We’ve heard from a lot of friends who weren’t able to catch the Tele-Town Hall last Tuesday. It was a great conversation, so for those who missed it or would like to go back and listen, we have made the audio available for download. For the full recording please click [here].
Thank you again to Dr. Julie Philley for her informative, reassuring, and calming presentation.
Press Release: Donation of Anti-Malarial Drug to Texas Important Victory in War Against COVID-19
State Senator Bryan Hughes
Senate District One
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matthew Murdoch
(512) 463-0101
March 26, 2020
DONATION OF ANTI-MALARIAL DRUG TO TEXAS
IMPORTANT VICTORY IN WAR AGAINST COVID-19
TYLER -- Amneal Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest U.S.-based generics manufacturers, is donating 1,000,000 hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets to the State of Texas for potential use in treating COVID-19 patients. The Texas State Pharmacy will distribute the tablets directly to hospitals around the state.
"Amneal Pharmaceuticals' donation is a major step forward in the fight against COVID-19," said Senator Bryan Hughes, Chairman of the Senate State Affairs Committee. "In trying times like these, Americans come together and put others ahead of themselves. Amneal's donation is a shining example of this generosity, and it reminds us how blessed we are to be Americans."
Senator Hughes added, "I also want to thank Nim Kidd, Chief of Texas Emergency Management, Phil Wilson, Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services, and other state officials instrumental in facilitating this donation."
“This is a crucial time in the global fight against COVID-19,” said Chirag and Chintu Patel, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Amneal. “With an existing supply of hydroxychloroquine sulfate and our ability to quickly accelerate production, we are humbled to be able to assist the hardest hit states and hospitals around the country to benefit as many patients as possible.”
Amneal also is donating 2,000,000 tablets of 200mg hydroxychloroquine sulfate to New York, and will provide more as needed. The company is donating and providing products directly to hospitals across the country as well.
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate was first synthesized in 1946 and is in a class of medications historically used to treat and prevent malaria. Today, Amneal’s hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, childhood arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Hydroxychloroquine is not FDA-approved for the treatment of COVID-19. It has been identified as a possible treatment for COVID-19 (see https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/Table_of_therapeutics_Appendix_17022020.pdf?ua=1), however, and the U.S. government has requested its immediate availability.
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Don't be discouraged
We're all dealing with new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 virus. These days, there are more questions than answers, and it's easy for us to get discouraged.
My team and I have been trying to sift through everything and to pass along as much good information as we can. We're on calls with the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the White House, the CDC, state public health and emergency management leaders, and others. We pick up information to share with you, and more importantly, we inform the state and national leaders about what we're hearing from you: the questions folks have shared with us and the solutions they're coming up with.
Much of our time is spent matching up needs and solutions, and we know that our team is just a small part of the overall effort.
So, be encouraged. This virus is real and the threat is serious, but there is no need to panic.
From our first responders and health care workers to our teachers and business owners and ordinary folks all across Texas and America, people are going out of their way to help.
The experts tell us that the Number One way we can prevent the spread of this virus is to practice social distancing. If we do that, encourage each other, and call and check on our friends and neighbors, we can know that each of us is contributing to defeating this virus.
Meanwhile, there is intensive research and testing for treatments -- some are already very promising and could be available soon. Like World War II when companies went from making refrigerators to machine guns and from cars to tanks, American manufacturers are retooling almost overnight to make the medical supplies and other essential products that we need for this fight. We're already seeing the results.
You've probably noticed that many store shelves are emptying during the day. But each night, they're replenished as dedicated people work overtime to deliver and to restock the things we need.
These are just a few of the ways that Texas and America are coming together and fighting back.
We'll continue to post helpful information on social media, and you'll find all those link at the bottom of this email. Of course, you can always call us (512.463.0101) or email us ([email protected]) if you have questions or if there is anything we can be helping you with.
Here is a link to an interview I did with Channel 7 on Monday morning. It's an overview of where we are in Texas, and how we're doing in this fight.
So again, please let us know if you have any questions or if we may be of any help to you at all. If we can't help, we'll try and find someone who can.
It is my honor to represent you in the Texas Senate. We have an excellent team of smart and dedicated people who are working overtime to help get us through this, and we are all at your service.
Texas has faced bigger challenges before. By God's mercy, as we work together, help each other, and follow the social distancing guidelines, we will get through this.
Here is the KLTV interview we did Monday.
Congress
The encouragement I’ve received to run for Congressman Hensarling’s seat has been moving. This is a rare opportunity, and I’m honored that so many whom I trust and respect have offered their support.
After much prayer and consultation with family and friends and supporters, I am confident that I can best serve in the Texas Senate. Texas is setting the pace for America and the world, and our Texas Senate is at the vanguard of the battles to grow jobs, balance budgets, expand individual liberty, and protect innocent human life. Now is not the time for me to leave.
Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND Endorses Hughes for Senate
The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund (AGFUND) has endorsed State Representative Bryan Hughes in the race for Senate District 1.
Texas Farm Bureau and AGFUND President Russel Boening announced Hughes as the AGFUND choice to succeed Senator Kevin Eltife in the sprawling 16 county district. Early voting begins on February 16th.
"Bryan Hughes is a strong conservative in the Legislature and he knows how to get things done in Austin," Boening said. "Bryan has demonstrated an appreciation for agriculture and has always shown a willingness to learn on new issues. We look forward to working closely with him in the Senate, as we have in the House."
Boening predicts that property rights will be of top concern in next year's Legislature. He says Hughes will stand up for the interests of agriculture and rural Texas in the Senate.
In late December, Farm Bureau delegates from all 16 counties were invited to hear from all 4 candidates and vote on the candidate they wanted the organization to support.
"One of the unique aspects of the Farm Bureau endorsement is that it is derived from the grassroots," said Hughes. "Farm Bureau members here in East Texas met with each of the candidates and then voted on who they would support. So I am especially honored to receive this endorsement. I look forward to working with Farm Bureau during the next legislative session."
Texas Farm Bureau is an independent organization of farm and ranch families who have joined to solve their problems through united action. The Farm Bureau is totally controlled by its members through majority decision and is financed by voluntary dues. The Texas Farm Bureau has more than 500,000 members across the state.
AGFUND is Texas Farm Bureau's political action fund. It is a legal entity separate from the Texas Farm Bureau and may endorse and contribute to political candidates. AGFUND is funded by voluntary contributions from TFB members.
In December, Hughes was endorsed by Senator Charles Perry (R - Lubbock), a former colleague of Hughes who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Affairs. He was also endorsed by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller shortly after his announcement.
Momentum behind the Bryan Hughes for Senate campaign grows everyday. So far, he has been endorsed by Former Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Ag Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas Right to Life, Grassroots America - We the People, Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas DPS Officers Association, East Texas Police Chiefs Association, Dr. Dennis Golden, Senator Charles Perry, David Barton (President - Wallbuilders), Cathie Adams (President - Texas Eagle Forum), Kelly Shackelford (President - Liberty Institute), Ann Hettinger (State Director - Concerned Women for America), Carol Everett (President - Heidi Group), and Jonathan Saenz (President - Texas Values).
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Senator Charles Perry Endorses Hughes for Senate
Leader in Fight to End Sanctuary Cities Backs Hughes for Senate
Mineola, TX -- Today, Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) endorsed Bryan Hughes for Texas Senate.
Senator Charles Perry is well known for authoring SB 185, legislation to put an end to sanctuary cities in the State of Texas. Today he sat in on the Senate Sub-Committee on Border Security to offer the committee his expertise on this issue.
"Hughes is the candidate I believe can be trusted to join my fight to end sanctuary cities in Texas," said Perry. "He has a dynamite record on fighting illegal immigration and has opposed all efforts to expand entitlements for non-citizens, including giving them drivers licenses."
"On pro-life issues, his record is second to none," continued Perry.
Perry serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs. He is well respected by farmers and ranchers across the state for his leadership on issues important to rural Texas.
"On issues of agriculture, I believe Bryan Hughes will stand strong for Texas farmers and ranchers," said Perry. "Hughes has a proven record of standing up for private property rights and against burdensome regulations that harm our state's producers of fiber, food, and fuel."
Momentum behind the Bryan Hughes for Senate campaign grows everyday. So far, he has been endorsed by Former Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Ag Commissioner Sid Miller,Texas Right to Life, Grassroots America - We the People, Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC, Texas DPS Officers Association, East Texas Police Chiefs Association, David Barton (President - Wallbuilders), Cathie Adams (President - Texas Eagle Forum), Kelly Shackelford (President - Liberty Institute), Ann Hettinger (State Director - Concerned Women for America), Carol Everett (President - Heidi Group), and Jonathan Saenz (President - Texas Values).
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Despite Denials, Simpson Voted For Drivers Licenses for Illegal Immigrants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2015
Contact: Jordan Berry
[email protected]
DESPITE DENIALS, SIMPSON VOTED FOR DRIVERS LICENCES FOR ILLEGAL IMMMIGRANTS
Mineola, TX - Despite his denials in a press release yesterday, the facts are clear that Representative David Simpson actually voted for driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.
Simpson said in his release, "I have always opposed driver's licenses for illegal aliens, and I am asking Bryan Hughes to read the bill and the amendment and acknowledge his mistake."
However in 2014, Simpson expressed a different stance on this issue in the Tyler Morning Telegraph: "They [illegal immigrants] can get an education but not get a driver's license. That's not right.'' (1)
Simpson's record on illegal immigration is clear. He was the only Republican who voted against Governor Abbott's border security plan and he did so all three times the measure came up for a vote (2). Additionally, he voted with Democrats when they unanimously supported legislation that would have allowed for illegal immigrants to receive drivers licenses (3).
Conservative grassroots organizations Simpson mentioned in his press release even commented on the specific votes taken on this issue:
- Empower Texans criticized the amendment Simpson voted for saying, describing it as "an amendment to Senate Bill 1705, to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants" (4).
- Young Conservatives of Texas stated on their scorecard, "Amendment 1 to SB 1729 would have allowed for illegal immigrants to receive drivers licenses" (5).
Earlier this summer, Simpson took a stance against drivers licenses for illegal immigrants on his website but recently deleted it (6).
Momentum behind the Bryan Hughes for Senate campaign grows everyday. So far, he has been endorsed by Former Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Ag Commissioner Sid Miller,Texas Right to Life, Grassroots America - We the People, Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC, Texas Home School Coalition, Texas DPS Officers Association, East Texas Police Chiefs Association, David Barton (President - Wallbuilders), Cathie Adams (President - Texas Eagle Forum), Kelly Shackelford (President - Liberty Institute), Ann Hettinger (State Director - Concerned Women for America), Carol Everett (President - Heidi Group), and Jonathan Saenz (President - Texas Values).
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CITATIONS:
(1) Tyler Morning Telegraph: Rep. Simpson back from Valley tour (7/21/14) Read here: http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-News+Local/202745/rep-simpson-back-from-valley-tour
(2) Record Votes:
HB 11 (2015) - Second Reading: http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/84r/pdf/84RDAY34FINAL.PDF
HB 11 (2015) - Third Reading: http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/84r/pdf/84RDAY35FINAL.PDF
HB 11 (2015) - Motion to Concur: http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/84r/pdf/84RDAY82FINAL.PDF
(3) Record Votes:
SB 1729 - Amendment 1 (2013) Record Vote 971: www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/83r/pdf/83RDAY76FINAL.PDF#page=74
SB 1705 - Amendment 1 (2013) Record Vote 1052: http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/83r/pdf/83RDAY77FINAL.PDF#page=118
(4) http://www.empowertexans.com/features/straus-leadership-team-too-far-left-for-wendy-davis-consultants/#sthash.J70cfgjf.dpuf
(5) http://www.yct.org/wp-content/uploads/ratings/YCT_83rd_Session_Ratings.pdf
(6) http://freepdfhosting.com/a695d8d042.pdf
Gov. Rick Perry Endorses Hughes for Senate!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2015
Contact: Jordan Berry
[email protected]
Former Governor Rick Perry Endorses Bryan Hughes for Senate
Mineola - Today, Rep. Bryan Hughes announced that former Texas Governor Rick Perry has endorsed his campaign for the Texas Senate.
Governor Rick Perry was the longest serving governor in Texas history and is largely credited with much of our state's economic success, often described as the "Texas Miracle."
"Bryan Hughes is a committed conservative fighting to secure our borders from illegal immigration," said Gov. Rick Perry. "Bryan has consistently stood to protect life and East Texas values.''
Perry served as governor for six of the seven sessions Hughes has served in the Texas House. During that time, they worked together on a number of issues important to Texans ranging from pro-life legislation to securing the border and fighting Obamacare.
"What a blessing to receive Governor Perry's endorsement," said Hughes. "His contributions to our state are numerous and significant, and I look forward to continuing his legacy of conservative leadership in the Texas Senate."
Perry joins statewide elected officials including Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, Comptroller Glenn Hegar, and Ag Commissioner Sid Miller in endorsing Hughes in this race. Hughes has additionally been endorsed by organizations including Texas Right to Life, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Texas DPS Officers Association, East Texas Police Chiefs Association, Texas Poultry Federation and individuals including David Barton (President - Wallbuilders), Cathie Adams (President - Texas Eagle Forum), Kelly Shackelford (President - Liberty Institute), Ann Hettinger (State Director - Concerned Women for America), Carol Everett (President - Heidi Group), and Jonathan Saenz (President - Texas Values).
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