Question 1

PROPERTY TAXES

Accepted Answer

No Texan should be taxed out of a home. Matt is a CPA and mortgage banker, and he’s helped families across Ellis County obtain their dream of home ownership. He’s read the ledgers and understands where the tax pressure comes from. Matt will work for structural relief that lasts—controlling spending, reining in runaway appraisals, and bringing real transparency to the bill you pay so the savings don’t evaporate next year.

Question 2

LAW ENFORCEMENT and PUBLIC SAFETY

Accepted Answer

Safe streets make everything else possible. Matt will back the blue with training, equipment, and the respect to do the job. Violent offenders should face real consequences, not a revolving door. Victims deserve a system that stands with them. Law‑abiding Texans should be able to live, work, and worship without fear.

Question 3

ROADS and CONGESTION RELIEF

Accepted Answer

Traffic wastes time, hurts small businesses, and puts families in danger. Our roads must match growth and the heavy wear from construction. Matt will press for funding, quicker project timelines and road designs that cut choke points and crashes. He’ll coordinate with local leaders and TxDOT to move projects quicker and keep first responders and freight moving. The goal is simple: safer, faster daily drives without over promising or over spending.

Question 4

WATER and POWER RELIABILITY

Accepted Answer

Reliable water and power are non-negotiable. Matt will work with local partners and the state to expand supply and protect ratepayers from surprise spikes. He’ll push real drought planning so growth doesn’t outrun capacity. On power, he’ll strengthen our electric grid reliability by rewarding new firm generation and hardening local systems, so families and small businesses can count on the lights and A/C when Texas heat hits.

Question 5

LOCAL CONTROL

Accepted Answer

Growth should strengthen, not sideline, local voices. Matt will insist counties, cities, and school districts have a real say in the major decisions that affect traffic, water, air quality, and school capacity. He’ll demand transparent processes, respect property rights, and push Austin to listen before it dictates. The people who live with the consequences deserve a seat at the table, and he’ll have their back.

Question 6

PROTECTING LIFE

Accepted Answer

The Authier Family’s Christian faith shapes how they see the world. Every life is a gift. Matt will defend the unborn, protect Texas’ pro‑life laws, and strengthen support for moms with prenatal care, adoption options, and real help when families need it. That’s how we build a culture of life with compassion and common sense.

Question 7

BORDER SECURITY

Accepted Answer

Every state has the right and the duty to secure its borders. Matt supports using every lawful tool available, including manpower, technology, and physical barriers where needed. He’ll support law enforcement in tackling human trafficking and the cartels that push fentanyl and other deadly drugs. It’s time to end the incentives that reward illegal entry into our state and country. This isn’t about politics, it’s about keeping families safe in our neighborhoods.

Question 8

EDUCATION

Accepted Answer

Matt’s wife, Kate, is an elementary school principal in Waxahachie ISD, and they’re raising three boys — Anderson, Campbell, and Brooks — right here at home. So, when he talks about schools, it’s not theory. Matt served on the Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees, managed one of the largest budgets in the county, and pushed for raises for staff. He believes parents deserve a clear view into what’s taught, teachers deserve the tools and authority to keep order, and kids deserve safe classrooms focused on reading, math, and real‑world skills. In Austin, Matt will fight unfunded mandates, get more dollars to the classroom, and back career‑technical pathways that lead to good Texas jobs.

Question 9

ECONOMY and JOBS

Accepted Answer

Matt graduated from Texas A&M (Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2008), built a career in finance, and has worked with employers who just want government to stop getting in the way. He’ll cut red tape, keep taxes low, and back the industries that drive paychecks here, like energy, agriculture, and the trades. Matt will champion skills training so young Texans can build great careers close to home.

Question 10

BROADBAND and ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Accepted Answer

Reliable internet is a basic utility in today’s world. Matt will fight for last mile coverage and fair maps so unserved homes and businesses get online, and he’ll cut red tape so providers can build quickly and affordably. Closing these gaps helps students, small businesses, agriculture, and telehealth—and supports public safety as landlines disappear. Better broadband keeps young families here and opens doors for every community in Ellis County.

Question 11

504TH DISTRICT COURT

Accepted Answer

In the 89th Texas Legislature, Ellis County needed an additional district court to reduce backlogs and speed up justice. This was accomplished largely through the efforts of outside sources who recognized the critical need for this criminal court. Previous delays caused by backlogs cost taxpayers money. With the passing of the 504th District Court, Matt will work closely with local judicial leaders to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the court system. Legislation like this is why we need a strong representative who prioritizes the needs of Ellis County.

THE ISSUES