JOUR-PAC is pleased to announce our official endorsement of 10 Texas JOUR-PAC Reformers running for re-election in 2018. These 10 Texas state legislators have served their districts, state, and country honorably and have worked hard to promote Justice, Opportunity, and United Reform. We are pleased to endorse them for re-election.
Note: JOUR-PAC is focused mainly on federal Congressional races, so we do not endorse in all state legislature races, and we do not follow the bills/actions in the state legislatures as closely as we do the ones in Congress. Additionally, our support for state legislators is based on their leadership of some issue(s) that is/are important to JOUR-PAC. As always, our endorsement and reformer induction does not represent a 100% agreement with all of their views, but instead, it represents our appreciation of their leadership on important issues. State Senator Bob Hall (R-TX SD 02): U.S. Air Force Captain from 1964-1969 Protecting Private Property Rights: "Senate Bill 515 & Senate Bill 516: On another front, I joined Senator Bettencourt and other senators presenting a bill that would bring tax relief to property owners and businesses. SB 515 would allow more homestead owners to be exempted from school taxes by raising the homestead-value eligible for exemption from $15,000 to $30,000, which would provide significant relief for low-income families. As for businesses, SB 516 will allow businesses to keep inventory for a longer period without it being taxed. The "Freeport exemption" of 1989 allowed businesses this relief, but only for 175 days. SB 516 would increase that time to 365 days in order to decrease the tax burden that businesses bear. The Texas Legislature should adopt these changes and ardently pursue more changes that will provide more relief for taxpayers and more respect for property rights. I am currently looking into legislation that would further promote these aspects, and I look forward to helping my senate colleagues do the same." Campaign Website: http://senatorbobhall.com/ State Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-TX SD 07): Reforms for the 21st Century (Right to Try Legislation): "Austin – The Texas Senate today concurred with the Texas House on House Bill 810 by Chair Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and sponsored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston). HB 810 allows patients with terminal illnesses or severe chronic diseases to access adult stem cell treatments that often are their last hope of significantly improving their physical well-being or even saving their own lives. “So many people are ill with multiple sclerosis and other diseases that stem cell therapy has the hope of solving in our lifetimes,” Senator Bettencourt said. “I look at this bill, I look at the possibility of what can happen in the 21st Century, with Texas taking the lead on adult stem cell treatments to extend lives and make a difference for these patients.” Representative Parker filed HB 810 in the Texas House to authorize doctors to prescribe adult stem cell treatment to patients suffering from the debilitating effects of severe chronic illness or terminal disease. HB 810 continues the work from last Session with the passage of the Andrea Sloan ‘Right to Try’ legislation sponsored by Senator Bettencourt, which authorized terminally ill patients faster access to safe but experimental drugs to save or prolong their lives. “This adult stem cell treatment possibility gets government out of the way to let these new therapies flourish and give these patients hope for a future good quality of life,” Senator Bettencourt added. During HB 810’s committee hearing, members heard from patients Tracy, who has battled multiple sclerosis for 18 years, and Jennifer, who has battled it for 13 years. Senator Jose Menendez (D-San Antonio), Representative Springer and the author of the bill Chair Tan Parker all have shared stories of their spouses’ fights against chronic illness and the hope, like so many Texans that adult stem cell therapies could extend, improve and save lives. “Thanks to Chair Parker, Representative Drew Springer, the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services and the entire Texas House and the Texas Senate for unanimously deciding to let adult stem cell therapies go to work in Texas!” Senator Bettencourt concluded." (JOUR-PAC Note: This bill became law.) Campaign Website: http://www.paulbettencourt.com/ State Senator Kelly Hancock (R-TX SD 09): Reforms for the 21st Century: "✓ SB 24 (Joint Author) – Sermon safeguard legislation; protects sermons from court subpoena. ✓ HB 455 (Voted Yes) – Allows property owners to participate in an appraisal review board protest hearing remotely; makes it easier for property owners to protest their appraisal. ✓ SB 253 (Committee Chair) – Prohibits using Texas public funds to aid Sudan and Iran, governments known to support terrorist organizations. ✓ SB 507 (Author) – Expands the availability of mediation assistance for surprise medical bills. ✓ SB 680 (Author) – Allows doctors to bypass “step therapy” prescription protocols so patients can quickly begin the treatment recommended by their physician, rather than ineffective medications preferred by their insurance company. ✓ HB 3921 (Sponsor) – Protects against elder financial abuse and exploitation. ✓ HB 3220, HB 2437 & SB 1073 (Sponsor/Author) – Package of Texas Department of Insurance reform legislation that will bring new jobs to Texas and lower premium costs statewide. ✓ SB 2087 (Author) – Provides flexibility to create a high-risk pool or a reinsurance program so Texans with preexisting conditions don’t fall through the cracks when Obamacare is finally repealed and replaced. ✓ SB 2205 (Author) – Paves the way for the safe testing of driverless cars in Texas." Campaign Website: http://www.kellyhancock.com/ State Representative Matt Schaefer (R-TX HD 06): Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reforms for the 21st Century: " • Allowing electronic voting for military members in combat zones which will make it significantly easier for them to vote in Texas elections. Joint author, Signed into law. (HB 1129) House Journal, May 7, 2013, Page 2609 • Eliminating unnecessary regulation on rent-to-own companies as part of the “Smaller, Smarter, Government” initiative. Lead sponsor, Signed into law. (SB 289) House Journal, May 21, 2013, Page 3939 • Clarifying penalties for assaults against Emergency Room personnel. Helped the primary author rewrite the bill in committee in order to get it passed. Joint Author, Signed into law. (HB 705) House Journal, May 9, 2013, Page 2872 • Reducing the impact of the franchise tax on small businesses. Co-Author, Signed into law. (HB 500) House Journal, May 8, 2013, Page 2774 • Reforming public schools by reducing burdensome STAAR testing requirements and allowing for more career and technology education. Signed into law. (HB 5) House Journal, March 27, 2013, Page 1131." Campaign Website: http://www.mattfortexas.org/ State Representative Mike Lang (R-TX HD 60): Justice Reform: "Austin, TX – Today, Texas State Representative Mike Lang filed HB 1652 relating to a study conducted by the Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System on pending court matters. Representative Lang firmly feels that legislation needs to be passed in order to closely analyze the backlog problem in Texas courts. This legislation aligns closely with the Constitution of the United States, Sixth Amendment, which promises a "fair and speedy trial" in criminal prosecution cases. Lang stated, "Our judicial officials are doing phenomenal work in the face of these unavoidable delays. That being said, we the legislature, should constantly be to looking to ensure that we are giving our judges and justices all possible resources needed to continue to serve the citizens of Texas in the best possible way." Lang continued, "I believe the first step should be the study proposed in HB 1652 which looks at the specific cause of delay as well as feasible ideas for a long-term solution." Backlog impacts the courts with detrimental and widespread strain. In addition, this causes our jails to unnecessarily house prisoners awaiting trial placing strain on the criminal justice system at large. This bill would authorize a study by the Office of Court Administration to specifically see where these delays are originating. HB 1652 asks the administration to look into what types of case matter possesses the most delays, and also requests an analysis of whether or not senior judges can help to alleviate this dilemma. Finally, this bill would request recommendations from the OCA for their own suggested solutions to resolve judicial backlog. The Justice of the Peace and Constables Association also supports the bill, stating, "The issue of backlog is a major problem in the court system today. We are very excited to see Representative Lang taking the appropriate steps towards solving these delays. We are especially pleased that Rep. Lang comes from a background of constable and law enforcement experience and has a deep understanding of the judiciary." Campaign Website: https://www.votemikelang.com/ State Representative Ron Simmons (R-TX HD 65): Promoting Education Opportunity: "AUSTIN—Representatives Ron Simmons, Jason Isaac, and Jason Villalba today announced legislation to authorize Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for special needs and at-risk students, as well as children with unique challenges. “My wife and I know firsthand the challenges parents of a special needs child face when looking for the educational environment that will best serve their child’s needs,” Simmons said. “We are the proud parents of a young adult son who himself was in a special needs program.” Under HB 1335, the parent or guardian of a special needs child or of a student with unique challenges would receive 90 percent of what the state spends each year per student in the form of an ESA. The funds would be distributed to the parent or guardian every quarter either on a debit card. The funds could only be spent on private school tuition and on a narrow list of eligible expenses such as that for tutors, therapists, specialists, and assistive technologies. In addition to special needs or at-risk students, HB 1335 would provide ESAs for a young person with unique challenges, such as a student who: Is in foster care, Meets the federal definition as “homeless.” Is a victim of bullying. “This legislation gives families the ability to craft a tailor-made program for their child,” Simmons said. “That is what makes this legislation and this type of ESA program so innovative – it would give parents the ability to manage funds that pay for their child’s education, allowing them to create an individualized program based on their child’s needs.” According to a new report published by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) and the Goldwater Institute, similar ESA systems are in place in other states including Arizona, Tennessee, Mississippi and Florida. The report found that in these states, “education savings accounts are helping children with unique needs and from different family backgrounds find a quality education.” Simmons said he wants to provide families greater educational options for their children. “In the case of our own experience, my wife and I found a private school that could truly help our son, and we had the means to send him there. But that’s not the case for many Texas families with special needs children. Many parents don’t have a choice. “There is no greater responsibility we have than to help take care of those who don’t have the same opportunities,” Simmons said. “That’s why I have authored House Bill 1335—to give parents of special needs and at-risk students the ability to get the education they deserve.” According to the Texas Education Agency, Texas is home to nearly a half-million students with special needs such as autism, speech delays or vision or hearing impairment although recent investigative media reports indicate this may underestimate the number of Texas children with special needs." Campaign Website: http://www.ronsimmons.com/ State Representative Briscoe Cain (R-TX HD 128): Promoting Government Transparency: "On Thursday January 12, Representative Briscoe Cain filed HB 1004, officially repealing a long-standing prohibition on the use of legislative video in political campaigns. Prior to a successful lawsuit filed by Cain, it was illegal under Texas law for political candidates and legislative groups to share videos of state legislators debating legislation on the floor. It is the first of a series legislative priorities the Freshman Representative plans to file in the coming weeks. “Last year, I successfully sued the Texas Ethics Commission to stop enforcing this unconstitutional law,” said Representative Cain. “HB 1004 makes it official. No longer will Texas citizens be kept in the dark on how their legislators vote during session.” Campaign Website: http://briscoecain.com/ State Representative Mike Schofield (R-TX HD 132): Ending Human Trafficking: "AUSTIN, TX— - State lawmakers met Thursday, eager to get on the front lines of the war against human trafficking. From prostitution to forced labor, human trafficking has been described as modern day slave trade. The global, multibillion dollar industry is a dark underworld that is more active online than it is in the streets and it's happening in Texas. “Unless we cut off the demand at the root, we won’t be able to disrupt the cycle of trafficking and protect vulnerable youth,” said Brooke Axtell, communications director for Allies Against Slavery in Austin. Axtell was sold into sex trafficking by her nanny while her mother was hospitalized, she said. Axtell was 7 and living in the Dallas area. “It’s not a victimless crime so it’s something that’s deeply devastating and unjust,” said Axtell. “Right now it’s not very scary for a man to try to buy sex, it’s not very scary to go on Backpage[.com]and look at the 400-plus ads,” said James Caruthers, the senior staff attorney at Children at Risk. Rep. Mike Schofield, a Katy Republican, questioned why not go to the source and stop the traffickers? “We’re going to bust the oil field worker for you know, whatever he is looking for,” Schofield asked if that strategy, going after low-middle class men would make a difference or shift the focus away from catching the “ringleaders.” Caruthers responded, “You almost have to start targeting those ‘Johns’ and we have to start deterring those ‘Johns.’” Campaign Website: https://www.facebook.com/SchofieldForTexas/ State Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-TX HD 138): Promoting Opportunity for Elderly Homeowners: "AUSTIN—State Representative Dwayne Bohac (Houston-District 138) has filed House Bill 1473 that will exempt anyone eighty years old or over from all property taxes if they’ve owned their home for at least ten years. “Owning your own home is the American dream,” said Bohac. “But sadly in Texas that dream is impossible to truly achieve because under our current property tax system, homeowners are forced to endlessly pay rising property taxes years after they’ve paid off their own home.” Under HB 1473, the proposed exemption would also automatically extend to a surviving spouse. In addition, the legislation ensures that local public school funding will be protected and preserved. School taxing jurisdictions will remain 100% whole by an appropriation of state revenue to fund this commitment to our senior citizens. “It’s time we stand up for our most seasoned taxpayers who have done their part to fund our public schools, counties and cities over the course of a lifetime,” added Bohac. “They deserve the peace of mind of knowing their home is truly their home. Their taxpayer duties are done. They’ve earned it.” Campaign Website: http://www.bohac.com/ State Representative Valoree Swanson (R-TX HD 150): Protecting Private Property Rights: "Repealing the Texas Property Tax: I, Representative Valoree Swanson, on January 17th filed House Bill 1050, The Texas Property Freedom Act, to protect the financial sustainability of property owners across the state of Texas. This bill will repeal property taxes in Texas, also known as ad valorem taxes, on January 1, 2022. This legislation will grant a reasonable period of five years, including two future legislative sessions, for the State Legislature to pass a comprehensive replacement for the property tax. The property tax is a financial burden on too many citizens of Texas. Those who are retired and living on fixed incomes are especially hard hit by rising property taxes. The Texas Supreme Court has urged the legislature to "choose a new path" of revenue for free public schools. The Texas Property Freedom Act will provide the legislature with a path towards a more stable future for all property owners. I do not believe it can be denied that Texans have always valued their ability to work towards the dream of owning property. The Texas Property Freedom Act will help to restore the accessibility and feasibility of that great dream without excessive taxes by the government." Campaign Website: http://www.valoreeswanson.com/ See all of our 2018 Endorsements here: JOUR-PAC 2018 Endorsements!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
JOUR-PACReformers Blog Archives
March 2018
Categories
All
|