Heath & Human Services Committee Begins Interim Hearings

Interim hearings this week covered medical workforce shortages, community-based programs for Texans with disabilities, and the state immunization registry.

Senator Nelson: A TMA Friend of Medicine

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) selected Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) as one of Texas’ best legislators from the 81st legislative session.

“Once again, it is Senator Nelson’s tireless work as a champion for Texas patients that earned her a seventh consecutive TMA Friends of Medicine award,” said TMA President William H. Fleming III, MD.

Senator Nelson received the Friends of Medicine award along with 11 other Texas lawmakers at the association’s annual winter meeting in Austin, Texas.

Despite what she calls “definitely a rough-and-tumble session,” Senator Nelson accomplished most of the goals she set for this session — protecting Texas’ property tax cuts, reforming Medicaid, improving immunizations, ensuring the safety of our foster children, and providing resources to find a cure for cancer.

YCT Names Senator Nelson to Honor Roll

Senate Nelson was the only senator named to the Historic Honor Roll for achieving a 90 percent voting record during her legislative career, the Young Conservatives of Texas announced. "I'm pleased to be listed on the Historic Honor Roll by the Young Conservatives, who do an exceptional job of reviewing voting records after each session," said Senator Nelson.

Senator Nelson to Lead Major Health Policy Review

Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, will preside over a sweeping review of the state's top health policy challenges under interim assignments released by the lieutenant governor.

Senator Nelson is chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. She also will participate in studies of the state's fiscal responsibility and government transparency as a member of the Senate committees on Finance and Government Organization.

Senator Nelson Honored for Helping Boys and Girls Clubs

Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, recently received an award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Denton County in honor of her support in the Texas Legislature of after-school programs and other positive recreational outlets for young Texans. The award was presented during the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon, which featured Senator Nelson as the keynote speaker.

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are many important issues facing our state, but this week is a time to pause from our busy lives and acknowledge our blessings. Please know that I am grateful for your support and friendship over the years. Mike and I and our family wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

-Senator Jane Nelson

Senator Nelson: School District Grading Policy Lawsuit "Misguided"

Senator Nelson has strongly condemned the filing of a lawsuit attempting to block the implementation of legislation she filed to end "no-fail" grading policies in Texas public schools. The lawsuit, filed Nov. 18 by several Houston area school districts against the Texas Education Agency, challenges the provisions of SB 2033 by Senator Nelson, affirming the rights of teachers to assign merit-based grades. "It is sad to learn that school districts are willing to waste precious education resources on a misguided lawsuit to continue policies that force teachers to assign fraudulent grades. These policies undermine the authority of our teachers and reward minimum effort from students," she said.