Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas During this years Legislative session the Texas House has experienced unwanted delays due to the many points of order which are a parlimentary tool to delay or kill debate used often by House Democrat members as well we seen unexpected Republican patience during many of the heated debates. This has resulted in many key pieces of legislation not getting a vote on the House floor.
Nevertheless a great deal of work remains during the last two weeks of our 140-day session. Thus far the Legislature has not been able to find a majority consensus on several key pieces of legislation nor have we had the political courage to make the tough votes needed to resolve many of the key budget problems such as the underperforming Margins Tax. With only two weeks left in this years session the focus now is upon the Fiscal Matters bill and the issues listed below.
Education: The big push to relieve school districts from state mandates has so far been thwarted in both chambers by Democrats who say the effort to increase class sizes and cut teacher pay is misguided. However this type of legislation could be enacted if they catch a ride on a related bill.
Health care: A bill allowing Texas to join a compact of states perhaps avoiding the federal health care law signed by President Barack Obama last year passed the House and is awaiting Senate floor action
Lawsuits: The House approved a watered-down version of loser pays legislation to create possible penalties for plaintiffs and defendants who decline pretrial settlements. Senate hearing set for this week.
Immigration: The only major immigration bill to be passed so far this session is the so-called sanctuary cities bill that would bar governmental entities - including cities counties and school districts - from adopting policies that prohibit law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Criminal Justice: Plans to close at least one state prison possibly two remain unclear dependent on the final budget; creation of a new Texas Department of Juvenile Justice to replace the Youth Commission and Juvenile Probation Commission has gone to the governor.
Guns: The so-called campus-carry bill to allow licensed concealed weapons in buildings at public colleges and universities has passed the Senate and appears headed to approval in the House.
Abortion: A bill requiring doctors to perform a pre-abortion sonogram describing aloud the fetal features shown was sent to Gov. Rick Perrys desk earlier this month. Abortion-rights opponents hope women will take the time to rethink undergoing the procedure.
My friend there is still much work to be done in these last two weeks. As your representative I will do my best to serve you and your family. Call me today with your ideas and your concerns. The time for real leadership is now. The need for real leadership with a clear vision for a strong Texas is today.
News from Austin
Update on Torres Legislation
This past week our bill HB 3149 our government reform bill that could possibly save the state $15-20 billion was killed in the Local & Consent Calendars Committee by someone who I believe was of my fellow Democrat colleagues. In addtion we will be submitting an amendment to pursue the Texas Back To Work program that will generate approximately up to 15 million new jobs in Texas.
Despite many setbacks we havent given up. We have prepared individual amendments for the two above mentioned items to attach SB 1811 the Senates Fiscal Matters bill scheduled for debate and vote this upcoming Wednesday.
In addition we will be sponsoring SB 563 our HB 3151 the TWC privacy bill that protects citizens personal information. This bill is expected to be voted on in Local & Consent Calendars later this week.
We are working hard to get all of our remaining pieces of legislation on the House floor for a vote. We ask for your support and your prayers to help us get our legislation passed and sent to the Governor for his signature.
We invite you to follow all of our legislative bills that have been filed this session please click on this link: Torres Authored and Co-Authored Legislation
News from Corpus Christi
Meadowbrook Elementary Awards Ceremony 2010-2011 was held on May 10 & 11. State Representative Raul Torres honored nearly 74 students with All Year Perfect Attendance Certificates. Principal Mrs. Johnson Assistant Principal Ms. Gonzales Parent Facilitator/Coordinator Mr. Mendoza school staff and many parent volunteers did a great job of organizing this well anticipated event for both students and families.
Brandon Sifuentes was one of hundreds of students recognized at Meadowbrook Elementary Awards Ceremony on May 10 & 11. Cindy SiFuentes states I can speak for my son (Brandon) on how dedicated he is to his education. He understands at such a young age that obtaining a great education is very important for his future. I pray that he will continue to value the gift of knowledge and never take it for granted.
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas During this years Legislative session the Texas House has experienced unwanted delays due to the many points of order which are a parlimentary tool to delay or kill debate used often by House Democrat members as well we seen unexpected Republican patience during many of the heated debates. This has resulted in many key pieces of legislation not getting a vote on the House floor.
Nevertheless a great deal of work remains during the last two weeks of our 140-day session. Thus far the Legislature has not been able to find a majority consensus on several key pieces of legislation nor have we had the political courage to make the tough votes needed to resolve many of the key budget problems such as the underperforming Margins Tax. With only two weeks left in this years session the focus now is upon the Fiscal Matters bill and the issues listed below.
Education: The big push to relieve school districts from state mandates has so far been thwarted in both chambers by Democrats who say the effort to increase class sizes and cut teacher pay is misguided. However this type of legislation could be enacted if they catch a ride on a related bill.
Health care: A bill allowing Texas to join a compact of states perhaps avoiding the federal health care law signed by President Barack Obama last year passed the House and is awaiting Senate floor action
Lawsuits: The House approved a watered-down version of loser pays legislation to create possible penalties for plaintiffs and defendants who decline pretrial settlements. Senate hearing set for this week.
Immigration: The only major immigration bill to be passed so far this session is the so-called sanctuary cities bill that would bar governmental entities - including cities counties and school districts - from adopting policies that prohibit law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws.
Criminal Justice: Plans to close at least one state prison possibly two remain unclear dependent on the final budget; creation of a new Texas Department of Juvenile Justice to replace the Youth Commission and Juvenile Probation Commission has gone to the governor.
Guns: The so-called campus-carry bill to allow licensed concealed weapons in buildings at public colleges and universities has passed the Senate and appears headed to approval in the House.
Abortion: A bill requiring doctors to perform a pre-abortion sonogram describing aloud the fetal features shown was sent to Gov. Rick Perrys desk earlier this month. Abortion-rights opponents hope women will take the time to rethink undergoing the procedure.
My friend there is still much work to be done in these last two weeks. As your representative I will do my best to serve you and your family. Call me today with your ideas and your concerns. The time for real leadership is now. The need for real leadership with a clear vision for a strong Texas is today.
News from Austin
Update on Torres Legislation
This past week our bill HB 3149 our government reform bill that could possibly save the state $15-20 billion was killed in the Local & Consent Calendars Committee by someone who I believe was of my fellow Democrat colleagues. In addtion we will be submitting an amendment to pursue the Texas Back To Work program that will generate approximately up to 15 million new jobs in Texas.
Despite many setbacks we havent given up. We have prepared individual amendments for the two above mentioned items to attach SB 1811 the Senates Fiscal Matters bill scheduled for debate and vote this upcoming Wednesday.
In addition we will be sponsoring SB 563 our HB 3151 the TWC privacy bill that protects citizens personal information. This bill is expected to be voted on in Local & Consent Calendars later this week.
We are working hard to get all of our remaining pieces of legislation on the House floor for a vote. We ask for your support and your prayers to help us get our legislation passed and sent to the Governor for his signature.
We invite you to follow all of our legislative bills that have been filed this session please click on this link: Torres Authored and Co-Authored Legislation
News from Corpus Christi
Meadowbrook Elementary Awards Ceremony 2010-2011 was held on May 10 & 11. State Representative Raul Torres honored nearly 74 students with All Year Perfect Attendance Certificates. Principal Mrs. Johnson Assistant Principal Ms. Gonzales Parent Facilitator/Coordinator Mr. Mendoza school staff and many parent volunteers did a great job of organizing this well anticipated event for both students and families.
Brandon Sifuentes was one of hundreds of students recognized at Meadowbrook Elementary Awards Ceremony on May 10 & 11. Cindy SiFuentes states I can speak for my son (Brandon) on how dedicated he is to his education. He understands at such a young age that obtaining a great education is very important for his future. I pray that he will continue to value the gift of knowledge and never take it for granted.
