Press Release from the Office of State of Texas Representative Tracy King

May 13th, 2024

AUSTIN, TX – Senate Bill 1133 sponsored in the 88th Legislative Session by Representative Tracy O. King (D-Uvalde), passed and was signed into law in June 2023.  The bill, relating to a program to compensate landowners for property damage caused by certain criminal activities, required the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to establish a grant program to compensate landowners.

  The OAG has launched the Landowner Compensation Program for Texans adversely affected by border-related crimes. The program as established will provide compensation for damage to real property on agricultural land caused by trespass in connection with a border crime. Landowners can be reimbursed for repair costs not covered by other sources up to $75,000 in damages.

  “Ranchers and farmers for many years have reported significant losses and property damage from increased smuggling activity along the Texas border, said King.  We have worked on legislation for such a program for many years and I am pleased the program has finally been established and funded.   Landowners will have an avenue to assist them with their damages.”

  For more information about the Landowner Compensation Program, including eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit the attorney general’s website at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims/landowner-compensation-program.

  If our office can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call the Capitol office at (512) 463-0194.

Press Release from Texas House District 80

  (Austin) – The Texas Rural Water Association presented Representative Tracy O. King with the TRWA Rural Water Champion Award for his lifetime achievement in the Texas House.  This honor is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond to preserve and enhance the quality of life for all rural Texans.

  “Chairman King is a true advocate for all our rural communities,” said Lara Zent, Executive Director and General Counsel for TRWA.   “He provided leadership on critical rural water issues and was indeed a champion throughout his legislative career.”

  As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative King played an integral part in the association’s efforts to pass legislation protecting water for all rural communities.

  “I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected for this award and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the association for this recognition,” said Representative King. “Because rural representation is too often outmatched by its urban counterpart, it is vitally important that we stand together with organizations such as TRWA for all our rural needs and values.”

  The Texas Rural Water Association is a statewide educational and trade association that represents the full spectrum of the rural water community. They have an active membership of approximately 870 retail public utilities that provide water and wastewater service to 3 million customers throughout Texas. They also have approximately 150 water/wastewater industry suppliers that make up their Associate Membership.

 Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin has confirmed his intention to run for Texas State Representatives District 80. Texas State Representative Tracy O. King of the current seat holder. King announced earlier this week he would not seek another term.

  The Uvalde Hesperian spoke with McLaughlin over the phone Saturday morning July 15th.  McLauglin stated that the Texas House District 80 seat is an important seat and he would provide a voice for the people of Uvalde, Uvalde County and Southwest Texas and address the issues and concerns facing the district. McLaughlin had received national attention appearing as a guest on Fox News  and the Tucker Carlson Show discussing the Border Crisis and the migrant issue as it affects Uvalde as well as receiving statewide and national attention as the Mayor of Uvalde during the aftermath of the Robb Elementary School massacre on May 24th, 2024. 

 Mclaughlin stated he feels that raising the age of access to assault rifles from 18 to 21 is an issue that needs to be addressed while at the same time maintaining gun rights under the 2nd amendment. McLaughlin spoke highly of Representative King and his representation of Uvalde and Uvalde County.

 

 

Press Release by the Office of Representative Tracy O. King; Picture Credit: Office of Rep. Tracy O. King

  After much reflection I have decided not to seek re-election to another term for the office of State Representative.  It has been an honor and privilege to represent the citizens of House District 80 and I will forever be grateful to the men and women that supported us through the years.  Special thanks go to my wife, Cheryl, and our children who were not born when we won the first election in 1994.  We have been blessed with the very best staff in the Capitol and the District.  Celina Overbo, Chief of Staff, has worked with our office the entire time.  Sam Bacarisse and Lupita Zepeda have been a crucial part of the team over the last decade.  Countless other staff members and interns have passed through the office in the last 27 years and we are grateful to them all.

  We were able to accomplish many beneficial things for the District and the thousands of constituents that sought our assistance over the years. We served 14 regular sessions and 14 special sessions (so far) and no doubt could cruise to another win in 2024 but I’m tired and want to slow down.

  Thank you so much and may God continue to bless Texas.

Respectfully,

Tracy O. King

Press release by the Office of Texas Representative Tracy O. King ;Picture Credit; Texas House of Representatives

AUSTIN, Texas – House Bill 1 and House Joint Resolution 1 co-authored by Rep. Tracy O. King seeks to provide Texans with historic cuts to their property taxes. This plan will put us on the path to ultimately eliminating the school portion of property taxes in the future.

This legislation provides a 16.2 percent reduction in school districts’ maximum compressed rate and sends over $12.3 billion to districts so they can lower their tax rates. This is known as tax rate compression. Together with the property tax reductions in the budget passed this session, this will be the largest property tax cut in state history.

“The rise in property taxes has reached an unsustainable level. People are being taxed out of their homes and losing their businesses. It is unacceptable and past time to do something about it,” said Rep. Tracy O. King. “I am proud to co-author legislation that will provide immediate and lasting relief to both homeowners and businesses.”

The Legislature is currently convened in a special session to specifically consider property tax relief.

Rep. King represents House District 80 which consists of Atascosa, Dimmit, Frio, Uvalde, Webb, and Zavala counties. He chairs the prestigious House Natural Resources Committee and serves on the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee, the Youth Health and Safety Committee, and Community Safety Committee.