ABOUT
STATE SENATOR (1992 - 1998)
  • JP SenateAuthored the Texas Concealed Handgun Law and restored a constitutional right for law-abiding Texans.
  • Changed the Texas Constitution to allow Texans access to their home equity, a fundamental property right.
  • Created the Texas State Veterans Home program to provide Texas veterans with skilled long-term care at no cost to Texas taxpayers.
  • Created a new DPS Fugitive Apprehension Unit to round up dangerous parole violators.
  • Repealed the motorcycle helmet law, for those who have insurance, in support of individual responsibility rather than government mandate.

LAND COMMISSIONER (2002 - Present)

  • Earned more money than ever before for the Permanent School Fund – the state trust fund for primary education – while diversifying the Fund to protect it against economic instability.
  • Managed over $6 billion in state assets, including 13 million acres of state land, state submerged lands, investments, etc.
  • Fought to protect and uphold the right of Texans to access the public beach through the Open Beaches Act.
  • Stood up against radical environmental groups like the Sierra Club to protect Texas beaches and oil and gas development on state lands.
  • As Chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board, Jerry Patterson has brought about the greatest expansion of benefits for Texas veterans since World War II, all at little or no cost to Texas taxpayers.
  • Doubled the number of Texas State Veterans Homes that provide long-term care for our honored Texas veterans: McAllen, El Paso in 2005, Amarillo in 2007 and Tyler in 2010.
  • Built the first Texas State Veterans Cemeteries to provide a dignified place of rest for Texas veterans: Killeen in 2005, Mission in 2006, Abilene in 2009 and Corpus Christi in 2010.
  • Led the state in commercially viable renewable energy leases, including the first and largest offshore wind power lease in U.S. history, the first geothermal lease in Texas history, and the first utility scale solar power lease in Texas history. All without using taxpayer dollars and at no risk to Texas taxpayers, while making millions for the PSF.