A Message from Executive Director, Susan J. Kibbe

Dear Members:

There are so many pressing issues that affect landowners on a daily basis that it’s challenging to keep up with it all. Whether it’s the weather, property tax increases, low income margins on Ag production, groundwater regulation, eminent domain, or the damaging effects of human and drug smuggling, and the list goes on, it can get a bit depressing. But we have to remember that there’s no place in this world that gives more reverence to property ownership than the United States of America. The thing is, we cannot take it for granted and we have to continue to work to ensure that those hard fought freedoms are not taken away, or slowing eroded.

It is with that spirit that I would like to thank the directors and advisors that have gone the extra mile, who speak out, show up, and share their stories with those in leadership positions who have the authority to make improvements. In addition, I would like to thank our Austin team who walked the halls of the Capitol to share our positions on a variety of our issues. They represented us so well! Thank you Robert Howard, Eric Opiela, and Charles and Joe Maley for doing the hard work: reading and researching legislation, meeting with elected representatives and/or their staffs knowing that it could make little to no difference on the subject, and sitting in the committee rooms until 1 a.m. waiting to testify on our behalf. Your efforts are so very much appreciated and will not be forgotten.

We also cannot forget the Federal law enforcement officials along the border who are struggling to do their jobs, though few in leadership positions seem to be willing to make changes to help stem the tide of the chaos. That is why I once again call on our members to reach out to their U.S. Congressmen and U.S. Senator Cruz and ask them to join with Senator John Cornyn (R) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D) in support of the HUMANE Act, that will help close the current immigration loopholes that are pulling the flow of illegal immigration from Central America and other countries.

See the one-pager that highlights the main objectives.

Here’s how to contact your Senators and Congressmen.

Thank you members, with your help, we CAN make a difference!

Until next month,

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Susan J. Kibbe
Office (361) 348-3020
Susan@STPRA.org

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