Friends,
This edition of the Bucy Bulletin begins with an important update around COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, in Williamson County and Texas. In addition to the information provided, there are links to learn more from state and local authorities as well as resources about preventing the spread of the disease.
This monthly newsletter will also cover community events, discuss legislative activity over the Interim, and highlight our Artist of the Month.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve you, HD 136, and the people of Texas. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or comments or if there is anything my office can do for you.
All the best,
John Bucy III State Representative Texas House District 136
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Williamson County is under a Stay Home, Stay Safe order meaning residents should stay home and limit their trips outside. All public and private gatherings outside of the home are prohibited. Essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, and health care will remain open. All bars have been closed and restaurants must suspend dine-in service, but take-away, drive-thru, and delivery services that limit contact between individuals are available. Travel and transit, except for essential business, is prohibited.
This Order does not apply to certain Essential Businesses or to Essential Activities, such as those essential to health and safety, getting needed supplies or services for your family, engaging in outdoor recreational activity, performing work providing essential products and services, or caring for a family member or pet.
If you have to leave your home, you should consider wearing a cloth face covering. You should also practice good hygiene and social distancing such as washing your hands, not touching your face, and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others before, during, and after any trip. If residents are experiencing symptoms or believe they may be sick or have come in contact with someone who is sick, then they should stay home, self-isolate, and contact their health care provider.
You can use the Coronavirus Self-Checker if you believe you are sick or are caring for someone who is sick or who may be sick in order to help make decisions about seeking care. You can also call your doctor for guidance. If you need help finding a doctor or accessing medical care, call 2‑1‑1.
The CDC has offered guidance on best practices for caring for yourself at home and caring for someone else at home as well as for cleaning and disinfecting your home.
For a full list of state, county, and local resources or to view the latest updates and pertinent information, please reference our HD 136 Coronavirus Resources & Updates Guide.
FOOD & WELLNESS PROGRAM
Working with our regional city leaders and Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM), my office is coordinating an initiative to help senior citizens aged 60 and over and people with a disability of any age in House District 136 who are homebound or otherwise have urgent food access needs in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.
My office is also seeking volunteers to help package food, make deliveries, and complete outreach calls to seniors. We are so grateful to the hundreds of people who have already stepped up to help their community in their time of need. Learn more and get involved at bit.ly/HD136FoodVols.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Northline Groundbreaking: On March 4th the Northline project in Leander officially broke ground! This $715 Million, 115-acre project will create a vibrant and dynamic town center with shopping, dining, housing, and greenspaces in the city’s transit-oriented development area. Congrats to Alex and whole team on entering the next phase of this exciting endeavor.
Round Rock Chamber Business Climate Council: I spoke with the Round Rock Chamber Business Climate Council on March 4th. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about policy priorities for our community with area business leaders.
International Women’s Day: I had a great time celebrating International Women’s Day in Cedar Park on March 6th! What a wonderful and inspirational evening uplifting leaders and honoring the accomplishments of women in our community.
Cedar Park Chamber Leadership Class: I enjoyed hosting the Cedar Park Chamber Leadership Class at the Capitol on March 5th. We discussed the past legislative session, pertinent policy for our community and area small businesses, and how the Hotel Occupancy Tax laws we passed for Cedar Park will pay dividends in the local economy.
CAB Annual Meeting: Our Community Advisory Boards met for their annual meeting and advocacy training on March 7th! We had a panel discussion and discussed messaging, analyzed bills, practiced office visits, and held a mock committee meeting.
Property Taxes & Appraisals Town Hall: On March 9th we held a Town Hall on Property Taxes and Appraisals, featuring presentations from WilCo Tax Accessor Collector Larry Gaddes and Williamson Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Alvin Lankford as well as a moderated discussion and audience questions and answers. Watch here.
CAPCOG Meeting: I attended my first Capital Area Council of Governments meeting as a new member of the Executive Committee on March 11th. CAPCOG is a 10-county organization dedicated to regional planning and coordination on key issues like economic development, transportation, elderly assistance infrastructure, and emergency response.
Scout Troop 371: I had a wonderful discussion with Scout Troop 371 out of Avery Ranch about what state representatives do, how they could help deal with COVID-19, and their concerns about other important issues, a big one of which was school safety. I want to thank all of the scouts for taking the time to be more civically engaged!
First Food Deliveries: We delivered our first round of food packages to folks in need on March 27th and had our second delivery March 29th. I’m grateful to the volunteers who make this possible and to Hill Country Community Ministries. If you’re a senior over 60 or a person with a disability with an urgent food access need, you can sign up for help onlineor call us at 512-259-1478. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up here.
Going Virtual: At the end of March I went live on The Clawback with Austin Council Member Jimmy Flannigan, recorded a video message for fellow Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce members, and participated in a virtual Coffee Chat with the Leander Chamber of Commerce. We talked about our Food & Wellness Program and resources for community members and small businesses.
HD 136 ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Each month at our Capitol and District Offices we are so proud to display and feature work from local artists. Our March Artist of the Month was Bree Wechsler, who loaned us The Cheetah, a painting of oil on canvass, Grand Canyon, acrylic paint on canvass, and The Wave, completed with charcoal pencil. Bree is a Senior at Cedar Park High School.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
2020 Census impacts Billions in funding As we continue to stay at home and stay safe one of the other most important things we can do is fill out the 2020 Census, which you can do online, by phone, or by mail. Not only does census data affect the redistricting process, which will be a large focus next legislative session, it has a direct impact on federal funding coming in to our community for education, healthcare, roads and transportation, and other critical infrastructure.
Filling out the Census is fast, easy, and secure. Go to 2020census.gov and enter the 12-digit code you received in the mail or your home address to get started.
Texas stands to lose $300 Million per year for each of the next 10 years if we have even just a 1 percent undercount. With outreach efforts likely to be stifled due to the necessary safety precautions taken under Coronavirus, it’s essential that we all do our part to ensure our families are counted.
Legislative Agenda being developed As the Interim continues we are still working on developing our Legislative Agenda for the next session. If you have an idea or concern, we want to hear from you! You can email Allison Heinrich, Legislative Director, at allison.heinrich@house.texas.gov or reach out to our office at 512-463-0696. We value your input and participation in the legislative process.
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