As we continue through the holiday season and with the 85th Legislative Session just over a month away, I’m reminded of how much I cherish the time with my family and friends. Over the course of this fall, I’ve enjoyed attending community events where I’ve been able to visit with so many of you about issues that have caught your attention. I look forward to continuing these kinds of conversations as session approaches, but for now here’s a holiday reminder and an update from your Capitol in Austin.
Holiday Giving
During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we often times get so overwhelmed in preparing for our own festivities that we lose sight of the importance in giving back to those who need it most. While many of us will enjoy food and family this holiday season, so many others in our community will struggle just to stay warm and put food on the table. In the weeks to come, I hope you’ll make it a priority to help others in need by donating to a local charity or food drive in your community.
Should you need any assistance in finding a food bank, clothing drive, or other options for charitable giving, please call my office for help finding local options in House District 57.
House Interim Charge: Human Services
Following the theme of helping those in need, we close our examination of interim reports with a look into the House Committee on Human Services. The Committee is interested in reducing the amount of child abuse and child fatality cases, as they relate to the state’s foster care system. More specifically, the Committee aims to answer questions such as what prevention measures are most effective, which policies may be antiquated, and what should be changed to ensure that the safety of children takes precedent over all other priorities. Moreover, the Committee has studied what other states have done to increase the number of foster families and families willing to adopt children in need.
The Committee members are also interested in addressing Texas’ rapidly growing population. As our state’s inhabitants continue to age, it is particularly important that we have the right facilities and programs in place to serve our senior citizens. With this in mind, the Committee will provide the Legislature with feedback on how to meet the demands of a rising elderly population after reviewing current state programs, looking over available options for living services, and studying the ten year anticipated growth rate.
Reminders
The mobile office will be suspended until after the holidays, but as always, please feel free to visit us in our District office at 2915 Atkinson Dr. in Lufkin should you need assistance. Additionally, you can always reach us in our District office at (936) 634-2762 or our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.
