Texas Senate District 18

15/10/2023

https://bigkahunaprime.net/ridgecreekelementary/2023bkprime/emmahicks?a=2

Support Ridge Creek Elementary

13/06/2023

Senate photography captured this photo of me with my oldest sister, Robin and Lois Kate on the last day of the 88th regular session. So grateful for the love and support of family!

13/06/2023

13/06/2023

Wife, Mother, Senator, Small Business Owner, Proven Conservative, 6th Generation Texan

10/06/2023

While there is so much happening on the national scene with accusations, indictments and cover ups, it highlights the need and importance of a transparent and efficient state government here in Texas.

As I have this past week, I will continue highlighting the work of the Texas Legislature during the 88th Session. Much good was accomplished!

For example- while I traveled the district prior to session last summer and fall, I consistently heard from many of you about the need for mental health access across our state.

As Chair of Senate Health and Human Services, I listened, and took your ideas to craft Senate Bill 26 — one of the bills I'm most proud of this session. It now awaits the Governor’s signature and will be the foundation for making sure your tax dollars are being used to help those most in need.

In short, SB 26 will require audits of our local mental health authorities, and create innovative grants with local communities. This will set up new plans and ways for people transitioning out of mental health facilities and into placement in more longer-term help settings like nursing facilities.

Post-Covid, we have sadly seen a greater need for mental health support. SB 26, along with funding in SB 30, will create more opportunities for those Texans who need our help.

03/06/2023

Our nation is under attack from transnational crime cartels flooding our country with addictive and deadly fentanyl- and Texas is ground zero for this organized assault. This is why I was proud to have co-authored House Bill 6 which raises the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl to murder.

The tougher penalties in HB 6 are another weapon in the battle to protect public safety as we face the federal failures along our collapsing border. Looking forward to Gov. Abbott signing this into law!

31/05/2023

The 88th Regular Session ended yesterday and today we began the first special session called by Governor Greg Abbott. Over the days and weeks ahead, I will highlight many of the bills impacting Texans’ lives that successfully passed to the Governor for his signature!

The first of these is Senate Bill 10, the TRS Benefit bill for retired teachers:

—One-time $7,500 stipend for eligible annuitants who are 75 years of age and older.
—One-time $2,400 stipend for eligible annuitants between the ages of 70-74.
—6% COLA – Effective Date of Retirement: On or before 8/31/2001
—4% COLA – Effective Date of Retirement: On 9/1/2001-8/31/2013
—2% COLA – Effective Date of Retirement: On 9/1/2013-8/31/2020

Almost $5 billion has been allocated to these well-deserved benefits for our retired teachers who dedicated their careers to teaching our youth!

28/05/2023

My remarks following the actions of the Texas House of Representatives today.

25/05/2023

It’s 1:30 am and just wrapped up our work on the Senate floor…it was the last night to pass bills on second and third reading. Senator Joan Huffman snapped this photo of the Lt Governor sitting at my desk during the Local and Uncontested Calendar with this note: “Love it! All the files on floor- full garbage can. Great last night of session pic!”