By Sen. Donna Campbell
Its hard to believe but
the last week of the 83rd Legislative Session has finally arrived. Friday involved a long day of budget negotiations between the House and the Senate. There will be
many deadlines in the next few days.
BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS
Governor Perry has asked for $1.8 billion in tax relief and $2 billion in water infrastructure funding in order to help meet the demands of rapid population growth.
In the deal anticipated between the two chambers Friday there is roughly $1 billion in tax relief and $2 billion for water.
The Senate has suggested paying down transportation debt with some of the Rainy Day Fund and is ready to bring that question before the people of Texas with a constitutional amendment. The House has yet to come to a final decision and some are asking for more education spending.
Stay tuned for details and expect this summary to already be outdated by the time you read this email.
CSCOPE LESSON PLANS SHUT DOWN
On Monday I joined Sen. Dan Patrick and Rep. Steve Toth at a press conference to announce CSCOPE would cease
creating lesson plans for the 875 Texas school districts it serves.
The announcement came after the TESCCC Board released a letter stating that all lessons will be removed from their website when contracts expire on August 31st and that districts cannot use any lessons they currently have beyond that date.
This is a victory for parents students and transparency in our schools. While increased oversight under the State Board of Education would have potentially made CSCOPE more palatable I applaud the Board for ultimately making the responsible decision to get out of the lesson plan business altogether.
Whatever vehicle is utilized moving forward we must ensure that educational materials are correct credible and consistent with what Texans want taught in our schools.
KEEPING FREE LANES FREE
Last week I was able to pass SB 1029 ensuring free lanes on state highways are not converted into toll lanes. The bill prohibits TxDOT from operating a non-tolled state highway or a segment of a non-tolled state highway as a toll project. It also prohibits TxDOT from transferring a highway to another entity for operation as a toll project except under specific circumstances.
I will continue to fight to keep free lanes free and to search for a viable long-term solution for funding our roads.
MARRIAGE ID BILL
County clerks came to me asking for a photo ID requirement to confirm the couple they issue a marriage license to is really who they say they are. I filed SB 1218 to require a photo ID to obtain a marriage license in Texas with the goal of decreasing the potential for fraud and identity theft.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill last week. It may not be the most important piece of legislation this session but if it helps county clerks do their jobs better Im happy to have helped.
KERMIT GOSNELL VERDICT
With the Kermit Gosnell conviction handed down last week its worth noting that his House of Horrors did not take place in a fabled back alley but at a state-approved abortion facility. In response Pennsylvania lawmakers wisely tightened regulations at abortion clinics to meet the same minimum health and safety standards as ambulatory surgical
centers.
Tragically Texas has not followed suit and will apparently fall short of passing our own abortion facilities bill. Without it I am afraid the next Gosnell could happen in Texas and Im disappointed we havent gotten SB 537 passed this session.
Its been a privilege to serve the people of Texas and I am working tirelessly to pass good legislation that reflects the conservative values of our district before the session ends.
Please pray for your Legislature to pass bills in the best interest of Texans and help us finish strong
As always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.
