MEMBER NEWS

   

Senator Nelson has received the "Friend of Medicine" Award from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) in honor of her work on major reforms during the last session.  "Senator Nelson has stood as a champion for medicine and Texas patients," said Dr. Joe Todd, chair of TEXPAC, the political action committee of TMA.  "As the longtime Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, she has been instrumental in passing hundreds of bills that improve the health of our children, our communities, and our state."  TMA praised Senator Nelson's leadership in identifying $3 billion in efficiency savings in the Medicaid budget.  This action freed up funds for critical services and prevented drastic reductions to Medicaid services and reimbursement rates for health providers.  The organization also cited her work on reforms to the Texas Medical Board, along with her efforts to promote health quality and to re-focus funding on healthy outcomes for Texas patients.  "I am honored by this award and grateful for the many Texas health professionals who collaborated closely on our legislative efforts," said Senator Nelson. 

Last week the Sunset Advisory Commission began its review of 24 state agencies, including the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Public Utility Commission.  The "Sunset" process calls for regular, exhaustive study of our agencies.  Following the reviews, the Legislature will consider recommendations on ways to improve agency functions and, in some cases, on whether they should continue to exist at all.  "The Sunset process is unique because gives us an opportunity to examine whether our state agencies are operating efficiently.  Are they responsive to our citizens? Are they making the best possible use of tax dollars that support their operations?" said Senator Nelson, a former chair of the Sunset Advisory Commission.  "Sunset holds our agencies accountable, and I encourage our community to share input on the agencies up for review this cycle."  A list of all agencies scheduled for review is available at www.sunset.state.tx.us/2013.htm. 

This week the Senate's Business and Commerce and Intergovernmental Relations Committees met with state agencies and members of the public to address the impact of drought on our state.  Last year marked the worst Texas drought on record, and temperatures broke records across the nation.  The panels heard testimony on how the conditions have affected electric reliability, along with ways to ensure state planning among federal, state and local governments protects Texans as the drought continues.  "More than 1,600 Texas homes have been lost in last year's wildfires, and this drought has cost the state more than $5 billion," said Senator Nelson.  "We have to confront this issue head on to make sure our state and its citizens continue to be prepared." Archived video of these hearings are online at http://www.senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php. 

This week the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments over which legislative maps should be used for the 2012 election cycle.  Last month the high court issued a stay against the use of interim maps issued late last year by a 3-judge panel in San Antonio.  Meanwhile, the new maps for Congress, Texas Senate and Texas House that were approved by the Legislature will go on trial later this month before a 3-judge panel in Washington, D.C. to determine whether they meet the requirements of the federal Voting Rights Act.  The election schedule -- which was already pushed back to a unified primary on April 3 -- may once again have to be pushed back.  "The constitutional authority to draw legislative districts rests with the Legislature and not the courts.  After months of careful deliberations and extensive public input, the Legislature approved fair, legal maps.  I am deeply disappointed that these lawsuits have delayed the primary, causing confusion for voters and adding to the burden of our local elections administrators.  My hope is that there will be a timely resolution to these matters,"  Senator Nelson said.  Texans can learn more about the redistricting process and view proposed maps at www.tlc.state.tx.us/redist/redist.htm.