News

News

Inside the House abortion vote: preaching, protesting and politics

Wednesday, July 10, 2013
AUSTIN, TX (KLTV) – Wednesday morning, Texas House of Representatives passed legislation that would tighten the rules for doctors and clinics providing abortions in the state. Now, the senate will give the bill a look to decide if they, too, feel it should be signed into law.... Read More

East Texans’ voices heard in Austin as abortion vote draws near

Tuesday, July 09, 2013
AUSTIN, TX (KLTV) – The Texas House is expected to vote in a matter of minutes on the controversial abortion legislation that is drawing thousands to the Capitol.For the past two weeks, people on both sides of the issue have been rallying in Austin, making sure their voices are heard, and East Texans are no exception.... Read More

‘Pro-life’ East Texans plan trips to the Texas Capitol

Friday, July 05, 2013
TYLER, TX (KLTV) – When legislators return to Austin next week, some East Texans will be accompanying them. Local residents who support House Bill 2, the controversial abortion legislation, will leave for Austin on Monday and Tuesday.... Read More

East Texas “Pro-Life” supporters heading to Austin

Friday, July 05, 2013
TYLER (KYTX) – State Representative Matt Schaefer is asking East Texans to join him at the capitol next week, in support of the state’s controversial abortion bill.“It’s important to me, because I think that in order to respect life as adults and as children, we have to respect the life at conception,” said Suzanne Laine.... Read More

Reload for 2014

Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Dear friends,I need your help this week. Let me explain.It is hard to believe that my first session in Austin is just a few days from ending, and my first campaign for office ended over a year ago. My time in Austin was spent working on local issues for Tyler and Smith County. But also, importantly, I made many conservative votes in favor of reducing burdensome STAAR testing for public schools, some of the strongest pro-life measures to protect unborn children in the nation, and groundbreaking protections of your digital privacy.... Read More

Texas House debates tighter state abortion restrictions

Sunday, June 23, 2013
AUSTIN, TX (KLTV) – Hundreds of demonstrators descended upon the Texas Capitol today, protesting legislation that would tighten state restrictions on abortions.Supporters argue the bills are about women’s safety, but opponents contend that they instead infringes on women’s rights.... Read More

Proposed Bill Gives 17 Year Olds Life Without Parole

Sunday, June 23, 2013
TYLER, TX — On Sunday the Texas House will make it’s final vote for the amendment on Senate Bill 23. The revised bill, which was approved by the Texas House on Friday will allow 17 year olds charged with capital murder to be sentenced to life in prison without parole.State Representative Matt Schaefer says it’s time to start thinking more about the victim’s families and less about the criminals’ parole hearings. Representative Schaefer says, “Think about the victim’s family. Every time that person comes up for parole they reopen that wound.”... Read More

Bro. David Dykes Shares Wise Words on House Floor

Sunday, May 26, 2013
The morning of Friday, May 24, 2013, I had the honor of introducing Pastor Dr. David Dykes as the Texas House of Representatives Pastor of the Day. He led the House in prayer before a day of difficult discussion and policy decisions. Thank you, Bro. David, for these timely words.... Read More

Rep. Schaefer Helps with Retired Teacher Solution

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
I was proud to be a coauthor and support a measure last week that made some very important adjustments to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.Senate Bill 1458 recognized that the retirement fund for Texas teachers is facing a large deficit, and retirees haven’t received a cost-of-living payment in many years.  The additional TRS funding and small retirement age-adjustments in the bill will help preserve the fund for decades to come.... Read More

House Republican Freshmen Fight Against Government Expansion

Monday, May 20, 2013
AUSTIN — Call it the new nanny state, as defined by the new Republicans.A contingent of staunchly conservative freshmen House members are targeting bills they believe expand the powers of government over Texans’ lives too much.It’s not just helmets and healthy drinks anymore: The group of a dozen or so self-described tea party freshmen and their supporters say the new nanny state aims to reach into all aspects of life, from protecting consumers from bad decisions to superseding parental rights.... Read More