to an end pending the governor’s call.

AUSTIN – State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) and 79 other members of the Texas House of Representatives voted to authorize the civil arrest of the members of the House who have abandoned their posts in an effort to stall pending business in the Texas Legislature. By compelling absent legislators to return to the Texas Capitol, the House can have the 100 members required by the state’s constitution to take up and pass legislation.

“I was proud to vote for the authorization to arrest these runaway Democrats,” Landgraf said. “They have stalled the legislative process for far too long. It’s time to bring the debate over the issues back to the people’s House where it belongs.”

The Texas Constitution requires at least two-thirds of members to be present in order for the Texas House and Senate to conduct business during a legislative session. The House Rules allow for a majority of members present to vote to arrest absentee members if it is necessary to secure a quorum of the 150-member Texas House. Any arrests made as a result of this action would be civil, not criminal. Upon arrest under these orders, the absentee legislators wouldn’t be taken to jail, but instead to the Capitol.

The current special session is scheduled to last from August 7 until as long as September 5. If the agenda items for the session are not passed into law before the session ends, another 30-day session could be called by the governor.