Friends,
It’s been a productive July for Team Bucy! We held a Legislative Town Hall, started a backpack and school supply drive, and went on a trip to Houston with the Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing. This edition of the monthly Bucy Bulletin will cover that as well as showcase 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
LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALL IN LEANDER
On July 2nd we held a Legislative Town Hall in Leander, our fourth town hall event since taking office in January. We covered the big bills and issues from this past session, including education and property taxes, gave an overview of the outcomes of our legislative agenda, heard from the leaders of our Community Advisory Boards, and took questions from the audience. I am so grateful to everyone who came out and participated or weighed in online. You can watch the full video of our town hall here.
BACKPACK & SUPPLY DRIVE UNDERWAY
Education is the foundation of a strong state, strong communities, and strong citizens. But for many of our neighbors, going back to school can be a challenge. That’s why I’m asking for your help as we collect backpacks and school supplies for children in our district. We have been coordinating directly with Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD about the items needed most and included those on our Amazon Wishlist: http://bit.ly/BucyBackpacks. You can also drop items off at our Capitol Office through August 16th or coordinate with us about an in-district drop-off by calling 512-463-0696 or emailing Sara Groff at sara.groff@house.texas.gov.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
4th of July Parade: We had a great time marching in the Cedar Park 4th of July Parade. Thanks to everyone who joined us, the folks who came out to celebrate, and the city staff and public safety professionals who kept us all safe!
Avery Ranch Celebration: We kicked off Independence Day early with a celebration in Avery Ranch on July 3rd. This is always a great event for families in our community to come together for a good time and a wonderful fireworks show!
Save the Census: Our team attended a Save the Census training to learn more about the impacts of undercounting on funding for our schools and hospitals, infrastructure and disaster programs, and business investments. Undercounting is especially prevalent in minority communities, including AAPI communities.
Andy Roddick Summer Program: I joined former #1 Tennis pro Andy Roddick and his team at the Andy Roddick Foundation to tour their summer learning program where they provide a free program to keep kids active mentally and physically.
CRT at NASA: The Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee spent the day at Mission Control in NASA in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the Moon Landing. We also visited Battleship Texas and took a historical tour of the battlefield at San Jacinto as part of the trip.
Northwest Austin Coalition: I joined my fellow Central Texas delegation members Rep. Celia Israel and Rep. Vikki Goodwin at the Northwest Austin Coalition meeting to talk about the past legislative session.
Cap Metro Conversation: Cap Metro CEO Randy Clarke joined me for a ride-along on the Red Line from Leander into Austin. Click here to watch our conversation about new developments and services as well as transit and transportation in our region.
Honoring Tom Graf: I attended a retirement party for my constituent Tom Graf and presented him with a resolution to honor his 30 years of service to the Texas Legislative Council. I can’t thank him enough for his service to our state and for being an integral part of our success in getting our office up and running.
Special Olympics: I was proud to support the Special Olympics Texas at Tip a Cop! This fundraiser, held at Texas Roadhouse restaurants across Texas, supports the great work this organization does all year long.
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 July Artist of the Month was Tyler Mauer, a Sophomore at Vista Ridge High School, with his works Brother, Culture Project, and Oboe, all pencil drawings, as well as Open Path, a water color painting.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Interim ChargesEach Interim the various committees for the Texas House are tasked with Interim Charges, or specific topics they are assigned to study, hold hearings on, and make recommendations about for when the Legislature reconvenes. We will be submitting ideas to the chairs of the Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee and the Elections Committee shortly to continue to support our agenda of expanding the arts in Texas, protecting parks and greenspaces, and making it easier for Texans to vote and participate in the electoral process.
Redistricting UpdateWith 2020 on the horizon, redistricting is on everyone’s mind. Right now the House Committee on Redistricting is planning over 25 hearings across the state of Texas during the Interim to solicit public input on the redistricting process. We will be sure and keep you up-to-date about the goings-on and hearing schedule, especially as it relates to the Central Texas area. If you’re interested in providing testimony, attending the hearings, or otherwise participating in the redistricting process we would encourage you to make your voice heard! The Legislature will receive Census data in late-Spring 2021, but the information provided by Texans before then can also help by providing context and ensuring concerns are addressed early on.
Cannabis Legislation
There’s been a lot of talk and consternation about the impact of new laws around cannabis in Texas. After pushback from state political leadership, I signed on to an op-ed along with other lawmakers in Central Texas because I believe we must take advantage of this opportunity to redouble our efforts to enact criminal justice reforms and update cannabis policy in our state. We also need to let our local law enforcement professionals do their jobs in terms of making decisions on this matter that are in line with the needs of their communities.