Rural Texas and the 86th Legislature

The Texas Tribune is touring the state with a series of post-session events recapping the major policy debates of the 86th Texas Legislature and what they mean for Texas' largest regions and surrounding communities.Join us in person or on our livestream for a conversation about public education, taxes, immigration, health care, spending and other consequential matters with two legislators representing rural Texas districts — state Rep. Trent Ashby and state Sen. Robert Nichols. The conversation will be moderated by Evan Smith, co-founder and CEO of The Texas Tribune.Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, has represented House District 57 since 2013. He sits on the House Defense & Veterans' Affairs and Public Education committees. Previously, he served as president of the Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees. Ashby also serves as the Angelina County chair for VeraBank.Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, has represented Senate District 3 since 2007. He serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and vice chair of the Business & Commerce Committee, and he sits on the Administration, Finance and Intergovernmental Relations committees. Previously, Nichols served as transportation commissioner for eight years.