Sine die has come and gone for the second time this summer... 

Neighbors,

Sine die has come and gone for the second time this summer, and we were finally able to pass important legislation which you'll find listed in this newsletter. Over 600 bills ([link removed]) were sent to the Governor's desk to be signed into law, and yet our third special session will likely begin in less than three weeks. Though many conservative priorities were accomplished, there is always room for improvement by way of collaboration and common-sense reform. It's my greatest honor to be able to represent you at our Texas State Capitol. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, comments or issues my office may help with.
Sincerely,

eb4

Veteran Clarence Sasser visits the Texas House for an unveiling of his portrait. Sasser won the Medal of Honor ([link removed]) for rescuing fellow soldiers under intense fire while also being wounded himself. Read an interview with Sasser [here ([link removed]) ], along with an article [here ([link removed]) ].
Second Special Session Legislative Wrap-Up
As a legislature, we've addressed many critical issues before Texans today, and progress was made on legislation to:

Provide retired teachers with a 13th paycheck
SB 7 provides a supplemental "13th Check" of up to $2,400 to Texas retired teachers.

Safeguard the integrity and security of our electoral process
SB 1 provides practical reforms to restore public confidence, including consistent statewide standards, simple and secure election processes, greater transparency mechanisms, and reducing unlawful voting practices.

Support the foster care system with funding to ensure foster children are protected
SB 11 appropriates additional funding for Foster Care Capacity Improvement with the Department of Family and Protective Services to retain providers and increase provider capacity.

Protect life
SB 4 will prevent the delivery of abortion-inducing drugs and require additional reporting for abortion complications.

Deliver property tax relief
SB 8 allows homebuyers to receive their homestead exemption immediately after purchasing their property.
SB 12 provides homeowners 65 and older or disabled with greater tax relief.

Reform the bail system that creates revolving doors for violent criminals
SB 6, the Damon Allen Act, sets statewide standards focused on public safety and keeping suspected violent criminals behind bars until justice can be served.

Adjust social studies curriculum
SB 3 preserves core civic values in social studies education and teacher training.

Implement a Texas Solution to address the border crisis
HB 9 appropriates $1.8 billion to help secure our southern border and provide staffing for such purposes.

Protect digital expression from censorship
HB 20 protects our digital expression on social media.
$477,786 in grant funds for prescribed burning
Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting grant applications to offset the cost of prescribed burning on private lands for Central and East Texas landowners through September 30, 2021.

Interested landowners can learn more by searching the interactive map ([link removed]) on the A&M Forest Service webpage ([link removed]) to locate their property and research their eligibility. The application may be done entirely online, or one may work directly with the professional burn contractor of their choice to complete the application, burn plan and map requirements. (Grant recipients must select a certified and insured prescribed burn manager to reimburse costs from $20 to $30 per acre, depending on program eligibility).

The application deadline is Thursday, September 30, 2021. For more information, visit this website ([link removed]) , or fill out the form under "apply here" at this link ([link removed]) .

Find more information on cost-share programs offered to Texas landowners through the Funding Connector website here ([link removed]) , or other general resources may be found here ([link removed]) .

Learn more about prescribed fire by visiting the Prescribed Burning Board site ([link removed]) .
High School Aerospace Scholars
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is an authentic STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s mission and become the next generation of explorers. Like-minded students complete an online curriculum in exploration and discovery. The highest achieving students are invited to attend a five-day virtual experience plus a two-day onsite to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas during the summer. Mentored by NASA scientists and engineers, students work in teams to plan a mission to the Moon and Mars.

For more on the application process, visit the HAS website here: www.nasa.gov/has (http:// www.nasa.gov/has)

Applications are due October 21, 2021, 2 p.m. CDT
Stay #StormReady
Before the Storm:
* Put together an emergency supply kit ([link removed]) .
* Create a communication plan ([link removed]) with your family.
* Know flood risks ([link removed]) in your area.
* Purchase or renew aflood insurance policy ([link removed]) . Homeowners policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
* Know your evacuation routes ([link removed]) .
* Register for STEAR ([link removed]) if you or anyone you know will need some assistance in an emergency.
* Keep important documents in a waterproof container; create password-protected digital copies.
* Protect your property; move valuables to higher levels; declutter drains and gutters.
* Follow weather alerts ([link removed]) .

Additional Resources:
* TexasReady.gov ([link removed]) - disaster preparedness, information and resources.
* Flood Safety ([link removed]) - before, during and after
* Hurricane Safety ([link removed]) - before, during and after
* Texas Animal Health Commission ([link removed]) - animal resources
* 7-1-1 ([link removed]) for Relay Texas Service
* 1-800-452-9292 for TxDOT statewide road closures
* 1-800-525-5555 for roadside assistance
* Texas Division of Emergency Management ([link removed])
* T ([link removed]) exas Commission on Environmental Quality ([link removed]) - information for public water systems, household debris management, safe drinking water

During the Storm:
* Stay safe during a hurricane ([link removed]) .
* Stay safe when a flood threatens ([link removed]) .
* 2-1-1 ([link removed]) for shelter, food and disaster services.
* Red Cross ([link removed]) : Find an open shelter.
* DriveTexas.org ([link removed]) for flooded roads and conditions.

After the Storm:
* 2-1-1 ([link removed]) for shelter, food and disaster services
* DriveTexas.org ([link removed]) for flooded roads and conditions
* Returning home after a hurricane ([link removed])
* Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas.
* Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection.

Additional Resources:
* Long-Term Disaster Recovery Toolkit ([link removed]) for Individuals with Disabilities
* Red Cross Safe & Well ([link removed]) - to register yourself as "Safe as Well" or search for loved ones online
* Texas Department of Public Housing and Community Affairs ([link removed]) - disaster relief resources
* Texas Department of Insurance ([link removed]) - help after the storm
* Office of Public Insurance Counsel ([link removed]) - about residential property insurance claims
* Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation ([link removed]) - recovery resources for licensees

Capitol Resources
Texas House Website ([link removed])
Bill Search ([link removed])
Legislative Reference Library ([link removed])

House Research Organization ([link removed])
Legislative Budget Board ([link removed])
Capitol Visitor Information ([link removed])
District Office: 936-628-6687
10501 Hwy 150, Suite B
Shepherd, TX 77371

P.O. Box 1116
Shepherd, TX 77371

Walker County Office
1414 11th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
Capitol Office: 512-463-0570
1100 Congress Avenue, E2.812
Austin, TX 78701

P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768

Liberty County Office
1923 Sam Houston Street
Liberty, TX 77575
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Copyright © 2021 Ernest Bailes, All rights reserved.
Rep. Bailes HD 18 E-Newsletter

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State Representative Ernest Bailes . P.O. Box 2910 . Austin, Tx 78768 . USA

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