Interview with VanDeaver

Publishers Note: Last week we featured a reprinted interview performed by Garrit Blizzard of The Texas Horn. Since Blizzard is no longer working for the Horn, he has not interviewed Gary VanDeaver. To give both candidates equal opportunity the Journal-Sun sent questions to VanDeaver. Below are his responses. We did not fact-check either interview for accuracy; Chris Spencer or Gary VanDeaver. There will be an additional opportunity coming up this Thursday to learn more about each candidate in a debate at the Truman Arnold Building at the Texarkana College Campus, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Journal-Sun: Why did you decide to first get into politics and why are you running again for office?

VanDeaver: At the time my wife, Pam and I made the decision to run for state representative, I was in my 33rd year as a public school teacher, principal, and superintendent. I was very frustrated with the lack of concern at the state level for the challenges our local schools, counties, and cities were facing with unfunded mandates and continual revenue challenges. After much prayer, I came to the realization that I could complain about the current state of af- fairs, or I could try to make changes. That is when in 2014, I decided to place me name on the ballot.

The reason I decided to run again is much the same. In the last session, I was able to help pass some great legislation for border security, property tax relief, community college funding, rural broadband, etc. However, I was frustrated that we were still fighting some of the same battles for rural Texas that we had fought ten years earlier when I first ran for office. The urban and suburban areas were strongly pushing for policy that I believed was harmful to rural areas such as Cass County. These included the universal public-school voucher and efforts “ban taxpayer funded lobbying”, which is actually their nice language for preventing our rural cities, counties, and schools from having a voice in the legislative process. In the end, I just felt that there was still important work to be done and rural Texas needs strong voices who are not afraid to stand up to those who are attempting enact policies that are harmful to us, regardless of the position they hold.

Journal-Sun: You have been in the state house since 2014. How have you been challenged and how have you grown/ changed through the process?

VanDeaver: Most campaigns focus on the partisan priorities and candidates often repeat the buzz words that excite the voter base. While it is important to focus on the conservative agenda, one quickly realizes that it is impossible to accomplish anything in the legislature without forging relationships with other member as well as our colleagues in the senate. I believe I have established myself as an honest broker who can be trusted to keep my word and deal honestly and fairly with other members as well as my constituents. Over the course of my service, I have had to take some tough votes. I have learned that not everything is black and white. When faced with these challenges, I try to vote my values and those of my constituents. I am sure I have taken some votes that made some people unhappy, but I truly strive to vote in such a way that I can explain my reasons, and that I can face my constituents. I have learned that it is highly unlikely that any two of us will agree 100% of the time. However, most reasonable people will accept the differences and work together anyway. That is not always the case as I have learned over the past six months.

Journal-Sun: How would you connect workforce development to Economic Development in our region? Moreover, since our community only about 13 percent of the county has a bachelor’s degree or higher, what do you think you could help do to promote higher education, and how do you propose incentivizing those who receive higher learning to come back to this area?

VanDeaver: I served on the Texas Commission on Community College Finance in 2021-22 that took a deep dive into post-secondary education and workforce development. Texas is ranked as the eighth largest economy in the world with an economic output of almost $2.5 trillion a year. Despite this impressive statistic, many employers report not being able to find qualified workers for their industry and business’s openings.

The Commission’s work analyzed not only where the state’s economy has been and what its produced, but it took a hard look at where there are gaps and barriers preventing more Texans from participating in the “Texas miracle.” The Commission’s recommendations were designed to provide a pathway for the state to develop a competitive workforce for the rest of the 21st Century knowing that more and more jobs are going to need employees with more education and training than a just high school diploma.

Post-secondary education and workforce development have been too siloed in Texas. The Commission spent hours hearing testimony from experts in higher education and workforce development to see the best ways to merge efforts so that more Texans can grow from where they are and receive recognition and acknowledgement for the skills they have while tackling ways to receive more education and skills.

We needed a better way to do things, and the result of this year-long effort was House Bill 8 (88R) that I filed in 2023 and passed with the full support of my House and Senate colleagues. House Bill 8 transforms the way community colleges are funded and work so that students can get targeted, essential training in careers, jobs and industries that are in demand in their area. House Bill 8 also created the FAST scholarship program for qualified high students to take dual credit courses to get a jump start on their post-secondary education.

Throughout HB 8, three state agencies are directed to work together to provide information and needed skills to students ranging from high school students taking dual credit courses to Texans who have a high school diploma but have not graduated from college. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Workforce Commission are all charged with working together to ensure that HB 8 successfully helps students, employers and colleges be successful.

According to data from Texas A&M University System ( https://www.tamus.edu/data-science/2023/04/01/educational- attainment-in-texas-some-college-no-degree/) within a 50-mile radius from A&M – Texarkana educational attainment levels in 2021 include the following:

High school diploma 36.8% Some college but no degree 24% Associate’s Degree 7.9% Some college, no degree 31.8% Bachelor’s degree 13.3% Graduate/professional degree 7.1%

The HB 8 directives that tie these three agencies together can help colleges know what job skills are needed by area employers while working with the high schools and colleges to offer not only dual credit offerings but classroom experiences and training to learn the necessary skills. Community colleges will now receive funding for their students’ successes in attaining credentials and certificates, as well as an associate’s degree along with credit for students transferring to four-year institutions earning at least 15 semester credit hours.

Local engagement and involvement between economic development groups/agencies/organizations, college and university representatives and local school districts must work collaboratively with each other for not only the good of the local economy and workforce, but also students while they are still in high school, as well as that untapped resource of people who have a high school diploma but no post-secondary credential or diploma. This human capital is vitally important to providing the skilled workforce for today’s jobs while creating pathways to gain the skills needed for the jobs of the future.

These collaborations will break down the barriers and silos that have existed for far too long between high schools, workforce solution groups/organizations, community-based organizations, Chambers of Commerce, community colleges and four-year institutions. Research from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation finds that jobs/careers in the healthcare field are the largest segment of employment in NE Texas. All levels of the education spectrum can have a part in training and preparing health care workers. Opportunities in high school through dual credit courses to credit and credential training programs to associate’s degrees community colleges to fouryear degrees are all available in NE Texas to help train the needed health care workers. There is a vast array of training available for people to join this much in-demand field.

These changes can hopefully entice high school graduates to continue their education and build upon successes to stack their credentials and certificates that can offer them access to good paying jobs without incurring excessive amounts of student debt.

Journal-Sun: What plans do you have, and what have you done to bring industry and good jobs to this area?

VanDeaver: As stated above, the passage of House Bill 8 (88R) and its implementation over the next few years will change the landscape of economic development – areas that have skilled workers will draw companies looking to expand with a ready pool of employees. Now the hard work begins to open those lines of communication and cooperation between employers/workforce and currently available and yet-to-be trained employees.

I have also worked closely with TexAmericas center to expand their ability to attract industry to the area. Through this relationship, we have passed several bills to give them enhanced capabilities to develop their old RRAD property.

Journal-Sun: When it comes to Marvin Nichols, what have you done to protect private property rights amongst our growing state need for additional water resources?

VanDeaver: In the 88th regular session in 2023, I was able to add a rider (#28) to the state appropriation bill (House Bill 1, 88 R; page VI-69) that directs the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to conduct a feasibility study of the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir; see below: 28. Reservoir Project Feasibility Review. Out of funds appropriated above, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) shall evaluate the feasibility of the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir project to be located on the Sulphur River and upstream of the confluence of the White Oak Creek in Franklin, Titus, and Red River Counties. The review shall analyze the implementation timeline, associated costs, land acquisition considerations, and the economic impact of the proposed project. A report regarding the findings of the review shall be prepared and submitted by TWDB to the Legislative Budget Board and Governor no later than January 5, 2025.

The TWDB has gathered public input and is working to develop its draft report that the public will also be asked to comment on this fall before the study is finalized and submitted to the legislature before it convenes on January 14. 2025. This reservoir project has been talked about since the 1960s and reflects the science and technology used at that time. But are those ways still the best way to provide water to all parts of the state?

Going forward into the mid-21st century are there ways to meet the water needs of a fast-growing state that do not obliterate private property rights and families’ long-ties to the land that could be submerged by a new reservoir? What is the economic impact to taking private property where there are currently businesses?

The feasibility study by the TWDB should help shed some light on these things to answer the basic question of how to provide the DFW area with the water it needs now and into the future without destroying and taking land/businesses/ private properties that are hundreds of miles away. New technologies to reuse water and a focus on increased conservation should be thoroughly examined and factored into the discussions going forward.

Journal-Sun: What is the state’s role in rural broadband, with Cass County being among the most underserved?

VanDeaver: According to information on the state’s Broadband Development Office website from July 2022: U.S. Census Bureau data indicate almost 2.8 million Texas households and 7 million people lack broadband access. Twenty three percent of Texans are unable to attend online classes, see a healthcare provider from their living room, fill out a job application online, start a business or access online marketplaces from their kitchen table. These barriers negatively affect Texans’ quality of life and limit economic opportunities for people and the state overall.

On the heels of the pandemic when the critical value of internet connectivity and availability became so essential to everyone’s ability to work, go to school and stay connected, members of the legislature realized not all Texans had the same access and reliability. So, in 2021, the legislature began a focused approach to address the accessibility and affordability issues relating to broadband availability across the state. In 2021 (87R), the legislature passed House Bill 5 creating the state’s Broadband Development Office (BDO) to map the state’s internet coverage to identify gaps in access; assess conditions across the state; and develop plans and strategies to increasing coverage so broadband services are accessible to more Texans.

In 2023, the legislature passed House Joint Resolution 125 (88R) asking voters to approve a constitutional amendment creating the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Fund to provide funding for the expansion of access to and affordability of broadband and telecommunications services. On November 7, 2023, almost 70 (69.45%) percent of voters approved Proposition 8 to implement HJR 125 that also had $1.5 billion appropriated by the legislature if approved by voters. The legislature also passed HB 9 in 2023 to implement HJR 125/ Prop 8.

Connecting millions of Texans with the right access to coverage is not a quick or easy task to accomplish. The BDO is taking a measured approach to identifying where coverage is needed the most and working to maximize available funding to ensure this project is done properly. The legislature is monitoring the efforts, taking public input and providing needed resources to accomplish its mission of making broadband access available to all Texans.

Journal-Sun: 59 is one of the most traveled roads in the state. What are the current plans for the 69 corridor and what should the impact be to Cass County?

VanDeaver: On US 59/IH 69 in Cass County, in 2023 TxDOT was given developmental authority for the portion from just north of Queen City to FM 2148 in Bowie County. TxDOT went through an RFP to find a consultant to work with the department on the schematic design. The consultant will revisit location alternatives, consider environmental issues, develop preliminary layout with a Right-Of-Way footprint needed for the final corridor, among a long list of other items to account for. There will be multiple options for public input over time.

These types of projects, of course, take years to develop. It is important to note, at this time, there is no funding for actual construction. However, as the schematic gets in good shape, TxDOT is hoping construction dollars will become available.

As TXDOT continues to develop this project, it is important that we keep lines of communication open with the local property owners and other stakeholders to ensure that the future construction and improvements along the 69 corridor are well-planned and have the least harmful impact possible to the property owners.

Journal-Sun: Cass County and District 1 are a long way away from Austin, how can you ensure that our area is spoken for while still making sure they retain local control?

VanDeaver: The first step in ensuring that our area has a voice in Austin is having a state representative that is not beholden to anyone, including the governor. My opponent has also made it clear that he will work with urban lawmakers to ban “taxpayer funded lobbying”. This sounds great, but what the bill actually does is prohibits our local cities, counties, and school district from joining statewide association who can provide a voice in Austin. I will absolutely support banning big cities like Houston and Dallas from using taxpayer money to hire highly paid lobbyists to work against what is best for Texas, but I will never support legislation like what has been proposed in the past that would silence our local voice.

Journal-Sun: Vouchers are a big topic between you and our opponent. Why are you taking such a hard stance on this issue? Do you believe that this is what this area wants?

VanDeaver: I am taking a hard stance on this issue because it is harmful to the area I am elected to represent. The plan that the governor demanded that the house pass in the special session was for a universal voucher that would have devastating effects on rural Texas. Here are just a few of the ways the proposed voucher would impact our area:

Vouchers harm rural schools and communities – The proposed voucher program would have redirected billions of dollars away from rural schools and into urban and suburban areas. As the largest employer in most rural communities and the center of social and cultural activity, the damage to the rural school would quickly spread to the rural community resulting in negative economic and social impact. As the number of public school employees decreases, the Teacher Retirement system would become less financially sound. This would result in no future COLA’s for retirees and increased contributions from the state, the school district, and current employees.

Vouchers are too expensive and unsustainable – Under the proposed voucher plan, the initial cost would have been $500 million per year, which is expensive, but doable. However, by year five, the cost of the voucher plan would explode to over $11 billion per year. Even with the booming Texas economy, we cannot afford this cost. There is only one place to generate the revenue to pay for vouchers – increased property taxes! Given the choice, I choose to reduce property taxes rather than fund the largest entitlement program in state history.

Vouchers do not meet the standard of conservative policy – The proposed voucher plan would distribute billions of dollars of taxpayer money with no accountability. In order to continue to receive public funding, our local public schools must meet rigorous accountability standards which include the administration of the STAAR test, certification standards for teachers, attendance standards for students and curriculum standards to ensure quality instruction. None of these standards would apply to private schools who accept state tax dollars.

Vouchers would create a new magnet for illegal immigration – The supreme court has already ruled that children of illegal immigrants cannot be turned away from receiving a free public education. It is true that tax dollars are currently being used to educate children of illegal immigrants, but it is currently being done in a controlled setting with the rigorous standards mentioned above. Under the proposed universal voucher program, every child who enters this country illegally will be eligible to receive $10,500 per year, and this would be done while increasing the property tax burden on hard working Texans It is very clear – vouchers harm rural schools and communities, Texas cannot afford the cost of vouchers, vouchers represent liberal spending, and vouchers create a new magnate to attract illegal immigrants to Texas.

I am confident that our area wants parents to have choices in where their children are educated. I support that as well, but the voucher plan is not about giving parents more choices.

Journal-Sun: Recently, you have been accused of being involved in an “Anti-School Choice Lobbying Firm”. What is your response to those accusations?

VanDeaver: My opponent has created that story with the various dark money groups in Texas. This is a blatant lie and a despicable attempt to ruin my character.

Here are the facts. I was hired by a law firm to provide annual required training to school boards. I have never lobbied nor have I been associated with any lobby firm. The law firm which is a large multi-city firm with a large number of employees, had one person on staff who registered as a lobbyist to help a group of small west Texas schools with a busing issue. A fake newspaper owned by a super-PAC mega-donor printed the fictitious ethics claims. Knowing that the claims are untrue, my opponent then used the lies to make the claim that I “had been on the take, getting paid for his votes.” He then goes on to say I am “simply corrupt”.

This Texas house seat is important to me and I definitely hope to continue my service to the people of house district 1. But there is no office so important to me that I would destroy a good man’s character to attain it. I believe this speaks volumes about what my opponent is willing to do to gain this seat. I pray he finds his way back to the man he claimed to be before entering this race.

I think we are all aware that my opponent has been willing to sell out to the out-of-state billionaires to win this seat. Though that is extremely disappointing, it does not approach the same level of evil that he has reached in this attempt to destroy me. His response is typically “well, politics is rough,

u See VANDEAVER page 13 or is a contact sport”. This goes well beyond normal political hardball. Any person who would stoop to these tactics is unworthy of holding this office. Shame on him for concocting this story, and shame on anyone who believes his lie.

Journal-Sun: Why do you feel you are a better choice than Chris Spencer for House District 1?

VanDeaver: I believe my answer to the previous question should adequately express my response to this question. Not only am I the only candidate in this race with the guts to stand up to the outside pressures who want to control the voice of this district, I am now the only one who is not disqualified due to moral and ethical failures.

Journal-Sun: How has redistricting impacted your work when it comes to your goals and strategies?

VanDeaver: Since first appearing in the US Census in 1850 after joining the Union in 1845, population in Texas has grown every decade from an initial population reported that year of 212,592 to over 30 million (estimated) in 2023. The state’s growing population intersects with the apportionment of people in the state’181 legislative districts (31 Senators and 150 House members). Each decade’s census count causes a re-shuffling of the deck at the Capitol when legislative districts are redrawn to ensure an equal population distribution in legislative districts.

Approximately 20 million Texans currently live in the “Texas Triangle,” a 60,000 square- mile area between DFW – Austin/San Antonio and Houston with almost 70 percent of the state’s population. The landmass of the Texas Triangle is comparable to the size of the state of Florida and the state of Georgia (individually, not combined).

Legislative districts in areas experiencing population growth become smaller geographically while just the opposite happens in areas not growing as fast or losing population. Population in the five counties in House District 1 (Bowie, Cass, Lamar, Morris and Red River) remained flat from 2010 to 2020, but because of the growth mentioned above in other parts of Texas, House District 1 had to grow geographically to include more people. This round of redistricting in 2021, set the ideal population size for House Districts to be approximately 200,000 people, which is higher than the size of House Districts in the 2011 redistricting efforts when the ideal size of the districts was set at approximately 165,000. Legislative seats in urban and suburban counties not only grew smaller geographically, but new legislative districts were added to these counties to account for the higher concentration of the population.

The bottom line is there are fewer legislators representing legislative districts like House District 1, meaning that we have to work extremely hard forging relationships with members who may not really understand or relate to the challenges facing rural Texans in order to pass legislation that benefits our areas. Focusing on key policy issues relating to families, health care, transportation, jobs, education, water, power and electricity, etc., are essential to help forge these relationships since no matter where a person lives, he or she has to face these issues.

My goal since I have been in office is to file and work to pass legislation to make the lives of Texans better and more secure to help them provide for themselves and their families.