May 29th Friday Five
Voter Identification_______________
The voter identification legislation, Senate Bill 362, did not receive a vote in the House during the 81st Legislature due to strategic stall tactics on behalf of certain Democratic members. This bill would have protected the integrity of elections across Texas by requiring voters to present photo identification at polling locations. Since every illegitimate vote deprives a qualified voter of their electoral participation, I remain a firm supporter of voter identification legislation in Texas. As a joint author on the voter identification bill in the House, House Bill 125, I look forward to promoting similar legislation in the future.
Child Support and Health Insurance_
Senate Bill 66 passed as an amendment to Senate Bill 865 on May 21st. This legislation will extend healthcare access for Texas children at no cost to the state by creating a private insurance group for those in the child support system whose parents do not have access to and/or cannot afford private insurance but who do not qualify for CHIP and Medicaid. Also, Senate Bill 1777 passed out of the House on May 26th. this bill allows for child support payments to be direct deposited, which will make them more efficient and save the state money.
Top Ten Percent Rule_______________
The House passed a cap on the top ten percent admissions rule for state universities, Senate Bill 175, on May 26th. This cap will help alleviate admittance pressures placed on many universities across Texas. By capping the number of students admitted under the top ten percent rule, state universities will have more discretion with their admissions policies and the capability to fully evaluate prospective students.
State Budget_______________________
The House approved the final version of the state budget, Senate Bill 1, on May 29th. According to Speaker Joe Straus, the state budget is balanced and fiscally responsible without assistance from the Rainy Day Fund. Furthermore, the budget provides for substantial increases in funding for public education, cancer research, and transportation. The fiscal responsibility of our Great State has kept Texas strong during these difficult economic times and will allow our economy to thrive for generations to come.
Public School Mandates____________
Senate Bill 300, by Senator Dan Patrick, passed out of the House on May 27th. I was happy to sponsor this legislation in the House in an effort to relieve public schools from the financial burden of unfunded mandates. It is my hope that this bill will make a difference in public schools across our Great State.
Sincerely,
Representative Mark M. Shelton, M.D.
District 97
District Office Capitol Office
Peeler Howell Clayton Stewart
District Director Chief of Staff
1050 Forest Park Blvd. P.O. Box 2910
Suite 200 Austin, TX 78768
Fort Worth, TX 76110 512-463-0608
817-927-0061
