Insider's Report
February 7, 2003
State Representative Dennis Bonnen
First House Insurance Committee Meeting Held
Wednesday
Chairman John Smithee called our first Insurance Committee meeting to
order on Wednesday to discuss the insurance crisis facing the state. We
discussed the skyrocketing homeowners insurance, mold claims and frivolous
lawsuits to set a focus for what our committee must concentrate on to
address these major issues. The Commissioner of Insurance, Jose Montemayor,
testified on insurance issues and expressed his concerns with our current
problems.
The committee will be meeting each Monday at 10 a.m. and I expect to
start hearing bills on Tuesday.
Public Education Committee Votes to Abolish
Robin Hood
In their first meeting this week the Public
Education Committee approved HB 604, a bill I co-authored. This bill,
sponsored by committee chairman Kent Grusendorf, would abolish the present
school finance system by September, 2005. While this bill does not solve the
school finance problems plaguing our state, it does show that this
legislative body is committed to doing away with the Robin Hood plan and
finding solutions that do work. Additionally, this will ensure that a Robin
Hood plan can not be enacted in the future if further school finance issues
arise. We must find a way to ensure that all Texas school children, whether
they live in property-rich or property-poor districts, have the opportunity
to get a good education.
I have received a number of letters and e-mails
from residents in several local communities in the county, where districts
are cutting out programs while sending millions out of their districts.
That is not the way our school finance system should work.
Resolution for Nathan Haller
I am currently preparing a House Resolution to
honor former State Representative Nathan Haller of Brazoria County. Mr.
Haller, who was born a slave in 1840, was elected State Representative for
the 23rd and 24th Legislatures in the early 1800s. He was the only African
American to serve as a State Representative in the 23rd Legislature. Many
of his descendants will be at the Capitol on February 27 for the resolution
honoring Mr. Haller for his work in the House.
Remembering Our Texas History
On February 15, 1877 about 40 cattlemen met under a great oak at
Graham to organize the Northwest Texas Cattle Raisers' Association, now
known as the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers' Association. The chief
aim of the organization was to stop cattle rustling.
Visitors to the Capitol
A large number of representatives from the ARC of Texas visited my office
on Wednesday. Signing the guest book were Georgia Gaines of Alvin, Alverna
Peterson of Sweeny, Leigh Ann Shingler of Angleton, David Tamayo Jr. of West
Columbia, Teresa Peterson of Brazoria, Shelly Houston of West Columbia, and
Ray Owens of Alvin. I had a scheduled meeting with Leigh Ann and David to
talk about the needs and concerns of those who are disabled.
James Northrup of Angleton, A J Mikel of West Columbia, and Don Fuchs of
West Columbia came to Austin representing the Brazoria County Farm Bureau.
Sara Richards and Amy Stewart of Grether Health Care were visitors on
Monday.
Other Brazoria County visitors at my office this week included Sgt. R.
D. Johnson with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department, Dr. Brenda
Fleshman of Angleton, Ed Zingleman of Lake Jackson, George Hornback of Lake
Jackson, Edward Speed of Lake Jackson, and Tony Hlavaty of Angleton.
If you are in Austin, stop by my Capitol office. It is located in
E2.602. We always enjoy talking with the folks from home.
On My Calendar
Feb. 10 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Insurance Committee Meeting
Meet with Brazoria County Dental Hygienists
Municipal League Luncheon, Austin
Feb. 11 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Feb. 12 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Meeting with Brazoria County Librarians
Feb. 13 - Legislature in Session, Austin
Meeting with Gulf Coast MHMR
My Office Works for You
If you have any concerns, please contact my office. We may not always know
the answer but you will be heard and we will obtain information for you. My
job is to be your advocate.
Angleton Office: 979-848-1770
Austin Office: 512-463-0564
Toll Free: 1-800-647-3809
E-Mail:
dennis.bonnen@sbcglobal.net
Or
Web:
www.dennisbonnen.com
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