Rep Edwards Legislative Update

So far this session over 3,500 bills have been filed addressing a host of issues. There are many issues of focus this legislative session including:

DISASTER RESPONSE
• I've filed legislation that would establish comprehensive disaster response efforts by creating optional volunteer emergency response teams in each legislative district with the intent to enhance cooperation between authorities and residents and to assist in coordinating relief efforts to those in need.
• I've filed HB 443 to require nursing homes to have generators on site for back-up power in the event of a natural disaster and HB 441 to require gas stations to maintain a back-up power source in the event of a natural disaster as well.
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
• This session legislation has been filed to re-regulate college tuition rates and to revise the top ten percent automatic admission law. Other proposals include exempting college textbooks from sales taxes, which I support.
• I also strongly support legislation freezing college tuition rates for at least the next two years for public universities and colleges. However I am alarmed at the graduation rate at some of our institutions including Texas Southern University and University of Houston Downtown where only 9% of college students graduate in 5 years. We must improve on this.
TEACHER PAY RAISES & HEALTHCARE
• I've filed legislation to provide teacher pay raises, HB 660 as well as legislation to provide a 13th benefit check for retired teachers.
• I support efforts to increase CHIP coverage, including raising eligibility to 300% above poverty level, such as in HB 1769.
• I have also signed onto legislation that would provide a buy-in for the Medicaid coverage of disabled children.
HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDE COMMISSION ESTABLISHMENT
• I've co-authored legislation very important legislation that would create the Texas Holocaust & Genocide Commission to examine and educate the populace on past atrocities.
UTILITY MARKET
• Addressing regulation of the utility market in Texas, in order for consumers to obtain relief on their utility bills. There are many utility bills which I support including HB 631 & HB 1620.
TAXES
• HB 442, which I've filed limits the rate of interest accrual on the deferred property tax increases of the elderly.
• I support legislation to reduce franchise taxes on small businesses, authoring HB 1667 & co-authoring HB 720.
STIMULUS
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will help direct Texas' share of the Federal Stimulus funds to those in need most. Here is a quick breakdown of the funds available in Texas:
• Health & Human Services- $5.8 Billion
• Education- $6.2 Billion
• Transportation- $2.7 Billion
• Labor- $1 Billion
• Housing & Infrastructure- $957.1 Million
• Criminal Justice- $161.1 Million

For Information Contact: 512.463.0518