Home Blog Page 344

Fall in Love With These Valentine’s Day Decor Ideas

By
Statepoint
-
0

As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, celebrations may include romantic dinners, Galentine’s Day plans or even family fun. The experts at Dollar General have provided a few budget-friendly decor ideas that everyone will love.

Romantic Night in for Two

Make a night in special by adding a few romantic details around the home. Spruce up the dining table with a vase of fresh roses, candles and a decorative tablecloth—all of which is available at your local Dollar General the week of Valentine’s Day. Also consider filling the room with colorful heart-shaped balloons and bowls of sweet candies. Dress up a wall or mantle with a banner and some of your favorite photos. Pitch a blanket fort in the living room for a fun indoor movie night. Decorate it with a holiday-themed blanket and pillows to help create a unique and memorable Valentine’s Day.

Be Mine, Galentine

For those spending the holiday with friends, incorporate all the fun Valentine’s Day decor into a Galentine’s Day celebration. Assemble a picture-perfect balloon arch by taping or stringing together pink, white, red and heart-shaped balloons. Create another space for photos by hanging streamers and a heart-shaped garland from windows or walls. Fill glass vases with red and pink candies for a charming coffee table centerpiece. Lastly, a message board could provide a fun opportunity for gathering gals to express appreciation or positive quotes. This can easily be celebrated digitally by distributing Galentine’s Day kits to friends, so everyone can that share in the decorating and celebrating.

DIY Valentine Crafts

For a fun family night in, set aside time to create crafts with the kids. Crafting can be a great way for kids to express themselves, plus their creations can serve as cost-effective decorations. One example is to hang a paper heart chain, like a garland, above a fireplace or along kitchen cabinets. For this easy and adorable craft, gather red and pink craft paper, ribbon or string, scissors and tape. Cut out hearts and a small hole in a corner to string ribbon or string through. Another fun option is to gather the family to paint glass jars with hearts or sayings. Place tasty treats like cookies or candies inside or use the jars as a vase for flowers. Don’t forget front door decorations! Find the directions to craft an easy DIY Coffee Filter Wreath for the door on DG’s crafts web page.

For more holiday decoration inspiration and ideas, visit dollargeneral.com and browse under the Inspiration tab.

By planning ahead and seeking out decoration tips and tricks, anyone can be ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day with less stress and hustle.

5 Hobbies to Keep Your Body and Mind Healthy and Happy

By
Statepoint
-
0

As the pandemic continues to restrict many of the places you are able or inclined to go, finding ways to stay active is important for keeping the body and mind healthy and happy. Here are some ideas for new hobbies to try.

• Learn a language: Bonjour! ¡Hola! With an array of online language classes and tutorials available at your fingertips, learning a new language is more accessible than ever. Start now while you fantasize about a post-pandemic vacation overseas.

• Play an instrument: Learning to play an instrument is not only a great distraction for the current moment, it can provide you with years of joy as your skill develops. Consider starting your musical journey on a Casiotone keyboard. By connecting the keyboard to the free Chordana Play app, you can easily learn to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files. Once you’ve mastered the instrument, the portability of the keyboard will come in handy, whether you play solo or join a band.

• Become a home chef: From sushi to soufflé to dumplings, there are likely a range of dishes you have never attempted making at home. Tackle your culinary bucket list, one-by-one.

• Go hiking: There is no better hobby for staying fit and communing with nature than hiking, which works every muscle of the body, boosts cardiovascular health and even improves mood and mental well-being. Track your hike using a wearable tech tool geared for outdoor enthusiasts, such as a watch from the Casio’s Pro Trek line. Quad Sensor technology packs all the measurements you need into one compact hiking watch, including a compass, altitude/barometer and temperature measurements, along with an accelerometer that tracks step count. Calorie calculations use both step count and altitude information to take upgrades and downgrades into consideration, and data is recorded by the Pro Trek connected app.

• Volunteer: At a time when many people are struggling, consider volunteering your time to serve those in need. There are plenty of safe, socially distant volunteer opportunities, from delivering meals to the homebound, to video conferencing with socially isolated seniors to helping boost adult literacy via remote tutoring.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, staying busy and positive may take creativity. However, discovering new hobbies and pursuits you love can nurture the body, mind and soul.

The Salvation Army to Utilize Day Center in Support of Homeless

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

The Salvation Army of Lufkin is planning to reopen their former Adult Day Center as a safe place of rest, comfort, and education, for those experiencing homelessness. This center, prior to the pandemic, provided daily care and social activities for seniors requiring extra assistance. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the senior program was forced to close due to the significant concerns regarding client safety. While the Day Center cannot be utilized for its original purpose at this time, The Salvation Army wishes to utilize the Day Center to meet community needs. The Salvation Army hopes to serve the growing homeless population by opening the Homeless Day Shelter and Resource Center with the goal for individuals to secure employment, housing, and ultimately become self-sufficient.

“The Salvation Army has been fortunate to serve Angelina County for almost 80 years. As the needs of the community have changed over time, our programs and services have adjusted to provide the best support,” said Captain Jenifer Phillips, of The Salvation Army in Lufkin. “When COVID-19 hit, we were disappointed to have to close the Adult Day Center as there was no way to follow CDC guidelines with day care participants returning home every day. Our priority was, and will always be, to keep our clients safe. We are looking forward to this new opportunity to serve the growing number of those experiencing homelessness right now.”

The Salvation Army has seen a heightened need due to the ongoing pandemic. Individuals and families have felt the impact through reduced hours, lost wages, and in some situations, loss of jobs. “People who have never requested assistance before have been put in the position of coming to The Salvation Army for help,” said Phillips.

Resources will include education classes, financial planning, as well as the provision of basic hygiene supplies, and food boxes. “We are committed to being here for those with nowhere else to turn,” said Phillips. “As always, community support is key to the success of our programs and we are thankful the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) are also joining us in this fight. The Salvation Army is always seeking help when it comes to serving our community. You can help through volunteering, giving financial donations, and offering prayerful support.

The Salvation Army delivers a wide range of services to individuals and families in need and this is only possible because of the generous support of the community. The most effective way to help is to make a financial donation at www.salvationarmytexas.org/Lufkin/, by calling (936) 634-5132, or mailing a check to 412 S. 3rd St. Financial donations give The Salvation Army the most flexibility to purchase items that are most needed while supporting local businesses at this challenging time.

For more information about the work of The Salvation Army in Angelina County, please contact Captains Cavon and Jenifer Phillips at (936) 634-5132 or visit them at 412 S. Third Street, Lufkin, Texas.

SHARING THE ROAD WITH 18-WHEELERS AND OTHER TRUCKS

By
Rhonda Oaks
-
0

TxDOT is reminding all drivers to take extra precautions when driving around trucks.

Thousands of large trucks and tractor-trailers travel busy Texas highways every day. Weighing 20 times more than an average car, “big rigs” require more time to accelerate and decelerate and have large blind spots that other motorists need to be aware of to help avoid a potentially deadly crash.

An 80,000-pound, loaded tractor-trailer going 65 mph can take as much as the length of a football field to come to a complete stop, which is why motorists should avoid driving too closely or swerving in front of a large truck.

Tractor-trailers and large trucks also have more and larger blind spots than passenger vehicles do. It’s important to try to stay out of these blind spots around the front, back and sides of trucks. A good rule of thumb for motorists to remember is that if they can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s side mirror, that truck driver can’t see them or their vehicle either.

To help keep everyone safe on the road, TxDOT asks motorists to give trucks plenty of room and observe the following safety tips when driving around large trucks:

  • Pass trucks safely by waiting until you can see both truck headlights in your rearview mirror before moving back into your lane. Pass a truck only when it’s legal and safe.
  • Stay away from a truck’s “No Zones,” blind spotareasin which crashes are more likely to occur. No Zones include the blind spots along each side, the space up to 20 feet in front of the cab, and the area up to 200 feet behind the trailer.
  • Maintain a safe following distance. Be sure you can see the driver in the truck’s side mirror.
  • Never cross behind a truck that is backing up.
  • Don’t squeeze between a truck and the curb. Trucks make wide right turns, and the driver may not see you.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Senate Redistricting Committee Seeks Public Comment, East Texas Region Slated For Jan 29

By
Senator Robert Nichols
-
0

Today the Senate Redistricting Committee announced they will hold a series of regional hearings to solicit testimony from the public about the upcoming redistricting process. These regional hearings will allow members of the public to testify before the Committee remotely via Zoom videoconference.

Next Friday, January 29, 2021 at 9 am the Committee will hold a hearing specifically tailored to the East Texas region. I want to encourage the public to sign up and participate in this process. Registration is now open to those who would like to testify and it will close 24 hours prior to the start of the hearing. Once registration is closed, witnesses will no longer be able to sign up to testify at that hearing but may sign up for future regional hearings. Although this hearing is focused on East Texas, the committee will hear testimony about any region of the State at any hearing.

To provide testimony by videoconference, witnesses will need access to a computer or other device with an internet connection and audio/video capability, like a smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have access to such a device, please visit your local public library.

To sign up to testify at the East Texas regional hearing, please complete the witness registration form at this address: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpcumrrzsoG9QaGcXoD0ez7rlNlbfFpHlm. That address can also be found on the hearing posting on the Senate Committee on Redistricting website. Witnesses must complete all fields including the witness affirmation to complete registration. After completing this form, witnesses will receive a registration confirmation email with a link to join the videoconference and other important information.

On the day of the hearing, participants will need to sign in to the Zoom meeting 30 minutes before it begins via the link that was emailed to them in their confirmation email. You will be prompted for a password, which is also in the confirmation email. Once you have entered your passcode, you will be placed in a virtual waiting room where you will remain until it is your turn to testify. Please watch the hearing livestream at https://senate.texas.gov/events.php to know when it will be your turn to testify.

When it is your turn to testify, the Chair will ask you to state your name and who you represent. If you’re not representing an organization, you are welcome to just say yourself. Please remember to unmute your microphone before you begin speaking.

Here is a complete list of all the regional hearings, the days they will be on, and the times they will start at. If you’d like to sign up for any other day to testify, please go to the Senate Redistricting Committee website and use the links in the hearing postings.

– 1/25 at 9 am – West Texas

– 1/26 at 9 am – South Texas

– 1/27 at 1 pm – North Texas

– 1/28 at 9 am – Central Texas

– 1/29 at 9 am – East Texas

– 2/2 at 9 am – Brownsville/Harlingen/McAllen

– 2/3 at 1 pm – San Antonio

– 2/4 at 9 am – Dallas/Ft. Worth

– 2/12 at 9 am – Houston

– 2/19 at 10 am – El Paso

– 2/26 at 9 am – Any Region

– 2/27 at 9 am – Any Region

We look forward to hearing from East Texans about this process and throughout this process. If you have any further questions about how to sign up to testify or the Redistricting process in general, please feel free to contact our office at 512-463-0103.

National Pie Day

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

National Pie Day!!! Whew, what a day to be celebrated. There is a saying “you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” but what about pie? I’m here to tell you that you CAN have your pie and eat it too.

Today, instead of sharing various pie recipes with you, I am going to share just one. One that hits close to home with me. One I grew up eating and craving for my Honey to make. 

My poppa was the kind of man that had to have something sweet to go with his meal and Honey would consistently have something on hand. Growing up around my grandparents, and sometimes in their household, I became accustomed to always having something sweet. 

One of my favorite desserts growing up was Honey’s Chocolate Pie. The filling, the meringue, the little sugar globs that boiled and were on top of the meringue… So good! One year, Honey had made two pies for someone and they were sitting on the stove cooling. When I walked by and saw the pies, I wanted it so bad. I refrained, that was until I saw the boiled sugar on top so i just stuck my finger in all the little globs and had a great time. Luckily for me, Honey could never really get mad or stay upset with me. After all, I was (and still am) the favorite grandkid.

There is something warm, and comforting about having a piece of the pie. Maybe for you, it takes you back to your childhood, or someone dropped one off while you were going through a rough time. Whatever the case, a pie can do everyone some good.

Whether you celebrate today with a piece of pie or not, keep pie always in the back of your mind. For yourself and others. You never know what dropping a pie off may do for someone. But if you have kids or grandkids be sure to watch their little fingers, cause if they are like me, you’ll have fingerprints.

When I asked my Honey for this recipe she gladly sent me a picture, but she shed a little more light on this recipe than what meets the eye. This is a recipe card she has had for about 45 years she said. Forty-five years of holding onto a pie recipe and sharing it with others. That’s a story that makes my heart smile. I hope to one day pass this recipe down to my kids and grandkids but for now, I will share it with you. 

Chocolate Pie

Filling

  • ¾ Cups of sugar
  • 4 level Tbsp corn starch
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder 
  • 3 egg yolks 
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla 
  • 1 Tbsp Butter

Meringue

  • 3 egg whites 
  • ½ cup sugar 
  • Pinch of baking soda

Combine cocoa and corn starch in a thick pot and mix well. Using a thick pot will help the filling to not burn. Add sugar to dry mix and stir well. Add milk and egg yolks. Use and whisk and start your burner on low heat. Whisk continually while it begins to thicken so it won’t burn. Once the mixture begins to thicken add a Tsp of vanilla and a Tbsp of butter. Continue to stir until butter melts. Once butter is melted and the filling is all mixed together pour into brown store bought pie crust. In a bowl combine egg whites, sugar, and baking soda and beat until you get a fluffy consistency. Top your pie with the meringue and bake at 350 degrees until the meringue is browned.

Governor Abbott, TDEM Expand COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program For Front Line Workers Of Small Businesses

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today announced the expansion of the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program for front line workers at Texas small businesses by dedicating 1 million BinaxNow Rapid Tests to the program. The COVID-19 Small Business Rapid Testing Program launched in December as a pilot program and has helped small businesses throughout the state conduct rapid tests on employees to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. 

Through this program, TDEM will provide local Chamber of Commerce organizations with COVID-19 testing supplies that will then be allocated by the Chambers of Commerce to local small businesses that choose to participate in the program. Small businesses can then administer these tests to employees who choose to participate. The program has been developed using the framework of the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot Program for Texas school systems, implemented by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and TDEM in October, that provides access to rapid testing for Texas teachers, students, and staff in participating school systems. 

“The small business rapid testing program is protecting the safety of small business owners, their employees, and Texas consumers as we continue to combat COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “By expanding this effective strategy, it will help us further detect and mitigate this virus so we can keep Texas safely open for business. Thank you to our participating Chamber of Commerce organizations for continuing to work with the State of Texas to help protect our communities and small businesses.” 

Chamber of Commerce organizations that wish to participate in the program will receive instructions for registering for the program directly from TDEM, or they may visit https://tdem.texas.gov/chambertesting/ for further information. 

Small businesses interested in participating in the program should contact their local Chamber of Commerce for more information.

My five cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
-
0

On January 25, 1839 the Lone Star flag was adopted by the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas as the national flag since Texas was an independent nation at that time. When Texas joined the United States as the 28th state six years later, the national flag became the state flag.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Senate Redistricting Committee to begin hearings

The Senate Committee on Redistricting will begin the important work of meeting to hear testimony from around the state regarding the redrawing of State House, Senate, State Board of Education, and US Congressional maps. Testimony will be open to the public, but will be virtual to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines and ensure Texans all over the state have an opportunity to participate.

Redistricting happens once every ten years. It follows the completion of the US Census. Though the Census was delayed this year due to the ongoing pandemic, we are looking forward to working on redrawing maps when we get the data. It’s my honor to serve on the Senate Redistricting Committee and I look forward to being a strong voice for East Texas during this process.

2. NRA to move to Texas

The National Rifle Association announced it is filing for bankruptcy in New York last week and said they plan to reincorporate in Texas. The Association had been incorporated in New York for approximately 150 years. The decision to leave comes due to what they call a “corrupt political and regulatory environment” in New York. Meanwhile, Texas is home to over 400,000 NRA members and will host the NRA’s Annual Meeting in Houston this year. The association will continue their work of promoting firearm safety and training, challenging anti-Second Amendment activity, and advancing public programs across the US. As a member of the NRA and a proud defender of Second Amendment rights, I’m happy to welcome the NRA to Texas.

3. Palestine Economic Development Corporation and Etex Communications partner to expand fiber broadband access

The Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) has partnered with Etex Communications to bring fiber broadband to Palestine and Anderson County. PEDC identified broadband as a key economic development issue and has worked over the last several months to study current internet access and plans to improve it. Part of the plan is to pull fiber, on Etex’s network, from Jacksonville to Palestine. To do that, PEDC committed $1.1 million to fund a portion of the cost of construction. They are focused on bringing broadband to local businesses which is vital for creating jobs, supporting economic growth, and generating revenue to do additional broadband expansion into residential communities. The goal is for PEDC and Etex to reinvest revenue to expand the network as more customers come on board. If you’re interested in learning more, PEDC and Etex encourages you to contact Etex Communications at (903) 797-1036.

4. Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship Contest Opens

The Texas Department of Transportation in partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful announced the opening of the Don’t Mess with Texas Scholarship contest on January 4. The contest is open to any Texas high school senior currently attending public, private, or home school and planning to attend college in the fall. This contest recognizes Texas high school seniors who are taking a leadership role in litter prevention in their school or community. One $5,000 Grand Prize scholarship will be awarded and two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded in May. Applications must be received by 5pm on March 31st to be considered. Sponsors for this years contest are Buc-ee’s and iHeart Media. To enter the contest, visit https://www.dontmesswithtexas.org/.

5. US Dept of Labor issues guidance for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance continuation program

The US Department of Labor issued guidelines to assist the Texas Workforce Commission in continuing to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. Congress passed the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020 at the end of last year. The bill authorized up to 11 additional benefits weeks to Texans on unemployment due to the pandemic. The bill also extends CARES Act benefits through March 13 and includes an extra $300 per week for eligible claimants. TWC announced they will automatically enroll all Texans who are eligible for benefits under the act. There is no need for anyone to call or reapply. Importantly, this does not impact work search requirements. Most Texans will still be required to conduct work searches. The list of searches by county can be found at https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/required-number-work-search-activities-county.

Weekly Legislative Update – Week 1

By
Rep. James White
-
0

Beginning this journey in public service in 2010, I started from the simple origin that every Texan is made in the image of God, and thus, being elected to serve God’s people comes with a high degree of expectations and responsibility. My staff and I love everyone in Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Polk, and Tyler counties. I am very grateful to the voters for allowing me to serve again in one of the most storied deliberative bodies in modern history: the Texas House of Representatives.

As directed by the Texas Government Code 301.001, the Texas Legislature begins its regular session on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year. Therefore, on Tuesday, January 12th, I was humbled to once again take the oath to uphold the constitutions of Texas and the United States and serve the citizens in Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Polk, and Tyler counties. As I took the oath, I was joined on the House floor at the Capitol by one of my former student athletes, B.J. Hutto, and my lovely wife, Gem White.

My floor desk assignment is Desk 77. In each desk in the Texas House, is a Christian Holy Bible. The front and back covers are blue with the Texas State Seal embossed on the front. In the front of the Bible, the member can find out which Texas legislators sat at that particular desk in past sessions, the counties they represented, and a scripture that inspired them through the session. Then at the next available blank entry, the current member has an opportunity to write his/her name, the House District he or she serves, the session number, and a scripture that will inspire him or her throughout the session. After prayerful consideration, I chose Proverbs 8:15- 16 “By Me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.” For earthly government officials, this is a reminder that although our fellow citizens have elected us to serve in three different branches of government, the power truly lies with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the People who are the Sovereigns of civil government. However, this scripture does come with an obligation or responsibility to govern justly.

Your Texas Constitution limits the regular session of the Legislature for 140 days. Article III, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution mandates that the members of the Texas House elect a speaker. The state constitution states that every member of the House is a candidate. Unless changed by a constitutional amendment, House members cannot eliminate or restrict a nomination of a member for House speaker. On the first day of the session, the members of Texas House select the Speaker or its presiding officer. During this session I proudly joined all of my colleagues to unanimously select our neighbor Rep. Dade Phelan of Beaumont.

Additionally, the sights at your Capitol are very different due to the protocols in place to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Both the House and Senate have put rules in place that must be followed by Texas citizens wishing to come either tour the building or petition their government. The Senate requires all visitors to test and receive a negative COVID test before entering the building.

However, the Texas House has left the decision to each individual member. Our office does not discourage visits from any constituent who wishes to visit their Texas Capitol during the legislative session. This legislative office belongs to you. I will not require you to make an appointment and the wearing of a mask is your discretion. I understand that the Governor’s mask order has exemptions for youth and medical reasons. I trust the virtue of our constituents. I will have masks and hand sanitizer available. Your legislative office is on the 4th floor and we have a small space outside of the office where we can meet with you and practice social distancing.

My staff has been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). To ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors and promote the continuity of government, my staff will wear masks in the Capitol. My staff will test regularly for the COVID-19 antigens. Continuity of government, that is, being able to maintain legislative operations is paramount. Staff will cross train on legislative office responsibilities and have contingencies to work off site remotely in the event of an infection or exposure. As with our constituents and visitors, I respect health information privacy and health care freedom. I have asked my staff to consult with their doctors regarding the vaccine and distribution eligibility should they want to take one.

Austin public health officials have offered state legislators COVID-19 vaccination regardless of their health conditions and outside the bounds of the state priority guidelines. As I have stated several days ago, I will not jump the line in front of our veterans, senior citizens, Texans with high risk health conditions, and essential professionals and workers such as truck drivers, teachers, and grocery store workers, to name a few. I am not 65 years of age or older and I do not have high risk health conditions. I will continue practicing sound precautions, exercising, eating healthy, and waiting my turn in line.

Instead, my focus is on increasing the vaccination opportunities for the seniors, veterans, and other Texans that are desperately calling my office seeking information about how to get vaccinated. Concerned about their congregations, pastors are calling as well for information. On Wednesday, January 13th, I scheduled a vaccine administration coordination meeting with our county judges, public health officials, emergency response coordinators, and other stakeholders. This meeting also included the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Associate Commissioner for Laboratory and Infectious Disease Imelda Garcia. We discussed the needs in East Texas. Commissioner Garcia assured our county judges that if they plan and resource mass vaccination points and clearly show that they will use all requested vaccines, DSHS will coordinate with the CDC to ensure that we get the vaccine supply requested.

The House and Senate both adjourned on January 14th and will convene once again on the 26th. This is a customary adjournment on inauguration years to allow members who wish to attend the presidential inauguration at our nation’s capital. However, I am meeting with constituents and drafting legislation in Austin.

The Capitol of Texas belongs to you and visiting the Capitol during the biennial legislative session is a great experience. To assist in arranging your visit please call Saul Mendoza, my Chief of Staff, at (512) 463-0490. Or, you can email him at saul.mendoza@house.texas.gov

Drug-Free All Stars Meet with Representative Trent Ashby

By
Joshua Blackwell
-
0

In preparation for the start of the start of the 87th Texas legislative session, four Drug-Free All Stars met with Representative Trent Ashby to share information on topics that directly impact high school students. Madilyn Simmons (Pineywoods Community Academy) shared information about raising the alcohol excise tax in Texas and how that would help curb underage drinking. Emma Airington (Hudson High School) discussed the importance of funding tobacco prevention at recommended CDC levels. Gracie Bonnin (Lufkin High School) explained how classifying e-cigarettes as tobacco products would help reduce youth use. Holden Boulware (Zavalla High School) spoke about the importance of specialty court funding for reducing recidivism and helping offenders with substance abuse issues reintegrate into society. The Coalition, Inc. would like to thank Representative Ashby for meeting with these students and listening to the problems that affect them and other students in Texas.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about Drug-Free All Stars, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

1...343344345...759Page 344 of 759