• September 16, 2019

Back-to-School Update: August 22

Back-to-School Update: August 22

Back-to-School Update: August 22 150 150 Dr. Tom Oliverson

Friends,

Thank you for reading and staying invested in our community. I hope you and your families have a smooth transition as the school year begins again. As always, you may contact my office with questions, comments, and concerns via phone (512-463-0661) or mail (P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768). Here is what we have been up to recently in House District 130 and Austin.

Senate Bill 1264 Stakeholder Meeting 
During the 86th Legislative Session, I—with the help of Senator Hancock, Senator Whitmire, Representative Martinez Fischer, and Representative Lucio—passed Senate Bill 1264. This bill will end the practice of surprise medical billing in Texas. In order to implement this piece of legislation, the Texas Department of Insurance must engage in a rulemaking process. On July 29, I came to Austin in order to attend the first of several stakeholder meetings. These meetings allow the Department of Insurance to hear from interested parties and pass fair rules that reflect the intent of the legislation.

Tomball Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of visiting with the governmental affairs committee of the Tomball Chamber of Commerce. We discussed the successes and failures of the 86th Legislative Session and brainstormed about ways in which we can continue to empower businesses to prosper in Tomball and its surrounding communities.

LifePath Meeting at Lone Star College-Tomball 
During this past legislative session, I passed House Bill 3165, which created an associate’s degree at Lone Star College for students with disabilities that affect executive functioning. This bill built off of a certificate program—called LifePath—already being offered at Lone Star College-Tomball. I was honored to meet with the people who teach this program. It was inspiring to hear about the ways in which they are helping folks with IDD reach their full potential.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Appreciation Lunch
On August 8th, I attended an appreciation lunch for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. It was wonderful getting to meet with the brave men and women who keep our community safe. House District 130 is blessed to have deputies from both the Pct. 4 Constable’s Office and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office working to serve us each and every day. I am proud to support the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect us.

American Legislative Exchange Council Conference
Last week, I was back in Austin to attend the 46th annual American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) conference. ALEC is America’s largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism. I attended a number of seminars that helped me to learn about the various ways in which states are tackling our big issues. 

Back-to-School!
Around the district, children and teachers went back-to-school this week. I am wishing you all a happy and successful school year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Tom Oliverson
Republican State Representative
House District 130

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