Senator Donna Campbell
Tuesday marks the halfway point of session and we just wrapped up filing all the bills for the Texas Senate. I want to thank you for all your input to help make such a strong legislative package possible. All in all around 2600 bills were filed in the Texas Senate and I am carrying 91 of those bills.
Supplemental Budget Includes Hurricane Harvey Relief
On Wednesday the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 500 providing over $3 billion for rebuilding and recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. The supplemental budget also sets aside money for school safety and shores up the states Medicaid obligations from the last budget. While we voted to utilize dollars from the Rainy Day Fund I can think of no greater purpose for rainy day dollars than these emergency items.
Texas Military Day at the Capitol
We celebrated Texas Military Day at the Capitol this past week. I was honored
to welcome General Norris and members of the Texas Army National Guard and Air
National Guard to the Senate Chamber. Whether its responding to natural
disasters or supporting our national security with missions around the globe
we are forever grateful to our Texas Military Department for their service!
Page for a Day
We had three outstanding students work as Senate pages this week from the district and I enjoyed showing them around the Capitol. I want to remind everyone about our Senate Page for Day Program. During the legislative session students between 6 and 18 years old can serve as an Honorary Page as the Senate conducts its regular order of business. Governor Abbott swung by to meet Tex Sean and Alexis which Im sure made their day a memorable one! If you have a child who would like to participate please contact my office.
Expanding Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Oil
The last bill I filed before the deadline was Senate Bill 2416 which expands patient access to medical cannabis oil. Let me be clear. I am not in favor of broad and unrestricted medical marijuana bills and I am 100 opposed to all efforts to legalize recreational marijuana. However as a physician I am supportive of medically-driven research. I authored and filed this bill because it relies on proven treatments to help suffering patients by allowing physicians to prescribe medical cannabis oil so long as the amount of THC remains less than one percent.
This is the Texas Legislatures second attempt to help provide medical options for patients who have seen their health improve after being treated with medical cannabis oil. Unfortunately the law we passed four years ago has been too restrictive and forced many patients to seek alternative care out of state. By expanding the Compassionate Use Act under SB 2416 my goal is to eliminate undue government interference without removing necessary oversight.
Please continue to follow me on social media for regular updates and contact my office with questions or concerns. I look forward to working on your behalf to keep Texas free strong and prosperous!
