On Thursday evening, Texas Senator Phil King appeared as a guest speaker at the Pecan Valley Republican Women’s Club meeting. This meeting was open to the public, and three students from Howard Payne University (HPU) were in attendance along with Early ISD Superintendent, Dr. Joan Otten.

King traveled across Texas to speak to local women’s clubs about the upcoming presidential election, the border crisis, school choice, and funding for Texas public education. His appearance in Brownwood and Arlington signifies his care for the communities he represents from Texas.

Otten asked the Senator questions about school funding, as Texas is already looking toward and preparing for the next fiscal year. King provided information about schools accounting for large security costs and needing the government to further supply schools with the resources to protect and educate their students effectively.

King also mentioned how he is largely disappointed by the gross mismanagement of funds within large school districts, primarily Fort Worth ISD.

“The growth in both student and faculty population within Texas schools testifies to the growing need”, said King. “I am frustrated by this gross mismanagement.”

College students from HPU had an opportunity to make their voices heard at the meeting as Katelyn Sims, junior Guy D. Newman Honors and Global Studies major at HPU, asked about the importance of voting as a college student; and whether their votes truly make an impact.

King stated that it is especially important for college students and Christians to vote, as every single vote contributes to overall progress and highlights the responsibility of civic duty.

Addison Rhoden, sophomore Guy D. Newman Honors and Finance major at HPU, reflected on hearing King speak and said that her largest takeaway was King’s statement regarding the trafficking of fentanyl across the Texas/Mexico border.

“When I heard that I was a little frightened,” said Rhoden. “It was a true eye opener to the importance of border security.”

Senior Guy D. Newman Honors and Biomedical Science major, Ethan Cortez, also provided a comment about his experience.

“I learned that there should be more emphasis on improving the electrical infrastructure,” said Cortez. “The border also needs to be improved as well.”

Senator King works as an attorney and small business owner based out of Weatherford, TX – in addition to upholding his seat as Texas Senator since 2023.