Thursday, April 6th was a big day that led into Friday morning at the Texas Capitol. According to the Texas Constitution, the budget is the only required bill that the legislature must pass. As such, the budget was under heavy consideration with over 400 amendments. Moreover, the budget is a huge reflection of the legislature's moral compass. By voting on this budget, my colleagues and I were able to send a message to the citizens of Texas that we are proactively trying to protect their rights and address the social issues that hinder growth within our communities.

The House considered and debated many controversial amendments Thursday. Luckily, there were a number of amendments that were successfully passed comprising: CPS funding, anti-vouchers, restoration of Early Childhood Intervention program, disease prevention funding, mental health funding, human trafficking assistance program, health coverage, and funding for the study of campus sexual assaults.

Further, two of my proposed amendments were successfully added to Article 11 of the budget. The first amendment is to fund a health care study for teachers. Our retired teachers deserve state funding towards quality healthcare. It should be our duty to ensure that the men and women who took care to educate us and our young leaders are taken care of as well. The second amendment directs the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to facilitate a study that examines rules and requirements pertaining to inspections and maintenance programs that detect issues.

With the help of my Capitol office staff, I was able to keep my followers updated with constant social media posts throughout the budget night. Stay informed and don't miss another update by following my Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronreynoldsesq/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronereynolds

Elections Committee

The House Committee on Elections met on Monday to hear public testimony on 11 election bills. These bills will have a statewide impact on the elections in Texas. It is duly important that we all take special notice of these bill types. I urge my constituents and all Texans to follow your Texas legislature and ensure that your rights are being protected and maintained. Stay informed by visiting http://www.legis.texas.gov/.

Environmental Regulation Committee

The House Committee on Environmental Regulation had a full house early Tuesday morning for our Public Hearing. We heard bills that relate to the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact waste disposal facility, a temporary moratorium on permits for municipal solid waste facilities (landfills) and relating to the enforcement of laws prohibiting outdoor burning of waste and combustible material. My priority is ensuring public health and safe water, air and our environment!

Realtor Day at the TX Capitol

Special thanks to my constituents who visited the Capitol office as they advocated for Realtor Day at the Texas Capitol. The Texas Association of Realtors is the largest, most politically active professional trade association in Texas, representing more than 110,000 members involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. Some of the Texas Realtor's legislative focus includes: home equity, Texas Real Estate Commission (REC), election transparency, title insurance, property tax reform, eminent domain, rental regulation, and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). It is greatly important that we each stay informed on the bills that impact our daily lives and economic interests. I urge that you visit TexasRealEstate.com/issues to learn more about the Texas Realtor's position on these and other policy issues.

Planned Parenthood

I am honored to have been among the hundreds that gathered on the south steps of the Capitol to rally for Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, is a nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health care in the United States and globally. Planned Parenthood is the largest single provider of reproductive health services, including abortion, in the U.S. Women's rights are human rights and we must all fight to ensure members of the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress know this.

Independent Bankers Association of Texas

Thanks to the constituent made time to pass by the Capitol office on behalf of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). IBAT has worked to capture and preserve the rich history of community banking spanning the transformation of Texas from a rural and ranching state, to a metropolitan global center. Thank you for visiting and discussing IBAT's legislative priorities this 85th legislative session.

Reynolds Rap in the District

On Wednesday, April 5th, community members of Teal Run gathered for a Town Hall discussion with Constable Gary Majors. Residents were able to voice their concerns on community issues and have their questions personally answered by Constable Majors and his staff. It is our hope that meetings such as this one grant some relief to Teal Run residents. It is important that we work together in keeping our communities safe. We cannot completely end unlawful activity, but we can actively try to control it. Residents of Teal Run with non-emergency police concerns should call (281)341-2665. If you see something, say something.