I was proud to present a proclamation to the Texas Association of African American Chamber of Commerce (TAAACC) naming March 31, 2017 as Black Business Day at the Capitol. I gave remarks about the bills that I filed to strengthen the HUB program - Historically Underutilized Businesses. Today we celebrate the 250,000+ Black Businesses owners across the state at the Texas Capitol.

Urban League Young Professionals

As a former member of the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, I have always admired their mission of endeavoring to improve the quality of life for people of color through economic and political awareness, community development and real world education. Special thanks to the Civic Engagement Chair who took the time out to advocate at the Texas capitol this week. I enjoyed our conversation and look forward to your continued success.

Retired Teachers Rally

Teachers are a major part of the foundation block of the future of Texas. As such, we should strive to uphold their financial future. The pension of our retired teachers must be safeguarded. Thank you to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and the many retired educators who visited the Capitol this week. TRS improves the retirement security of Texas public education employees through our "best in class" investment management and delivery of pension and health care benefits. I have both a personal and legislative interest in this matter. As the son, grandson, and great-grandson of retired teachers, I recently filed HB 397 and HB 399. Both of these bills intend to support the financial position of public school educators. I have and will continue to support these efforts.

American Cancer Society

A special thank you to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network for visiting the office. The American Cancer Society advocates for cancer prevention and research with the ultimate goal of freeing the world of cancer. I am glad we had the opportunity to discuss the need for Cancer Research, the reduction of the Tobacco toll, childhood obesity prevention, and access to healthcare. As a disease that affects many Texans every day, I look forward to supporting the legislative priorities of the American Cancer Society during the 85th Legislative Session.

Texas Minority Supplier Development Councils

This week, I had the distinct privilege to speak to members of the Texas Minority Supplier Development Councils (TMSDC). These Councils certify Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), which is recognized and facilitates reciprocal certification as a State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). Collectively, the Councils represent 1,793 certified minority businesses, fueling the economy with $46.17 billion in sales and creating 144,895 jobs. My recently filed bills: HB 476, HB 858, HB 1281 and HB 3740 each align with these objectives. I will continue to support through legislation and practice by working with small business owners and my colleagues to urge legislation that encourages small businesses to continue to be the backbone of our Texas economy.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

On Thursday, April 6th, the Texas House of Representatives will pass its version of the state budget. The House plan proposes spending $218.2 billion over the next two years, compared to the $217.7 billion plan approved by the Senate last week.