By Robert Nichols

Since my last column, Senate District 3 has continued to be affected by COVID-19 and a deadly tornado devastated communities in East Texas. Texans have come together to support each other, either through ensuring they receive necessary items, or by helping to clean up the wreckage of the tornado. I am grateful to live in a state where Texans come together to support each other in all circumstances.

Here are five resources to help you during this time:

1. Finding Jobs in Texas

I wanted to provide a few resources to help those who may have lost their job due to this pandemic and/or may be looking for a new position. The Texas Workforce Commission has compiled over 500,000 jobs on www.workintexas.com. You can also find assistance in creating a resume, education and veterans services and more. For those looking for positions in East Texas, there are two different websites that can provide assistance. They are the East Texas Council of Government site www.easttexasworkforce.org and the Deep East Texas Workforce Solutions www.detwork.org. Through each of these websites you will be able to find jobs posted in the area of your choice, where to find childcare services, and assistance for veterans who are looking for jobs.

2. Peace Officer Loan Assistance

Beginning in September 2020, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) will launch a loan repayment program for recently appointed peace officers. To be eligible for the Peace Officer Loan Repayment Assistance Program (POLRAP), an officer must have been initially appointed as a full time peace officer on or after September 1, 2019, have completed at least one year of employment, and have earned at least 60 hours from an eligible Texas higher education institution prior to becoming a peace officer. An applicant may receive up to $20,000 in loan repayment assistance ($4,000 annually, or one-fifth of outstanding loan balance, whichever is less). The application should be available around September, and to find out more information on qualifications you can visit www.hhloans.com.

3. Participating in the Census

Every 10 years, a census is taken of the population in the United States and its five territories.. This information is used to draw the districts for State senators and representatives, as well as congressional seats. It also determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Through census numbers business owners and governments to determine funding and what is needed in local communities.

This year marks the 24th census that has been taken in the United States since 1790. If you have not participated in the census yet, it’s not too late. You can utilize the questionnaire that should have been sent to each household, by calling 844-330-2020, or online at www.my2020census.gov.

4. Texas Workforce Commission

As of the writing of this column, approximately 23,500 individuals have filed for unemployment within Senate District 3, which I represent, and almost two million applications overall in the state. Due to this high volume, many Texans have been unable to get through to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to file a claim or have their answers questioned.

TWC has asked all Texans when calling for information to utilize the chart below to determine the best time to call based upon their zip code. Texans will not be penalized for a delay due to call or user volume and claims for those affected by COVID-19 are eligible to be backdated to ensure that all receive the assistance they deserve. You can also visit https://twc.texas.gov.

Recommended Call and Access Times

• Area Codes Beginning with 9 – Mon-Wed-Fri 8:00 a.m.-Noon

• Area Codes Beginning with 3, 4, 5,6 – Mon-Wed-Fri 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Area codes Beginning with 7, 8 – Tues -Thurs-Sat 8:00 a.m. – Noon

• Area codes Beginning with 2 – Tues-Thurs-Sat 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

5. STAR of Texas Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Star of Texas awards. These awards honor all Texas peace officers and federal law enforcement officers or special agents acting in assistance to state and local law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty on or after September 1, 2003. To be eligible for this year’s awards, the critical incident must have occurred between September 2003 and June 15, 2020. A person can receive more than one Star of Texas award, but they must be for different incidents. To nominate an individual, please visit www.gov.texas.gov/cjd/star-of-texas.

By Robert Nichols

As we all settle into a new normal for the time being, it can often be unsettling. I know that Texas and Texans are strong, and we will continue on and come back as strong as we were before. I encourage everyone to do your part in helping to slow the spread of this virus and help those around you who may be struggling. Together, we will overcome this challenge as we have many times before.

If you need assistance please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (512) 463-0103, or by emailing Robert.Nichols@senate.texas.gov.

Here are five resources to help you during this time:

1. Where to Find Accurate COVID-19 Information

During this time, you may be hearing or seeing different reports on the number of cases in your area or in the state. To get up to date, accurate information you can visit the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website which includes daily updated numbers they have received from local public health authorities. Their dashboard provides specific information from around the state. Please visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus.

The 2-1-1 Texas Hotline, which is available 24/7, is also a good place to access information on COVID-19, and local community resources on health care, testing, utilities, food, housing and more.

2. Small Business Assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting small businesses, even where there are no local cases of the virus.  These businesses are the lifeblood of local economies as they provide essential goods and services, and employment. It is important that we continue to support them during these hard times.

The Small Business Administration has announced the availability of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.  This program provides small businesses with working capital loans up to $2 million, to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they may be experiencing. Businesses interested in pursuing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program should visit www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela for more information.

3. DPS and DMV Office Closures

Governor Abbott has directed all Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices to close to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. DPS has extended the expiration of Texas identification cards, drivers licenses, commercial drivers licenses, and election identification certificates. This suspension will be in effect until 60 days after DPS provides public notice that normal Drivers License operations have resumed.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) have also closed their offices. A temporary waiver has been put in place for initial vehicle registration, renewal of registration, vehicle titling, and renewal of a permanent disabled parking placard. This also applies for those with an expired 30 day temporary permit. This waiver, which is for all Texas vehicle owners, will stay in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed.

4. Texas Education Agency Meal Finder App

Many Texas children rely on their school district meal programs to ensure they receive a meal everyday. Due to the closures of school districts, this has created a challenge for many families. To assist families and students while school districts are closed, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) have launched the “Texas Students MealFinder Map”, which is available on TEA’s website. This map, which will be updated continuously, will include the address of each facility, and the days and times when meals will be served. To be included on this map, school districts must file with the Texas Department of Agriculture and that information will then be sent to TEA.

5. Texas Workforce Commission

Many businesses have been forced to lay off their employees due to the spread of this virus, which has lead to an increase of Texans filing for unemployment. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has created pages on their website https://twc.texas.gov  to provide up to date information for employers, job seekers, as well as information on child care.

Due to the high volume of claims that are coming into TWC, they are working to be able to expand their capacity to accept claims through both their website and vie tele-centers. Governor Abbott has waived the waiting week period for unemployment insurance claims which will allow claimants to get paid for their first week of unemployment benefits. Previously applicants had to wait to receive their first week payment till after the first week. In addition to this, TWC has waived work search requirements for claimants.

By Robert Nichols

The saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas, and that is true of the amount of pride Texans have in our state. Today we celebrate Texas’ Independence Day, which honors the signing of Texas’ Declaration of Independence from Mexico. Texas went on to be a stand-alone Republic for 10 years, before joining the United States.

The bravery and courage of our Texas founders continues to inspire our state today through their legacy of freedom, self-reliance and ingenuity.

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

1. Texas asks to end California travel ban. In 2017, the Texas Legislature passed HB 3859, which allows faith-based organizations to deny services or contracts with organizations that do not share their religious beliefs. If they refuse services to an individual, they must refer them to another agency.

The previous year, California passed a law banning state-funded travel to any states which they deemed to have discriminatory laws. When Texas passed HB 3859, our state become one of 11 states to be put on the travel ban list. This meant that California state employees would be banned from taking taxpayer-funded business trips to events in Texas.

Recently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down this law, stating it was unconstitutional and economic warfare against other states. The U.S. Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil disputes between states.

2. State Affairs. The Senate State Affairs Committee met at the end of February. They discussed ways to increase public awareness on the proliferation of human trafficking and resources for victims and survivors. They reviewed the interaction between local, state and federal agencies and will make recommendations as to how to improve upon these collaborations.

Legislation passed in recent sessions regarding Second Amendment rights also was reviewed and recommendations will be made on ways to further protect and enhance Texans’ Second Amendment rights.

The committee examined prosecution rates for thefts involving property valued at less than $1,000 and will make recommendations to ensure law enforcement and prosecutors have the tools necessary to protect Texans’ personal property from theft.

3. Preparing workforce-ready students. In 2016, Gov. Greg Abbott created the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, which was made up of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission. They were charged with developing links between education and workforce by working with industry leaders to assess local workforce needs and identify the skills students would need to be successful in those industries.

Recently, Abbott asked them to identify specific strategies to help more students complete college or career programs that lead to high-paying jobs. They also have been asked to create a plan to develop a stronger high-quality teacher pipeline by examining existing programs that aim to lower college debt for future teachers.

4. SBOE considers African American studies course. At the end of January, the Texas State Board of Education approved the creation of a one-credit elective high school social studies course on African American studies. The course will offer a broad overview of the history and culture of African Americans. It will cover topics including history, citizenship, culture, economics, science, technology and politics.

The proposed course still must move through a formal public comment period scheduled from Friday to April 10, and then will be considered for final approval at the next SBOE meeting on April 17. When approved, Texas will become the fifth state in the country to have a state-approved elective course.

5. Medical school in East Texas. With the lack of primary and mental health providers in the area, East Texas is considered a medically underserved area. The University of Texas system, along with UT Tyler and the UT Health Science Center at Tyler have announced their intention to establish a medical school in Tyler, which will serve the region.

This school would expand on the work already being done by the the UT Health Science Center and provide an opportunity for specialty practices, recruiting and retaining top doctors to teach and serve at the medical school, as well as increase economic growth in local communities.

I look forward to working with these institutions to ensure that Texans in this area receive the best care they need and deserve. There are still many steps to go before building can begin, and I will keep you posted as to how this proposal is progressing.

By Robert Nichols

I hope that you all had a wonderful start to this new year. This coming year will be spent reviewing interim charges in our Senate committees and beginning to prepare for the next legislative session, which will begin in January 2021.

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

1. Immigration in Texas. At the beginning of this month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas will no longer consent to resettling refugees. This is part of a federal program in which state and local authorities may opt into the program.

Since 2010, more refugees have been sent to Texas than any other state, and approximately one in 10 resettle in Texas.

In addition to those refugees who were sent here through the program, we have been left to deal with immigration issues on our own, due to the lack of support and funding from the federal government.

In May 2019, the number of immigrants entering the state in a single month peaked at 144,000. Many times communities are not notified before a large influx of refugees are sent to their town. This can put a huge burden on local taxpayers, overwhelm school districts and strain local and state support systems.

Texas should be using its resources to help refugees, migrants and all Texans currently in the state before more are added. While Abbott has taken criticism for his announcement, I fully support his decision.

2. Bills that went into effect on Jan. 1. While many bills passed during the 86th legislative session went into effect the day they were signed by the governor, many were delayed a few months to a few years to ensure state agencies and the public have time to prepare for the new laws or changes to current law.

There were 24 pieces of legislation that went into effect on Jan. 1. These included SB 2060, which requires appraisal district offices to send an explanation, with the appraisal notice, of any homestead exemptions a person may qualify for and use. These exemptions can be for first responders, veterans, those with disabilities and Texans over the age of 65.

SB 1264 has gone into full effect and ensures patients do not receive surprise large medical bills when there is no choice in their provider, such as if they unexpectedly end up in an emergency room.

Anyone who believes a health care provider committed a balance billing, charges that exceed what insurance will cover, ora related violation may file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

3. Governor’s Medal of Courage. For the first time, Abbott has awarded the Governor’s Medal of Courage, which honors those ‘‘who display great acts of heroism by risking their own safety to save another’s life.’’ It is the highest honor given to civilians by the governor.

It was awarded to Jack Wilson, who bravely stopped a gunman at West Freeway Church of Christ near Fort Worth in December.

Two men were killed before Wilson was able to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life. He is a former Hood County reserve deputy and firearms instructor. He also serves as the church’s volunteer security team.

4. Honoring a former president and first lady. The president recently signed the George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush Coin Act, which was sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Roger Williams.

This act authorizes the creation of a presidential dollar coin and a first spouse medal and bullion coin in honor of the former president and first lady who both passed in 2018.

As Cornyn said, “The lives of President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush were characterized by love of country and service for others. Each coin will preserve their legacy and inspire us all to serve others in their memories.” I am looking forward to getting one of these coins.

5. United Methodist Women. At the end of January, the Texas United Methodist Women held their annual conference in Austin. This conference brings together hundreds of women from around Texas to discuss their legislative priorities. Those include education, maternal health, immigration and health care.

My office was proud to welcome attendees from Senate District 3 to our Capitol office. If you are in Austin for any reason, please do not hesitate to come visit the office, which belongs to all in Senate District 3.

TEXAS LEGISLATORS RECOGNIZED FOR PROTECTING SCENIC ENVIRONMENT
Scenic Texas Gives Select State Lawmakers Inaugural Awards 

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) December 3, 2019 — Scenic Texas, the state’s only non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the state’s visual environment, particularly as seen by the traveling public, announced that it will be recognizing six outstanding state legislators with inaugural awards. 

“These Texas Legislators that we are honoring have been instrumental in supporting good legislation, like last session’s passage of SB 357 limiting the height of billboards, and killing bad legislation that takes away from citizens’ ability to safeguard the scenic qualities of Texas roadways, countryside, and communities,” said Scenic Texas Executive Director Sarah Tober. 

Scenic Texas is recognizing six State Legislators who have shown support through the years and in the 86th Legislative Session that took place this year. The inaugural awards established for Scenic Texas include: 

• The Scenic Friend award, given to notable legislators who have helped the Scenic Texas mission and the cause, and may be a future Scenic Star or Hero. 
• As the second highest honor, the Scenic Star award is given to multiple legislators/supporters/board members who have done extraordinary work for Scenic Texas. 
• The Scenic Hero award is the highest honor given by Scenic Texas to one person whose outstanding work at the Texas Legislature made a significant impact on the Scenic mission for the State of Texas. 

Scenic Hero Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) – Sen. Nichols, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, authored SB 357 — limiting billboard height — and successfully guided it through the Senate where it was unanimously passed. In a previous legislative session, Sen. Nichols authored a bill that led to better enforcement of illegal signs erected across the Lone Star State. 

Scenic Star Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) – Rep. Morrison, Chairwoman of Local and Consent Calendars, introduced HB 3368, relating to the height of billboards and was instrumental in bringing awareness to this issue. In 2017, she was the House author of SB 2006 that reinstated the State Highway Beautification Act regulating outdoor signage. 

Kirk Watson (D-Austin) – Sen. Watson has been a major supporter of Scenic Texas’ mission for many years. In 2019, he joint-authored SB 357, and in 2017, he authored SB 2006 that reinstated the Texas Highway Beautification Act regulating outdoor signage. 

Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) – Rep. Canales, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, authored SB 357 and worked diligently to pass the bill in the House. 

Scenic Friend Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) – Rep. Zwiener has been a strong advocate for Scenic Texas’ mission, successfully passing HB 4148, legislation limiting outdoor lighting in order to preserve dark sky communities. She also introduced HB 1303, a law that would have limited billboards on certain roads in her district. 

Sarah Davis (R-Houston) – Rep. Davis, Chairwoman of House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article II, introduced HB 789, the initial bill relating to the height of billboards and was instrumental in bringing awareness to this issue. 

Senator Nichols will receive his award on Monday, December 9 at a Scenic Texas reception in Houston at Frost Bank Corporate Board Room, Uptown, 1700 Post Oak at 1 p.m. before the annual board meeting. For information on this event or for additional pictures of legislators receiving the award from Scenic Texas, please contact Sarah Tober. 

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Scenic Texas, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the visual character of Texas. We are the only state nonprofit that helps citizens safeguard the scenic qualities of Texas roadways, countryside, and communities. 

Scenic Texas is an affiliate of Scenic America. 

In addition to advocacy related to protecting scenic highways, Scenic Texas is committed to education and planning. Through the Scenic City Certification Program, Scenic Texas provides educational resources to Texas cities that are establishing or revising ordinances that impact the streetscapes. Scenic Texas also supports urban forestry projects, tree planting and preservation initiatives, the creation of scenic roads and districts, the establishment and funding of parks and green space, the forestation of our highways, and the preservation of historic areas.