Friends,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. With committee assignments now announced, the 89th Legislative Session is in full swing. I am honored to serve on two key committees—the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Corrections—where I will work on critical issues that affect every Texan. These roles provide an opportunity to shape policies that safeguard public safety, ensure responsible budgeting, and promote economic growth. I look forward to using these positions to advocate for conservative, commonsense solutions that keep Texas strong and prosperous.

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for crafting the state budget, which determines how we fund key priorities such as education, infrastructure, public safety, and border security. With Texas' rapid growth, it is more important than ever to take a fiscally conservative approach, ensuring that every tax dollar is used effectively and that government spending remains limited and accountable. I will fight to keep our budget balanced, resist unnecessary spending, and prioritize policies that support economic growth, job creation, and individual opportunity. Government should work for the people, not the other way around, and I am committed to ensuring that Texas remains a model of fiscal discipline and responsible governance.

The Corrections Committee provides oversight of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and plays a critical role in ensuring that our criminal justice system is tough on crime while remaining fair and efficient. Public safety must always come first. Texans deserve a justice system that holds offenders accountable, protects communities, and ensures that violent criminals remain behind bars. At the same time, we must find ways to reduce recidivism through effective reentry programs for those who have served their time and want to become productive members of society. We must ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on ineffective policies, and that our prison system operates in a way that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and justice.

Serving on these committees is a responsibility I take seriously, and I will always stand for the conservative principles that make Texas strong: fiscal responsibility, public safety, and limited government. I will work to ensure that our state remains a beacon of economic opportunity, personal liberty, and law and order. As always, I value your input and look forward to working together to keep Texas on the right path.

Serving our district in Austin means staying engaged, meeting with stakeholders, and working on policies that make a difference. Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been up to!

Coastal Bend College

I had the privilege of meeting with Coastal Bend College (CBC) leadership and students to discuss the vital role they play in workforce development, higher education, and economic growth in our district. With campuses in Beeville, Alice, and Kingsville, they provide accessible education all across the district that helps students gain the skills they need to succeed in high-demand fields such as nursing, welding, petroleum technology, business, and education.

My discussion with CBC leadership reaffirmed the importance of investing in community colleges, ensuring they have the resources to continue their mission of preparing students for successful careers while supporting regional economic growth. As a legislator, I am committed to advocating for policies that strengthen career and technical education to support the workforce needs of our district. Coastal Bend College is a pillar of our community, and I look forward to working with them to ensure continued success for both students and the local economy.

Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants

This month, I had the opportunity to meet with the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA), a vital organization representing thousands of accounting professionals across our state. CPAs play a crucial role in ensuring financial transparency, responsible budgeting, and economic stability, whether in the private sector, small businesses, or government operations. Their expertise helps guide sound fiscal policies, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and support a thriving business climate in Texas. As we work through the legislative session, I value the input from TXCPA members in shaping policies that promote economic growth, reduce regulatory burdens, and uphold strong financial accountability in our state.

International Consulting Engineers

I had the privilege of meeting with International Consulting Engineers (ICE), a distinguished business in our district that has garnered national recognition for its excellence in engineering, architecture, and construction services. Under the leadership of Jesus J. Jimenez, PE, and Hugo P. Gonzalez Jr, PE, ICE has not only achieved phenomenal growth, expanding to five cities across Texas with over 120 employees, but has also been repeatedly honored for its outstanding contributions to the small business sector. Most recently, ICE was recognized as the 2024 USDA Small Disadvantaged Business Contractor of the Year, adding to its impressive record of accolades, including the 2019 USDA Nationwide Small Business Contractor of the Year and the 2023 Local Small Business of the Year (Region VI).

Beyond their professional success, ICE has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service and workforce development. ICE has contributed over 600 hours of volunteer work and mentorship, helping to inspire and train the next generation of engineers and technical professionals. Their dedication to giving back exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and civic responsibility that makes Texas businesses so exceptional.

It is an honor that this session our office will be able to recognize International Consulting Engineers with a House Resolution for their remarkable achievements and contributions to both industry and community. Their success serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, innovation, and a commitment to service.

Mathis ISD

I am proud to represent Mathis ISD, a school district I know is working hard in the district to provide quality education to our kids. Strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving community, and Mathis ISD plays a crucial role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. We had an excellent meeting, and I am working hard to make sure our school districts are heard and supported in the capitol. I will always be committed to policies that empower local school districts, support parental rights, and ensure that education funding is used effectively to benefit students and educators alike. Mathis ISD’s dedication to serving our community is invaluable, and I am looking forward to working with them and our other school districts this session.

Other happenings around the capitol!

I was honored to be asked by a delegation of Texas A&M Student Government students to speak on my decision to devote my life to public service. I hope my story will inspire them to seek out ways to serve their communities the best they can.

It was insightful to meet with a delegation from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s up-and-coming Master’s in Nursing program, which is poised to make a significant impact on healthcare education in our communities.

Here I am learning about the rich Czech heritage in Texas, home to over 200,000 Czechs, the most of any state. Check out their traditional Czech clothing!

While this newsletter can only capture a small part of the work being done here in Austin, I want to assure you that I am working hard every day to represent our district and uphold the conservative values that make Texas strong. From meeting with local leaders and businesses to tackling key legislative issues, my focus remains on the economic growth of our district along with protecting the freedoms of all Texans. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on both the House Appropriations Committee and the House Corrections Committee, and I am eager for these committees to get to work as soon as possible. I encourage you to reach out with your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Your input is invaluable, and I am committed to keeping you informed and engaged as we navigate this legislative session. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing to fight for our district and for the great state of Texas.

God bless Texas!

Sincerely,

J.M. Lozano
Texas Representative of District 43
district43.lozano@house.texas.gov