Moran Minute: East Texas Strong

Friends,

While in East Texas for the District Work Period during the month of August, I’ve had the chance to visit with hundreds of East Texans and visit a variety of businesses and community groups across our 17-county region. These visits gave me the valuable opportunity to hear directly from you and continue learning about how I can best serve you in Washington, D.C.

One of the best aspects of my time in East Texas was witnessing the strength and innovation of our small businesses (despite Washington, D.C.). I met entrepreneurs who are navigating the day-to-day challenges of running a business, while also finding creative solutions to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape. Your determination was truly inspiring, and I’m committed to continue pressing for pro-growth, free-market policies in Congress that will support your endeavors.

What issues remain at the top of the minds of business owners and families in East Texas?  Here’s some of what constituents in TX-01 talked to me about: border security, skilled and available workforce, affordable housing, expansion of broadband, needed relief from government regulations, accountability of federal government officials abusing their power, transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, access to affordable health care, support for local control, out-of-control federal debt and spending, needed support for our agriculture industry, law enforcement needs, trade and critical supply chain matters, and the numerous threats posed by China and its unholy alliance with Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others. And, this is just a sampling of the numerous issues we worked through face-to-face.

Thank you! I needed those conversations and that input so that I better advocate for policies that reflect the needs and ambitions of the men and women of the First District of Texas. I don’t know about the rest of Congress, but August has NOT been a time of vacation.  We’ve been busy doing the work you hired me to do—and that starts with listening to you and building strong relationships together.

One of the “sweetest” visits that we have made in these first 8 months was to Sweet Shop USA, located in Mount Pleasant.  It is the largest handmade chocolate factory in the nation! The artisans’ dedication to handcrafting delectable chocolates was impressive, and their commitment to quality, community engagement, and creativity was inspiring. If you stop by for a visit, I recommend the milk chocolate salted caramels! (Actually, I recommend EVERYTHING)

Just down the road from the Sweet Shop is Diamond C Trailers in Titus County, a leading manufacturer of high-quality trailers. After touring their state-of-the-art facilities and meeting with their senior leadership to discuss Diamond C Trailer’s operations, its apparent that they have a commitment to quality and attention-to-detail in every aspect of their business—from the layout of their facility to the hand-painted pin stripes that date back generations. And, they are investing into their local community with innovation and a mind for service to others. #DoWorkLoveStrong

In Rusk County, I started with a tour of the Henderson Police Department, where I met with officers to discuss their efforts to keep the community safe. The Department’s dedication to public safety and community partnerships should serve as an example to other law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

Afterwards, I met with staff and doctors at UT Health to discuss the need for healthcare accessibility and affordability in rural communities. UT Health is leading the way in supporting those in need across Henderson and in the surrounding areas. But, they are not alone.  Crossroads Family Care clinic down the street gave us a tour of their facilities, and helped our team understand more about the services they provide to the Rusk County community as a federally qualified health center.  Rural health care is a team effort. And, these teams of medical professionals love their communities—like so many other medical professionals in East Texas—and are giving back daily.

Earlier this week, I met with Annie Dwyer from the National Association of Realtors to discuss housing shortages, interest and mortgage rates, and creating financial access for first time homebuyers. Thanks to Annie for meeting with me and offering to work together to address the challenges faced by both home buyers and sellers. I am committed to collaborating with organizations like the National Association of Realtors to protect the interests of our community members and advocate for a thriving real estate market that benefits everyone.