Diane Patrick
////////
State Representative District 94
Capitol Update
March 18, 2011
diane.patrick@house.state.tx.us
Thousands Rally for Education
Last Saturday, March 12th over 12,000 parents, diane.patrick@house.state.tx.us
students,
and educators gathered at the Texas Capitol to support
public education. I was pleased to greet several busloads
of school supporters who made the trip from Arlington.
PYLC Group visits the Capitol
Earlier this week the Pantego Youth Leadership Council
visited our Texas Capitol. The group was created by
Pantego Mayor Melody Paradise, beginning with 25
active participants in the current class. The Council was
designed to develop leadership, problem-solving, and
communication skills, as well as encourage community
service, civic participation, and philanthropy in young
people now and in the future.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
My Bills
Friday, March 11 was the bill filing deadline. Over 7,500
bills and resolutions were filed this Session, quite a
decrease from the 81st Legislative Session. As of Friday,
I filed 22 bills that include various public and higher
education proposals, utility rate relief for public schools,
child nutrition and wellness initiatives, toll roads, and
government transparency. Thus far, six of our bills have
had hearings and two have been voted unanimously out
of committee to be heard and voted on by the Texas
House. Only 74 days left until Session concludes!
BUDGET UPDATE
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
This week, the House Appropriations Committee voted out
House Bill 4 and House Bill 275. HB 4 is the supplemental
appropriation that is needed to fund the remainder of fiscal
year 2011. This allows school districts, for example, to
continue to receive their funding through the summer. With
the Governor, Comptroller, and House Speaker’s support, the
committee voted out HB 275 that uses approximately $3.2
billion of the Economic Stabilization Funds (“Rainy Day
Funds”) to provide the funding needed to pay for House Bill
4 (current year budget gap).
The Appropriations Committee also adopted final
recommendations, including Article III Education and Article
II Health and Human Services. Contingent upon passage of
HB 4 and HB 275, the committee proposed an additional $2
billion for the foundation school program and $2 billion for
health and human services. HB 1, the 2012-2013 budget bill,
is expected to be voted out of committee next week. These
budget bills will still have to be debated and voted on by the
House. It will take 90 votes to use the Rainy Day funds
appropriated under HB 275. If they pass, the bills will then go
to the Senate and then have to be signed by the Governor.
Spring Break Honorary Pages
This week I was honored to host several honorary pages
including Justin Werst, Megan Marvin, Caroline Gann,
Garrett Elliot, and Courtney and Matthew Sanders.
Our Capitol Update is distributed from my office to provide
information about happenings in Arlington and Austin, and we must
follow strict ethical guidelines. Factual information may be provided,
but political opinions or affiliations may not. If you would like more
information about a specific issue, feel free to contact our office by
telephone, email, or just stop by.
Sincerely,
Diane Patrick, Ph.D.
Arlington, Pantego, Dalworthington Gardens
District Office Capitol Office E2.610
Ann Morris, District Director Jenny Goerdel, Chief of Staff
318 W. Main Street, Ste. 102 P.O. Box 2910
Arlington, Texas 76010 Austin, Texas 78768-2910
(817) 548-9091 (512) 463-0624
(817) 548-0971 fax (512) 463-8386 fax
ann.morris@house.state.tx.us jenny.goerdel@house.state.tx.us
Capitol Update Vol.5, Issue 5, March 18, 2011 Page 1 of 1