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 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
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Veteran Clarence Sasser visits the Texas House for an unveiling of his portrait. Sasser won the Medal of Honor for rescuing fellow soldiers under intense fire while also being wounded himself. Read an interview with Sasser [here], along with an article [here].
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Second Special Session Legislative Wrap-Up
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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.
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$477,786 in grant funds for prescribed burning
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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 on the A&M Forest Service webpage 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, or fill out the form under "apply here" at this link.
Find more information on cost-share programs offered to Texas landowners through the Funding Connector website here, or other general resources may be found here.
Learn more about prescribed fire by visiting the Prescribed Burning Board site.
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High School Aerospace Scholars
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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
Applications are due October 21, 2021, 2 p.m. CDT
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Before the Storm:
- Put together an emergency supply kit.
- Create a communication plan with your family.
- Know flood risks in your area.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. 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.
- Register for STEAR 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.
Additional Resources:
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During the Storm:
After the Storm:
- 2-1-1 for shelter, food and disaster services
- DriveTexas.org for flooded roads and conditions
- Returning home after a hurricane
- 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:
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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
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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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