As the 89th legislative session prepares to convene from January 14 to June 2, Representative John Smithee of House District 86 returns to the Capitol, ready to engage in discussions about pressing priorities for the state and his district. However, before lawmakers can begin debating or passing bills, essential procedural steps must be completed.
House Speaker Selection: A Critical First Step
Representative Smithee emphasized that selecting the House Speaker is the session's initial order of business, a task that remains uncertain as opening day approaches.
“The first thing we do on the first day is select a speaker in the House, and of course, this time, that’s very much up in the air,” he explained. “It really puts us behind when we have to select the speaker on opening day.”
Once a Speaker is chosen, committee assignments must be made, and house rules established—foundational steps necessary before any legislative action can proceed.
School Choice Debate Front and Center
Among the session’s anticipated hot topics is school choice, a policy debate gaining momentum across Texas. Representative Smithee acknowledged the likelihood of a bill moving forward but stressed the complexity of the issue.
“The votes are there to pass some sort of school choice bill,” Smithee noted. “The devil is going to be in the details, as it often is.”
Smithee underscored the need to safeguard the interests of rural school districts, which comprise much of his constituency. Financial challenges and staffing shortages are pressing concerns for these schools.
“Most of my districts are rural. They’re really hurting right now — financially and in attracting good teachers,” Smithee said. “We have to make sure we protect our rural school districts, and that’s essential to any debate on school choice.”
Unallocated School Funding and Surplus Budget
Smithee pointed to funds allocated for education in the last session that were stalled due to the school choice debate. With a budget surplus this session, he is optimistic about using available resources to benefit public education.
“We’ve got the funds available to make meaningful increases in public education,” he said. “One of the big things we’d like to do is increase salaries for teachers and school employees because inflation has made it difficult for districts to attract and retain qualified teachers.”
Water Conservation: A Long-Term Priority for West Texas
Another key issue on the legislative agenda is water conservation, particularly critical for West Texas. Smithee highlighted the need for comprehensive, long-term planning.
“This is not a problem you plan for five or ten years down the road,” Smithee explained. “It’s at least a 50-year planning phase to ensure that our area is prepared. Without water, you can’t have life.”
Exploring new water sources and conservation strategies will be essential to preserving the region’s future prosperity and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Looking Ahead
As the legislative session begins, Representative Smithee remains focused on advancing policies that support education, rural development, and resource management.
“Our children and grandchildren’s future depend on the choices we make now,” he said. “These decisions will shape Texas for years to come.”
