Houston-Galveston Area Council Newsletter December 2019
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November Board of Directors Meeting
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During the Nov. 19 board meeting, the H-GAC Board of Directors considered and approved several items of regional significance. The consent agenda included authorization for HGACBuy to
contract with respondents listed for auxiliary power and backup generators, grounds and turf equipment. It also included approval of a modification to a previously approved board action authorizing H-GAC to provide up to $171,600 in a local match for the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Justice Program.
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General Land Office Seeking Public Input for Hurricane Harvey Funds
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The Texas General Land Office is seeking input on the state's draft action plan detailing the distribution and eligible uses of $4,297,189,000 in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist Texas communities with mitigation projects. These projects will address risks within the areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey as well as the 2015 and 2016 Floods.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.
Texas Southern University EDU Auditorium
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Trash Bash Save the Date - March 28, 2020
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Every year, thousands of volunteers gather to clean up trash and debris along area waterways by participating in the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, the
River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash
. Join them on Saturday, March 28, 2020, for the 27 annual cleanup.
With locations across the Galveston Bay watershed, there's a cleanup location near everyone's home, work, or school. Educational areas at each site offer opportunities to learn more about protecting water quality. Participating in Trash Bash is free, with supplies, t-shirts, lunch, and door prizes provided. Scouts and students are encouraged to participate.
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Caucus Meetings Elect Representatives to H-GAC Board
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The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) concluded its annual caucus meetings last month and selected board members to represent general law cities, home rule cities, and independent school districts on next year’s board of directors.
General law cities operate according to specific state statutes that define their power and duties. Officials from general law cities elected Councilmember Nancy Arnold with the City of Waller and City of Pattison Mayor Joe Garcia as the primary board members and Councilmember Susan Schwartz with the City of Bunker Hill Village and Teresa Vazquez-Evans with the City of Kemah as the board alternates.
Representing member independent school districts in 2020 as the primary board member will be Trustee Rissie Owens from the Huntsville Independent School District with Trustee Dr. Travis Moffatt from the Magnolia Independent School District as the board alternate.
Home rule cities have populations of more than 5,000 residents and operate under their own charters. Officials from home rule cities under 25,000 in population elected Councilmember William King, III with the City of Dickinson and Councilmember Natalie Picah with the City of Seabrook as the primary board members and City of Alvin Councilmember Adam Arendell and City of Stafford Councilmember Cecil Willis as the board alternates.
Congratulations to our H-GAC 2020 caucus representatives and alternates. We're looking forward to working with these dedicated members in the coming year.
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Texas Counts – 2020 Census
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The Census is much more than just a headcount. It provides a picture of the Houston-Galveston region that helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; how federal funding is distributed; and how congressional seats are proportioned.
As a 2020 Census partner, the Houston-Galveston Area Council will share information on the importance of completing the Census. In 2020, for the first time ever, the U.S. Census will accept responses online, but respondents can still respond by phone or in the mail. April 1 is Census Day.
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H-GAC Area Agency on Aging Provides Assistance to Medicare Beneficiaries During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
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Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage. Beneficiaries can change their Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan or their Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan during this enrollment period. Medicare’s Open Enrollment is Oct. 15- Dec. 7, with coverage starting on Jan. 1.
Many Medicare beneficiaries express feeling confused and overwhelmed when selecting a plan option that works best for them. Thankfully, help is out there. The Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging serves as the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for the 12-counties surrounding Harris County. SHIP Benefits Counselors provide free and unbiased advice for Medicare beneficiaries needing help comparing plan options. SHIP counselors have been able to help hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries during Open Enrollment find a plan that best meets their needs, leading to lower costs and access to quality care.
Assistance is provided through telephone inquiry and community enrollment events. Learn more by calling 1-800-437-7396.
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Home to more than 7 million people, the Houston-Galveston region is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse regions in the country. Making sure the region remains one of the nation’s leading places to live, work, and prosper doesn’t just happen—it takes planning and partnerships. If you are looking for a career where you can help make a difference in urban, suburban, and rural communities, the Houston-Galveston Area Council has exciting opportunities for you. For more information or to apply for a job visit
the careers page on H-GAC's website
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