Bill Filed to Monitor Sludge Applications
     I filed HB 2546 this week to put more stringent restrictions on sludge application.  Under this bill, TCEQ will be required to have an internet tracking system of all Class B sludge activity in the state.   The bill will require trucks hauling sludge to be covered and will require companies to have commercial liability and environmental insurance policies of not less than $5 million each.  This legislation will allow citizens from Brazoria County or any other county in the state to find out what and how much sludge is being applied at any place or time. 

    The passage of HB 2546 would crack down on unlawful Class B sludge applicators and help protect land and waterways of this state.

 

Fight Terrorism License Plates Proposed
    Following a suggestion by Detective Randy Crim of the Lake Jackson Police Department, I have filed HB 3151 to adopt a special license plate that Texans may choose when they renew their license plates. Crim's cousin, a graphic artist in Cedar Hills, Texas designed a logo the day after the September 11 tragedy.  That logo, which incorporates the World Trade Center towers, 9-11-01 and the American flag,  has now inspired special Fight Terrorism shirts, pins, and license plates in several states. I would like Texans to have the opportunity to have those license plates.

 

School Finance Bills Filed
    HB 604 - I have co-authored this legislation to sunset the current school finance plan on September 1, 2005.  While this is only the first step in a long journey towards restructuring how we finance Texas schools, it will accomplish two objectives.  First, it establishes a deadline for dealing with this very important problem and makes it a priority.  Second, it allows the legislature to start with a blank slate and develop a system designed to promote student success

 

     HJR 46 -  I have co-authored  HJR 46 to require the state to pay at least 50 percent of maintenance and operating expenses for the public school system. I feel strongly that the state should make education a greater priority.  Local property owners should not be required to fund the majority of school districts' budgets.  The passage of this legislation would be a step towards easing the financial burden that has been imposed on our local school districts.

 

     HB 717 -  Rules governing the formula by which the TEA determines each district's state aid have not been updated since 1990. HB 717 would adjust the cost to represent uncontrollable variations.  For example, Sweeny is one of only a few Texas districts paying Social Security yet those costs are not taken into consideration in their cost of education index (CEI) factor.  By updating the CEI, the district could gain about $700,000 that would not be subject to recapture. This issue was presented to me by Sweeny ISD and I am proud to be a joint author of this legislation on their behalf, as well as all other school districts in Brazoria County. 

 

     HB 1062 - The equalized wealth bill I have authored has been referred to the Public Education Committee and I have requested a hearing date be set.  This bill reduces the recapture burden on districts such as Sweeny and Brazosport. A significant fiscal note is attached to ensure that Chapter 42 districts such as Danbury and Columbia-Brazoria continue to receive the funding they need.  The purpose of this bill is to ease the burden of financial strain on school districts for the upcoming school year while a long term solution is being established.

 

Brazoria County Day to be Celebrated in Austin
     Hundreds of visitors from Brazoria County are in Austin this week for the annual Brazoria County Day celebration at the Capitol.  By offering The World's Largest Shrimp Cocktail (1,500 pounds of fresh Gulf shrimp), Brazoria County organizers have made this one of the most popular county days in the state.  The Brazoria County Delegation will be recognized in the House at 10 a.m. Tuesday and will spend the day making legislative visits.

 

Visitors to the Capitol
     A large delegation of students from Brazosport College visited the Capitol Thursday to talk to me about the need for community colleges to stay affordable for the people of Texas. The students were excited about a pilot program I am proposing for the college to offer some four-year degrees.
     About 20 students from Brazosport Christian School accompanied teacher Patti Hosak to the Capitol Thursday.  I was able to get them a special tour of the Speaker's apartment and we had a photo taken with House Speaker Tom Craddick.
     Ryan and Kathleen Allbright of Alvin served as Honorary Pages in the Capitol on Tuesday. Heather Wiggins of West Columbia served as an Honorary Page on Wednesday.
     Constable Robin Rape and his wife Renee were at the Capitol Monday and I was able to visit with Renee on bills being filed related to the Court Reporters Certification Board.
     Other visitors to the Capitol recently were Corky and Vicki Melass of Lake Jackson; Jackie Thorton from Alvin; Aubrey Vaughan of Rosharon; Sandra Brown of Alvin; Les and Susie Kurth of Angleton; Jolene Renfro of Lake Jackson; Debbie Paul of Lake Jackson; Helen Milli of Lake Jackson; Nobu Shiraishi of Clute; Vicki Williams of Alvin; Vicki Miles of Alvin; Russ Clinton of Surfside Beach and Merry Porter of Surfside Beach

 

On My Calendar
Monday, March 17
     Meeting with Pearland ISD trustees, Austin
     Legislature in Session, Austin
     Insurance Committee Meeting, Austin
     Meeting and Lunch with Angleton Leadership Team, Austin
     Brazoria County Bankers Reception, Austin
Tuesday, March 18
     Council of Chambers Legislative Breakfast, Austin
     Legislature in Session, Austin
     Environmental Regulation Committee Meeting, Austin
     Recognition of Brazoria County Delegation in House, Austin
     Alvin Community College Entertains in Rotunda, Austin
     World's Largest Shrimp Cocktail, Austin
Wednesday, March 19
     Legislature in Session, Austin
Thursday, March 20
     Alliance of Boys Girls Clubs Luncheon, Austin
     Legislature in Session, Austin
Friday, March 21
     Energy Council Conference, Washington D.C.