The curtain has closed on the 87th Legislative Session, reminding me of the lyrics from one of my favorite Willie Nelson songs: “turn out the lights, the party’s over.” As lawmakers head back to their respective districts, they’ll return to their “day job” until our first Special Session is called later this summer. I’m personally relieved to be back home surrounded by family and the people I care for so deeply. Spending five months away from loved ones and constituents does indeed make the heart grow fonder. And while my “honey-do” list will keep me busy around the house and farm for quite some time, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you across House District 57 in the coming months to catch up on what I’ve missed and discuss what’s on your mind.

Nancy Franek, GHRC Office Manager, asked us to share that the Grimes Health Resource Center has openings for the senior meal program. Homebound seniors ages 60 and up may qualify. Do you need transportation assistance? GHRC can help, please call 936-870-4575 for more information.

Matthew 20:26 says, “whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” Our freedoms in America have not been granted, but fought for by the great men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. As you take a long weekend at the lake, enjoy a picnic with your family, or play an extra round of golf with friends this Memorial Day, please join me in remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. May we always take time to recognize members of the military, and may we never take our liberty for granted.

This past week, we celebrated National Transportation Infrastructure Week. While this recognition does not come with celebratory cake and confetti, I know we can all appreciate the core systems which enable the movement of goods and people throughout the state and across the country. Transportation infrastructure brings prosperity to the nation by connecting Americans to all of the opportunities this great country offers. Whether you’re traveling along the El Camino Real de los Tejas with the family this summer, or transporting agricultural or livestock goods -- it is the highways, roads and bridges that keep Texans and the economy moving forward.

Recently I shared the news that the Museum has loaned three framed photos of our old 1896-1967 Courthouse to the Meteor office next door. Now we’ve gone one better. We’ve also loaned the Meteor a stunning head mount of a whitetail buck killed locally. I highly recommend that you visit the Meteor to see it.

A little over two weeks is all that’s left of the 87th Legislative Session. Deadlines alluded to in previous columns have come and gone, and we are now in the final countdown. These deadlines, referred to as the “Split Session Amendments,” were first proposed in 1930 to set the pace of session and ensure the Legislature operates efficiently. The first major legislative deadline arrived this past Thursday on the 122nd day of session, as the lower chamber rushed to hear as many bills as possible before the stroke of midnight. The House must now focus solely on Senate-passed bills for the next two weeks.

Mackie shares that the Bedias Women’s Club will hold its first meeting in more than a year next Thursday, May 27, at 2 p.m. at the Bedias Civic Center. All Bedias area women are invited and encouraged to attend. We are hopeful that most folks will have had the vaccine that want to take it and that we will be able to fellowship and celebrate again for our regular meetings.