Category: Government

Sen. Robert Nichols press release

Yesterday, the Texas Senate approved Sen. Robert Nichols’ (R-Jacksonville) resolution for a constitutional amendment to dedicate 50 percent of all oil and gas severance taxes currently transferred to the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) to the state highway fund.

“We are facing a serious crisis in transportation,” said Nichols. “Our state’s population is increasing exponentially; our system is aging; traffic continues to rise; and funding for congestion relief will be at a 10 year low in a short two years. The state is also paying millions of dollars a year in debt service for transportation related debt. SJR 2 will go a long way in helping to resolve these problems.”

According to estimates from the comptroller’s office, SJR 2 could deposit as much as $850 million a year into the state highway fund. The resolution Continue reading “Nichols passes transportation funding legislation out of senate”

Rep. Lance Gooden press release

During the final days of the 83rd Legislative Session, the Texas House approved the Teacher Retirement Actuarial Soundness Bill, or SB 1458, which will put the Teachers Retirement System on solid ground for years to come.

SB 1458 increases state and employee contributions to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and makes several changes to retirement eligibility for prospective and non-vested employees. The legislation provides reforms to halt the expansion of TRS’ unfunded liabilities and returns TRS to actuarial soundness.

Signed into law last week by the Governor, SB 1458 enables TRS to pay off its liabilities in less than 30 years. Additionally, the bill provides a 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustment for all retired teachers and their beneficiaries, who have retired on or before Aug. 31, 2004. The Cost of Living Adjustment along with options for victims of mis sold pensions will be the first of the kind since 2001.

When asked about the legislation, Representative Lance Gooden said, “As the son of lifelong educators, I am steadfast in my commitment Continue reading “Gooden praises teacher retirement bill”

Sen. Robert Nichols press release

Did you know that this week was National Flag Week? Flag Day is celebrated each year on June 14 and commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened on that day in 1777 by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress. I enjoy observing this holiday, and hope you do as well.

Five things that happened this week at your Texas Capitol are:

Redistricting continues

After holding public hearings the last two weeks around the state, on Wednesday the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting approved a set of maps outlining political boundaries for the Texas House, Texas Senate and U.S. Congress. The maps are identical to ones drawn by a federal court in San Antonio last year and used for the 2012 elections. As I write this, the Senate is expected to hear the bill on Friday, June 14. With any luck, Continue reading “My Five Cents: Sen. Nichols updates from Austin”