SD 11 SREC: District 129 Newsletter

Texas House Passes Legislation for Retired Teachers

I joined my colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives to pass legislation that invests in retired teachers by increasing the state's contributions to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

The House's version of Senate Bill 12 funds a 13th check for retired teachers, makes the pension fund more stable and solvent, and incrementally increases the state's contributions to the fund over a five-year period.

I was proud to co-sponsor and join my colleagues in voting for Senate Bill 12 because I believe it is vital that Texas keeps its promise to our retired teachers.

"Because of Representative Paul's leadership, the Texas House has taken action to bolster the retirement future for Texas teachers," said Texas Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen. "Texas educators dedicate their careers to improving the lives of our children and strengthening the economic future of our state. As we work to make unprecedented investments to meet the needs of our classrooms, we must also work to meet the needs of our retired teachers. I thank Representative Paul for taking action on behalf of our hardworking educators."

The TRS currently provides retirement benefits to more than 420,000 individuals and requires an increased investment from the state to assure the fund remains financially healthy. The state is prohibited from issuing a cost-of-living increase or supplemental payment to retired teachers until the fund is deemed actuarially sound. This legislation would address that requirement.

Earlier in the legislative session, the Texas House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass House Bill 1, the state budget, which appropriates $684 million from general revenue for the purposes of increasing the state's contribution to TRS and $658 million from the economic stabilization fund for the 13th check.

Sales Tax Holiday for Emergency Preparation Supplies

THIS WEEKEND

You can purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free during the 2019 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to issue an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.

This year’s holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and ends at midnight on Monday, April 29.

For more information, please visit the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' website by clicking here.

Bill to Improve Driver's License Offices Passes House

This week the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation by Rep. Ed Thompson to reduce wait times at driver's licenses offices. Under the bill, driver's licenses would be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles rather than the Department of Public Safety. Houston-area drivers know too well about the long wait times at our current driver's license offices. Thankfully, we are moving towards a solution.

House Passes My Bills to Reduce Red Tape

This week the House of Representatives passed two of my bills to reduce red tape for licensed insurance adjusters. As a member of the House Committee on Insurance, I take seriously my efforts to make government less obtrusive for hardworking Texans in this industry.

The first bill provides an alternative path for licensed insurance adjusters to satisfy their continuing education requirements. This bill will be particularly helpful to professionals licensed in multiple states.

The second bill cleans up an omission in state law that made it difficult for some public insurance adjusters to obtain a license for their business.

Update on Gemini Avenue Overlay Project

From Council Member Dave Martin's Office:

Houston City Council Member Dave Martin would like to make Clear Lake residents aware the previously delayed Gemini Avenue overlay project has been rescheduled. The Gemini Avenue project was delayed due to scheduling conflicts with the contractor, and is now scheduled to begin the week of May 13. The boundaries for the asphalt overlay along Gemini Avenue begin 650 feet east of El Camino Real and end at Reseda Drive. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of August 2019, weather permitting.

The project will start in the 1000 block of Gemini Avenue and progress towards Reseda Drive. The project entails resurfacing the asphalt street. This process includes milling off an approximate 2 inch layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying 2 inches of new asphalt surface pavement. Crew staging activities are anticipated to occur between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with work occurring between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected. One lane will be open in each direction during peak traffic hours. Residents and businesses may experience temporary delays accessing Gemini Avenue, as well as individual driveways.

For more information, please contact Council Member Dave Martin's office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.

Bay Area Residents in Austin

I am always happy to welcome House District 129 visitors to the Capitol during session. This week I was pleased to lead a group of Bay Area residents on a tour of the Capitol, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the House floor.

A Look Ahead

A preview of next week's legislative events at the Capitol. A calendar is a list of bills that will be considered by the House of Representatives.

As we approach the end of session, a series of deadlines under the Rules of the House of Representatives begin to come into play. In order for a bill to pass, it must first clear a series of procedural hurdles by certain dates.

Monday

The House of Representatives will convene to consider a calendar.

The following Monday (May 6) is the deadline for House committees to recommend House Bills to the full House for consideration. Senate Bills will have additional time.

Tuesday

The House Committee on Insurance, of which I am a member, will hold a public hearing. The House of Representatives will convene to consider a calendar.

Wednesday

The House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety, on which I serve as Vice Chairman, will hold a public hearing. The House of Representatives will convene to consider a calendar.

Thursday

The House of Representatives will convene to consider a calendar.

The following Thursday (May 9) is the deadline for the full House of Representatives to consider House Bills. Any House Bill that is not passed by midnight will fail to advance. Similar to the committee deadline, Senate Bills will have additional time.

Friday

The House of Representatives will convene to consider a calendar.

Saturday

The House of Representatives may meet to consider a calendar.

How to Keep Track of Legislation

To keep track of my legislation, and the legislation of other members, you can visit the Texas Legislature Online by clicking this link: www.capitol.texas.gov.