Representative Jeff Leach
Keeping our Promises to Texas Teachers
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas As policymakers we have an obligation to ensure that our state keeps the promises made to all Texas teachers. As you know over the course of the past three legislative sessions the legislature has adopted various measures aimed at addressing the long-term solvency of TRS & TRS Care by increasing contributions and implementing various reforms to provide for greater efficiencies within each fund. To be clear I fully recognize that we must systemically reform TRS & TRS Care in order to safeguard the long-term solvency of both funds while working to ensure that our active and retired teachers are no longer strapped with rising healthcare premiums.
Its time to end the Band-Aid approach and come to a realization that if unaddressed this system will never be able to fully pay its obligations. This is why I am proud to co-author House Bill 9 which works to increase the state funding level of the TRS Pension Trust Fund by almost 30 over the next five years. Further House Bill 9 authorizes a supplemental payment or 13th Check during the 2020-2021 biennium to members retiring prior to 2017 providing a general supplemental payment of up to $2400 or the retirees regular annuity payment. As a member of the House Committee on Pensions Investments & Financial Services I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the voices of our active and retired teachers in House District 67 are heard loudly throughout the legislative process.
Legislative Spotlight - House Bill 3170
During the interim period prior to the 86th Legislature my office became aware of an evolving issue facing the states Home & Community-Based Services (HCS) Program - a program designed to serve Texans with intellectual disabilities who are living with their family in their own home or in other community settings such as a small group home. After fact-finding and collaboration with various stakeholders while consulting with the Texas Health & Human Services Commission it became evident that the state lacks the proper tools to swiftly weed out individuals who contract with various HCS providers that have confirmed allegations of abuse and neglect. I learned that in many cases it can take years for the state to prevent a confirmed perpetrator from contracting through the HCS program. As a result I recently filed House Bill 3170 - which adds statutory safeguards within the HCS Program to ensure that perpetrators of abuse and neglect have no place serving Texans with intellectual disabilities. I look forward to working this bill through the legislative process - and I am hopeful it will shine a bright light on an issue that must be addressed.
Texas Faith & Family Day!
This week we celebrated Faith & Family Day at the Texas Capitol where we joined together to pray for our beloved state and to celebrate our fundamental God-given rights that make Texas strong and free. It was a privilege to join countless patriots from House District 67 and throughout the state on such a beautiful day. God Bless the great State of Texas!
District Spotlight!
This morning I joined my legislative colleagues from the Collin County delegation to welcome Representative Dan Huberty Chairman of the House Committee on Public Education for a countywide public education roundtable in Plano. Joining us were representatives from various ISDs throughout Collin County - including Plano & Allen ISDs - where we discussed the House school finance plan and its positive impact on our students educators and taxpayers. I appreciate Chairman Huberty for taking the time to travel to Plano and maintain a constructive dialogue with our education leaders in Collin County.
It was a joy to welcome so many enthusiastic Spring Breakers from House District 67 to the Texas Capitol this week! I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to visit with two very special constituents - Abby & Caroline - who served the citizens of District 67 well as Honorary Pages in the House Chamber.
