Senator Nelson, Lawmakers Begin Pre-filing Bills

Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and her colleagues took part today in the first day of pre-filing bills that will be considered when legislators reconvene in January 2009 for the 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

"Texas is one of the few states with positive cash flow in this economy, but we still expect a tight budget session with rising Medicaid costs, a growing price tag for Hurricane Ike and other financial challenges. We need to spend every penny wisely," said Senator Nelson, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. "My legislative agenda focuses on protecting children, seniors and the disabled; increasing access to health care; helping families and businesses through difficult economic times; and advancing our local priorities such as transportation, education and fiscal responsibility." Senator Nelson's agenda includes:

Health Care in the Child Support System: SB 66 creates a health insurance pool within the state's child support system. Up to 500,000 of the 1.3 million children in the system are without documented health insurance, despite state and federal laws requiring parents to provide both child and medical support. "This bill is meant to help children whose parents do not have access to health insurance through their employer. By establishing this pool, we can connect more Texas children to health care."

Omnibus Fingerprint Background Checks: SB 67 requires that direct care providers at the Department of Aging & Disability Services (DADS) and the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) submit to fingerprint background checks. "Technology has reached the point where we should not have individuals with serious criminal histories falling through the cracks of our background checks, especially those working with children, seniors and the disabled."

Protecting Children in Day Care: SB 68 improves protection for children in day care by standardizing the type of care subject to state licensing requirements, expanding fingerprint background checks, and strengthening penalties for violations. SB 68 also clearly delineates which types of child care programs are exempt from licensing requirements, including most church activities, sports camps and recreational programs. "When parents entrust their children to a licensed day care, they expect the state to ensure that health and safety standards are met. This bill provides better protection for children in day care," she said.

CPS/Foster Reform: SB 69 re-focuses education efforts for children aging out of the foster system; provides additional support for foster parents, especially those caring for special needs children; and establishes mentoring for biological parents who succeed in regaining custody of their children. "Children who have endured abuse, neglect or abandonment deserve safe, supportive foster homes. We need to wrap our arms around these children and make sure they have the best opportunity at success in life. We must also support those Texans who have opened up their hearts and homes to displaced children," she said.

ICF-MR Abuse/Neglect: SB 70 transfers authority to investigate licensed care facilities for Texans with developmental disabilities from DADS to DFPS. "Allegations of abuse must be investigated fairly and aggressively, especially when the safety of our most vulnerable citizens is at stake. We shouldn't have a facility investigating itself because that creates conflict of interest," Senator Nelson said.

Response to HHS Audit: An audit of the state's health & human service agencies found that 92 percent of supervisors hired between September 2006 and March 2008 had not completed one or more of the required training courses; 72 percent had no employee evaluation in their file; and 1,229 individuals continued to receive paychecks totaling $738,192 after agency background checks uncovered convictions that ultimately led to their termination. SB 71 requires background check investigations to be completed in 30 days and prohibits paychecks beyond that time frame unless the individual receives clearance. SB 72 requires employees to complete training in a timely fashion. "These agencies deliver critical services to some of our most vulnerable citizens, so we have a duty to ensure that each employee is properly screened and trained," she said.

Adult Stem Cell Consortium: SB 73 creates a consortium in Texas in order to help spur adult stem cell research. "We want to maximize the benefits of adult stem cell research, which holds great promise in the effort to develop cures and treatment from many serious diseases," she said.

Disaster Preparations: SB 74 shields from civil liability medical professionals who, in good faith, provide care during a declared disaster or state emergency. SB 75 directs the Department of State Health Services to undertake an educational campaign about medical evacuations in a state of emergency. "In times of emergency, we need everyone operating from the same playbook, especially when it comes to patient care. We must also ensure that medical professionals are focused on patients rather than avoiding lawsuits," she said.

Access to Health Insurance: SB 76 authorizes the use of "child-only" health plans in Texas. SB 77 allows sole proprietors to join pooled health plans with other small business owners. SB 78 establishes TexLink, an office within the Department of Insurance, to help educate Texans about the availability of health plans. SB 79 establishes an optional accreditation for insurance agents signifying an expertise in health insurance for small businesses. SB 80 allows employers the option of covering 100% of an employees' costs if they do not want their employees to be charged premiums. "These bills fit into our broad goal of connecting more Texans with health coverage. We focus heavily on our small business owners, who struggle not only with the cost of health insurance but with finding solid information about the types of plans that might work for their operation," she said.

Relative Day Care: SB 81 requires fingerprint background checks for individuals receiving federal tax dollars for providing "relative day care." "This bill responds to reports of taxpayer dollars winding up in the hands of people with serious criminal histories and, in some cases, individuals who were not actually performing the day care service. We have to fight this type of waste and abuse because it robs us of resources needed to help those Texans who are truly deserving of assistance," she said.

Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors: SB 82 requires offenders to pay a probation fee to benefit domestic violence shelters and SB 83 makes it easier for domestic violence survivors and sexual assault victims to terminate a lease to ensure their safety. "When someone has the courage to break the cycle of abuse, we need to provide support so that they can rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive environment," Senator Nelson said.

Preventing Teen Suicide: SB 84 establishes a collaborative statewide education effort with the goal of preventing teen suicides. SB 85 creates a pilot program to gauge the effectiveness of teen suicide prevention efforts in selected school districts. "Teen suicide remains a problem that unfortunately is not discussed enough in our schools and communities. We want to bring this issue out of the shadows and start a dialogue with young Texans about the problem," Senator Nelson said.

Filling Health Care Workforce Shortages: SB 86 requires 3 years of practice in Texas ' rural or underserved regions for foreign nationals seeking a medical license in Texas through the H1B Visa program. "If we allow foreign nationals to pursue their professional goals in Texas, it's reasonable to request that the overall health care needs of our state be considered. Parts of our state are in dire need of qualified health care providers, and this requirement can help fill some of those shortages," Senator Nelson said.

Improving Oversight of HHS Licensees: SB 87 ensures that health and human service agencies check each other's databases before granting a license to provide services. "If a license holder's privileges are revoked by one agency, other agencies should seek out this information to ensure that they do not issue a license to those who have put people in danger," she said.

Denton County Court: SB 88 establishes a new court in Denton County to help keep up with the area's growing population. "A recent study found that Denton County 's need for a new court is among the highest in the state. I want to make sure that our citizens can count on justice from efficient courts that are not overloaded," she said.

Tuition Freeze: SB 105, authored jointly with a bipartisan group of Senators, places a 3-year freeze on tuition rates for Texas universities, colleges and vocational schools and limits tuition increases to 5% a year after the 3-year moratorium. "I am deeply troubled by the rising cost of college tuition. Families cannot afford it. Businesses who need trained workers cannot afford it. And in this economy, Texas cannot afford it. We need to help Texans succeed in this economy, and education is key to making that happen," Senator Nelson, a former school teacher, said.

The Texas Legislature reconvenes on January 13, 2009 and adjourns on June 1, 2009. After today, legislators may continue to file bills until March 13, 2009. To search legislation up for consideration, visit the Texas Legislature online at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/.

Congratulations to Sen. Nelson on the Birth of Her Grandson

Congratulations are extended to Senator Nelson and her family on the birth of her second grandchild! Brendan Keller was born October 20, 2008, to Elizabeth Nelson Keller and Gary Keller. Brendan weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Mother and son are doing very well.

Senator Nelson Honored by Texas Hospital Association

Senator Nelson received the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute award last week at Harris Methodist Northwest Hospital in Azle, where Sen. Nelson toured the facility and met with hospital leaders. Texas Hospital Association President & CEO Dan Stultz presented the award. “As one of Texas’ hardest working legislators, Senator Nelson demonstrated yet again that she’s not afraid of a challenge. During the last legislative session she tackled reform of the state’s Medicaid system and filed numerous bills to address the state’s nursing shortage," he said. Said Senator Nelson, "I am truly grateful for this award. Our hospitals play an indispensable role in the delivery of health care, whether it is delivering babies or providing trauma care or treating the uninsured. They are vitally important to the health and well being of every Texan, which is why it is so important that the challenges facing our hospitals are a major focus of our public health policies.”

Early Voting in Texas Begins Today

The General Election takes place on Tuesday, November 4th, but Texans may begin casting early ballots today at polling locations throughout Tarrant and Denton counties. The last day of early voting is Friday, October 31st.

Information Headquarters

You can reach the Tarrant County Elections Center online or at 817-831-VOTE (8683). Denton County residents can contact their election officials at 940-349-3200 or visit their county's election administration website .

Early Voting Hours:

In Tarrant County, early voting takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in Week 1 (Oct. 20-24); from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 25); 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 26); and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday in Week 2 (Oct. 27-Oct. 31). In Denton County, early voting hours are the same except polls will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Early Voting Locations:

For a map of Tarrant County early voting locations, visit their website or visit the following locations in Senate District 12:

Tarrant County Elections Center
2700 Premier Street
Fort Worth
BJ Clark Annex
603 Southeast Parkway
Azle

Euless Public Library
201 N. Ector Drive
Euless

Grapevine Community Activities Center
1175 Municipal Way
Grapevine, Texas

Haltom Recreation Center
4839 Broadway Avenue
Haltom City
Hurst Recreation Center
700 Mary Drive
Hurst, Texas

Keller Town Hall
1100 Bear Creek Parkway
Keller

Lake Como Area Council
3507 Horne Street
Fort Worth

NRH Recreation Center
6720 NE Loop 820
North Richland Hills

Northeast Sub-Courthouse
645 Grapevine Hwy
Hurst

Northwest Sherriff’s Patrol Building
6651 Lake Worth Blvd
Lake Worth

Saginaw City Hall
333 W MacLeroy Blvd.
Saginaw

Southlake Town Hall
1400 Main Street
Southlake

Summerglen Branch Library
4205 Basswood Blvd.
Fort Worth

Villages of Woodland Springs
Amenity Building
12209 Timberland Blvd.
Fort Worth

White Settlement Rec Center
8213 White Settlement Road
White Settlement

A map of Denton County early voting locations can be found at Denton County elections online. The following are the Senate District 12 locations:

Joseph A. Carroll Building
401 W. Hickory
Denton

Flower Mound Police and Court Building
4150 Kirkpatrick
Flower Mound

Justin Municipal Building
415 N College
Justin

Lake Dallas City Hall
212 Main Street
Lake Dallas, Texas

Lewisville Municipal Building
1197 W. Main Street
Lewisville

Highland Village Municipal Complex
1000 Highland Village Road
Highland Village, Texas

Roanoke Community Center
321 S. Walnut
Roanoke

*The Following Locations are operating under special hours. Check Denton County Elections online for more information*

Friendship Baptist Church
4396 Main
The Colony

Trophy Club MUD
100 Municipal Drive
Trophy Club

Frisco Lakes Amenities Center
7277 Frisco Lakes Dr.
Frisco

Texas Council on Family Violence Honors Senator Nelson

Senator Nelson has been named one of the “30 Stars over Texas” by the Texas Council on Family Violence. She was recognized for her continued support and advocacy to reduce domestic violence in Texas. Her accomplishments in this area include increasing penalties for offenders, strengthening protective orders, improving battery intervention prevention programs, and making it easier for victims to terminate leases and protect their identity when they escape abusive relationships. "Domestic violence continues to go underreported in Texas," she said. "We must keep up our efforts to punish offenders and provide support those who are trying to break the cycle of abuse."

Enrollment Begins for Tuition Fund

Texas families can begin signing up for the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, which freezes the cost of undergraduate college tuition fees at current prices for participating future students. As a former public school teacher and mother of five, I place a high priority on making college education more affordable, which is why I supported this initiative in the Texas Senate. To find out how to enroll, visit the program's web site.

Take the Survey!

Our district newsletter is now available for viewing online. It contains important information about the upcoming legislative session -- issues to watch and tips for following all the action. If you are a registered voter in Senate District 12, we invite you to sound off on issues expected to take center stage when the Legislature reconvenes in January 2009 by taking our District Survey.

Make Sure Your Voter Registration Is Current

With the election approaching quickly, you should be aware of some important deadlines, especially if you have recently moved. Monday, October 6th, is the last day to register to vote. Elections administrators are suggesting that citizens check the status of their voter registration cards prior to the deadline. You can reach the Tarrant County Elections Center online or at 817-831-VOTE (8683). Denton County residents can contact their election officials at 940-349-3200 or visit their county’s election administration website for more information.

Star-Telegram Notices Similarities between Nelson, Palin

In case you missed it, check out my interview with the Star-Telegram's J.R. Labbe. I had a great talk with her about juggling motherhood and politics, given the national discussion surrounding Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. My five children were ages 3-10 when I was first elected to the State Board of Education in the 80s and ages 7-14 when I first joing the Senate. I faced some of the very same questions that are being put to Governor Palin and am quite frankly surprised that they continue to be asked. If we disqualify every mother in American from serving in public office, we would not reach the potential as a nation, state, and community.

Sen. Nelson Reacts to State Audit Of HHS Agencies

AUSTIN -- Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, reacted strongly today to Report Number 08-047 from the Office of State Auditor, detailing systemic breakdowns within the agencies managed by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission.

"These results are unacceptable and require an immediate response," said Senator Nelson, who will ask agency officials to discuss the audit's findings before the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. The audit found that:

• 92 percent of supervisors hired between September 1, 2006, and March 31, 2008, had not completed one or more of the required training courses;
• 72 percent of employees sampled had no employee evaluation in their file;
• 1,229 terminated individuals continued to receive paychecks totaling $738,192;
• and the Commission does not consistently comply with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's requirement to verify citizenship.

"All agency employees should be properly screened and should comply with training requirements because many of them are caring for children, the elderly and our most vulnerable citizens," she said. "It is unimaginable that a terminated employee would continue to receive a paycheck or that someone could be placed on 'emergency' leave for a year while investigations of criminal background checks are taking place."

Senator Nelson announced last month that she is drafting legislation to overhaul the screening process for state health and human services direct care staff. Today she said she will expand that effort to address deficiencies found in this audit.

SENATOR JANE NELSON represents District 12, which includes parts of Tarrant and Denton counties. She is Chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.

Senate Health and Human Services Committee Midway Through Interim Charges

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has reached the midway point of its interim hearing schedule. Four hearings have taken place so far with four more scheduled in the fall--August 26, September 16, September 17, October 13. Topics covered will include prevention and wellness issues, mental health, improving state schools and community care, and Medicaid reimbursement. These hearings provide critical input as we work to overcome our challenges in health and human services. Whether or not you take the time to testify in person at one of these hearings, your written comments are extremely helpful. To learn more about these hearings, visit the Senate Health and Humans Services Committee online.

More Good News for North Texas

North Texas continues to be a national pacesetter for growth, economic success and quality of life. The city of Denton was recently recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as the tenth fastest growing city in America. Additionally, several local cities including Watauga, Euless, Frisco, Denton, and Lewisville made Money magazine's list of best places to live. Watauga ranks as the number two city in the nation for affordable housing and the other communities are mentioned as part of the Top 100 best small cities in the country.

Texas Gains Another Top Ranking for Business

The Lone Star State is the best place for doing business, according to CNBC's ranking of America's Top States to do Business-2008. Economic conditions, quality of life, transportation, and cost of living were part of the criteria used to determine state rankings. This ranking offers yet another sign of strength for our state economy, which is also leading the nation in exports, job growth and Fortune 500/Fortune 100 companies. As a business owner, I am proud to live in a state that values the free market.

Salute to America

This week I spoke at the Robson's Ranch Women's Club "Salute to America" event where I learned that the American Dream is alive and well. We celebrated all that is right and good about our nation. We heard from individuals who just earned their American citizenship the old-fashioned way. Their stories were so inspiring, reminding us of how fortunate we are to live in a what is still the greatest nation on earth!

Safety on our Waterways

Tragedy struck our waterways over the holiday weekend with several drownings reported at area lakes. Even though the Legislature has strengthened boater safety laws over the years, it is important for lake visitors to exercise caution. The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife offers some safety tips that are worth reading: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/safety/.

Tarrant County College Expands

Higher education in Tarrant County received a boost recently with the announcement that Tarrant County College is working to establish operations in the RadioShack headquarters complex in downtown Fort Worth. The location will serve as a downtown campus and should be ready for the start of classes in the fall of 2009.

Texas Joins Fight Against Cancer

Yesterday the Texas Cancer Research and Prevention Institute's Oversight Committee met for the first time. This was the first in a series of organizational meetings for the Institute, established under the cancer research and prevention initiative (Proposition 15) approved in the last legislative session.

Moving Ahead on Transportation

Work is nearing completion along FM 156 near Saginaw. Since August 2006 state road crews have been working on a $7.4 million project that included widening the thoroughfare, adding drainage, signing and pavement markers. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 2008. In addition, Denton County officials have announced that construction of the Lewisville Lake Bridge connecting the communities of Little Elm, Oak Point, and Lakewood Village to Lake Dallas has officially reached the halfway point and the project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2009. Every time a road project is completed in North Texas, it is worth celebrating!

Attention, craft artists!

The Texas Commission on the Arts is seeking talented Texas craft artisans working in various mediums to participate in "Texas Original," a project designed to promote craft arts in Texas. The deadline for applications is July 11, 2008. For more information about this program, its history, and an online application, please visit www.texasoriginal.com.

Protecting Our Children Online

Please note that June is "National Internet Safety Month," which aims to raise awareness about need for child online safety. The Centers for Missing & Exploited Children reported more than 2,600 incidents involving the enticement of children online in 2006. In response, the Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 136, which I authored to develop a curriculum that our school districts may use to teach students about internet safety guidelines to be made readily available to school districts across the state. For more information regarding internet safety, the FBI has issued some helpful rules at this address: http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm

Governor's Mansion Fire

I am deeply saddened that a fire gutted one of our prized historical landmarks, the Governor's Mansion in Austin. The Governor's Mansion holds so many special memories for me. It was my home for 24 very special hours when I served as Governor For A Day. I especially loved participating in Easter Egg rolls there with my grandson. It is a tragic loss for Texas. We will work to ensure that it is restored to its former glory and I hope that the authorities -- who suspect arson -- are successful in their investigation.

Busy Week In Austin

There's a lot going on this week at the Texas Capitol. On Tuesday at 1 p.m., I am co-chairing a hearing with Representative Delisi to discuss the use of incentives to promote access to health and long-term care insurance. Then, on Wednesday, our Health & Human Services Committee will meet to discuss three interim charges related to better recruitment and retention of CPS caseworkers; increasing our foster care capacity; and strengthening our efforts to prevent child abuse. We'll also receive an update on the Eldorado situation.

TFRW Women Go To Washington

We just returned from the Texas Federation of Republican Women's visit to our nation's capitol, where we had the opportunity to meet with members of our Texas delegation and leaders of the national party. Women are going to play a critical role in this year's election, so it was helpful to understand what is happening nationally and in other states. This election has already been historic, and I am proud to see so many Americans -- on both sides of the aisle -- taking part in the political process. It's good for our democracy!

Essay Contest A Success!

I participated in America's Essay Foundation Program at Liberty Christian High School in Argyle today. Students were asked to write essays on the importance of the Surpreme Court, and -- as a former public school teacher who wishes more students would take an interest in their government -- I was extremely impressed. Civics is not always emphasized as much as it should be, and I would love to see more programs like this to help our youth understand the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.

Business Of The Month!

Today the Keller Chamber of Commerce honored us as its Business of the Month. One of the primary reasons I ran for public office was to help unshackle businesses from undue government burdens, so this was a welcome recognition. We have a lot of work still to do, so it's good to have the Keller Chamber -- and all 32 chambers in Senate District 12 -- focused on the issues swirling in Austin that affect our community.

Cancer Research Effort Moving Forward

Last November voters authorized Proposition 15, which I sponsored to make Texas a national leader in the fight against cancer by creating the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas. Our efforts are already putting Texas on the map as a premiere biotech corridor with Texas making the world's Top 5 list for most prominent cancer research locations, according to FierceBiotech.com. Congratulations, Texas! I also want to congratulate the newly appointed members of our oversight committee who will oversee up to $300 million a year over the next 10 years in grants to help prevent and find cures for cancer. The Committee, so far, includes: Jeanne Phillips of Dallas; Scott Sanders of Austin; Malcolm Gillis of Houston; Dr. Joseph Bailes of The Woodlands; Dee Kelly Sr. of Fort Worth; and Cindy Brinker of Dallas.

Taking Care of Business

This just in! Quorum Report announced this week that Senator Nelson will be the only member of the Texas Senate to receive a perfect 100% voting record in support of small businesses in Texas.
Look for an official announcement from our office in the next few weeks. Earlier this year, she was also named a Champion for Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business. Way to go, Senator!

Susan G. Komen Honors Sen. Nelson

Senator Nelson poses with Susan G. Komen's Dian Balma, and Rep. Patrick Rose and cancer after receiving Komen's first-ever Legislative Champion of the Year Award.

Senator Nelson sponsored Proposition 15, approved by voters in November to create the Texas Cancer Prevention & Research Institute to help in the fight against cancer.

TIERS Panel Named

Senator Nelson will serve as the Senate chair for a new committee tasked with evaulating technology used by Texans applying for health and human services. The state auditor recently found that enhancements were needed to the system in order to make the electronic enrollment process work more effectively. "We have a responsibility to the taxpayers to ensure that our state services are reaching those who truly meet our eligibility guidelines," Senator Nelson said. "We must also ensure that the system is as user friendly as possible."

Other members of the committee include Senator Deuell and Senator Zaffirini. On the House side, Rep. Bryan Hughes (House chair), Rep. Patrick Rose, and Rep. Tan Parker will serve, along with a public member to be named by the governor.

Susan G. Komen Honors Senator Nelson

We are proud to report that Susan G. Komen will be presenting its first ever legislative leadership award to Senator Nelson next month at a ceremony in Dallas. The organization is recognizing her work as sponsor of Proposition 15, establishing the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, to help fight cancer in Texas. Senator Nelson served for four years on the Texas Cancer Council, fought for stronger teen tobacco laws, and expanded access to breast & cervical cancer treatment for women on Medicaid.

Way to go Senator Jane!!!