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
Earlier today we joined a call with Gov. Abbott and other state and local elected officials across Texas. In addition, our office has spoken with our county and local leaders. We will continue to check in and communicate with other jurisdictions and agencies regularly so that we can disseminate the latest and best information to you. The state is also providing updates at dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
Williamson County has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time. Local leaders, schools, and the health authority are meeting and talking regularly to monitor the situation and provide the best recommendations for the health of our residents. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please take the appropriate precautions. If you are experiencing any symptoms please call your primary care provider. For further local and county information, please refer to http://www.wcchd.org/COVID-19/.
Throughout this, our office is open and available via phone and email to help answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us on this or other matters.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & HAPPENING
World Hijab Day at ICBC: We celebrated World Hijab Day at the Islamic Center of Brushy Creek with panel discussions, youth performances, and a hijab fashion show in order to foster awareness and mutual understanding and dispel myths about hijab.
Human Rights Campaign Gala: We had a great time at the Human Rights Campaign Gala. It was a wonderful dinner with excellent keynotes, including from Alphonso David, the new President of HRC.
New Reps Sworn In: I had the pleasure of attending Rep. Lorraine Birabil’s swearing in ceremony. I want to congratulate her along with Reps. Anna Eastman and Gary Gates on becoming members of the Legislature. I look forward to working with each of them for the benefit of Texans across our state.
Celebrating Black History Month at the Farmer’s Market: Bradley, Molly, and I had a great time at the Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline Mall, where Black History Month was being celebrated. Held each Saturday, this farmers market is a gem in our community. We saw our good friends, Sharon and Austin, with Christen’s Gourmet Pralines and enjoyed the music.
Pediatric Advocacy Day: Thanks to theTexas Pediatric Society for having me out at your Advocacy Day! I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with medical students about the highs and lows of the last legislative session and what Texas needs to do about healthcare moving forward.
Chamber Gala: We had a lovely evening at the47th Annual Cedar Park Chamber Awards and Gala! Congrats to the chamber board, staff, and organizers on putting together a great event.
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 Kathleen McElwaine, who loaned us her beautiful watercolor paintings Original Longhorn,Bessie in the Bluebonnets, and Bluebonnet Dance.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
As we continue the Interim and developing our legislative agenda we’ve been meeting with constituents, agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders to seek input and ideas. We’re going to continue to focus on priorities from last session such as Medicaid Expansion, elections, and arts education, while expanding more into helping our retired teachers and criminal justice reform. We will also keep working with our cities and county to help meet the needs of the community. 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.
Culture, Recreation & Tourism Interim Hearing The Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee held its first Interim Hearing on February 20th in Victoria, Texas. The committee heard invited and public testimony on H.B. 1300 and H.B. 2321, which relate to the regulation of oyster harvesting and to cultivated oyster mariculture. With climate change and rising temperatures the oyster industry has come under stress, leading the Legislature to allow for oyster farming and take similar action to improve the health of the industry.
While in Victoria, Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee members also joined Game Wardens with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for a Oyster Enforcement Exercise to see the new regulations in action and went on a tour of Powderhorn Ranch, a 17,351-acre tract of unspoiled, coastal prairie. It is the latest acquisition by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the future site of Powderhorn State Park.
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