Issues
Tougher Border Security
Will has worked tirelessly to strengthen our presence on the border, close loopholes at entry points, and cut off government handouts that attract illegal immigrants. He passed the Stronger Border, Safer Texas Act to add 250 new troopers and high-tech surveillance to our border, and to create a new team of investigators to crack down on drug cartel activity in Texas.
Will also proudly passed the ban on “sanctuary cities” to stop cities like Austin from ignoring federal immigration laws and end “catch and release” policies that endanger our families. Will is proud of the strides he has made to secure our border, but knows there is still plenty of work to be done.
Cut Taxes, Fight for Taxpayers
Will has never voted for a tax increase, but he has seized opportunities to cut your taxes. He prides himself on being the reliable advocate for Montgomery County taxpayers.
In 2015, Will co-sponsored SB 1 to bring $1.2 billion in property tax relief to homeowners. Will understands the importance of allowing hardworking Texans to keep what they earn. As far as Will is concerned, a dollar in taxes is worth twice as much if it stays in your pocket. Responsibly cutting taxes and stopping their increase is one of his top priorities. His legislative and voting records speak for themselves: Will Metcalf is on taxpayers’ side.
Unapologetically Pro-Life
The father of two little girls, the miracle and sanctity of life are more than rhetoric to Will—they are reality. The thought of someone wanting to destroy innocent human life appalls him and he stands in defense of life every chance he gets.
In the Texas 85th Legislative Session, Will helped ban partial birth and dismemberment abortions and the sale of human fetal tissue, creating a state felony for offenses. Will also passed a law requiring that the bodies of aborted babies receive the respect and dignity of a proper burial—just like every human being deserves. He also co-authored and passed HB 2962, which requires emergency rooms and hospitals to report complications from abortion procedures to expose the subpar standards of “care” from abortion doctors. Will won’t stop until our laws uphold the God-given value of every human life.
Defend the Second Amendment
“Shall not be infringed” is plain enough to Will. He’s committed to upholding every right recognized by our Constitution, especially the right to keep and bear arms. As our state representative, he’s fought time and time again to protect the right not only to hunt and shoot recreationally, but also to defend ourselves and our families.
Will co-authored Texas’s Open Carry law to allow the open carry of holstered handguns. Will also passed Campus Carry in 2015 to recognize the right of CHL holders to carry their concealed handguns on public college campuses to protect themselves and their fellow students. And in 2017, Will slashed the fee for a state handgun license from $140 to $40 (the lowest cost in the nation)—just the latest example of Will’s strong pro-Second Amendment stance.
Strengthen Local Schools
A product of Conroe ISD and Conroe High School, Will has never forgotten what he owes to the local schools that made him into who he is. With two daughters in school at Montgomery ISD, Will has a double commitment to making sure our teachers and classrooms have the resources they need to provide our students the best education possible.
Stop Over-Regulation, Stand with Small Businesses
As someone who has been through the struggles of building a business, Will has experienced first-hand the roadblocks of red tape and overburdensome fees. After fighting through that to build the foundation of his own dreams, he’s determined to eliminate any roadblock he can for others. Will has voted every time to cut burdensome, California-style regulations, and keep Texas the best state in the nation to start and grow a business. That’s why Will co-authored HB 32 in 2015 to slash business franchise tax fees 25% across the board and has voted to eliminate unneeded bureaucratic obstacles every time.
Defend Private Property
Will has fought to keep power of eminent domain out of the hands of private entities and battle the exploitation of homeowners. Will’s family goes back six generations in Montgomery County, and the right of property owners to keep what’s theirs has been ingrained into Will for his whole life.
Will is working to strip eminent domain power from private entities and has ended the government-subsidized security force for high-speed rail companies. He passed SB 975, requiring high-speed rail companies to provide their own security and reimburse any local law enforcement and DPS services that they use. On Will’s watch, taxpayers won’t be footing the bill for special government favors or kickbacks.
Stand for Religious Liberty and Family Values
Will learned his values in church pews and around dinner tables. Freedom of Religion and the importance of wholesome families are never far from his mind. Will works constantly to fully protect the rights of pastors, churches, small businesses, families, and individuals to honor their faith and live in safety.
Will co-authored and passed HB 3859 to guarantee foster homes and adoption agencies aren’t forced to go against their consciences or provide services against their religious beliefs. Will also cracked down on pedophiles by increasing penalties for those convicted for having or promoting child pornography. He also co-sponsored SB 24 in 2017 to block the subpoena of sermons and co-authored SB 2065 in 2015, the Pastor Protection Act, to protect our pastors from being sued for refusing to perform gay marriages. The freedoms of speech and religion are enshrined in the First Amendment and Will has fought to ensure their protection.
Protect Our Water
When our 100% unelected local groundwater district board went rogue and started making rules that hurt our communities, Will fought to hold them accountable. He worked to bring change and authored HB 1982 to put the board directly under the control of local voters. Members must now be elected—so our most important natural resource will be managed by people we can trust and choose, not bureaucrats. November 2018 is the first election and transparency and accountability will finally be guaranteed.
Support Texas Energy
America’s energy independence is now on the horizon with new fracking technology that is already bringing thousands of good jobs and pouring billions of dollars into the Texas economy. That’s why Will co-authored HB 40 in the 84th Session to allow property owners to extract oil and natural gas from their land without cities interfering. With a low-tax, pro-business approach, Will is ensuring that our energy sector is free of unnecessary regulation and free to thrive.