Shannon Dicely

I would support an aggressive, science-based response using every proven tool available, including sterile flies, the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), surveillance, quarantine, and rapid detection. We have beaten this threat before because science and effective public policy worked together. This outbreak is a reminder of what happens when successful scientific solutions are taken for granted and political decisions override scientific expertise. Texas should strengthen the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)’s response capacity, support research and sterile-fly production, and assist affected ranchers. Long term, Texas needs a permanent agricultural biosecurity strategy with funding, trained personnel, veterinary capacity, and rapid-response plans so we are prepared for future threats. The cost of inaction extends beyond ranchers to livestock supplies, food prices, and consumers across Texas.

First, I do not believe taxpayers should subsidize private data centers. As demand for AI and large-scale computing rapidly grows, companies pursuing these massive expansions should be responsible for covering the infrastructure costs associated with them. Data centers should also be required to invest in onsite energy storage or backup systems that reduce strain on the grid during peak demand periods. Residential consumers should not be forced to bear the burden of increased demand through higher costs or rolling blackouts while large corporations continue operating uninterrupted. The same principle applies to water usage. Companies building large data centers should be responsible for securing sustainable water sources rather than relying on taxpayers to finance new infrastructure projects. We have already seen the consequences of industry outpacing public resources in places like Corpus Christi, where water shortages were worsened after major industrial users were promised long-term supply commitments. Taxpayers should not be expected to absorb the costs of projects created to meet private industry demand.

Addressing water loss from aging and failing infrastructure can significantly reduce the need for many costly new water supply projects while delivering faster and more cost-effective results. Too often, large infrastructure projects receive attention because they create a visible legacy for elected officials, even when less glamorous solutions provide greater value. According to the Hidden Reservoirs report, leak detection and repair costs approximately $250 per acre-foot of water saved, compared to an average of $695 per acre-foot for new water supply projects. Even moderate investments in water loss mitigation can deliver substantially more water at a fraction of the cost. Strengthening water systems, improving drought resilience, and preparing for flooding will help protect public health, support economic growth, and ensure that communities have reliable access to water. As senator, I would support policies that prioritize conservation, infrastructure modernization, and preparedness because they provide the greatest return on investment for taxpayers while helping secure Texas’s water future.

Affordable and cleaner energy options are not only better for the environment, but they are also practical, cost-effective, and can be deployed much more quickly than many traditional generation sources. Texas must do more to reduce future electricity demand through energy efficiency. Our current goal of achieving savings equal to just 0.4% of peak demand annually falls well behind national leaders. At a minimum, Texas should be targeting 1–2%, but as the nation’s energy leader, we should strive to set the standard rather than settle for the minimum. We also need to modernize our building standards. New construction in Texas is still being built to energy codes that are more than a decade old. In 2023, the Legislature passed a bipartisan bill to update those standards to the 2021 energy code, but Governor Abbott vetoed it, leaving Texas behind and locking in higher energy costs for homeowners and businesses. These options along with increased investments in storage technologies would help strengthen and stabilize our grid while also lowering costs and helping to meet growing demand.

I would protect Texas’ research infrastructure by increasing stable state research funding, supporting critical labs and facilities, and providing bridge funding when federal research dollars are disrupted. The proposed 15% NIH indirect-cost cap showed how vulnerable our research institutions can be to federal policy changes; indirect costs support the facilities, equipment, and personnel that make research possible. Texas should build on investments like SB 5’s creation and funding of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) and continue investing in biomedical and scientific research. We must also protect our ability to attract global research talent by opposing restrictions on H-1B visas, which are critical to recruiting scientists, doctors, professors, and researchers.

I would engage communities early and directly by holding listening sessions, bringing public-health experts into conversations with residents, and partnering with trusted local healthcare providers and community organizations. People deserve honest answers about infectious diseases, vaccines, their benefits, risks, and what scientists know and don’t know. I believe this is another example of science working too well: vaccines and other public-health measures have been so successful at preventing disease that we can forget how serious these threats once were. When concerns arise, we should respond with transparency and evidence. People have legitimate concerns with our for-profit healthcare system, and these concerns should be addressed. As a state senator, I will listen to communities while relying on qualified experts and the best available science to guide policy.

I believe science and evidence should be central to policymaking, while constituents’ voices and experiences remain essential to the democratic process. Throughout this campaign, I’ve held a series of town halls where I bring in experts on issues ranging from public safety and education to healthcare and energy, then open the floor for questions and discussion with constituents. I always say, “I can’t be an expert in everything, but I can surround myself with experts and make policy decisions based on facts.” As a state senator, I will continue seeking out qualified experts, independent research, and the best available evidence while listening to the people I represent. When public opinion and scientific consensus diverge, I will respect constituents’ concerns, explain what the evidence tells us, and make decisions based on facts rather than political convenience.

Keywords: I always say, “I can’t be an expert in everything, but I can surround myself with experts and make policy decisions based on facts.”