Issues
"The special interests use money to control state government… but we can stop them.
I exposed mismanagement, demanding reforms at Pedernales Electric Coop. Now money is being returned to ratepayers. And when water profiteers attempted to steal the resources of Caldwell County, I stopped them. But our battle against the special interests is far from over.
In today’s economy we cannot afford billions for the Trans-Texas Corridor while our existing highways are in disrepair. And our system to fund public schools is broken. We must increase the state’s share and provide a quality education to every Texas child.
I will continue to stand up for you against greed and self-interest… fight to create jobs, initiate immigration reform and pass strong appraisal caps to guarantee lower property taxes. Together we can put an end to check-book politics and return state government to the people it is supposed to serve. And focus on issues that matter to every Texan."
— State Rep. Patrick Rose
Results That Matter
Deer Creek
In the Summer of 2006, Deer Creek Ranch families went weeks without water. Neighbors called Rep. Patrick Rose for help and he immediately coordinated the donation of a 5,200-gallon HEB tanker to transport water to the neighborhood for two and a half weeks. With a coalition led by Rep. Rose, a new surface water line became operational in February 2007. Much work remains to finally overcome almost 30 years of mismanagement by the utility.
Energy: Pedernales Electric Cooperative
Rep. Patrick Rose and Sen. Troy Fraser have joined forces to demand accountability and transparency from the PEC board. Over the last 6 months, some progress has been made, including changes that allow for a more fair board election process. Rep. Rose continues to fight for an independent audit of PEC by the State Auditor and other much needed reforms.
Learn more about Patrick's efforts on behalf of PEC members and employees »
Aqua Texas, Inc. Rate Case
The commissioners of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are considering Aqua Texas Inc.’s request for a water and sewer rate increase in 52 Texas counties. By submitting public comment on behalf of Hays County residents served by Aqua Texas, Inc., Rep. Patrick Rose joined other elected officials and residents that are united in opposition to this proposed rate increase.
Learn more about Patrick's efforts for affordable utility rates on behalf of Aqua Texas customers »
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
More than 85,000 Texans are diagnosed with cancer each year and more than 35,000 Texans die each year of cancer. By building a coalition that includes the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society and KillCancer.org, Rep. Patrick Rose and his colleagues led the effort to pass this landmark legislation.
Core Issues
Public Education
Rep. Patrick Rose believes that ensuring the quality and financial stability of our public schools is critical for the future of our region and our State. He believes that Robin Hood is broken and he is working with homeowners, parents, teachers and school leaders to fix it. The state must also increases its share of funding for public schools so that local school districts can keep more of their tax dollars at home. One critical next step is to extend the mid-size adjustment to Chapter 41 districts such as Wimberley and Dripping Springs next session, and he is building the coalition over this interim to get it done.
Property Taxes & Appraisal Caps
Rep. Patrick Rose supported the new broad-based business margins tax to reduce property taxes for all Texans by one third; the legislation also closed the franchise tax loopholes. Lower property tax rates have helped, but as a homeowner, Rep. Rose understands that permanent property tax relief can only be guaranteed with appraisal caps.
Higher Education: Investing in the future of Texas.
Rep. Patrick Rose serves on the House Higher Education Committee and works closely with Texas State University–San Marcos. Rep. Rose believes that tuition deregulation should not be the future of funding at our universities and his main concern is its negative effect on the middle class. Rep. Rose understands that college must be affordable for a strong Texas economy.
Join Patrick in his efforts to make college affordable for middle class families »
Texas Manufacturers Caucus
Rep. Patrick Rose is protecting Texas’ jobs from outsourcing by supporting our local manufacturing community. These business leaders are a vital source of economic growth and job creation. Texas produced $98 billion worth of manufactured goods in 2003, roughly 7 percent of the country’s output. Our state ranks second behind California in factory production, and first as an exporter of manufactured products. However, there has been a general decline in manufacturing employment nationwide. With capital-intensive industries like manufacturing paying a disproportionate share of franchise and property taxes, we must join together to foster policy that encourages this sector of our economy.