Many of you that own a small business have reached out looking for guidance. I have pulled together resources that have been shared with our office from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that I hope you will find helpful. I have also included a summary of the current federal CARES Act being considered by Congress. If there is something specific that is not addressed below, please don’t hesitate to reach out and we will try to help.
This NFIB website is dedicated to updates regarding the status of federal legislation. That can be found here.
NFIB also has a site that they’re using as a clearing house of small biz info regarding Covid-19. That can be found here. While this site is updated regularly, it currently contains links to the CDC and SBA, a recording of a webinar and a host of other information.
NFIB Texas also has a resource page with state specific information that can be found here.
An SBA loan resource page, including a link to determine eligibility and apply for a loan, can be found here. While this application is available now, there may be Business Interruption loans included in the second legislative package currently being debated in Congress. These BI loans could be used for payroll, debt obligations, rent/mortgage, etc. and could potentially be forgiven depend on how they are utilized. As the details for these BI loans become more clear, we will update that.
The TWC has a shared work program for employees who have had their hours cut back. That page can be found here.
Small Business Development Center continues to be an excellent resource for small businesses. You can find their regional contact information and a Covid-19 resource page here.
Finally, I have attached an FAQ sheet from the Texas Workforce Commission specifically for small business owners. It can be downloaded here. Following the social media accounts for Texas Workforce Commission is also another great way to stay up to date: Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. (Please note TWC has seen an enormous increase of traffic on their website and call center. They are rapidly increasing capacity and technology to streamline and handle the volume.)
Summary of Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Note: This information was provided by the House Republican Whip Coalitions Coordinator)
Provides grants and loans to small businesses to meet payroll and pay rent.
Sends direct checks to individual Americans of up to $1200.
Allows regulatory relief so banks can grant loan forbearance for otherwise healthy businesses struggling while business has been shut down.
Provides Treasury and the Fed the ability to provide several trillion in assistance to distressed industries, including airlines, through guaranteed loans while also including accountability protections.
Rushes resources to hospitals, doctors and other front line providers.
Expands the use of Telehealth medicine to surge capacity and diagnose and treat patients in safe and faster environment.
Temporarily expands unemployment insurance to provide life line for those who have lost their jobs.
Provides tax policy incentives, such as fixing key technical corrections from the tax cut and Jobs Act, including QIP and NOL.
Provides liability protection for providers who volunteer (Good Samaritan).
Allows HSA to be used to purchase over the counter medicines.
This week we’re witnessing the beginnings of real hardship on friends, families, neighbors and local businesses. We’re also getting way overloaded with information. Myself, I’m on conference call after call with other state officials and receiving new reports with information all the time. It’s a lot for all of us to filter through.
I could pass on to you a lot of resources but I know you can already find most online or hear it from a news source. So what I’ll try to do over the near term is help you cut through the noise.
The first step is to know that my office is available. Please call (512-463-0738), email ([email protected]), whatever is easiest for you. We will do our best to help address problems.
Next, as plans and processes get worked out on financial support, unemployment comp., health care services, emergency loans for businesses, etc., I’ll try to get the relevant information to you in a timely and succinct form.
Finally, would you please pray for me and all the other federal, state and local officials. This is fast paced, uncharted territory. I am very encouraged at a lot of things I see falling into place in emergency services. And I see people working together in Texas like never before.
I’ll be getting briefed by the Texas Workforce Commission tomorrow. I will let you know if I learn anything to pass on. I just finished a call with the leadership of our Texas State Guard. I can tell you that your Texas National Guard and State Guard are ready to assist helping Texans at the Governor’s call.
For now always remember His provision.
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Are you still trying to wrap your head around our temporary new norm of social distancing, take-out meals and virtual learning? We may wonder is this all necessary but given what we know today and what we have learned from our past—the closures, social distancing, staying home and all the caution is the right thing to do. So please be patient. And be grateful we’re in Texas with great leadership and amazing resources to soon put this day behind us.
The primary goal remains delaying and slowing the spread of the virus to protect our health care system and vulnerable population. This is a shared responsibility for all of us. As things are quickly evolving with COVID-19, I wanted to share some resources that I have found informative and helpful.
The Department of Health Services has many answers to frequently asked questions like what do you do if you’re sick, information on testing and prevention tips. This will also include updated numbers of cases in Texas. See link HERE. DSHS is also regularly sending updates through social media accounts available by following TexasDSHS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Here are a few simple, common sense measures we can all implement to slow the spread.
How can Texans slow the spread of COVID-19?
The next two weeks are critical in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Texans must act now.
Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick, older, and/or have a medical condition.
If you are sick, stay home except to access medical care. If you are able to take care of yourself, stay home. If you need to see your doctor, call ahead.
Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people and non-essential trips into public.
Cancel events of more than 10 people.
Limit close contact (at least six feet) with other people. Employers should allow alternative work options as much as possible.
Who can be tested for COVID-19?
DSHS broadened the public health criteria on March 15th so that people can get tested through the public health system under a variety of scenarios. Public health labs will test individuals (including health care workers) who have fever and/or symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) AND:
have had close contact with a confirmed case;
have traveled to a location with ongoing transmission of COVID-19;
have risk factors for poor outcomes from COVID-19; or,
are hospitalized with fever and symptoms suspicious for COVID-19 even if they do not have any risk factors.
Texas’ response to COVID-19 outbreak has been impressive and ongoing with Governor Abbott declaring a State of Disaster, allowing Texans and local business relief for various hurdles and strains they are facing during this difficult time. Here is a summary of various waivers and exemptions that have been provided by the State just this week. I would expect more to follow in the coming weeks as we continue response efforts and discover new challenges.
Update on State Waivers and Exemptions in Effect
Statewide Television Townhall – March 19th at 7:00 PM
Governor Greg Abbott announced he will be holding a live virtual Town Hall meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. CT. The Governor will discuss the statewide response to the current coronavirus outbreak and will be joined by top officials from the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the Texas Education Agency. For additional information, follow the link here.
Impact on May 2020 Local Elections
A proclamation on March 18, 2020 suspending provisions of the Texas Election Code to allow political subdivisions to postpone their 2020 local elections. This means local governments now have the ability to postpone their May 2, 2020 elections until November 3, 2020. To view the press release on this topic, please visit here.
TxDPS to Waive Expiration Dates on Certain Licenses and IDs
Department of Public Safety (DPS) will temporarily waive expiration dates for Driver Licenses, Commercial Driver Licenses, and other identification forms. This action falls within the State of Disaster Declaration and is part of the ongoing effort to reduce to spread of COVID-19. This suspension will be in effect until 60 days after DPS provides further public notice that normal Driver License operations have resumed. In addition to this suspension, drive license offices across the state are closing immediately. This temporary closure will not apply to those seeking an initial Commercial Driver License (CDL). To view the press release on these topics, please visit announcements here and here.
Certain TDI Regulations on Telemedicine Waived
The State has waived certain regulations related to telemedicine care and directed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to issue an emergency rule to help patients with state-regulated insurance plans gain telemedicine access so doctors across Texas can help additional patients while mitigating the spread of COVID-19. To view the press release on this topic, please visit here.
Request for Loan Assistance for Small Businesses
On March 17, 2020, the State requested designation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Declaration in order for small businesses across the state of Texas to access the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. If granted, the SBA would provide relief through long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying Texas businesses. To view the press release on this topic, please visit here.
Activation of the Texas National Guard
Texas has activated the Texas National Guard so they are prepared to assist with response efforts for COVID-19 if needed. This preparative step will ensure that the Texas National Guard can assist in various forms throughout the state at a moment’s notice. Healthcare workers and first responders who are members of the Texas National Guard are excluded from this activation so that they can continue serving the people of Texas in their respective fields. To view the press release on this topic, please visit here.
TxDMV to Waive Rules on Disability Parking Placards and Vehicle Registration and Titling
Governor Abbott has announced that Texas is waiving certain rules relating to vehicle registration, parking placards for persons with disabilities, and titling to aid the state’s efforts to combat COVID-19. These suspensions will allow Texans to avoid penalties for failure to timely title or register a vehicle, or renew a parking placard. The waivers fall within the actions the are being taken under the State of Disaster, and are part of Texas’ efforts to reduce in-person contact among Texans and slow the spread of COVID-19. To view the press release on this topic, please visit here.
Waiver of Certain Regulations to Allow Delivery of Alcohol from Restaurants and to Support Hospitality Industry
The State issued a waiver that will allow restaurants to deliver alcoholic beverages with food purchases to patrons, including beer, wine and mixed drinks. Also Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will waive certain provisions to allow manufacturers, wholesale and retailers of alcoholic beverages to repurchases or sell back unopened product. This is an effort to support retailers, restaurants and their employees. To view the press release on this topic, please visit here.
Update from the Texas Education Agency Following the announcement last week to waive the STAAR test requirement for the 2019-20 school year, Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath sent a letter to school administrators today cancelling the STAAR test for this year. TEA will work with the United States Department of Education to request waivers from federal testing and accountability requirements for the 2019–2020 school year.
To read Commissioner Morath’s letter, follow the link here.
I will do my best to keep you updated as we continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of all Texans. My office is still fully operational as we work from home and respond to all emails and calls. If you have any questions or need assistance with state services, please don’t hesitate to call us at 512-463-0738 or email to [email protected]. I hope everyone will enjoy the extra time with family and that we will soon have this behind us.
Sincerely,
Phil King State Representative
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7
Many of you have called our office to share your frustrations about your recent appraisal. I completely understand and share your frustrations. My appraisal for a home I have owned for over 25 years also skyrocketed. Appraisals are managed and set at the city and county level. Tax rates are set at the city and county level. The state does not impose a property tax. I strongly encourage you to file a protest. I am. We still have 5 weeks of the legislative session left and providing property tax relief to constituents is my number one priority. I have several amendments prepared to try to freeze appraisals and slow down the growth and provide targeted tax relief. We will be debating SB 2 on the House floor this Tuesday and the Senate is working through HB 3 the school finance bill which provides tax relief by increasing the homestead exemption. I am hopeful that when session concludes we will have meaningful property tax reform. These high appraisals are happening all over the state. There is no justification for this. I have been unable to determine any justification for the extreme increase in appraisals.
We have had many questions about how the chief appraiser and board members are selected. In every county the local taxing units (school districts, cities, etc.) appoint the board that oversees their county’s appraisal district. The board then hires the chief appraiser who then runs the appraisal office and process. Thus, the taxing units are ultimately in charge of the appraisal process. Read more about the property tax process and how to protest your appraisal HERE.
Standing Up for the Right to Bear Arms
I am proud to have supported several bills to protect law-abiding Texas gun owners and the right to bear arms. HB 121, HB 302, HB 1177, and HB 2137 have all passed the House of Representatives and are now being considered in the Senate.
HB 121 ensures law-abiding handgun license holders are not penalized for accidentally carrying their handgun where it is not allowed. Currently, an individual could enter a business and inadvertently walk by or not see a sign prohibiting guns. This bill recognizes the innocent mistake made by a handgun license holder and would allow them to use a defense to prosecution, so they are not convicted of a class C misdemeanor.
HB 302 clears up confusion related to the right of individuals to carry guns at their apartment or condominium complex. The bill protects the rights of owners and tenants of residential units to lawfully possess firearms and ammunition in their apartments or condominiums, and to transport them between their vehicles and their residential unit.
HB 1177 protects citizens from being charged with a crime for carrying a handgun while evacuating from or returning to an area subject to a mandatory order issued during a declared state or local disaster. The bill offers a temporary protection to honest Texans whose Licenses to Carry is lost or damaged due to flood, wind, or fire, and to those who don’t have a license because they never envisioned a need to transport or carry their handguns outside the home.
HB 2137 exempts an honorably retired peace officer from completing the classroom instruction portion of the required handgun proficiency course if the officer complies with certain requirements and holds a current certificate of proficiency to obtain a license to carry a handgun. Our peace officers understand the importance of responsible, law-abiding gun ownership and we are honoring their sacrifice and expertise with HB 2137.
TFRW Legislative Day
This week was Texas Federation of Republican Women Day at the Capitol. I always enjoy recognizing great work these women are doing in Parker and Wise counties and all over the state.
This week the Texas House passed an important bill that protects infants who survive abortion procedures, ensuring they receive the same care given to any other child born in a hospital. HB 16 creates causes of action for the surviving child or their parent / legal guardian to pursue against a physician who fails to provide appropriate medical treatment to the child. It creates a similar cause of action for the Texas Attorney General to pursue against the physician on behalf of the state. Along with outlining strong protections to ensure the women who seek the abortion are shielded from liability in accordance with state law, it establishes a reporting mechanism so a person who has knowledge of a physician’s failure to provide appropriate medical care can be reported to the Office of the Attorney General. HB 16 is a strong stance to defend life in Texas.
HB 1313 – Targeted Property Tax Relief
This week I laid out HB 1313 in the House Committee on Ways & Means. HB 1313 is one of several bills I have filed that would provide targeted tax relief for Texans and is a priority issue for me. HB 1313 increases the standard of evidence an appraiser must present in order to increase the appraisal value of a property the tax year following a successful protest. This change will go a very long way in creating more transparency in our system and saving taxpayers’ valuable time.
To watch the bill lay out, click on the below image.
HB 14 – Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Peace Officers
I was proud to Joint Author and support HB 14 which creates a student loan repayment assistance program for future peace officers. Texas is facing a critical shortage of officers putting everyone at risk. I served 15 years with the Fort Worth P.D. and was recruited by a college assistance program. Then, as it is again today, it was tough to find people willing to serve. Assisting with student loans will attract more officers and support the men and women that put their lives on the line to protect our communities each day. I am proud to continue to back the blue and ensure our best and brightest have the opportunity to become peace officers and provide for their families.
Speaking to Trinity Christian Academy 4th graders on the House Floor.
The House will be debating HB 2, the property tax reform bill tomorrow on the House Floor. I have filed several amendments for targeted property tax relief.
Repealing Clawback Current law imposes a substantial penalty on landowners when they decide to change the use of his or her land from agricultural uses to something else. A “rollback rate” or what I would refer to as a clawback tax is imposed where a landowner must pay local taxing entities 5 year clawback on the market value of the property as if it never held an agricultural exemption plus 7 percent compounded interest.
This clawback tax substantially hinders your property rights and there is simply no justification for this excessive penalty that prevents properties from advancing to their highest and best use. I will be running with a few amendments tomorrow that are aimed at substantially reducing the clawback penalty.
Higher Burden After Successful Appraisal Protest Over the years I have heard stories from constituents where they have gone through the process to protest their appraisal, win and the next year it goes right back up with little explanation. This is very frustrating and discouraging process to participate in over time. This amendment makes a minor change that in the following tax year where the taxpayer is successful in appealing their protest that the increase presented by the appraiser must be supported by clear and convincing evidence. This is a simple yet profound change so that taxpayers don’t feel like they are wasting their time getting involved in the process.
The House Passed HB 347
The House passed HB 347 to protect the property rights of all Texans. I am proud to have authored HB 347 which will finally end forced annexation in Texas and will give all citizens a say in future annexations. Thank you to the residents of Parker and Wise county who supported ending forced annexation and helped me move this legislation through the House. Senator Birdwell will now carry this important piece of legislation through the Senate and we look forward to Governor Abbott signing this critical property rights protection in the near future.
Last week I was proud to support schools, students, and teachers by voting for HB 3. HB 3 is a comprehensive plan to reform school finance in the state of Texas. Through the budget and HB 3 we are lowering school district property taxes by an average of 5.5% statewide and every Texan will see a permanent property tax rate reduction. HB 3 reduces the “robin hood” burden by more than $3.5 billion over the next two years and reduces recapture by increasing the amount of money guaranteed for each student.
HB 3 provides incentive-based increases to teacher pay, more continuing education and training opportunities to teachers throughout their careers, and funding for professional development programs that train teachers. HB 3 gives local school districts more discretion to determine teacher and school support staff compensation how they see fit. Additionally, HB 3 will provide funding to ensure every student receives the help and services they need.
The budget and school finance reform bills are now in the Senate and we look forward to seeing what the final version of these bills will look like. Both chambers are committed to school finance and property tax reform.
Texas Retired Teachers Day at the Capitol
I had the pleasure of meeting with the retired teachers of District 61. The Texas legislature is working hard to put TRS on a path to actuarial soundness by increasing the pension rate and providing a 13th check for retirees. It is important to support our retired teachers and I will continue to work to ensure our retired teachers our supported in Texas.
On March 21st, the Texas House observed World Down Syndrome Day to raise public awareness. Individuals with Down syndrome have a third copy of chromosome 21, hence the celebration on 3/21. As many of you know, my daughter Sarah and husband Jacob adopted two children from China that have Down’s syndrome. Both Joy and Sunshine joined me on the House floor and enjoyed meeting all of my colleagues. To watch the floor recognition, click on the image below.
Click the image above to watch HR 800, Recognizing March 21st as World Down Syndrome Day
#RockYourSocks
East Parker County Day
East Parker County chamber delegation spent the day in Austin with a legislative agenda focused on water, education and transportation. They met with stakeholders to receive a legislative update on these important issues affecting the business and local community.
East Parker County Chamber leadership delegation visits Texas capitol.
Aledo ISD State Championship Recognition
On Wednesday, we recognized Aledo ISD football team for clinching their 8th state championship title in 2018. The team has won the state title 7 out of the last 10 years. We also recognized two other gentleman who received a state championship in cross country and swim. Congratulations Aledo ISD!
Aledo ISD Superintendent Susan Bohn, Education Foundation and School Board Trustees with football team
(L-R) Football State Champions Wyatt Harris & Logan Escamilla, Rep. Phil King, Speaker Dennis Bonnen, Football Head Coach Steve Wood, Cross Country State Champion Graydon Morris, Swim State Champion Elijah Sohn
This Wednesday: House Budget To Be Considered on Floor
General Appropriations Bills, otherwise known as the state budget, are introduced by the House and Senate at the start of the legislative session following an assessment of the Legislative Appropriation Requests (LARs) submitted by state agencies over the interim and the Comptroller’s Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE).
The Legislature may change the state budget through a supplemental appropriations bill after the budget has been approved. Because the regular session begins in January, with eight months remaining in the two-year budget period, the Legislature sometimes appropriates funds to supplement an agency for the last fiscal year of a biennium.
The Comptroller anticipates state lawmakers will have $119.1 billion for spending over the FY 2020-2021 budget cycle, which is roughly 8.1 percent more funding available compared to the last biennium.
The House Appropriations Committee has been hard at work preparing House Bill 1, the state budget for the upcoming biennium, while the Senate recently passed and sent over Senate Bill 500, the supplemental budget which will address the obligations and critical needs of the state in the final months of FY 2019.
On Wednesday, the House will be considering both HB 1 and SB 500. HB 1 spends $116.5 billion of general revenue and includes approximately $2.3 billion of funding from the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF). SB 500 is to fund FY 2019 obligations and includes critical funding for Hurricane Harvey damage. The supplemental appropriations bill spends $2.7 billion of general revenue and approximately $4.3 billion of Economic Stabilization Fund. Comptroller Hegar previously estimated that the ESF would have nearly $12 billion for budget emergencies.
Once passed by both the House and Senate, both bills will head to a conference committee between the two chambers, where legislative members of both bodies will then finalize the budget for each chamber’s approval.
This Monday marks the 70th day of the 140 day legislative session. The deadline for bills to be filed has passed and a total of 7,281 bills were filed. This week we will have our first floor calendar where bills will be debated and, if passed, sent over to the Senate for consideration. At this juncture of session, the majority of the day is spent hearing bills in committee. Over the coming weeks, that will shift to spending the majority of time on the House floor debating bills.
School Finance Reform: “The Texas Plan”
House Bill 3 invests $9 billion toward advancing student achievement, supporting Texas teachers, providing property tax reform, and allocates more dollars to Texas classrooms than ever before.
School finance reform is a top priority and paramount theme for this session. HB 3 known as “The Texas Plan” was heard in committee this week. In the days since the bill was filed, we have witnessed an outpouring of support from parents, teachers, school administrators, and various education and business advocacy organizations. This much needed reform invests in Texas classrooms and transforms our state’s public school finance system. What is so exciting to see is this bill has bi-partisan support with 104 legislators who have currently signed on as co-authors to show our commitment for reform to the antiquated school finance system.
My Legislation: Ending Forced Annexation Statewide and Repealing Clawback for Change of Use on Ag Exempt property
HB 347
Last week we had a great hearing on HB 347 to end forced annexation statewide. Forced annexation is a legal process by which property located in an unincorporated area of a county may become part of a neighboring city against the property owner’s will. This means without their consent, they find themselves within the jurisdiction and taxing authority of a municipality when they have intentionally chosen to live outside the limits. Taxpayers then become responsible for paying for bonds and services for which they neither voted for nor approved. Simply put, this is taxation without representation.
Parker and Wise counties became Tier 2 in November when a ballot measure was approved and are now protected from forced annexation but currently this protection is only in 16 counties in Texas.
Protecting the property rights of all citizens is of utmost importance. This legislation would streamline the process and would allow cities to make the case to all residents and landowners to be annexed into their city limits.
HB 794
We also had a great hearing in front of the Ways & Means committee on HB 794. Buying property is one of the largest financial decisions most Texans make. But did you know we have certain provisions in Texas law that prevent landowners from using their land for its highest and best use?
This legislation is a win-win for Texans and would significantly reduce the clawback tax imposed for agricultural properties when a change of use occurs. Current law imposes a substantial penalty on landowners when they decide to change the use of his or her land from agricultural uses to something else. A “rollback rate” or what I would refer to as a clawback tax is imposed where a landowner must pay local taxing entities 5 year clawback on the market value of the property as if it never held an agricultural exemption plus 7 percent compounded interest.
This clawback tax substantially hinders your property rights and there is simply no justification for this excessive penalty that prevents properties from advancing to their highest and best use. I look forward to substantially reducing the clawback tax for this unnecessary burden to landowners.
Capitol Visits
I hosted Lt. Col. Allen West in my office for Texas Faith & Family Day.
Special Olympics Athletes visit the Texas capitol.
Walsh Elementary from Aledo ISD visits Texas capitol. Pictured is my granddaughter, Claire.
On March 8th, the legislature will be in its 60th day of the 140 day legislative session. This is a significant for two reasons. This day makes the last day for bills to be filed and it also means we are able to start hearing legislation on the floor. The Texas Constitution states that bills can not be considered on the floor until the 60th day of session unless it is declared an emergency item by the Governor. The emergency items declared are: school finance reform, increasing teacher pay, school safety, mental health programs, property tax reform and disaster response. Last session at the bill filing deadline we had 6,631 bills filed with only 1,211 bills passed. As of today we are at a total of 4,290 bills filed which is a higher number than this exact day last session. We are also experiencing a record high of legislation being drafted by the attorneys at legislative council. All signs point to another record breaking number of bills being filed.
Now is the point in session where I will spend most of my days in committee hearings vetting legislation and we will gradually transition to more time on the floor debating legislation.
If you are ever interested in learning more about a bill or tracking legislation, the public has access to Texas Legislature Online where you can set up alerts and follow the status of a particular bill. My office tracks bills that constituents call or email about so that when it is up for a vote on the house floor or in a committee that I am a member of, I know who from the district has called in favor or against. To voice your thoughts on a bill, you can email [email protected] or call the Capitol office at 512-463-0738. Click here to follow Texas Legislature Online
Parker and Wise County Days
The last two weeks residents of Parker and Wise counties joined me the Capitol to celebrate their county days. I enjoyed attending the Wise County reception and giving Parker County residents a night-time tour of the Capitol. I was honored to pass resolutions recognizing each counties’ achievements and contributions to the State of Texas. It is always a pleasure to meet with officials, leaders, and residents.
Celebrating Wise County Day at the Texas Capitol. Night Tour at Texas Capitol for Parker County Day at Texas Capitol.Recognizing Weatherford College for their 150th Anniversary. Pictured Dr. Tod Allen Farmer and Board Vice Chair Sue Coody.
First Redistricting Hearing
This week the House Committee on Redistricting which I chair held its first public hearing. Our committee consists of 15 members with only 6 members that were in the legislature during the last redistricting cycle. Our committee hearing focused on the data and tools used in the redistricting process with a presentation by the U.S. Census Bureau to discuss the process of conducting the decennial census. Census Day will be on April 1, 2020. I expressed my commitment to ensure a transparent and legal redistricting process and I appointed a bipartisan subcommittee to propose locations in Texas for our committee to hold interim hearings. We are excited to get started on this very important process for 2021 redistricting.
In November, Parker and Wise counties approved a ballot measure to become a Tier-2 county – ending all forced annexation by home rule cities in our district. Right now, only 16 counties in Texas are Tier-2. This leaves 238 counties without protection! Many others are collecting signatures to be on the May ballot but as our community knows, this is a very arduous process. I have filed HB 347 that would end the need for county to county elections and end forced annexation for all Texans once and for all.
We are one of the few states that allows the practice of involuntary annexation by our home rule cities. Forced annexation is un-Texan and protecting private property rights of ALL citizens is simply the right thing to do.
Having Parker and Wise counties lead the charge last November and pass this measure with overwhelming support has built a foundation with great momentum to end all forced annexation this legislative session. Thank you to everyone that worked so hard last year to make Parker and Wise counties Tier-2 status.
State of The State Address by Governor Abbott
This week Governor Abbott addressed all Texans and members of the legislature to promote legislative priorities for this session.
The key points include:
Texas is leading the nation in job creation and has the fastest growing economy in America. We are the top oil and gas producer and a leader in exports. We need to continue to look for ways to promote innovation, jobs and good regulatory environment.
Student achievement is top priority which means ensuring our best teachers are in the classroom serving our students. More state funding will be necessary to invest in our students, teachers and to ensure schools are properly funded.
No government should have the ability to tax its citizens out of their homes. Our school finance system is too dependent on local property taxes. We need to limit property tax growth, lower property tax bills and increase the state share of spending on education.
Our number one priority is keeping Texans safe and investing in resources to combat gang violence, human trafficking and equipping law enforcement to keep us safe.
Hurricane Harvey was the costliest and most destructive storm in our state’s history. This session we will be looking at additional financial means to support our local communities as they continue to recover.
We need to ensure our students are safe at school and the state will allocate the necessary resources to school districts for mental health programs, additional law enforcement and school hardening.
Honorary Page
Last week I was delighted to have Jonathan Catlin serve as an Honorary Page for the day. The Honorary Page Program allows students between the ages of 8 and 18 to experience the Texas legislative process first-hand. Honorary pages are able to join Representatives on the House floor and shadow pages as they fulfill their duties around the Capitol. I always enjoy having young Texans join me to learn about their state government.
