June 28, 2019

Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter. Below you will find updates from federal, state and local agencies. Should you have any questions about the information below, please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact details listed at the end of this newsletter.

My family and I spent last week on vacation in Toronto, Canada, and the weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, visiting family. It was a much-needed break for all of us and we spent some great time together.

In this edition, you will find information on the historic disaster-related legislation signed by Governor Abbott for Harvey recovery. Included below, you will find a web video with details about the bills and how the 86th Legislature focused on recovery from this disaster and preparation for the future of Texas.

Also below, you will see an introductory video from the Texas Education Agency regarding a new web-series on the implementation of House Bill 3, the plan to transformationally reform public school finance in Texas. This series, "HB3 in 30" will highlight 30 separate provisions of the law and how each will be executed by TEA. Videos will be posted every Thursday to this link. Check weekly to view new content.

Lastly, we have listed below several fun events around the Lake Houston area where you and your family can celebrate the Fourth of July. From fishing to parades to concerts and, of course, firework displays, there are many great opportunities in our community to celebrate our nation's independence. Please note: in observation of Independence Day, both my Capitol & District Offices will be closed Thursday, July 4th, and Friday, July 5th. We will return to the offices on Monday, July 8th.

Should you have questions regarding anything in this newsletter, please feel free to contact us directly using the information provided at the bottom of this email.

Sincerely,

Left: The Huberty Family visiting Toronto, Canada

Right: Rep. & Mrs. Huberty in hometown Parma, OH

Both the Capitol and District Offices of State Representative Dan Huberty will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019, and Friday, July 5, 2019, in observation of Independence Day. We will address any messages received during that time upon our return on Monday, July 8, 2019.

Download my July 2019 calendar by clicking the link below. This month is full of events in and around Texas that could be fun or useful to you and your family! This new format allows you to save the document for printing or sending to your family members.

 

Keep watch for these updated calendars at the beginning of each month. Important local and legislative dates and events will be posted here.

Governor Abbott: Prioritizing Disaster Recovery, Ensuring Community Resilience

The Office of Governor Greg Abbott released a web video highlighting disaster relief and preparedness legislation that was signed yesterday in Houston, Texas. The assortment of bills address outstanding needs of relief for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, and will help prepare Texas for future natural disasters. 

 

"Hurricane Harvey was the most devastating natural disaster in our state’s history, and I am grateful to the legislature for stepping up and delivering not only for its victims, but the entire state of Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “This important set of bills will not only provide greater relief to those affected by disasters in Texas, but also help prepare our state's capabilities to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future disasters." 

Notable Accomplishments of the 86th Session

TEA Launches “ HB3 In 30” Web Video Series

The Texas Education Agency announced the launch of a new web video series, “ HB3 in 30 ,” to help inform school districts and the public about how to implement the transformative measures in House Bill 3, passed during the 86 ^th legislative session.

Each video will feature, in roughly 30 minutes, an overview and detailed explanation of a specific provision in House Bill 3, as well as information on how TEA is working to implement applicable changes to public education required by this new legislation.

“House Bill 3 is a groundbreaking and innovative piece of legislation,” said Education Commissioner Mike Morath. “This new law has been designed to support our teachers, focus on learning and student outcomes, increase funding and equity, and reduce property taxes. TEA is committed to ensuring educators and school district officials know both what changes to expect as a result of HB3 and that TEA is working hard to provide them the resources and information necessary to prepare them for the next school year.”

Videos will be released every Thursday and will be accompanied by supporting documents available for download. A full schedule of weekly release dates, a summary of HB3, frequently asked questions, and implementation guidance for school districts can be found on the TEA House Bill 3 information site .

“ HB3 In 30 ” was kicked off with an introductory video below by Commissioner Morath, expressing his gratitude for the attention given by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and members of the legislature to public education and a summary of the successes in House Bill 3.

Legislative Update:

HB 76 - Relating to cardiac assessments of high school participants in extracurricular athletic activities sponsored or sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League

In this weekly section, you will find bills authored by Rep. Huberty that successfully passed both chambers and were sent to Governor Abbott for his approval. Governor Abbott has signed all of the 11 House Bills and both of the Senate Bills Rep. Huberty successfully sent to him. The last bill highlighted here was HB 3913, a future flood victim protection bill. In this edition, you will find more information about Rep. Huberty's HB 76 , a life-saving measure for UIL student athletes in Texas.

HB 76, or the Cody Stephens bill, is a life-saving measure for UIL student athletes. The bill, which Governor Abbott signed into law on June 14, 2019, is named in memory of Cody Stephens, an otherwise healthy high school senior who passed away from an undetected heart condition in May 2012, only weeks before his graduation from Crosby High School. Cody proudly wore the number 76 for the CHS Cougar football team and was looking forward to furthering his football career on a scholarship at Tarleton State University that fall. His parents, Scott & Melody Stephens, formed The Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Memorial Foundation in his honor to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and prevent other families from experiencing any similar loss or heartache. Chairman Huberty was honored to carry this bill for Scott and Melody. They and supporters of GBOGH Foundation have worked tirelessly for five sessions to pass this legislation.

The bill, as signed into law, provides parents or guardians of student athletes information on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and the opportunity to request an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening as part of the required physical evaluation to participate in UIL-sponsored athletic activities.

After providing the information, school districts are required to ensure that student athletes have access to an ECG either by paying for the exams directly, through a partnership with a nonprofit entity or permitting a student to be tested by their healthcare professional. The final passage and future implementation of this law will save the lives of Texas student athletes just like Cody.

To learn more about Cody, the efforts of his family and supporters or the memorial foundation formed in his honor, please visit: https://www.codystephensfoundation.org/.

 

To see a list of Rep. Huberty's legislation from the 86th Session, click here.

Governor Abbott's Veto Statements

July 4th in the Lake Houston area always brings a multitude of opportunities to celebrate our nation's Independence and 2019 is no different! Please see a list of events below compiled by our office of events in the community. This does not represent an exhaustive list but rather information available online.

Wednesday, July 3rd



Thursday, July 4th

Friday, July 5th



Our office is always ready to assist you. Call or email us and we will do our best to help. Many State Agencies also have hotlines or citizen assistance offices to assist you. That contact information is available at this link, in alphabetical order: 

http://www.lrl.texas.gov/genInfo/stateAgencies.cfm

All of the relevant information our office has gathered during the week will be posted to our Facebook page. By "liking" us, you will stay up-to-date about important matters across the state that affect you and your family. Click below to find our page.

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