As our Texas legislature prepares to enter a third special session, conservatives are once again being ignored by our GOP elected officials. Republicans continue to pass feel-good, sound-bite legislation that does nothing to solve the border crisis and the serious problems facing Texas. The new agenda does not include a ban on child gender modification, monument protection, a ban on mask mandates, a ban on vaccine mandates, or meaningful property tax reform. One of the agenda items is regarding whether any state or local governmental entities in Texas can mandate that an individual receive a COVID-19 vaccine and, if so, what exemptions should apply to such mandate. Exemptions to a mandate? It sounds very much like a mandate is on the table. On the issue of gender modification of children, Governor Abbott announced to conservative radio host Mark Davis in July that, “We have another solution that will address that problem that will be announced shortly. … The solution should be announced within the next week.” Thus far no legislation has been proposed. Abbott also stated at that time, “I’ll be candid with you. I’ll tell you what everybody knows, and that’s the chances of that passing during the session in the House of Representatives was nil.” Why is that, Governor? This is Texas. We have a Republican majority. There is no excuse for the lack of action on this and our other priorities.
Prosper, Texas – On Thursday, August 5, 2021, Jim Herblin filed his candidacy for state representative in Texas House District 70. Jim Herblin is a Certified Public accountant and President of Herblin, P.C. Specializing in forensic accounting, tax and expert witness services, Herblin looks forward to bringing his considerable financial expertise and common-sense fiscal conservatism to Austin. “As a pro-family conservative, I have always been involved in Republican grassroots to protect our Texas Values. What is urgently needed now is bold leadership to preserve our great state for our children and grandchildren. No more ‘going with the flow.’ Half measures and platitudes don’t solve problems. As goes Texas, so goes the country. We must Keep Texas Strong.” When asked what prompted his challenge to the long-time incumbent, Herblin stated, “Republicans have held a majority in the Texas House for over 19 years. The current representative has been in office almost 10 years. He is Chairman of the Republican Caucus Policy Committee, yet his priorities do not reflect the voters’ top concerns. It is time for new leadership.” The recent general session ended with no resolution on the issues of border security, term limits, sky-high property taxes, election integrity, gender modification of children, critical race theory, government overreach, and taxpayer-funded lobbying. Now, Republican leaders are blaming the “runaway” Democrats for these failures, while Republicans allowed conservative priority legislation to “silently” die in committee. This demonstrates a total lack of personal responsibility to constituents. It is common for politicians to make promises, but voters expect genuine efforts and results. Texans deserve bold leadership, not lukewarm legislators. Jim Herblin holds a B.B.A. in accounting from Texas A&M University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and various other professional organizations. Following his graduation from Texas A&M in 1980, he worked for Arthur Andersen & Co. as a senior audit manager prior to starting his own small business. Jim has faithfully served his community in numerous roles, including as a Trustee on the Richardson Independent School Board, as a member of the Finance Committee of Prestonwood Baptist Church, and as Chairman of the Economic Development Corporation for the Towne of Prosper. Jim and his wife Dana live in Prosper, Texas.