Upon learning that one of the Texas House districts that would see the most change affects our readership area, The Texas Spur reached out to current representative Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock), who might end up serving our counties by 2013.
THE TEXAS SPUR: Thank you for taking time to respond to our questions. If you were to run for reelection, what goals would you be seeking to accomplish in an expanded district?
REP. DUSTIN BURROWS: First and foremost, I am a conservative Republican and will make sure that Texas remains a conservative State for the next generation. This includes making sure that we protect life, our second amendment rights, we have a secure border and that our public school systems are not used by the radical left to teach Marxist ideology like ‘critical race theory.’ Second, I have been a strong voice for property rights (including groundwater) and our agriculture community. I will continue to advance issues and policies that supports both. Third, I will make sure that our public schools are fully funded from the State, and our teachers are allowed to teach, not just administer tests.
What would be your plans and timetable to meet prospective new constituents in the counties now in District 83?
I am planning a series of townhalls in early December in each of the counties in District 83. The details will be announced in this newspaper. Additionally, I have already been reaching out to the local party officials, county judges and other county, city and school officials. Finally, if you have any issues you would like to discuss, or events you would like me to attend, please call the district office at (806) 795-0635.
Rural West Texas faces particular challenges after redistricting; populations are declining and infrastructure is eroding in every small West Texas town. What can Austin and our local state representative do to help?
First, we must make sure our needs are known to the rest of the State. For example, I have helped our rural hospitals obtain much needed additional funding (over $200M for 2021). Also, I have helped secure $500M in building out rural broadband so that we can be better connected and utilize technology.
Second, we must make sure that economic development dollars and State programs go to rural Texas. My office works closely with the Governor and Department of Agriculture’s office to request grants and available funding for key projects in the District, and will continue to do so throughout all of District 83.
Third and finally, we must make sure that the State budget invests in rural Texas. For instance, making sure that public education, health and transportation expenditures make are distributed equitably when considering not just the population, but also the amount of land and industry we provide for the rest of the State of Texas.
Everyone we talk to is tired of the constant bickering between Republicans and Democrats. We’d like to help create a more civil dialogue in public affairs. Are you known for reaching across the aisle and working with representatives of both parties? If so, what kind of legislation are you particularly proud of, that showed a bipartisan focus?
Unfortunately, the Democratic party has a vision for the future of Texas and this Country that I do not agree with and will continue to fight against. However, I have reached across the aisle on a variety of issues to pass significant legislation including: Property tax reform, lowering healthcare costs by making pricing transparent; ensuring injured first responders can get the healthcare they deserve; lien protections for our farmers, equitable higher education funding; and, many more.
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