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.