Friends,
February has gone by faster than we ever thought possible! We’ve participated in our first committee meetings, had bills set for public hearing, and are preparing for a rally in favor of Medicaid Expansion. This edition of the monthly Bucy Bulletin will cover that as well as showcase community events, discuss legislative updates, 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
LET THE PEOPLE VOTE RALLY
On Monday, March 4th at 10:00 am there will be a rally to Let the People Vote on Medicaid expansion. For six years, Texas leaders have failed to take action on healthcare as our state endures the worst uninsured rate in the nation and the consequences for maternal and infant health, mental health, the opioid epidemic, rural hospitals, families’ medical bills, and more. By joining Louisiana, Nebraska, Utah, and 33 other states in expanding Medicaid, we would provide nearly 1.5 million Texans with access to healthcare, bring $10 billion into our state annually, and lower all of our insurance premiums. It’s time to let the people vote!
COMMUNITY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Leander Fire Chief Gardner Retirement: I attended the retirement ceremony for Leander Fire Chief Bill Gardner and presented him with a flag flown over the Capitol in his honor. It is with the highest gratitude that I want to commend and thank Chief Gardner for his service to the city and our community. I wish him well in his retirement!
Leander’s 6th Annual Black History Month Celebration: Molly and I attended Leander’s 6th Annual Black History Month Celebration, honoring the enriching contributions to business, culture, and discovery by Black Americans and commemorating the ordinary citizens and leaders who advanced the struggle for freedom and opportunity. Thank you to Eric Zeno and the City of Leander for their leadership on this important event!
Texas PTA Day: My staff and I had such a great time meeting with parents, teachers, and students from Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD. We discussed school finance, teacher pay, school safety, mental health, and the need to prioritize the arts.
Vandergrift and Vista Ridge Choirs Perform: A beautiful noise resounded throughout the rotunda as the Vandergrift High School Chamber Choir and HD 136’s own Vista Ridge High School Ovation Ensemble treated us to a preview of their performance at the Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival in San Antonio.
Special Olympics Recognition: I was honored to recognize two remarkable Special Olympic athletes and constituents, Meagan Flynn and Ricky Squilla. Meagan and Ricky are Global Messengers for the Special Olympics and active members of the Athlete Leadership Program. Meagan is a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal athlete and Ricky recently won Gold in bowling at the State level.
Flo Code House Party: I attended a house party in Cedar Park with Lamanda Ballard, the founder of Flo Code, which provides menstrual products to women in need. This is a great organization addressing a critical need in our community.
HD 136 ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Each month at our Capitol Office we are so proud to display and feature work from local artists. Our February Artist of the Month was Richard Garen. His photographs of the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue and the Texas State Capitol were a big hit with our staff and visitors.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
First bills to be heard by committee Earlier this month I participated in my first committee hearings for Elections and Culture, Recreation & Tourism. We heard from subject matter experts and government agency officials about their priorities and serving as a resource for the Legislature. This week I had bills referred to multiple committees, including Appropriations, Elections, Land & Resource Management, Public Education, and State Affairs. Next Monday I will be introducing my first bills in the Elections Committee, HB 933 and HB 1238. I remain committed to protecting voting rights and increasing access to the ballot.
Legislation in the works Working with activists, stakeholders, and members of the community we are working on a variety of bills covering everything from education and healthcare to traffic and criminal justice reform. We are working on legislation to increase driver safety, address mobility in our region, and expand fine arts in our schools.
More Elections bills filed This legislative session we need to make it easier for Texans to vote, not harder. That’s why I’ve recently filed legislation to allow certain voters who are out of county and voting by mail to receive their ballot electronically (HB 2550), to ensure people who are eligible to vote but temporarily incarcerated are made aware of their rights (HB 1322), and to reduce confusion by placing all laws and regulation around political campaign signs in one section of the Election Code (HB 2552).