AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY House Bill 1162 Authored by Rep. Shawn Thierry, D-Houston, this bill would require physicians or other medical professionals to, when renewing their licenses to practice medicine, include education in cultural competence and bias to e ectively address the health issues from patients of diverse backgrounds. HIGHLIGHTS Senate Bill 179 Authored by Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston, this bill would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, to consider the cumulative e ects on the public’s health and physical property of facility emissions when granting permits for new or existing facilities. House Bill 130 Authored by Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, this bill would create ve more judicial criminal courts in Harris County that, once created, would work with existing courts to alleviate the backlog of pending criminal cases.
Texas House re-elects Speaker Dade Phelan on rst day of legislative session
BY HANNAH NORTON
are routinely appointed to lead some House commit- tees, but a small group of Republican lawmakers— including Tinderholt, Sla- ton and Schatzline—want to end the practice. Phelan appointed Dem- ocrats to lead 13 of the 34 House committees in 2021 and has vowed to do the same in 2023, according to The Texas Tribune . Every House Democrat voted for Phelan. As speaker, Phelan has the authority to assign House members to com- mittees, appoint com- mittee leaders and more. He also presides over the chamber throughout the session and is required to sign all passed legislation.
Speaking before his colleagues, Phelan out- lined his priorities for the session. He called for a “family-focused House” that prioritizes what matters most to everyday Texans. Phelan emphasized a need for lasting property tax relief, which Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders have highlighted as a top concern. He also urged lawmakers to help more Texans gain access to quality and a ordable health care. This includes ensuring new mothers have health cov- erage for 12 months after childbirth, Phelan said. In 2021, the Texas House voted to extend
Members of the Texas House of Representatives re-elected state Rep. Dade Phelan, R Beaumont, for a second term as speaker Jan. 10. Phelan beat state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R Arling- ton, to secure the chamber’s top leadership position. Phelan garnered 143 votes, while Tinderholt received three—one from himself, alongside Republican state Reps. Bryan Slaton of Royse City and Nate Schatzline of Tarrant County. In a statement, Schat- zline said he voted for Tin- derholt to “stand against the practice of nominating Democrat chairs.” Mem- bers of the minority party
Dade Phelan
Medicaid coverage for one year postpartum, but the Senate cut it to six months. The six-month plan was not approved by the federal government, so low-income Texans currently have access to two months of coverage after childbirth. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 9 that lawmakers will have an unprecedented $188.2 billion—which includes a $32.7 billion surplus—as they create the state’s budget for 2024-25.
Helping Families with the Challenges of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Helping Families with the Challenges of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
$500 OFF* Private Office Memberships WITH MENTION OF THIS AD Terms and Conditions Apply* Bellaire Location Only
4909 Bissonnet St. Bellaire, TX 77401 localoffice.com
Check out Local Office Grow your business, and belong to the best community! Day passes | Private Offices | Coworking | Meeting Rooms
D ementia is more than a condition. Alzheimer’s is more than a disease. Both are more than memory loss. For 26 years, Amazing Place has been helping families facing the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s. One in nine individuals over the age of 65 has dementia, rising to one in three by age 85. We empower those facing these challenges and let them know they aren’t alone. Day Program for adults with mild to moderate dementia. Family Caregiver Support through training, counseling and resources. Community Education on brain health, aging solo and more. Visit AmazingPlaceHouston.org or contact our Day Program Director, Carol Cooper, at ccooper@amazingplacehouston.org or 713-552-0420. Day Program for adults with mild to moderate dementia. Family Caregiver Support through training, counseling and resources. Community Education on brain health, aging solo and more. Visit AmazingPlaceHouston.org or contact our Day Program Director, Carol Cooper, at ccooper@amazingplacehouston.org or 713-552-0420. D ementia is more than a condition. Alzheimer’s is more than a disease. Both are more than memory loss. For 26 years, Amazing Place has been helping families facing the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s. One in nine individuals over the age of 65 has dementia, rising to one in three by age 85. We empower those facing these challenges and let them know they aren’t alone.
11
BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
Powered by FlippingBook