Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick

Tuesday, I joined the @gr8tersachamber. This group of business leaders is working hard to keep San Antonio on track to become an economic powerhouse. We discussed important issues Texans are facing, including affordability, insurance, and the cost of tuition.

Yesterday, I joined independent oil and gas producers from around the state with @T_I_P_R_O in San Antonio. I have always prioritized our oil and gas industry because it's the economic engine of our state. Without them, Texas would not be where we are today.

STARTING NOW: click here to watch my press conference live from the Capitol. #txlege bit.ly/2FNNb8x

Please join Jan and me in prayer for those affected today by the Apache helicopter crash in Bell County. Texans know that our brave service members risk their lives every single day to keep our country safe. kxan.com/news/texas/authorit…

I was happy to support the new SpaceX and Tesla Terafab facility being built in Grimes County. With tens of billions in capital investments and thousands of new jobs created in rural Texas, Terafab will clearly be a state-of-the-art facility that keeps our state at the cutting edge of global innovation. Terafab shows that rural Texas is stronger than ever and the Texas Miracle is happening in every corner of our state. #txlege

Over the last several years, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) have studied the current and future power needs of Texas. Huge (new to Texas) 765-kV transmission lines to increase power around the state are a part of their plan.    Unfortunately, neither the PUC nor ERCOT have followed through with a plan that is supported by the vast majority of Texas landowners. The PUC and ERCOT both acknowledged as much during an over 15- hour Senate Business and Commerce Committee hearing on Wednesday.    Hour after hour, witness after witness testified they did not have adequate notice and have no idea where the lines are going because of constant route changes. They also accused ERCOT, the PUC, and the transmission companies of rushing through the process that could significantly affect the use of their land. It’s clear the overwhelming number of witnesses in rural Texas are not supportive of the current process. They want it paused. Some want it stopped entirely.    Everyone agrees Texas needs the transmission necessary to meet the growing needs of the state. However, support for ERCOT’s 765-kV transmission plan should not come at the expense of private property rights.   I agree with Chairman Schwertner in calling on the PUC to deny the pending applications for 765-kV transmission lines, and not consider re-applications, until the transmission companies can address the serious concerns raised by landowners at Wednesday’s hearing.    The testimony made it abundantly clear the current process being utilized by the PUC for proposing and approving transmission lines is broken and must be reformed. If these lines are going to be built, which many believe must be built, then the PUC’s transmission approval process must not only prioritize strengthening the grid, but also protect Texas landowners and communities. During the 90th Legislative Session beginning in January 2027, the Texas Senate will prioritize addressing this issue. Below is a statement released today by Senate Business and Commerce Committee Chairman Charles Schwerterner, who oversees this issue.

My statement announcing seven new 2026 Interim Charges to the Texas Senate: bit.ly/4fSTTe1 #txlege

Today, Speaker @Burrows4TX and I issued the following joint statement requesting an audit of the Broadband Development Office. #txlege

Today, Senator @joanhuffman and I issued the following statement applauding the @TRSofTexas Board of Trustees' vote to lower premiums for retired teachers and educators. #txlege

Today, Speaker @Burrows4TX and I sent this letter to @TexasHHSC Commissioner Muth, @UTMBhealth, and @UTHealthHouston. #txlege

Please join Jan and me in prayer for Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero, his family, and the @TxDPS community. Every time a member of law enforcement dies in the line of duty, an entire family is impacted for life. Trooper Romero graduated from the academy in 2025. He leaves behind his wife, two young children, his parents, and other family members. Please keep the Romero family in your prayers. Trooper Romero dedicated his life to protecting Texans. Texans thank law enforcement for risking their lives daily to keep us safe. #txlege

It was great to be at @UTSWMedCenter for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Texas Behavioral Health Center with @TexasHHSC Commissioner Muth, @TanParkerTX, @SenRoyceWest, @RepDavidCook, @RepToniRoseTX, Rep. @VentonJonesTX, @SecJaneNelson, and @RepJohnZerwas. As Lieutenant Governor, I have prioritized billions of dollars in investments for our state hospital network. Yesterday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dallas reflects my ongoing commitment to ensuring Texans have access to critical mental health care across the state. #txlege

Today, I joined Chancellor Brandon Creighton @CreightonForTX in swearing in Brett Ligon @LigonForTexas as the newest member of the Texas Senate. Senate District 4 is in great hands, and we are fortunate to welcome another outstanding Senator to serve the people of Texas. #txlege

Today, I joined @BNSFRailway in Fort Worth to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Railroads played an important role in shaping and building our nation, and much of Texas. As someone who loves railway trains, it was an incredible experience to ride aboard one of BNSF’s historic locomotives and see that history come to life. Some of the railcars we traveled in today were once used by President Harry Truman. #txlege

Texans are heartbroken over the news of a shooting in Midland. Please join Jan and me in prayer for the victims, their families, and the city of Midland. Please also pray for our brave first responders who put themselves in harm's way to keep the Midland community safe. We thank them for their courage.