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TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 27  FORT BEND COUNTY FALL 2011 |
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Rep. Reynolds presiding over the
Texas House of Representatives |
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you for the honor, privilege and responsibility of serving as your State Representative in the Texas House. My first legislative session our state was faced with many challenges during these tough economic times, but I kept my focus on the needs of our community. My top priorities are fighting for public education, teachers, the elderly, and protecting small businesses and the working families of District 27.
In January 2011, the 82nd Legislative Session began with a $27 billion budget shortfall. We had the enormous task of trying to figure out how to fund our necessary services such as public education, higher education, and health and human services. The regular session ended on May 30 with no agreement reached on funding for our schools.
A 30 day special session was called by Governor Perry to address school finance and a couple of other issues. I am deeply concerned with the outcome of our state budget and the $4 billion cuts to public education that was passed by the legislature. It is quite unfortunate that we left over $6 billion sitting in the Rainy Day Fund (the state's savings account), when that money should have been used to fund our schools. If we continue to under fund our schools, the long term effect on the economic growth and stability of this state could be devastating.
Despite the bad budget news, I am proud to report passing several key pieces of legislation that will benefit our community and the residents of Fort Bend County. I am also very honored and humbled to be selected "Freshman Legislator of the Year" by my colleagues in the House.
Attention was often diverted from the critical budget discussion by needless controversies over bills that could infringe on citizens' voting rights, weaken the collective voting power of some minority communities, or subject certain people to unfair treatment due to nothing more than their ethnicity. Taken together, this group of bills could potentially have a disproportionately negative impact on the poor, elderly,
and minority Texans.
The feedback my office received from our community during session was invaluable. While voting from the House floor, I remained mindful of the telephone calls, emails, and letters that were received from you and your neighbors. Looking forward to an ongoing dialogue with you and will rely upon your guidance to best serve the district.
Being back home provides an opportunity to visit with many of you at events throughout Fort Bend County. Over the next several months, my office will hold town hall meetings and continue to travel the district to hear about your experiences, concerns and needs. Working together, we will continue to keep Texas a great place to live.
Respectfully,
State Representative District 27 |
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ACTIONS OF THE 82ND TEXAS LEGISLATURE |
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BUDGET
The 82nd Texas Legislative Session was defined by a budget crisis. The $27 billion budget shortfall shaped so many of the major decisions we faced. Difficult budgets require tough decisions for legislators, but they should also create a focus on priorities.
The 2012-2013 budget had about $15 billion less in spending than the 2010-2011 budget. Discretionary state spending, what's known as General Revenue, is down by more than $1 billion, despite the fact that population and inflation have continued to rise.
The budget also failed to provide adequate Medicaid funding. According to the state's own projections, we are $4 billion short that the state needs to spend on health care for children, seniors and many others. This will create an additional revenue shortfall amounting to billions of dollars when the legislature reconvenes in 2013.
 | | Rep. Reynolds was honored to welcome students from Willowridge High School to the State Capitol |
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 | | Rep. Reynolds welcomes Constable Ruben Davis to the Capitol |
BUDGET CUTS AFFECTING REAL PEOPLE
Whether they are administrative workers, prison guards or teachers, public employees were significantly impacted by the cuts in this budget. The budget eliminates nearly 6,000 state employee jobs and cuts benefits contributions for employees, retirees and teachers by roughly a quarter of a billion dollars. And the cuts to the schools could result in over 50,000 school district employees and teachers being laid off.
Texas needs real budget reform. We have a structural deficit, we must find a solution so that our state can raise more revenue and be able to adequately fund our necessary programs and services. We cannot continue to balance the state's budget on the backs of our children, the poor, and the elderly. |
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FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION |
This session, the Texas Legislature failed to provide about $4 billion that Texas' public elementary, middle and high schools were owed under the law. Due to this substantial budget cut, the legislature had to change the formulas governing money that the school districts receive from the state--essentially creating a "new normal" when it comes to funding our schools.
In essence, and for the first time that budget writers know of, the state will not fund enrollment growth in our schools--even as enrollment has grown an average of 75,000 students each year over the past decade. This decision, which I did not support, will have significant repercussions in school districts across this state. Even before these budget cuts, Texas ranks 44th out of 50th when it comes to per student education funding.
The budget was also hard on our colleges and universities. Overall, higher education funding was cut by $969 million. Community college funding was cut by more than $200 million, according to the Texas Association of Community Colleges, even though statewide enrollment has increased by more than 20 percent.
Among other things, these drastic cuts mean that fewer needy students will be able to attend college through the state's primary scholarship program, TEXAS Grants. Since its inception in 1999, the financial aid program helped more than 300,000 students. Unfortunately, this year, roughly 37,000 of the estimated 53,000 graduating high school seniors who would qualify for the grant will not be able to receive it.
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STATE OF TEXAS BUDGET |
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REP. REYNOLDS LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
(Bills authored, Co-authored and Sponsored in the House) |
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 | | Rep. Reynolds on the House floor advocating for more funding for our schools and teachers |
Rep. Reynolds co-authored a very important private property rights bill. House Bill 8 will prohibit and limit certain private transfer fees that can be attached to real property, including certain developer fees and fees unrelated to homeowners association dues. He also co-authored House Bill 275 which authorizes the legislature to utilize some of the state's economic stabilization funds otherwise known as the "Rainy Day Fund," to make up for the 2010-11 budget shortfall.
Rep. Reynolds was pleased to co-author House Bill 902, a local pro-business bill. This bill will allow businesses located in the Greater Houston area to be given preference in municipal contracts for purchases under $100,000 over a contractor located outside the area, provided their bid is within five percent of the lowest bid price. Another bill co-authored, House Bill 2785, is an important piece of legislation aimed at spurring business development. This bill authorizes the legislature to create a Select Committee on Economic Development, which would conduct studies on ways in which the state can utilize economic development incentives as a means of speeding up recovery of the Texas economy. |
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ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Rep. Reynolds worked diligently to pass House Bill 2463 which will require the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to comply with federal law, regulations, and policies of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) as it relates to restricting access to certain confidential records related to an employment discrimination complaint. The new law requires that in a discrimination case, the TWC may provide access to collect records and information only to the extent such access is permitted under federal Privacy Act of 1974 and EEOC policies, and that such information is not to be classified as public information. This bill will ensure certain records and information of a complainant in an employment discrimination claim is kept private; and that such information is not subject to public disclosure
Rep. Reynolds was proud to work closely with a constituent from Rosenberg to pass House Bill 3302. This new law will enable 4A corporations in cities having both 4A and a 4B corporation to do 4B projects without having to hold an election. The bill will require that these 4B projects would be subject to approval by the City Council with the ability of City Council to rescind such action, but the corporation would be able to complete any 4B projects undertaken. The bill only applies to cities with a population below 7,500. This important legislation will provide an invaluable economic tool for small cities, especially during these tough economic times. With their limited physical and financial resources, small cities simply cannot compete for manufacturing and industrial projects. Small cities will now have an opportunity to pool Type A resources with their existing Type B in meaningful economic development projects such as tourism and Infrastructure needs, including retail. |
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 | | Rep. Reynolds stands with Speaker Straus as he was selected as "Freshman Legislator of the Year" |
ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
Rep. Reynolds co-authored House Bill 3399. This important air quality bill will allow Texas to more easily achieve its emissions reduction goals, by expanding access to the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan so that more businesses with vehicle fleets can qualify for grant funds.
HEALTHCARE
Rep. Reynolds was honored to work with a family from Sugar Land to help pass Senate Bill 1107 by Wendy Davis. Representative Reynolds filed an almost identical bill, House Bill 1557. These bills were filed in response to a Texas A&M junior from Sugar Land who did not live on campus, but contracted bacterial meningitis and died in a College Station Hospital. The bill requires all incoming college students be vaccinated for bacterial meningitis. Currently, only students who live on campus in student housing are required to get the meningococcal vaccine. Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, but the early symptoms can mimic the flu. According to the CDC, about 10 percent of people that get infected with bacterial meningitis die. Even if you do not live in a dorm, you are still in close proximity to other students in the classroom, the library and other campus settings. |
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REP. REYNOLDS LEGISLATIVE AND DISTRICT 27 HIGHLIGHTS |
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 | | Rep. Reynolds at the Missouri City 9/11 Commemorative Salute |
LOCAL ISSUES
Rep. Reynolds worked diligently with the Fort Bend County Courts and Juvenile Probation Department to pass House Bill 2132. This important bill creates a consolidated truancy court that will provide consistency in dealing with truancy issues. The new law will allow county judges, with the consent of the commissioners court, to appoint magistrate to hear truancy cases. With the rapid growth of Ft. Bend County, it is instrumental for us to create a consolidated truancy court to help effectively manage the truancy cases. This bill will give newly created truancy courts, jurisdiction over truancy cases. The county judge retains final authority over the decision rendered by the magistrate. Since habitual truancy is such a strong indicator for future criminal behavior, it is important for our schools and the criminal justice system to apply pro-active strategies together with meaningful sanctions in order to address truancy issues and ultimately reduce delinquency.
Rep. Reynolds was proud to work with the City of Richmond to pass House Bill 2920. This legislation will provide any General Law C City with a population over 10,000, the option to adopt an ordinance to allow for Commissioners to be elected in alternate years or in the same election year. This legislation will provide local control to small cities to adopt by ordinance the manner in which it elects it's officials. Currently, the elected officials of the City of Richmond and some other small cities serve for a term of two years. The Mayor and Commissioners are all up for election on the same uniform election day in May every even year. With this current structure, a complete turnover of its elected officials in one year could occur, and thereby losing all experienced elected officials. This new law should provide the flexibility that small cities need to set their local elections. |
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 | | Rep. Reynolds handing out back packs to school children at the Fort Bend Health Center Annual Health Fair |
EDUCATION
Rep. Reynolds worked vigorously with Fort Bend ISD to pass House Bill 1224 which will provide local control for school districts so they may expel students who hack into a districts computer system. Current law does not allow public schools to expel a student who has breached computer systems of the school district and knowingly alters, damages, or deletes school district information. In the spring of 2008 four high school students from Fort Bend Independent School District hacked into the district's computer network and changed the grades of at least 60 students. The financial loss to the district exceeded $190,000. Breach of computer security is a criminal offense ranging in severity from a Class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the amount of the loss. State law says if the loss is between $100,000 and $200,000, the crime is a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony carries a penalty of two to 20 years in prison.
Rep. Reynolds co-authored House Bill 1335, which will provide necessary resources to public school teachers delivering services to students with disabilities under the statewide plan for service delivery to public school students with disabilities. In addition, he also co-authored HB 1942, which will provide protections for public school students keeping them safe from being subject to bullying and certain acts of harassment. Another bill he co-authored is HB 3542 which supports retired teachers by allowing additional supplemental payments for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas provided the payment would not adversely affect the fund's actuarial soundness. |
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 | | Rep. Reynolds delivering remarks at District 27 Town Hall |
DISTRICT 27 TOWN HALL MEETINGS, BENEFIT FAIRS & WORKSHOPS
Rep. Reynolds has been sponsoring and will continue to host several town hall meetings, workshops and activities for the residents of District 27. Rep. Reynolds was thrilled that he supply items, the children were able to get free immunizations, dental and vision screenings. In mid August, Rep. Reynolds had the Texas Dept. of Transportation and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality agencies come to Missouri City to address constituent concerns regarding transportation and contaminated water issues.
In early October, Rep. Reynolds sponsored a Veterans Benefit Fair to assist the Veterans in District 27. The Texas Veterans Commission, the Veterans Land Board and the Ft. Bend County Veterans Service Office provided information to assist with VA claims, and information about loans, services and job training. Rep. Reynolds is planning activities for some of the senior members of the community in Fort Bend County in November. He is also excited to announce a Toy Drive that is currently in the planning stages for December to help the less fortunate children in the community.
Rep. Reynolds is looking forward to hosting a Workshop in the spring of 2012 to help the homeowners in the district learn how to protest their unfair assessed property values. Expert county officials will be on hand to provide you information on how you can go through the process if you wish to appeal or protest your property taxes. Planning is underway for additional town hall meetings and workshops that will be taking place throughout the year in 2012. Our
office looks forward to working with all the residents in District 27 to address any issues or concerns that you may have.
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 | | District 27 Open House |
DISTRICT OFFICE OPENING
Rep. Reynolds is pleased to announce the opening of his District office. The office is located in Missouri City at 2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 102. The office is open and ready to assist and serve the constituents of District 27. Please call or come by if we can be of assistance to you on any state issues.
OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION
District Office
2440 Texas Parkway
Suite 102
Missouri City, TX 77489
(281) 208-3574
Fax: (281) 208-3693
Capitol Office
Post Office Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768-2910
(512) 463-0494
Fax: (512) 463-1403
Ron.Reynolds@house.state.tx.us
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SEVERAL HUNDRED NEW LAWS WENT INTO EFFECT
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 |
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Here is a sample of some of the new laws:
-- On election days, Texas voters will be required to show photo identification before casting ballots.
-- Drivers will no longer have to slow down to 65 mph at night on most highways but can keep driving the daytime speed limit. The 65 mph night and truck speed limit signs are to be removed from roads by year's end, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
-- Another law lets governments use eminent domain to seize private property only if it's necessary for highways, schools or other public uses. The government then must make a "bona fide" offer to buy the property and pay landowners' relocation expenses. A new law bans property seizure for private use, which was already prohibited by a 2009 constitutional amendment.
-- Another new Texas law makes it a crime to impersonate someone online without obtaining his or her permission with the intent to harm, defraud, threaten or intimidate.
-- New legislation cracks down on drunken driving. If a suspected inebriated motorist refuses to give a blood sample, a police officer will be allowed to apply for a warrant to take a sample to determine if the blood-alcohol level is higher than the Texas legal limit of .08. Also, a driver whose blood-alcohol level is .15 or higher will automatically face a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. The previous charge was a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a six-month jail penalty.
-- And now in Texas, the capital murder charge that carries a possible death sentence if someone is convicted of killing a child applies to victims age 10 or younger. Previously, a suspect was charged with capital murder in a child's death if the victim was 6 or younger. Also, some repeat offenders convicted of certain sex offenses will be sentenced to life without parole. |
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ELECTION DAY - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011
10 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS ON TEXAS BALLOT |
Rep. Reynolds encourages voter preparedness and empowerment by knowing the issues. The 10 Constitutional Amendments on the ballot are detailed below. Early voting ends Friday, November 4, and election day is Tuesday, November 8.
FORT BEND EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS FORT BEND ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS
PROPOSITION 1 (SJR 14)
The constitutional amendment aiming to ease the financial burden on spouses of totally disabled veterans. It would allow the Legislature to exempt the surviving spouses of 100-percent disabled veterans from property taxes on all or part of the market value of their home.
PROPOSITION 2 (SJR 4)
The constitutional amendment would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue bonds for projects that will eventually become self-sustaining. TWDB, which has a zero default rate, issues bonds for water infrastructure projects. The amendment would allow the TWDB to issue a maximum of $6 billion at any time.
PROPOSITION 3 (SJR 50)
The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.
PROPOSITION 4 (HJR 63)
The constitutional amendment would allow counties to issue bonds to finance the development of transportation reinvestment zones. Such zones allow cities to use certain property tax revenues to build roads and other transportation projects in that area. Currently, cities are able to issue transportation reinvestment zone bonds, but it has been unclear whether counties have the authority to do so.
PROPOSITION 5 (SJR 26)
The constitutional amendment would make it easier and less costly for cities or counties to enter into multi-year interlocal contracts -- agreements between government agencies to share budgets. Currently, if a city or county wanted to partner with another on a project, they would have to create a special tax and a special debt fund for that project.
PROPOSITION 6 (HJR 109)
The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund.
PROPOSITION 7 (SJR 28)
The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
PROPOSITION 8 (SJR 16)
The constitutional amendment would create an open-space tax exemption for water-stewardship. Open-space is land zoned for preservation of natural resources, and historically open-space in Texas has been used for farming or timber. The amendment would add water stewardship, or conservation, to the list, providing extra incentive for individuals to conserve the 90 percent of state water that flows through privately-owned land.
PROPOSITION 9 (SJR 9)
The constitutional amendment authorizing the governor to grant a pardon to a person who successfully completes a term of deferred adjudication community supervision. Currently, the governor can only pardon convicted individuals, but the authority does not expand to those who have deferred adjudication. The governor would only be able to issue a pardon with the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles and in criminal cases excluding treason and impeachment.
PROPOSITION 10 (SJR 37)
The constitutional amendment to change the length of the unexpired term that causes the automatic resignation of certain elected county or district officeholders if they become candidates for another office. Currently, elected officials can only keep their jobs if they file for candidacy with less than one year remaining in their current term. During the legislative session, lawmakers moved the primary election filing deadline from January 2 to mid-December to accommodate military and overseas voters. This would force some elected officials to resign from their current post to file for candidacy. The amendment would change the length of unexpired term from one year to one year and 30 days.
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