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Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Federal Approval For Automatic SNAP Benefit Replacements For Eight Disaster Counties

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to automatically provide replacement benefits for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for food lost or destroyed due to Hurricane Laura in eight of the impacted counties: Hardin, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby and Tyler. Those eight counties met federal criteria for mass replacements of benefits based on the severity of storm impacts in their area.

“I thank our federal partners for approving these replacement benefits and for their ongoing support as Texas recovers from Hurricane Laura,” said Governor Abbott. “This will help our communities focus on rebuilding and recovering from this storm, while helping ensure that families can continue to provide healthy food for their families.” 

“This mass replacement of benefits can help communities focus on resuming their lives in the wake of this disaster,” said Wayne Salter, Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services deputy executive commissioner. “We’re hopeful that this approval can help families have peace of mind knowing they can access healthy, nutritious foods.”

SNAP recipients in the eight impacted counties do not need to take any action to receive their replacement benefits. A percentage of the benefit allotment for August will be automatically issued to all regular SNAP households in the affected counties and placed on their Lone Star cards by September 18. Individuals in these counties have until September 30 to report other food loss and request additional benefits in addition to the benefits automatically replaced.

HHSC also received approval to waive the 10-day reporting requirement in 35 additional counties so that impacted households will have until Sept. 30, 2020, to report SNAP food loss and request replacement benefits. SNAP recipients in these counties must apply for replacement benefits.

Impacted eligible counties in Governor Abbott’s disaster declaration include: Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Brazoria, Camp, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Franklin, Galveston, Gregg, Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Matagorda, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Polk, Red River, Rusk, San Jacinto, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Upshur, Walker, Waller, Wharton, and Wood.

To allow people to continue social distancing and stay at home, HHSC is encouraging SNAP clients to request their replacement food benefits by calling 2-1-1 and pressing option 2. Alternately, recipients can download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits) on the HHSC website. To limit exposure to COVID-19, recipients are encouraged to mail or fax the completed form to HHSC instead of visiting their local offices. Completed forms should be mailed to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, PO Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 1-877-447-2839. For more information, please visit hhs.texas.gov.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits. To find local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 and select option 1.

Georgia-Pacific Partners with Habitat to Build New Homes in Huntington

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Georgia-Pacific is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County (HFHAC) to help build new homes in the City of Huntington for two local families in need. This is the first time the non-profit organization has selected new home sites in the south end of the county.

“We have built many homes in Lufkin and Diboll since the organization was founded in 1995,” said Susan Robertson, Habitat Executive Director. “However, it is only fitting that we expand our operations to other areas within the county as we celebrate 25 years of service.”

Georgia-Pacific has donated funds that will help Habitat build the new home sites in Huntington. As an ongoing supporter of Habitat, Georgia-Pacific is proud to continue to play a part in securing decent, affordable home ownership for area families. “For almost 90 years, Georgia-Pacific has been an integral part of the communities we call home,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public Affairs Manager. “We realize the importance of creating value for our community and supporting organizations like Habitat that make us stronger together.”

The two families purchasing the homes have already been selected. They will contribute 300 hours of sweat equity, and will work alongside volunteers to build their homes. The new homeowners will also receive financial literacy training.

Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County has built homes for over 20 low income families. The organization constructs new homes for families in need and provide mortgage servicing where Habitat finances and manages each partner family’s mortgage, taxes, and home insurance. “Through the Habitat program, families receive a home that is safe and affordable, with no closing costs or down payment, low or no interest, and pay off the loan over a 20-year period through affordable monthly payments,” said Robertson.

Nichols joins bipartisan group of legislators calling for State broadband plan

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Last week, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) co-authored a letter with Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) to Governor Abbott outlining the need for a statewide broadband plan. Almost 90 legislators from both sides of the aisle signed on to the letter that highlighted the lack of broadband access in rural areas of the state.

“Broadband accessibility is one of the biggest obstacles East Texans face and have faced for years,” Senator Nichols said. “Now, during the coronavirus pandemic, it has become even more essential that the state takes proactive steps toward developing this critical infrastructure.”

Forty-four states and Puerto Rice have developed statewide broadband plans, giving Texas various examples of what a plan might look like and essential points to include. The letter highlighted several key elements in other states’ plans, including establishing clear goals and objectives, identifying potential policy barriers, creating regional approaches, encouraging collaboration between various entities, evaluating existing assets, and assessing current and future demand for broadband access.

“Texas’ lack of a statewide broadband plan leaves rural communities at a disadvantage,” said State Representative Trent Ashby. “Many rural Texans do not have adequate broadband infrastructure, limiting their access to telework and other essential services, such as remote learning and telemedicine. At a time when remote work and learning are becoming more prevalent due to the coronavirus pandemic, high-speed internet access has never been more important,” Ashby added.

Additionally, certain federal funding programs award more priority points for states with a broadband plan when considering applications. Without one, Texas providers start out at a disadvantage.

“Funding applications submitted by Texas broadband providers start out at a point deficit in competitive processes because we do not have a state broadband plan,” the letter reads. “Texas is leaving federal funds on the table that could help bridge the digital divide in our state.”

The letter builds on steps Senator Nichols took last session with the passage of SB 14, a bill that allowed electric co-ops to use their existing easement to deploy high-speed broadband.

“The idea with SB 14 was to lower barriers to providing broadband in rural areas where cooperatives already have easements for electric service and where they can already place the necessary fiber,” Senator Nichols said. “I believe it’s time for the Legislature to take action to bridge the gap and figure out a way deliver on the broadband access that all Texans deserve.”

Elevate Your Grill Game With These Tips

By
Statepoint
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Barbecue season might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your flavors can’t be amped up. Experts say that no matter what equipment you’re using, the secret to elevating your grill game and bringing to mind your favorite barbecue joint is hardwood pellets.

“With the amazing wood smoke flavors that cooking with wood pellets offer, it’s truly a game changer for any backyard barbecue,” says Ben Madden, product manager at Bear Mountain BBQ Woods, crafter of gourmet, hardwood pellets. Bear Mountain BBQ pellets are made from 100% premium all-natural hardwoods, with no flavorings, fillers, or additives, which create amazing wood-smoke flavor.

Pellet grills have soared in popularity over the past few years and show no signs of slowing down, mostly due to the flavor, versatility, and convenience they provide over other types of grills. Using a pellet grill along with hardwood pellets creates wood-fired flavor that truly elevates the overall grilling experience.

No pellet grill? No problem. Here are some alternate ways to use pellets on any type of grill or smoker.

• Fill a pellet smoking tube as directed by the manufacturer and light the pellets using a torch. When the flame goes out, the pellets will smolder and smoke. This method is great for smoking food on gas and charcoal grills.

• Fold a large handful of pellets in foil and crimp the edges. Poke a few small holes in the pouch and place it on top of the burner or coals. This works great to reverse-sear food — smoking first, then finishing over higher heat.

Just keep in mind, different pellet blends create different flavors. The team at Bear Mountain has dialed in the right combinations of hardwoods to craft the best flavor for different types of grilled meats and vegetables. A rule of thumb is stronger hardwoods add richness to beef, medium to mild woods pair perfectly with chicken, pork and vegetables, and lighter fruitwoods complement the delicious flavors of seafood. Having a variety of pellet types handy can help you become a more versatile grill master.

So, what should you serve up next? For a dish that’s both down home and a cut above, try this Reverse Sear Tri-Tip recipe. Tri-tip is a perfect cut of meat to reverse sear and lock in that juicy, smoke flavor with a high-temperature finish. Straight from Bear Mountain’s recipe collection, you can use a pellet grill or a gas or electric grill with the folded foil method.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 1-2 hours, depending on size

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds tri-tip trimmed

• 3 tablespoons Coffee Spice BBQ Rub (recipe on bearmountainbbq.com)

• Olive oil

Preparation:

  1. Lightly coat the meat with olive oil, then Coffee Spice Rub to completely cover the meat.
  2. Set grill to 225 F. When up to temperature, place meat on the center of the grill and close the lid.
  3. Slow cook to approximately 120 F, then increase the temperature to high to sear the outside.
  4. Continue to cook until reaching an internal temperature of 130 F (for medium-rare).
  5. Remove from the grill, tent with foil and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove foil, slice and serve.

For more recipes, tips and information about Bear Mountain, visit bearmountainbbq.com

With a few new grill techniques, you can make this weekend all about incredible flavor.

Home Projects That Don’t Require a Professional

By
Statepoint
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While spending more time at home, you may have noticed the little things that need to be fixed, and small ways you can improve the appearance and functionality of your home. So why not use this time to test your skills with a few DIY projects?

Here are some easy, affordable tips to fix those items that have been nagging at you, as well as check off small projects that will boost your home’s aesthetic.

  1. First impressions are everything. From your family and friends to the mail carrier, your front door greets everyone who comes to your home. But it can take a beating from weather and constant use, so revitalize it with a fresh coat of paint. Once the paint has dried, accent it with a new door knocker, hardware or address plate. Worried about drilling into the door? Secure these items with T-Rex Mounting Tape. Mounting tape is a strong, weather-resistant tape for heavy-duty projects that replaces nails, screws and staples.
  2. Trim the walls. Accenting a room with wood trim is a quick way to add another level of depth and detail to the interior of your home, and it won’t cost a lot. Your local home improvement store can provide the best trim to fit your budget. For a smooth installation, ditch the nail gun and runny glues, and opt for a fast-adhering super glue tape, which sticks on contact and works just as well as traditional nails.
  3. Bolster your security. Feeling safe at home is important, and security cameras are a quick and easy solution to deter unwanted visitors and offer you peace of mind. If you’ve been toying with the idea of adding smart devices and cameras to the exterior of your home, look to install them above high-risk entry points, such as the front door, back and side doors, and the garage. There are many great security cameras that can be easily mounted to the exterior of your home without professional installation.
  4. Effortless gutter repair. One project to check off your list is fixing that leaky gutter you’ve been ignoring. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting a task as it might seem. Simply wrap waterproof tape around the leak and smooth it around all of the gutter ridges for a tight seal. Formulated to withstand extreme temperatures from -70 to 200 degrees, the UV-resistant formulation will prevent the tape from breaking down under harsh sunlight. Now how simple was that?

During these uncertain times, staying active and checking those to-dos off your list will give both you and your home a much needed refresher.

Governor Abbott Deploys Texas A&M Task Force 1 To Louisiana Ahead Of Tropical Storm Sally

By
Joshua Blackwell
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At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy Texas A&M Task Force 1 to Louisiana as the state prepares for Tropical Storm Sally. Texas A&M Task Force 1 has deployed a Type 1 urban search-and-rescue team consisting of 80 personnel, 6 boats, and 4 canines.  

“As our friends in Louisiana prepare for Tropical Storm Sally, the State of Texas is ready to assist in response and recovery efforts,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the members of Texas A&M Task Force 1 who are acting swiftly to help our neighbors in Louisiana, and I ask all Texans to pray for those in the path of this storm. Our neighbors in Louisiana were there for us during Hurricane Harvey, and we will be here for them as Tropical Storm Sally nears their shores.” 

Texas A&M Task Force 1 functions as one of the 28 federal teams under FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue System and is one of two statewide search and rescue teams under the direction of the TDEM.

Great Ways to Celebrate National Piano Month

By
Joshua Blackwell
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September is National Piano Month, a month-long celebration of a versatile and beautiful instrument. Whether you are a novice, a virtuoso or just a fan, there are many ways to celebrate pianos and the music that they make.

To get inspired, check out these great ideas from singer, musician and lifestyle blogger, Rachael Burgess:

• Listen to piano music. Piano music is versatile, from soft coffee house instrumental, to powerful ballads. This is the perfect time to delve into piano music and discover what you love. Make a playlist of your favorites, and listen all month long.

• Play. You don’t have to be a seasoned musician to enjoy playing a keyboard. Most popular songs are made up of very simple chord progressions that anyone can learn to play — and you are never too old or too young to try.

• Support a pianist. Know any piano players? Tell them you would love to listen to them play and set up a time for a mini concert.

• Mix up your practice routine. Are you already a pianist? Sit down and write out some musical goals you have for the month of September. Figure out ways you can practice better so you can achieve them.

• Record a new piece. Learn a new song. Once you’ve nailed it, record it. You don’t have to share it, but it’s fun to look back and see how you’ve improved over the years. Or compose your own piece, choosing a topic that resonates with your soul.

• Invest in a new keyboard. There is nothing like a new instrument to give you a greater appreciation for music. If you are shopping around, consider the expansive portfolio of digital keyboards and pianos from Casio, which have features that appeal to musicians of all skill levels. The Privia PX-S1000, for example, can be connected to your smartphone and controlled via the free Chordana Play for Piano app. You can also digitally record music by connecting your keyboard via USB to your computer. With keys meant to imitate real ivory and a warm rich sound, it’s a compact, portable option that’s modern and stylish.

• Broadcast your talent. If you’re not ready to perform in front of a live audience, sharing your talent online can feel less intimidating. It gives you the ability to tape your performance, one or 100 times, so you can get it just right.

From honing your skills to deepening your appreciation for the instrument, there are many ways to celebrate the piano this month and beyond.

Governor Abbott Deploys Resources To Assist In Fighting California Wildfires

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today announced that firefighters and support personnel from across Texas have been deployed to help combat the devastating wildfires currently impacting the state of California. Approximately 190 firefighters, 50 fire trucks, and 10 command vehicles from 56 fire departments in Texas will be deployed to California today. These resources are in addition to the 44 firefighters, 10 fire trucks, and 2 command vehicles previously deployed in late August. 

This deployment is made possible through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), where the state of Texas is able to mobilize resources from fire departments across the state. 

“Texas is ready to answer the call for help when disaster strikes — whether it’s here in the Lone Star State or across the country,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the brave men and women serving in our fire departments across Texas for stepping up to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn. I ask all Texans to join me and Cecilia in prayer for the courageous firefighters battling these wildfires, as well as for those who have been affected by this disaster.”

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As our nation observes the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that stole thousands of American lives, I hope we reflect on the selfless courage of the first responders who rushed into harm’s way to save countless others. Though we mourn the fearless men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice that solemn September morning, we must reaffirm our gratitude to all of the brave men and women who wear the badge today. Together, we can reclaim the spirit and unity that followed 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. God bless their sacrifice; God bless their memory; and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

With that, here’s this week’s Capitol update. . .

Capitol Update

With hunting season finally underway, sportsmen and women across the state can finally head to the field to enjoy one of our state’s most cherished pastimes. As folks started to obtain their hunting license for this year, my office received numerous calls from constituents who were required to provide an email address in order to purchase their license. While this was thought to be a consequence of recently passed legislation allowing hunters and anglers to purchase and obtain their license online or on their phone, many folks don’t have an email address and have never needed one in order to obtain a hunting license. My office promptly contacted Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) about this issue, as this requirement does not align with the spirit of its enabling legislation and places and undue burden on those wishing to obtain a valid license. I’m pleased to report that after expressing my concern with the new requirement to TPWD Executive Director, Carter Smith, TPWD has issued clarifying correspondence to all authorized license issuers in Texas so that sportsmen and women may continue purchasing hunting licenses without providing an email address.

If you’ve been keeping up with my columns, you know how strongly I feel about increasing access to broadband internet in underserved areas. Never has access to broadband been more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the disparities between those households near broadband infrastructure and cellular service, and the over 800,000 rural Texans without access to either. As such, I’m proud to lead nearly 90 other state legislators in a bipartisan effort to establish a statewide broadband plan. By creating clear and achievable objectives, we can develop the infrastructure to increase broadband access for all Texans — particularly those who have been left behind thus far.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our District office may be reached at (936) 634-2762.

Lawn Care for the Fall

By
Cary Sims
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This is the time of year that I get a variety of questions about lawns, and the clock is running out.

The “clock” is the coming cooler weather and the first frost where your turfgrass will go dormant.

When should a homeowner do their last fertilization, should you seed/sod a new lawn now, and when do you quit watering your lawn?

You’ve got the rest of September to fertilize with a “winter-izer” fertilizer. It is a very beneficial practice but don’t do it too late. Generally, research recommends the absolute latest fall fertilizer application should be made at least six weeks before the location’s historic first-frost date. Our historic first frost is mid-November. So six week before that is October 1.

Fertilizing too late in the fall would be like someone preparing you supper just before bedtime! Your lawn is preparing for winter dormancy and a late feeding could be more disruptive than helpful.

Do add lime… if you need it. If you need to add lime to reduce acidic soils, add lime now to your lawns. Lime helps to neutralize the pH in our commonly low pH soils. Lime isn’t really a fertilizer although it does contain Calcium, a secondary nutrient for plants. Lime’s purpose is to provide a better environment for the plants to grow. One of its better attributes is that it allows nutrients to be more available.

Keep watering until all visible growth has stopped. I’ve had a number of folks ask if they should water during the winter months. It is true that your lawn and shrubs and other perennials need moisture year-round, but our climate typically provides enough moisture in our winter not to water. In the coming weeks (and certainly after our first frost) you can completely turn off your sprinkler system.

When to turn the irrigation system back on? April is naturally a good time. The grass will likely have started growing at that time and warm, drier weather would be starting.

If you are looking to start a new lawn, this is a tricky time. Certainly you can sod or seed now but cold weather is coming. The biggest concern is if the grasses become established before the winter shuts down active growth and establishment.

Watch and treat for diseases that are at their worst in the fall. Most fungal problems in lawns get their start in the spring, take a hiatus in the hot, dry summer and then really get roaring in the cool fall months. Interestingly, the most pampered yards are the ones that will have the most disease problems.

Too much pampering in the form of excessive watering and fertilizer may give you the greenest and lushest lawn in the neighborhood. Yet those excesses also sets up a lawn for the fungus problems.

Do treat for weeds in the fall to help stop the early spring weeds. You can (and should) treat for weeds each fall. Problematic warm season perennial weeds such as Spurge and Virginia Buttonweed can be killed now before they go dormant. Annual spring weeds such as Lawn Burweed and Henbit can be best controlled with preemergent herbicides as they are just trying to germinate.

Products may not be clearly marked as “preemergent” but may instead have language on them such as “weed preventer.” So, being familiar with some of the active ingredients can be helpful.

Common active ingredients used for preemergence control include prodiamine, dithiopyr, pendimethalin, isoxaben and others.

I have long recommended Atrazine. There are lots of products on the shelves at lots of stores that contain this active ingredient. It is very safe to use on our most common turf grass, St. Augustine.

So do these practices and set your turfgrass up to be one of the best in the neighborhood come next spring.

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