By Conservative State Representative, Angelia Orr
Things are heating up in our State Capitol, and I’m working each day to champion conservative legislation that secures a bright future for rural Texas. Right now, hundreds of bills are being reviewed in committees, tackling critical issues from border security to public education and delivering much-needed property tax relief.
Last week, I shared with you my new role as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee, which focuses on health and human services funding. This position empowers me to ensure that our district, and all of rural Texas, is at the forefront of important decisions. By overseeing one-third of our state’s funding, I am committed to crafting a conservative budget that prioritizes the true health needs of Texans while defunding radical social experiments.
This week, I’d like to highlight my responsibilities as a member of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism (CRT). This committee plays a vital role in supporting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Texas Historical Commission, and more. As I begin my work, I am reminded of the unparalleled natural beauty that Texas has to offer—from our picturesque hill country and rugged mountain ranges to our stunning shores on the Gulf of America and winding rivers.
This land is uniquely Texan, and I will preserve this heritage and protect private property owners’ rights for future generations.
To keep our land uniquely Texan, we MUST get one thing right: It is time to prevent foreign adversaries from stealing our farmland. By the end of 2023, a staggering 5.6 million acres of Texas land was owned by foreign entities, with some linked to the Chinese Communist Party. We must ban foreign adversaries—including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran—from holding our lands hostage and using them to disrupt our supply chains or engage in espionage. The time for talk is over. We need action.
Moreover, we must protect the future of Texas agriculture. Did you know 86% of Texans live in urban areas? As this number is expected to rise, we need greater funding for initiatives like the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. This funding is crucial not just for preventing farm fragmentation but also for addressing our mounting water crisis. A greater number of fields and natural areas mean a larger supply of clean, naturally filtered water for our streams and reservoirs. The interim report from our committee reveals that over 35,000 acres could not be covered under the conservation program due to underfunding. I am dedicated to addressing this shortfall, ensuring we preserve our farmland, water supply, and the breathtaking beauty of our state.
Lastly, we must protect our treasured tradition of hunting. I am dedicated to defending Texans’ Second Amendment right to bear arms, ensuring that our children and grandchildren can experience this sport just as we do. Many on the far left want to strip away our rights and disrupt our way of life. I will safeguard our freedoms and fiercely oppose any attempts to ban our firearms.
As I close this week’s column, I want to remind you of the amazing state parks that we have in our district! Meridian State Park, Fort Boggy State Park, Fort Parker State Park, and Lake Whitney State Park all offer great recreation and outdoor adventure for HD 13 families. Take advantage of our beautiful spring weather and enjoy all Texas outdoors has to offer!
I appreciate you for staying up to date and encourage you to come back as I write to you next week. You can stay connected and informed about the legislative process by calling our Capitol office at (512) 463-0600 or by following my social media page at www.facebook.com/AngeliaOrrForTX.
