I hope you and your family had a happy New Year and stayed safe and warm during the recent winter weather. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving and representing East and Southeast Texas.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Governor announces investments in rural health care
Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas will receive more than $1.4 billion in federal funding over five years to strengthen rural health care. The funding will flow through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as part of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created to help states expand access to care. Texas will receive $281 million each year, the largest allocation of any state. In addition to this federal investment, HHSC is making $44 million in state grant funding available through the Rural Health Financial Stabilization Grant. This program is targeted to rural hospitals identified as being at moderate or high risk of financial instability and is intended to help keep essential services available in rural communities. Eligible rural hospitals may apply for grant funding through Feb. 5.
Together, these investments are designed to strengthen rural hospitals, expand access to mental and physical health care, support workforce recruitment and retention and improve health outcomes. For East and Southeast Texas communities that rely on rural hospitals and clinics, this funding represents an important opportunity to improve access to care close to home. For more information about these grant programs, visit hhs.texas.gov/.
2. Comptroller launches grant program to support county sheriffs
The Texas Comptroller recently launched the Sheriff Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program, which provides financial support to county sheriffs who have entered into immigration enforcement agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The program was created following the passage of Senate Bill 8 during the most recent legislative session.
Grant funds may be used to offset costs associated with training, equipment, administrative requirements and inmate confinement related to these agreements. Grant amounts are based on county population, with eligible counties able to receive up to $140,000. Applications opened Jan. 1, and grant funding is expected to begin distribution in March. For more information, visit comptroller.texas.gov.
3. Attorney General secures debt relief for disabled veterans
This month, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office secured more than $6.8 million in debt relief for disabled veterans who were harmed by a fraudulent veterans’ assistance organization known as VA Claims Insider, LLC. The scheme involved misleading promises to help veterans access benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while instead charging excessive and illegal fees. As part of the final judgment, the organization has agreed to forgive qualifying debts going back nine years, resulting in debt relief for many disabled veterans. Holding bad actors accountable and protecting our veterans remains an important priority.
4. House Natural Resources Committee to examine groundwater issues
The Texas House Natural Resources Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, Feb. 10, to hear invited testimony on the condition and sustainability of aquifers across the state, as well as groundwater regulation and management practices. These discussions are part of the interim process and will help inform future legislative decisions.
Groundwater remains a critical issue for East Texas, particularly considering ongoing litigation involving high-capacity groundwater well applications in the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. Those applications raised concerns about potential impacts to the Carrizo–Wilcox Aquifer, an important water source for many East Texas communities. Earlier this fall, a court-approved settlement paused the issuance of large-volume permits while additional aquifer studies are completed. Since that time, a related lawsuit filed in Cherokee County, which sought to challenge the settlement agreement, has been dismissed. The original suits filed in Anderson County are still ongoing. I will continue to closely monitor developments and participate in discussions aimed at ensuring responsible groundwater management. To watch a live broadcast of the committee hearing, visit house.texas.gov/video-audio/.
5. TPWD proposes changes to proof of residency for hunting and fishing licenses
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently filed proposed amendments to its rules governing proof of residency for recreational hunting and fishing licenses and permits. Under the proposed amendments, individuals would be required to present a driver’s license or personal identification card issued by their state or territory of residence that complies with the federal REAL ID Act. Additional documentation options would be available, including a U.S. passport, military identification, or other federally issued identification. Texas residents would also be able to use a concealed handgun license. The proposed amendments do not change existing requirements for youth licenses.
Robert Nichols is the state senator for Senate District 3. First elected in 2006, Nichols represents 18 counties, including much of East and Southeast Texas and part of Jefferson County. He can be reached at (936) 699-4988. His email address is robert.nichols@senate.texas.gov.
