Senate Approves Nursing Reform Legislation

The Texas Senate unanimously approved SB 476 by Senator Nelson, seeking to reduce nursing vacancies in our hospitals and improve the work environment for Texas nurses. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. SB 476, which was backed by nurse and hospital advocates, gives nurses a stronger voice in staffing issues and prohibits mandatory overtime policies. "The passage of this bill is a significant step toward fostering an environment in which our nurses can provide the best possible care to hospital patients," Senator Nelson said.

Senator Nelson Casts Vote on Stimulus Funds

Last week the Senate Finance Committee voted, 13-1, to use $3.3 billion in federal stimulus dollars to balance the current 2008-09 budget and to spend an additional $10.8 billion for the next two years. Senator Nelson cast the only dissenting vote against these measures, noting that there had been no public input and that members did not have sufficient information about how those dollars would be used. "These dollars were meant to fund capital improvements and one-time expenditures -- not to expand programs that we can't afford in the next budget," Senator Nelson said.

Senator Nelson Urges Caution On "Stimulus Express"

As Chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, Senator Nelson is urging lawmakers to carefully consider the federal strings attached to the federal stimulus package, especially those dealing with entitlements.
In an op-ed published by Texas Republic News, she points out that Texas is one of few states with positive cash flow. "We will meet our responsibility this session to those who depend on state government for their health and well-being -- with or without the stimulus," she said. If we accept the entire stimulus, "Taxpayers will have to live with this decision for years to come. Make no mistake about it -- there is no such thing as a temporary entitlement."

Senator Nelson Joins Reality TV Celebrity, Health Advocates to Promote Healthy Kids

Senator Nelson joined Texas school children and Michelle Aguilar of Saginaw, who lost 110 pounds to win NBC's hit show "The Biggest Loser," on the front steps of the Capitol this week to promote healthy lifestyles among Texas' youth. More than 40% of Texas' youth are obese or overweight, putting them at high risk for serious chronic illnesses. Watch a clip of the event."When I was growing up we had PE in school every day -- rigorous PE," Senator Nelson said. "Unfortunately, we have lost our way when it comes to ensuring exercise for our children at a time when they need it the most. We have to get back to the basics of ensuring student health."

Domestic Violence Legislation Advances in Texas Senate

The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence this week approved two pieces of legislation authored by Senator Nelson to curb domestic violence -- SB 82, requiring offenders to pay a fee to support local shelters, and SB 83, making it easier for victims to terminate a lease contract. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration on the local & uncontested calendar.
"When someone makes the brave choice to break the cycle of abuse, we need to support that decision by helping survivors rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive environment," Senator Nelson said. "That often requires relocating to an address away from the offender, which is why we are seeking a hold-harmless provision for early lease termination and additional funding for shelters."

Senator Nelson Supporting Small Business Relief Package

Senator Nelson today announced the filing of SB 19, the Small Business Stimulus Package, which seeks to reduce the franchise tax burden on small businesses in Texas. Senator Nelson is a co-author of the bill. "Tax relief is precisely the type of stimulus we need here in Texas, especially for our small business owners who struggling in this economy," Senator Nelson, who co-owns and operates an aircraft component manufacturing company in Denton, said. "Small business owners provide the majority of jobs in Texas. They represent the lifeblood of our state economy, which is faring far better than other states. It is vital that we keep our small business healthy and productive."

Military Custody Legislation Advances in Texas Senate

The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence has unanimously approved SB 279 by Senator Nelson, protecting the rights of military personnel deployed overseas. SB 279 amends the Family Code to prohibit a parent's military service from being used as the sole factor in modifying a custody order. Current law states that if a parent relinquishes custody for more than 6 months, courts can consider it abandonment and modify custody. There are more than 140,000 single parents in the military at risk of having their custody rights altered while they are deployed overseas. Testifying in support of SB 279 were the American Legion and advocates for military parents who have returned from duty to find their custody rights have been abridged. "When our service men and women deploy, they are not abandoning their children. They are serving our country. That service should be honored -- not used against them in family court," Senator Nelson said.

Senator Nelson Helps Raise Awareness About Domestic Abuse in Texas

Senator Nelson, who has filed three bills this session to curb family violence in Texas, spoke at the "Purple Postcard Day" press conference sponsored by the Texas Council on Family Violence. "This remains an underreported and underestimated problem in Texas," Senator Nelson said, noting that more than 186,000 incidents of domestic violence occur every year in our state. Also speaking was Courtney Sanchez of Austin, sharing her story as a survivor, and David Russell, a Verizon executive who discussed the company's efforts to prevent workplace violence and the importance of men speaking about this issue

Texas Parent Teacher Association Celebrates 100th Birthday

PTA members from across Texas rallied on the steps of the Texas Capitol this week in celebration of the organization's 100th anniversary. Senator Nelson, a former sixth-grade teacher and lifetime member of the PTA, addressed the delegation. "Thank you for the excellent work you are doing on behalf of our school children!" she said.

Tarrant County Delegation Converges on State Capitol

Business and civic leaders from Tarrant County converged on the State Capitol last week for Tarrant County Days. The delegation met with legislators about priority issues that affect Tarrant County, especially transportation. "This was the largest Tarrant County delegation I can remember visiting the Capitol, and that is because this is a critical session for our community," Senator Nelson said.