Senator Jane Nelson

Heath & Human Services Committee Begins Interim Hearings

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Interim hearings this week covered medical workforce shortages, community-based programs for Texans with disabilities, and the state immunization registry.

Senator Nelson: A TMA Friend of Medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:04:00 +0000

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) selected Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) as one of Texas’ best legislators from the 81st legislative session.

“Once again, it is Senator Nelson’s tireless work as a champion for Texas patients that earned her a seventh consecutive TMA Friends of Medicine award,” said TMA President William H. Fleming III, MD.

Senator Nelson received the Friends of Medicine award along with 11 other Texas lawmakers at the association’s annual winter meeting in Austin, Texas.

Despite what she calls “definitely a rough-and-tumble session,” Senator Nelson accomplished most of the goals she set for this session — protecting Texas’ property tax cuts, reforming Medicaid, improving immunizations, ensuring the safety of our foster children, and providing resources to find a cure for cancer.

YCT Names Senator Nelson to Honor Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:25:00 +0000

Senate Nelson was the only senator named to the Historic Honor Roll for achieving a 90 percent voting record during her legislative career, the Young Conservatives of Texas announced. "I'm pleased to be listed on the Historic Honor Roll by the Young Conservatives, who do an exceptional job of reviewing voting records after each session," said Senator Nelson.

Senator Nelson to Lead Major Health Policy Review

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:18:00 +0000

Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, will preside over a sweeping review of the state's top health policy challenges under interim assignments released by the lieutenant governor.

Senator Nelson is chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. She also will participate in studies of the state's fiscal responsibility and government transparency as a member of the Senate committees on Finance and Government Organization.

Senator Nelson Honored for Helping Boys and Girls Clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:50:00 +0000

Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, recently received an award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Denton County in honor of her support in the Texas Legislature of after-school programs and other positive recreational outlets for young Texans. The award was presented during the Lake Cities Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon, which featured Senator Nelson as the keynote speaker.

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:15:00 +0000

There are many important issues facing our state, but this week is a time to pause from our busy lives and acknowledge our blessings. Please know that I am grateful for your support and friendship over the years. Mike and I and our family wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

-Senator Jane Nelson

Senator Nelson: School District Grading Policy Lawsuit "Misguided"

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Senator Nelson has strongly condemned the filing of a lawsuit attempting to block the implementation of legislation she filed to end "no-fail" grading policies in Texas public schools. The lawsuit, filed Nov. 18 by several Houston area school districts against the Texas Education Agency, challenges the provisions of SB 2033 by Senator Nelson, affirming the rights of teachers to assign merit-based grades. "It is sad to learn that school districts are willing to waste precious education resources on a misguided lawsuit to continue policies that force teachers to assign fraudulent grades. These policies undermine the authority of our teachers and reward minimum effort from students," she said.

Governor Cites Senator's Work On Veterans' Mental Health

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Governor Rick Perry highlighted Senator Nelson's legislation to create a peer-to-peer counseling program for veterans at a Nov. 9 press conference. "Veterans struggling with the psychological wounds of war are more likely to seek assistance if that support comes from another veteran,” Senator Nelson said. “Our legislation sets up a framework for former military personnel to volunteer their time to help ease the burden of those facing emotional challenges. We have outstanding, service-minded veterans in Texas who, with the right training, can make a positive impact in the lives of their peers and help them readjust."

Senator Signs 'Friend of Court' Brief In Gun Rights Case Before Supreme Court

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Joining legislators from all 50 states, Senator Nelson signed on to a "friend of the court" brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Chicago 's handgun ban and gun registration regulations as an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment. The issue in the case, McDonald v. City of Chicago , is whether the right to keep and bear arms extends to the states through the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court in 2008 struck down a similar ban in the District of Columbia. "The Constitution clearly grants every citizen the right to defend ourselves, and this is an attack on the Second Amendment rights of every American -- not just the residents of one city," Senator Nelson said.

Texas Economy Continues Garnering National Attention

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:10:00 +0000

National publications continue to note the strength of the Texas economy during the downturn. Forbes included all four major Texas metropolitan areas in the "Top 10 Recession-Proof cities to Retire In." Moody's Economy named seven Texas metro areas in their list of the first cities to emerge from recession, and the Brookings Institute listed six Texas cities in its Top 20 Metro Areas. National Review recently credited Texas small government and low tax environment with attracting jobs and companies from around the nation. The Lone Star State is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state in the nation and is the nation's top exporting state. "Texas has been faring better than most other states in this tough national economy," said Senator Nelson. "Our hard work in economic development, combined with our low tax burden and low cost of living, have enabled us to weather the storm better than many other states."

Half-dozen Districts Sue Over Texas Law Prohibiting Minimum Grades

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +0000

SENATOR NELSON ANNOUNCES SHE WILL SEEK RE-ELECTION

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:39:00 +0000

GRAPEVINE -- Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, announced today that she will seek re-election in Senate District 12, which includes portions of Tarrant and Denton counties. The General Election is November 2, 2010.

"For Texas to overcome these economic challenges, state government must continue to live within our means and businesses must have the support and freedom needed to prosper and create jobs," Senator Nelson said. "The economy must remain our top priority as we press ahead on our regional goals of expanding the transportation system, improving education, increasing access to health care and meeting our obligations to children, seniors and other vulnerable Texans."

Senator Nelson's announcement comes on the heels of a legislative session in which she received 13 awards for her work, including being named the most fiscally conservative Senator by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and winning the "Fighter for Free Enterprise" Award from Texas Association of Business. She passed the second most bills of any legislator, including legislation to reform education, expand access to private health insurance, protect victims of domestic violence, assist our veterans, and protect Texans with disabilities in our State-Supported Living Centers.

"Aside from addressing our transportation, education and health service needs, one of my top goals next session will be to protect North Texas in the redistricting process. During the past decade we became the state's largest population center, and that needs to be reflected when the political maps are redrawn," Senator Nelson said.

A former public school teacher and businesswoman, Senator Nelson is Chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee and serves on the powerful state budget-writing Senate Finance Committee. She and her husband, Mike, operate an aircraft component manufacturing company in Denton. They have five children and two grandsons.

District 12 encompasses all or part of 56 cities and 20 school districts in Denton and Tarrant counties. Senator Nelson was first elected to the Senate in 1992 and won re-election to a four year term in 2006 with the highest winning percentage of any incumbent State Senator in Texas with major party opposition. She also won by the highest winning percentage of any candidate with major party opposition -- state, local or federal -- on the ballot in Denton County.

Senator Nelson Recognizes the Meadows Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:12:00 +0000

The Meadows Foundation has been recognized for generous contributions to domestic violence agencies by Senator Jane Nelson on behalf of the Senate of the State of Texas. The Meadows Foundation has awarded a total of $364,000 since January in emergency grants to Texas domestic violence agencies, including $175,000 which will be used for the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline (the Hotline) based in Austin.

“This generous donation comes at a time when the demand for services is increasing and many donors are scaling back philanthropic giving because of the depressed economy,” said Sheryl Cates, CEO of the Hotline. “It is a tribute to this organization that it has recognized and responded to a call for help so that vulnerable families will have somewhere to turn. Reports of an increased need for domestic violence shelters are being heard from many communities in Texas. We are grateful for the support of The Meadows Foundation; this donation is an outstanding example of corporate responsibility toward our communities.”

Pictured from left are Gloria Terry, President of the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) and TCFV, Senator Jane Nelson, Bruce Esterline, Meadows Foundation Vice President for Grants and Cindy Patrick, Meadows Foundation Senior Program Officer.

Over the last five years, The Meadows Foundation has contributed approximately $3.1 million to 29 domestic violence service providers throughout Texas. “We recognize that domestic violence agencies are struggling this year to serve as many families as possible, even in the face of budget and staff reductions,” said Esterline. “Because of the great need, our foundation will continue to review requests for emergency funding throughout 2009.”

Senator Nelson on Excessive NTTA Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Senator Nelson interviewed on NTTA toll fees.

New Laws Impact Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Drivers are banned from using hand-held cell phones in active school zones where signs are posted, one of several new laws that took effect Sept. 1. Teen drivers (under age 18) are prohibited from using a handheld or hands-free wireless communications device while driving. Booster seats are now required for children younger than 8, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Fines for parking in handicapped parking spaces now range from $500 to $750. Golf cart owners no longer have to register and title their vehicles. To learn when golf carts can be driven on public roadways, visit http://www.dot.state.tx.us/news/042-2009.htm.

Government Meetings Now Live on Internet

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Texans can now watch live streaming video of Public Utility Commission and State Board of Education meetings. The legislature passed two bills requiring those agencies to offer free video access to their sessions. "It's important for taxpayers to be able to follow public discussions on important issues such as utility fees and school curriculum," said Senator Nelson.

Nelson Named to Task Force On Special Needs Children

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst named Senator Nelson to the Task Force on Children with Special Needs. The panel will work with state agencies to develop a five-year plan to improve the coordination, quality and efficiency of services for those children

Authorities Prepare For H1N1

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Information about what Texas and other states, as well as the federal government, are doing to prepare for possible H1N1 outbreaks this fall is available at http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=18061.

Texas Tax-Free Shopping Expands This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Texans again will have the opportunity to shop for clothing and other items without paying local and state sales taxes during the state's annual tax holiday on August 21, 22 and 23. However this will be the first time that school supplies also will be sales tax free. “I was proud to support additional measures this past session that expands the list of tax-exempt items to include school supplies,” Senator Nelson said. “Everyone should take advantage of this opportunity to save additional money.” For a full list of items that are exempt from sales taxes, visit the Texas Comptroller’s Tax Holiday page online.

Keller Chamber Recognizes Senator Nelson

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:19:00 +0000

The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce has recognized Senator Nelson with the 2009 "Spirit of Enterprise Award." The "Spirit of Enterprise" Award recognizes a local elected official who has made significant contributions to the development and welfare of the community and surrounding area. "As a business person I am honored to receive this award," Senator Nelson said. "The success of our economy is tied to the success of local businesses, many of whom are struggling in an uncertain economy. The Keller chamber does an excellent job of supporting our local business community. I am proud not only to represent this community in the Texas Senate but also to be a member of this organization.

Hospital Association Honors Senator Nelson

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Senator Nelson has received the Texas Hospital Tribute Award from the Texas Hospital Association, which is presented in recognition of her legislative accomplishments related to health care and hospitals during the most recent legislative session. “I am truly honored to receive this award from our leading hospital advocates," Senator Nelson said. “During the 81st Legislative Session we were able to pass legislation that will undoubtedly improve conditions for doctors, nurses, and patients.”

Ballot Set for Constitutional Amendment Election

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:33:00 +0000

The ballot order for the November 3rd election on proposed constitutional amendments was determined this week by the Texas Secretary of State. There will be a total of eleven proposed amendments on issues ranging from eminent domain to property appraisals. “I encourage all Texans to research the proposed amendments and to participate in the November election,” Senator Nelson said. “There are a lot of important issues addressed and voters can have a direct impact on the future direction of our state.” For more information about the election and a full list of proposed amendments visit the Secretary of State website.

Pool Safety During the Summer Months

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:26:00 +0000

Parents are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy summer by the poolside in light of several recent pool-related incidents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “All of us need to be more mindful of both the conditions and the supervision of the pools our children are swimming in,” Senator Nelson said. “We must remain alert and aware in order to prevent more tragedies.”

Senator Nelson To Recieve "Spirit Of Enterprise" Award

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:28:00 +0000

The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce will honor Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, with its "Spirit of Enterprise" Award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to business development. The award will be presented at a luncheon on Friday, August 14, 2009 at Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club.

"Senator Nelson has made a positive impact with her entrepreneurial spirit and support of the business community. We honor her for outstanding leadership on issues important to business owners," said Chamber President Susanne Johnson.

The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce created the Keller Business Hall of Fame in 2007 to honor outstanding business owners. The "Spirit of Enterprise" Award recognizes a local elected official who has made significant contributions to the development and welfare of the community and surrounding area.

Senator Nelson co-authored a major tax relief package for small businesses last session. She also led the effort to establish Healthy Texas, a partnership between the state and small employers to help extend health benefits to small business employees.

"As a business person I am honored to receive this award," Senator Nelson said. "The success of our economy is tied to the success of local businesses, many of whom are struggling in an uncertain economy. The Keller chamber does an excellent job of supporting our local business community. I am proud not only to represent this community in the Texas Senate but also to be a member of this organization."

Hospital Association Honors Senator Nelson

noreply@blogger.com (Team Nelson) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:40:00 +0000

The Texas Hospital Association today announced Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, as recipient of the Texas Hospital Advocacy Tribute award in recognition of her accomplishments related to health care during the 81st Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.