This week marks the halfway point of the 86th Legislative Session. Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast more than a year and a half ago. Hundreds of thousands in Houston were impacted with the loss of vehicles, homes and prized irreplaceable possessions.
The Texas Senate unanimously passed a trio of key Harvey bills that I joint-authored, which are designed to help communities to recover and prepare for the next natural disaster. This legislative package utilizes $1.8 billion from Rainy Day Fund. Below is a breakdown of Senate Bills 6, 7 and 8:
SB 6 seeks to keep county and city leaders informed on the best practices for disaster response.
SB 7 would create a special fund to pay for flood mitigation projects, hurricane recovery and provide matching funds to pull down federal dollars.
SB 8 is aimed at creating the first statewide flood plan.
In addition, I worked with the Texas General Land Office during the Harvey recovery and discussed the needs of our community. This week, we moved two key bills out of Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee. These bills are recommendations from the General Land Office’s “Hurricane Harvey: Texas at Risk” report.
SB 285 would require the distribution of hurricane preparedness and assistance information before hurricane season. This ensures all governments, agencies and jurisdictions receive the necessary information so that the public can prepare their property and communities.
SB 300 would allow the General Land Office to bid out contracts before hurricane season for necessary services after a natural disaster. During Harvey recovery efforts, our region faced a complex tangle of federal and other regulations which slowed response times and led to inefficient recovery measures. For example, because there were insufficient pre-hurricane contracts, many trash-disposal contractors left Houston in the days after Harvey for better pay cleaning up Hurricane Irma in Florida.
SB 300 instructs the General Land Office to enter into indefinite quantity contracts with vendors before hurricane season to construct, repair, or rebuild property or infrastructure if a natural disaster occurs. In turn, this will help the state respond faster and more efficiently to the next hurricane.
SB 285 and SB 300 were voted favorably out of committee and will be considered to the full Senate. These bills are just the first step to ensure that our state fully recovers from Harvey and make reforms based on what we learned. Harvey taught us where we have loopholes and where we are vulnerable in our state.
I am proud to work with my colleagues to find resolutions to these problems. As the 86th Legislative Session continues, I will continue to fight for our needs in our community. I am humbled to be your senator and lead the charge for you. Thank you. Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight!
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
