State Representative Larry Gonzales
We have had a very busy week tackling a variety of important issues. Heres a look at the week we just finished in Austin:
Redistricting Victory! (for now...)
I heard from many of you after the proposed redistricting map was released regarding concerns that numerous cities in Williamson County were split between multiple House Districts. I understand those concerns and worked throughout the weekend (as seen on KXAN.com at
http://bit.ly/fMrFqI ) with several Williamson County leaders to prepare an amendment which keeps almost every city in Williamson County whole. (The photo below is of me testifying before committee holding up the letters of support from our elected officials).
In all 36 elected civic and community leaders wrote letters of support for the amendment. After visiting one-on-one with committee members on Monday the Redistricting Committee accepted our amendment which is now part of the map the House floor will vote on next Wednesday.
I had the opportunity to speak with YNNs Karina Kling who captures the very essence of the debate!
http://bit.ly/fmgf2s
Thanks you to all who expressed your support for this amendment. We have a very long way to go but were off to quite the successful start!!
Also on KXANs On Politix Easter Sunday show (taped Friday morning) Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin) and I talk redistricting. You can watch the video here:
http://bit.ly/eopRrS. Essentially I make several points: (1) redistricting is our constitutional responsibility and I will not abdicate that duty; (2) I am fighting for the communities in HD52 that they remain whole to the extent possible in any new maps; and (3) the depopulation of urban and rural Texas to the suburbs has caused a great population shift to areas like Williamson County which means greater representation for the suburban areas and perhaps a huge policy shift in Austin. (The video link is to the 12 minute version the full 30 minute version will be on the KXAN website soon.)
Retired Teachers
I am also proud to announce that HB 3542 our legislation to financially help retired teachers was heard before the Committee on Pensions Investments & Financial Services this week. This bill if passed will help our retired teachers cover the increased costs they are and will be facing during their retirement by providing a 13th annuity check when possible. Our office has been working very closely with the Texas Retired Teachers Association and the Williamson County Retired Teachers Association. Here is a wonderful article written by the TRTA:
http://bit.ly/eSIcMm.
I ended my testimony by telling the committee members ...these are extraordinary times and we are just trying to find ways to help extraordinary people."
Higher Education
This week I laid out my first bill before the full House. I am proud to say that HB 3577 was passed by the full House without objection. This bill if passed will allow for greater access and opportunity for college scholarships. The two scholarship programs we address are the TEXAS Grant and the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant. This is a recommendation of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and a bill that I am proud to have authored. The bill analysis can be found here:
http://bit.ly/evgq2t
Healthcare
Also this week the House passed HB 5 (I voted AYE) which allows for the creation of an Interstate Healthcare Compact as an alternative to participation in the federal Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). This is our way of telling the federal government Texans can operate a state system of health care via a block grant rather than by federal mandates.
It successfully passed the full House!
Medicaid and other state health care priorities are consuming a growing proportion of the states funds and Texas needs alternatives to address this growth. A one-size-fits-all federal approach is not the answer for Texas. If you are interested in learning more YNN has a very good print article and video story on this important piece of legislation:
http://bit.ly/fyE2ju
As always...
Our office always enjoys hearing from constituents and invites you to contact us on any issue of concern. We can be reached at 512-463-0670 or P.O. Box 2910 Austin Texas 78768.
