CAPITOL COMMENTS VOLUME III, ISSUE 29 Dear Friend, We have had much to be thankful for over the past month as we take stock of all that 2017 has brought. At the Capitol, the House Republican Caucus has approved rule changes on how the next Speaker will be elected. I am also thankful for the resilience of our state as we have weathered Hurricane Harvey and the worst mass shooting in Texas history. Lisa and I continue to pray for those victimized by these events. Read on to learn about the goings-on in House District 65 and at the Capitol during the past month. You can also nd information about events going on during the upcoming holiday season. My o ce will keep you informed on my House website, Facebook, or Twitter. It is an honor representing you. Best regards, Ron Simmons State Representative House District 65
CAPITOL NEWS Christmas 2017 This past week the Christmas season o cially came to the capitol with the arrival of both the House and Senate Christmas trees! The spouses of the members decorated the tree this past weekend with 150 ornaments from each state representative highlighting their district. It is a beautiful sight to behold once it is complete!
Speaker's Race Since the end of the special session I have been at the forefront in urging that changes be made to the House Republican Caucus bylaws in order for us to nominate a conservative Republican Speaker candidate from our caucus that all the members will support. I am happy to report that our caucus unanimously adopted just such a rule this past week in our caucus meeting. This is how the process should work, and how it already works in many other states and at the national level in the US House of Representatives. Each party caucus will nominate their candidate for Speaker and a vote will take place on the oor of the House immediately after we are sworn in to elect one of these individuals as our next Speaker in accordance with the Constitution of Texas. DISTRICT NEWS
Lewisville Christmas Parade Year End Donations Simmons for State Representative volunteers walked in the Lewisville Christmas Parade sponsored by Hu nes Auto Dealerships this past weekend having fun and giving out Simmons swag while o cially kicking o the Christmas season! As the year draws to a close, many choose to make donations to lower their tax burden and help those less fortunate out. As the parents of an autistic son, Lisa and I have bene ted from the work of the Autism Society, and would urge you to donate to them. They are a great help and resource to those parents who have children on the spectrum. Lady Hawks State Champions Once Again Since the UIL began crowning state volleyball champions in 1967, only 14 programs have ever completed a three-peat. Lewisville Hebron joined that exclusive club this past month at the Curtis Culwell Center, capturing a 25-17, 25-14, 25-15 victory over Katy Seven Lakes. It marked the fth state title for the Lady Hawks (41-7) in six trips to the tournament and secured the rst threepeat for any program since Lucas Lovejoy won four straight in Class 3A from 2008 to 2011. Congratulations to all the young ladies for their accomplishment! Holiday Events in HD 65 The holiday season is here once again! Many exciting events are happening to celebrate in House District 65, and we have compiled a few of them below. Carrollton Snow Globe - December 9, 2017, 11:00 AM, http://bit.ly/2i5m7mx Brookhaven Bell Choir - December 9, 2017, 3:00 PM, http://bit.ly/2ydcico Lewisville Christmas at the Cabin December 16, 2017, 10:00 AM, http://bit.ly/2yjtf9t Harry Potter Yule Ball - December 29, 2017, 6:30 PM, http://bit.ly/2xwrtgp Our mailing address is: Capitol Office: E2.608, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 Phone: 512-463-0478 ~ Fax 512-463-2089 Chief of Staff: Zach Flores ~ Email: zach.flores@house.texas.gov District Office: 1029 W. Rosemeade Parkway, Suite 124, Carrollton, TX 75007 Phone: 972-492-2080 ~Fax: 972-492-7408 District Director: Ebony Wilson ~ Email: ebony.wilson@house.texas.gov