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.