Friends,
March was a busy month at the Capitol! The Texas House adopted its version of the state biennial budget, we laid out more bills and reached additional legislative milestones, and we are busy preparing for our HD 136 Town Hall. 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
HOUSE VOTES ON MEDICAID EXPANSION
On Wednesday, March 27 the House adopted its version of the budget. As part of the process I was proud to introduce an amendment that would have directed the Health and Human Service Commission to seek to expand Medicaid in Texas. This would provide nearly 1.3 million Texans with access to healthcare, bring $100 billion in federal funding to the state, and save local taxpayers $4.3 billion dollars on uncompensated care. I’m disappointed that it did not pass, but undeterred in the fight. Watch my remarks from the House floor and let me know what you think!
HD 136 TOWN HALL THIS SATURDAY
Join us on Saturday, April 6th for a Town Hall at 2:00 pm at the ACC Cypress Creek Campus – Building 1000, Multipurpose Room (MPH 1102) in Cedar Park. We will be joined by Leander Mayor Troy Hill, and Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan. Rep. Bucy will provide an update on our legislative agenda as well as on the budget, school finance, the fight for Medicaid expansion, and other big issues at the Capitol this session, and take questions from the audience.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Rally for Public Education: I was proud to join parents, teachers, and education professionals for a rally in support of Public Education. I believe that public education is the foundation of a strong state, strong communities, and strong citizens. It’s time to fund our schools!
Spring Break Visit: I was so honored to have some of my constituents take time out of their Spring Breaks to come down to the Capitol for a visit. I had a great time speaking with Meagan and Makenzie, who are both in their freshman year at McNeil High School.
Leadership Cedar Park: I had a great time meeting with the Leadership Cedar Park class when they came by the Capitol. We discussed the legislative process and experience, education, mobility, property taxes, and Medicaid expansion.
Kids R Kids Model Classroom: Had a great time learning about Kids R Kids in their model classroom at the Capitol today. My Chief of Staff, Max, was also able to read a true literary classic, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, with some of our most enthusiastic constituents.
ACC Campus Visit: Thanks to Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm and Campus Manager David Tucker for a wonderful tour of the new ACC San Gabriel Campus in Leander, including the ACCelerator, and for showing me some of the sustainability features. It was also great to meet with some students at the Student Life Office, which oversees clubs and organizations as well as a food pantry, among other beneficial essentials. I’m so excited about the good things to come!
Fine Arts Education & H.B. 3344: Arts Education advocates descended on the Texas Capitol, including a performance in the open air rotunda of mariachis and ballet folklorico dancers. From music and dancing to painting and theater, the arts tells the story of who we are as a people. It’s critical to our children’s development and their long term success. That’s why I filed House Bill 3344 to make fine arts part of the required foundation curriculum.
Special Olympics of Texas: We were very honored to have our constituent and Special Olympic Athlete Morgan Collins as an intern for the day as part of the Special Olympics of Texas Lobby Day. Morgan competes in powerlifting. He worked very hard and was a delight to have in the office.
Hindu Charities of America: This morning I was honored to assist Hindu Charities of America in handing out over $100,000 in scholarships supporting vocational education in Central Texas. I’m so grateful for the wonderful work they do 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 March Artist of the Month was Veronica Wong. Her beautiful painting, 4 Women in Garden of Paradise, was a perfect representation of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
First bill headed to the House Floor Our first bill has been voted out of committee, made it through Calendars, and is headed to the House floor. HB 1241, which requires that any notice of polling place include a street address and building name, if any, will help younger voters, first-time voters, as well as people new to a county access critical voting information. The bill has been placed on the General State Calendar for consideration and is the first bill authored by a new Democratic member to make it to the floor.
Texas House passes its budget Working late into the night on Wednesday, the Texas House debated and passed its version of the state biennial budget. Next, the Senate will debate and pass its version of the budget, and any differences must be worked out in a conference committee. We will provide updates on social media and this newsletter as the legislative session progresses and we know more about what does and doesn’t make it into the final state budget.
Bill Filing Deadline & Legislative Update March 6 marked the deadline to fill most bills for this legislative session! Our office filed 30 pieces of legislation ranging from criminal justice reform and making it easier for Texans to vote, to local economic development and traffic solutions. You can learn more about our legislative agenda and track its progress here.