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Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Certifies 2020-21 State Budget

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today announced his certification of House Bill 1, the general appropriations act that was approved by both houses during the recently gaveled regular session of the 86th Texas Legislature. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott.

HB 1 appropriates $250.7 billion in total spending for the state’s budget during the 2020-21 biennium.

“I want to congratulate the Legislature on a very productive session,” Hegar said. “The state made important progress on some key issues affecting our state. I’m proud to certify this budget and send it on to Gov. Abbott for final approval.”

HB 1 is certified based on the most recent total revenue projection released in May, which includes an upward revision of $518 million and accounts for the passage of online marketplace legislation, which added approximately $550 million in additional sales tax revenue.  

Hegar pledged to continue to monitor the Texas economy, noting that it has expanded at a rapid pace over the last 18 months.   

“We’ve seen tremendous growth in Texas over the last year and a half, which allowed lawmakers to make historic investments in education and provide much-needed property tax relief,” Hegar added. “Uncertainty in the global economy, however, as well as increasing unpredictability surrounding international trade policy at the federal level, may have dampening effects on the Texas economy in the coming years.” 

The Legislature also addressed some key long-term concerns that Hegar has highlighted in recent years, such as teacher pensions and healthcare. But Hegar noted that long-term liability concerns continue to put downward pressure on the state’s credit rating. 

“As I prepare our cash flow analysis ahead of my annual visit to New York to meet with representatives from the credit rating agencies, some key obligations will continue to require legislative attention in future sessions,” Hegar said. “We anticipate the Employees Retirement System pensions, ongoing costs associated with Medicaid and the future healthcare needs of teachers to remain in focus when lawmakers return in two years.”

Media can access images and video footage of the budget certification on the Comptroller’s website.

FOG SEAL TO BE APPLIED BEGINNING NEXT WEEK

By
Rhonda Oaks
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The Lufkin District will begin fog seal operations on Monday, June 10, in various areas that will require intermittent lane closures.

A fog seal is an application of a specially formulated asphalt emulsion (thin liquid oil) to an existing asphalt pavement surface. It is applied as a spray to the surface and aids in extending the life of the existing roadway. D.I.J. Construction, Giddings TX, will serve as contractor for the project that should be completed in about two weeks, weather permitting.

Roads that are scheduled for a fog seal treatment include US 59 in Shelby County from the Panola County line to the US 84 overpass; US 59 in Nacogdoches County northbound from near SL 224 to the Angelina River Bridge; US 69/SL 287 in Angelina County from just east of BU 69/Kurth Drive to the just east of FM 3439/Spence Street; US 59 in Polk County from the Neches River to just north of US 287 in Corrigan, and from the UPRR overpass at Choates Creek (just north of BU 59) to SL 393.

As this project begins, motorists are urged to reduce speed and respect the work zone. Prepare for intermittent lane closures as the work progresses. Motorists could experience delays during peak travel hours.

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

COMMISSION APPROVES NEW PROJECTS FOR LUFKIN DISTRICT

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Texas transportation commissioners last week approved more than $592.8 million in highway construction projects, with more than $3 million approved for the Lufkin District.

Improvements to crossovers on various divided highways in the Lufkin District were approved for a $1.4 million safety highway improvement project that will include upgrading signing and striping. Striping Technology LP, Tyler, TX, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

US 84 from just east of LP 157 in Tenaha to Morris Creek in Shelby County and SH 94 from Herndon Street to BU 59 (Timberland Drive) in Angelina County were approved for a $1.3 million project that will include resurfacing the roadway. Moore Brothers Construction Company, Lufkin TX, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

US 96 at McKim Creek in Sabine County and FM 139 at Tenaha Bayou in Shelby County were approved for a $260,935 bridge maintenance project. FNH Construction LLC, Farmers Branch, TX, will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline for completion has been set.

As these projects begin, motorists are asked to stay alert and respect the work zones. Reduce speed and prepare for intermittent delays as work progresses.

For more information about road closures and conditions statewide, visit drivetexas.org. For more information on Lufkin District projects, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

AMAZON’S TREASURE TRUCK AND AMAZON BABY REGISTRY LAUNCH FIRST STEPS, A MONTH-LONG, FIVE-CITY CONSUMER POP-UP REGISTRY EXPERIENCE

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Treasure Truck, Amazon’s rolling retail experience, will embark on a five-city consumer pop-up experience this June in collaboration with Amazon Baby Registry. Kicking-off June 1st and 2nd in Seattle, First Steps will bring to life the online registry experience, offering customers a fresh approach to shopping for little ones on the way. Additional city stops include Los Angeles (June 8-9), Houston (June 15-16), Atlanta (June 22-23), and New York City (June 29-30).

This one-of-a-kind event will allow attendees to get hands-on with must-have baby registry essentials and enjoy an array of surprise-and-delight moments throughout the expansive layout. Guests will experience a toy playroom featuring best-selling merchandise for infants and toddlers, a car seat display to “test drive” the latest in car seat safety and technology, a stroller test park, complimentary beverage offerings, a furniture pop-up house, a premium clothing area, and more.

Amazon’s Treasure Truck and Amazon Baby Registry have set out to infuse whimsy, enjoyment, and a chance to meet with Amazon representatives who will be sharing tips and tricks to help you with all of your registry needs. For more information on Treasure Truck and Amazon Baby Registry First Steps events, visit www.amazon.com/firststeps.

All First Steps City Stop Locations Include:

• Seattle (June 1-2) o Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion Rooftop (305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109)

• LA (June 8-9) o Hollywood Modern Warehouse (4317 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004)

• Houston (June 15-16) o Silver Street Studios (2000 Edwards St, Houston, TX 77007) • Atlanta (June 22-23) o The Fairmont (1429 Fairmont Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318)

• NYC (June 29-30) o Brooklyn Expo Center, Main Hall (72 Noble St, Brooklyn, NY 11222)

For more information on specific city programming, local brand participants, and more information on the Amazon Treasure Truck, visit www.amazon.com/treasuretruck and sign up for Treasure Truck notifications.

For more information on Amazon Baby Registry, please visit www.amazon.com/babyregistry

STATE WARNS DISTRACTED DRIVING STILL A PROBLEM

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Approximately 1 in 5crashes in Texas involves distracted driving, which continues to be a problem in the state, even after a state law banned texting and driving in 2017.

“Our message is no longer just a public safety suggestion to urge Texans to avoid distraction while operating a vehicle – it is to remind them of the law that now forbids such activity,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “One life lost is one too many and distracted driving is completely preventable.”

The statewide texting while driving ban could be helping a little. According to recent data, the number of crashes involving distracted driving in Texas decreased by 6% when comparing the 12-month periods before and after the statewide texting-while-driving ban took effect on Sept. 1, 2017. Then in 2018, TxDOT introduced the “Heads up, Texas” to address the new law with a new call to action.

The 2019 campaign will kick off June 4 in San Antonio with the return of a 12-city, virtual reality experience tour in collaboration with AT&T It Can Wait to educate Texans about the dangers of driving while being distracted.

Other campaign activities include social media and audio and video/television PSAs.

The “Heads up, Texas” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader word-of-mouth and social media effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel. Since November 8, 2000, at least one person has died on Texas roadways every single day. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on our roadways.

For media inquiries contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

TxDOT PREPARED FOR HURRICANE SEASON

By
Rhonda Oaks
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File picture from 2019 - TxDOT Lufkin District leaders met Monday to finalize hurricane preparations for the 2019 hurricane season. The agency is urging the public to also be prepared.

LUFKIN – Lufkin District supervisors and district leaders met Monday to discuss the 2019 hurricane season forecast and preparations, addressing district actions and responses should a hurricane move inland from the Texas Gulf Coast.

Hurricane season officially began June 1 and will end on November 30. TxDOT urges motorists and residents to prepare now for any weather emergency that might occur during this time. Residents are urged to make a plan that includes:

  • How to receive emergency alerts and warnings 
  • Prepare a shelter-in-place plan and stock up on needed supplies
  • Locate the closest evacuation routes
  • Make a communication plan for family members in case you are separated during a storm

Motorists are urged to familiarize themselves with evacuation route maps ahead of time. Major evacuation routes leading from the Gulf Coast through East Texas include US 69, US 59 and US 96. These maps can be found attxdot.gov and show detailed areas from Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Houston, Pharr and Yoakum. Also on this page,https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/safety/weather/hurricane.html,  you will find a listing that will link you to other emergency services, agencies, weather forecasts and even live traffic camera feeds.

East Texans are urged to keep an emergency kit of non-perishable foods and bottled water on hand, as well as extra gasoline, batteries, flashlights, candles, and a battery-operated radio in case of a power loss. Motorists are urged to reduce speed, buckle up and stay alert when driving in any inclement weather.

“Early preparation is key to staying safe in a weather event such as a hurricane or tornado,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “We urge all East Texans to make a plan. As always, TxDOT crews are prepared to work around the clock, if needed, in the on-going effort to keep the traveling public safe.”

Motorists should never attempt to drive around a barricaded roadway into a flooded area. It is illegal to go around TxDOT orange cones or barricades. In the case of local flooding, check TxDOT Lufkin on Twitter for local closures and alerts, TxDOT on Facebook or drivetexas.org for road conditions statewide. 

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

The Governor’s Signature

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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By the time you read this column, the Texas House will have adjourned Sine Die (meaning without assigning a day for a further meeting), closing the curtain on the 86th Legislative Session. While in previous sessions, legislators returned home with the looming possibility of a special session, Governor Abbott has indicated that given the productive nature of this session, no special session will be called. It has truly been an honor to serve as your Representative this session, and I look forward to spending more time in the district giving updates on the progress we’ve made, and also having conversations about issues that need to be addressed during the 87th Legislative Session. Until then, please know that both our Capitol and district offices will still be available to assist you with any issues or concerns you might have at the state or local level.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .

Legislative Update

Under the Texas Constitution, bills passed by the Legislature must be submitted to the Governor for approval. The Governor can sign a bill, veto a bill, or allow a bill to become law without his signature. Governor Abbott has 20 days after the final day of session to sign or veto a bill, and if neither action is taken, the bill becomes law without his signature. Sunday, June 16th, is the 20th day following final adjournment of the 86th Regular Session, and legislators will wait in eager anticipation with the hope that their bills are not vetoed during this period. With that in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to give you an update on some of the legislation I filed this session.

Of the 14 bills I passed out of the House and Senate this session, six have already been signed by the Governor. Already receiving his signature is a measure to cut burdensome red tape, while protecting the precious groundwater resources in East Texas. Another promotes taxpayer fairness by preventing appraisal districts from artificially raising taxes on timber owners, and one designates May 4th as Firefighter Appreciation Day in Texas. Still awaiting his signature is a bill that encourages school students to master critical civics knowledge, such as the names of our founding fathers, information about our constitution, and the importance of some of the critical events that made our country the great nation it is today. Additionally, I hope to receive the Governor’s approval on a bill that would ensure no taxpayer dollars are wasted when agencies go through the process of finally approving state contracts with outside legal counsel, and another to protect teachers’ right to remove disruptive students from the classroom.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: June 5th at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 9:00-11:00am, or at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville from 1:30-3:30pm; June 19th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crocket from 9:00am-11:00am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30pm-3:30pm; and finally on June 26th at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:00am-11:00am.

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, or you can call our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

Tobacco Cessation Classes Starting in June

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Coalition, Inc. is partnering with Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin to provide FREE cessation classes to adults that want to quit smoking. There are many benefits for people who stop smoking including, reduced risk of tobacco-related diseases and early death. With support and encouragement, you can double your chances of successfully quitting. The Freshstart program can be your start to a new life without cigarettes! The program consists of a 1- hour session each week for 4 weeks. Participants will receive a free workbook plus the support and guidance of a trained facilitator. Classes begin May 6th and continue each Thursday evening through June 27th, 2019. Class time will be 5:30PM – 6:30PM. To register, please call The Coalition at 634-9308.

Since 1988, The Coalition, Inc. 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. The Coalition is one of the oldest substance abuse prevention community coalitions in the United States. For more information, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Drug-Free All Star Scholarship Luncheon

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Camryn Lee, graduate of Central High School, with her scholarship from KSWP/KAVX and Contractor’s Supplies Inc. Pictured with Randy Batten from Contractor’s Supplies, Inc. and Al Ross from KSWP/KAVX.

This year, with the help of community sponsors, The Coalition presented scholarships to the top six Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars. The six Drug-Free All Stars were selected for their commitment to promoting a drug-free lifestyle to their community and their involvement in the program throughout the year. The 2018-2019 Drug-Free All Stars went above and beyond to help promote a drug-free lifestyle to everyone in their community and worked diligently throughout the year at community events to share their passion for being drug-free with others. The six Drug-Free All Stars selected to receive a scholarship were Alison Acevedo, graduate of Hudson High School; Brent Barber, graduate of Central High School; Camryn Lee, graduate of Central High School; Kennady Martin, graduate of Huntington High School; Natalie Goodwin, graduate of Diboll High School; and Alex Sanchez, graduate of Diboll High School. Thank you to the community partners who made these scholarships possible. Community donors include: Lufkin Coca-Cola; Southwood Drive Animal Clinic; Charanza Law Firm; Bartlett, Baggett, & Shands; KSWP/KAVX; Contractor’s Supplies, Inc.; Pineywoods OB/GYN; Whataburger/GVCS; and East Texas Asphalt. We are proud of everything the 2018-2019 Drug-Free All Stars accomplished this year and wish them luck in all their future endeavors.

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 the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Beautiful wildflower or weed?

By
Cary Sims
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Driving around, any astute observer has surely noticed the abundant wildflowers on the side of the road. In my area we have worlds of Black-Eyed Susan (the yellow flower) and the white flower about the size of a silver dollar is Queen Anne’s Lace.

Or if you have these white flowers in your pasture, you’d know them as Wild carrot.

And the scientific name is Daucus carota.

It’s called Queen Anne’s Lace, or wild carrot depending on your view of it. It is a non-native plant, brought to America by Europeans who wanted it for the garden. It easily spread. Its name, legend has it, came from Queen Anne, who was challenged by friends to create lace as beautiful as the flower. The story goes that while making the lace, the queen accidentally pricked her finger and had a drop of blood. Continuing the story, the plant’s grouping of tiny flowers sometimes has a tiny purple flower at its center that represents that tiny drop of blood.

As a non-native, it can typically do very well in another setting as they do not have their natural enemies that typically keep them in check.

It’s funny to me that both those common names are well known by how you view the plant. Vegetable growers yank Wild carrot up and hay producers spray it to clean up pastures.

Flower enthusiasts buy the seed for Queen Anne’s Lace and plant it carefully after all chance of frost has passed on a well-prepared seed bed. In fact, I found it online marketed under the label of “organic, heirloom and GMO free!” Oh my.

However you find these European transplants, they are especially abundant this year due to optimum growing conditions and roadside management practices that work in its favor.

It’s either nature’s art or a nuisance to food growers, a wildflower or a weed, according to the beholder.

In truth, Queen Anne’s Lace is listed as a noxious weed in at least five states. When you earn the title “noxious” that means it needs to be controlled, according several experts.

Queen Anne’s Lace is related to the carrot family, and the tap root is said to be edible. I’ve read that it tastes just like a domesticated carrot, but I can say from my very recent trial, it was far too tough to even chew.

Yet before you go grab a bite of it, be very cautious that you have the right plant before you eat it. Some sources report that if you crush seeds, it will act as a form of birth control. Some recent studies find some truth in the fact that the seeds and flower heads should be avoided by women pregnant or hoping to conceive.

Also, to the untrained eye, Queen Anne’s lace looks a little like poisonous hemlock. And Poisonous hemlock is very lethal if ingested.

A beautiful lacy flower or a wild weed to be removed? It’s all in what you call it.

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