P.O. Box 12068, State Capitol
Austin, Texas 78711
Tel. (512) 463-0104

AUSTIN - Senator Tommy Williams declared the just ended session of the Texas Legislature a success.

"I believe the people of Texas will be pleased with the accomplishments of this session. While many other states are cutting budgets and closing businesses and classrooms, we passed a state budget which funds essential state services, provides tax relief for small businesses, and stimulates economic growth,” Williams said. “Serving on the budget conference committee I was committed to keeping state spending in check again this session and no tax increase. We did that, and kept budget growth well under the rate of inflation plus population growth."

Other major legislative reforms include:

• Reformed the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) and reduced the impact on utility customers from rebuilding and restoring utility services following natural disasters;
• Increased funding for both public and higher education, and stopped the uncontrolled growth in college tuition increases;
• Cracked down on illegal gang activities, border drug cartels, and prescription drug abuses;
• Saved the state's Rainy Day Fund to protect Texas taxpayers from potential marketplace turmoil; and
• Resisted federal unemployment money tied to a costly federal stimulus mandate.

The 140-day session convened on January 13, 2009 and ended Monday, June 1, 2009. For more information about the 81st Legislative Session, please visit http://www.legis.state.tx.us.

Senator Williams represents Senate District 4 covering all or portions of Jefferson, Orange, Chambers, Liberty, Harris and Montgomery Counties. Williams serves as Chairman of the Senate Administration Committee and as a member of the Finance, Education, International Relations & Trade and State Preservation Board.