Robert McKenzie

Education

Propose authoring legislation to expand state-funded apprenticeship and vocational training programs through the Texas Workforce Commission with 500 million in grants for community colleges and trade schools, while championing school choice expansions like ESA vouchers so every Texas family—regardless of ZIP code—can access high-quality STEM and technical education, ensuring homegrown talent fills high-wage jobs without relying on illegal labor. Learn more

Environment / Energy

I propose legislation to expand the Texas Energy Fund with an additional 3 billion in appropriations for natural gas-fired power plants and grid hardening, while authoring a bill requiring mandatory weatherization standards for all generation sources without federal mandates, emphasizing state sovereignty and market incentives over subsidies. Learn more

I propose introducing a bill to slash state severance taxes on oil production by 20% for the next to incentivize drilling, partner with the Railroad Commission to streamline permit approvals to under 30 days, and advocate for surplus budget allocations to subsidize seismic surveys in under-explored shale plays, framing it as “unleashing Texas energy to crush OPEC dependence.”. Learn more

I propose introducing a bill creating tax incentives for private investment in baseload power like natural gas and nuclear to meet demand spikes, while pushing for streamlined permitting processes to accelerate new plant construction and opposing any caps on industrial users that could stifle economic growth. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

I propose filing resolutions urging federal devolution of transportation and Medicaid funds to state control, propose diversifying the Economic Stabilization Fund by earmarking 30% of non-energy revenues for reserves, and advocate for lawsuit authority against federal overreach, emphasizing Texas independence. Learn more

I propose introducing a bill to accelerate the Unified Transportation Program through performance-based incentives for private toll road investments and port dredging, paired with tax credits for businesses expanding capacity in underserved regions, framing it as fueling economic growth and job creation without bureaucratic red tape. Learn more

I propose redirecting surplus Rainy Day Fund revenues—without raising taxes— toward targeted grants for high-priority projects like bridge replacements and levee inspections, while filing legislation to streamline permitting and create a statewide oversight dashboard for transparent tracking of federal reimbursements, holding agencies accountable to prevent waste. Learn more

I propose expanding the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund with 5 billion in low-interest loans for local governments to prioritize asset management plans using AI-driven inspections, while authoring a bill mandating voluntary best-practice standards for maintenance without new taxes, emphasizing public-private partnerships to leverage private sector innovation for cost-effective upgrades. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

I propose zero-based budgeting requiring every agency to justify expenditures from scratch every cycle, filing a bill to sunset 20% of non-essential programs for review, and redirecting savings to debt reduction, framing it as “cutting waste to keep Texas taxes low and government lean.”. Learn more

I propose authoring a bill to further compress school district tax rates by an additional 15% using surplus revenue, while championing a constitutional amendment to permanently raise the homestead exemption to 200,000 or more—building on the 2025 increase to 140,000—to deliver immediate relief to middle-class families and prevent cities from offsetting state cuts with local hikes. Learn more

I propose introducing legislation to fully exempt business personal property up to 500,000 in value—expanding Proposition 9’s framework—and streamline franchise tax reporting with automatic deductions for job-creating investments, positioning Texas as the top state for entrepreneurship by tying relief to measurable growth metrics like new hires. Learn more

I propose legislation to phase in hybrid pension plans for new hires—combining defined benefits with 401(k)-style accounts—to cap future liabilities, while authoring a bill mandating annual actuarial audits and automatic contribution triggers tied to market performance, ensuring solvency without raising taxes and protecting retirees’ earned benefits. Learn more

I propose filing a joint resolution to enshrine a permanent ban on any capital gains tax for individuals, estates, and trusts in the state constitution, while rallying colleagues to reject all income tax expansions during budget debates and promote sales tax rebates for seniors as an alternative to regressive new burdens. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I propose introducing the “Texas Jobs First Act” to redirect 1 billion from the Rainy Day Fund into performance-based grants for industry-led certification programs, expand dual-credit and early college high schools in every district, and create tax credits for employers who hire and train apprentices— emphasizing that real economic opportunity comes from merit and hard work, not government handouts, so any Texan willing to learn can earn six-figure salaries in our energy-dominant economy. Learn more