At a news conference TODAY at the Mission Chamber of Commerce, Representative Sergio Muñoz, Jr. explained the new policies that the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted regarding their Medical Transportation Program.  The state’s re-interpretation of the law and pertinent rules have caused a major curtailment to access to care for children who are served by children’s therapy centers.

The first blow came with a legislative change that cut reimbursement for physicians who serve patients eligible for both Medicaid and MediCare.

Then, on March 1, the new health care delivery system for Medicaid patients was rolled-out in South Texas, known as “managed care,” whereby a set of managed care organizations have been named to administer the Medicaid program.  An estimated 400,000 residents are being impacted.

Within weeks of the controversial transition to managed care, the Managed Care Organizations through their Pharmacy Benefit Managers allowed the reduction of a set of reimbursement rates for pharmacists, forcing many of our local pharmacies to close their doors.

The latest of these changes are two mid-March Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) policy changes to their Medical Transportation Program (MTP)… The first of which disallows transportation to therapy clinics for children under 15 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and secondly, once at the therapy center, allowing therapy only if a parent, guardian, or eligible consented adult is present.  This change has created a devastating effect on patients and providers alike.

“The new interpretation of existing laws and rules by HHSC has created a hardship for many of our residents in Deep South Texas,” explained Rep. Muñoz. “With the stroke of a pen the agency has sent therapy providers into a crisis mode to find a way to restore the access to this type of care for the children who need it most.  The policy was changed from one day to the next without any prior notice and without any regard to our unique set of dynamics here in the Rio Grande Valley.  The absence of an effective public transportation system and the number of eligible Medicaid recipients compounds the effects of the policy for Valley.”

Rep. Muñoz has had several meetings with the Commission to look for solutions to the challenges that the changes have created.  Regarding changes to the MTP, Muñoz encourages all providers to abide by the current policy changes, but pledges to continue his work to find a compromise that will offer relief.

At a recent meeting with HHSC Executive Commissioner Tom Suehs, Senator Juan Hinojosa, Rep. Muñoz, and Suehs mutually agreed that a regional approach has to be taken when considering such important state policy.

“A one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate in this case,” continued Muñoz.  “The health care of our children is much too critical of an issue to hastily develop state policy that effects a certain sector of the state much more than another.  I wholeheartedly agree that the rules for MTP should be “tweaked” to allow for regionalization… allow for a specific region’s set of dynamics including the local public transportation system (or lack thereof), the culture, and the historical practice be taken into consideration before the rules are adopted.”

Rep. Muñoz has called for HHSC to suspend the new MTP policies, but to date the agency has no plans to do so.  He and other Valley legislators are also calling for the agency to cease any new policies or rules that would cause a disruption in services, saying that our medical community requires a chance to stabilize.

Meetings will continue until a set of solutions can be agreed upon.

Mission TX - State Rep. Muñoz is teaming up with the Texas Hospitality Association (THA) to fight underage drinking and promote alcohol responsibility through a statewide poster contest that will award four 2012 high school graduating seniors $10,000 in educational scholarships.

THA will award a $5,000 scholarship to the Texas high school senior who designs and submits the best poster conveying the message or theme: “If you are under 21, it’s illegal to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages in Texas.” A $2,500 scholarship will go the runner up, $1,500 to 3rd and $1,000 to the 4th best poster. The winning posters will be used in a statewide campaign to promote alcohol responsibility in Texas.

“Underage drinking is an important issue we must address and the scholarship is a great opportunity for high school seniors to openly stand against drinking in their age group. We must all play a role in raising awareness for the safety of our youth,” said Rep. Muñoz.

The contest is open to all 2012 Texas high school seniors. Artwork must be an original design and may be computer or electronically generated, hand drawn or photographed.

Students have until May 4 to submit their poster to THA.

For complete details on the THA $10,000 poster contest go to: www.texashospitalityassociation.com.

]]> http://www.sergioforsouthtexas.com/uncategorized/rep-munoz-joins-effort-to-combat-underage-drinking-with-10000-poster-contest/feed/ 0 http://www.sergioforsouthtexas.com/news/valley-proud-wins-texas-environmental-excellence-award/ http://www.sergioforsouthtexas.com/news/valley-proud-wins-texas-environmental-excellence-award/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:03:42 +0000 admin http://www.sergioforsouthtexas.com/?p=642 Read More]]> 20 April 2011

The Texas Capitol, Austin – Rep. Sergio Muñoz, is proud to announce that one of this year’s winners of the Texas Environmental Excellence Awards is Valley Proud Environmental Council.  Also known as, Valley Proud, it has forged  partnerships in 27 communities in its four-county region of deep South Texas. Their hard work includes conserving natural resources, enhancing economic development and tourism- the lifeblood of the region.  Valley Proud brings together private and public organizations in events aimed at improving quality of life for area residents. This grassroots initiative relies on the spirit of volunteerism in diverse individuals.

The Captain Crab Puppet Show, is one of Valley Proud’s activities that teaches environmental responsibility.  With characters like Captain Crab, Diego the Dolphin, and Patrick the Pelican they encourage kids to recycle and prevent litter.  More than 30,00 students at 120 different campuses have received Captain Crab’s message, reinforced by an advertised fine of up to $2,000 for littering.  Along with the puppet show, Valley proud has provided Port Isabel Independent School District with recycling containers, publicity, organization, training of campus staff, and coordination with the local recycling center.  Some students have also begun to take interest in promoting recycling, and acquiring supplies to do so.  In 2010, schools located in Port Isabel ISD have successfully collected 17 tons of paper and cardboard for recycling.

Project Rio Reforestation, has mobilized over 15,000 volunteers to plant more than 220,000 native tree seedlings on 750 acres of land.  Valley Proud works closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify appropriate tracts of land and then gathers, transports, and feeds an army of volunteer tree planters.  Valley proud organized successful events at 20 different sites since 1994 and continue to seplace for new locations.  A 28-page tree guide in English and Spanish, an Arbor Day Planning Guide and two native plant brochures have been produce to help people interested in planting trees on their own.

The Texas Capitol, Austin -  State Representative Muñoz is teaming up with the Texas Hospitality Association (THA) to fight underage drinking and to promote alcohol responsibility through a statewide poster contest that will award one 2011 high school graduating senior a $10,000 educational scholarship.

THA will award the $10,000 scholarship to the Texas high school senior who designs and submits the best poster conveying the message or theme: “If you are under 21, it’s illegal to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages in Texas.”  The winning poster will be distributed statewide to Texas establishments selling or serving alcohol.

“I am eager to take the initiative in involving Texas high school seniors in coordinating a message that will combat underage drinking amongst Texas minors and that will also remind all Texans of the need for alcohol awareness,” said Representative Muñoz.

The contest is open to all 2011 Texas high school seniors.  Artwork must be an original design and may be computer or electronically generated, hand drawn or photographed.

Students have until May 6th to submit their poster to THA.  The winner of the $10,000 scholarship will be determined by a vote of each Texas House of Representatives office.

For complete details on the THA $10,000 poster contest go to:
www.texashospitalityassociation.com.

The Texas Capitol, Austin – State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr. is pleased to announce a grant to be awarded to the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr Texas by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.  The Community Outdoor Outreach Grant will enable 250 local participants to visit 9 different sites of the World Birding Center as part of a nine-week outdoor curriculum on birds in Texas.

The funds supporting this grant program are derived from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods.  Grants are issued upon review by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to allow tax-exempt organizations and municipal governments to provide outdoor recreation and environmental education activities to communities on a need and merit basis.  The Boys and Girls Club of Pharr is set to receive the grant in the amount of $44,500.

Speaking on the acceptance of the grant, Alfredo “Freddy” Mata, Jr. CPO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr issued the following statement:

“We are very excited to be a recipient of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Departments Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant.  Although the Rio Grande Valley is a Mecca for bird watchers across the nation, local residents do not fully comprehend what we have in our own back yards.  We now have the opportunity to educate our community’s youth about the tropical birds that are found in our area.  Bird Brains: The Ultimate Journey is a collaborative effort between the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr, Boys & girls Club of Edinburg, and Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Madre and spans throughout Cameron and Hidalgo Counties.  This program will cater primarily to at-risk youth, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreational activities.  These youth will participate in outdoor recreation and education activities throughout the summer months while visiting the nine sites that make up the World Birding Center in our area, three of which are Texas State Parks.”

“These types of grants are a very welcome bonus for our children here in Deep South Texas,” added Muñoz. “It is another source of education and exposure to our natural resources right here at home.”

The Texas Capitol, Austin – Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. today encouraged community leaders, volunteers and philanthropists alike to consider lending a hand to rehabilitate the historic Saint Peter’s Novitiate which suffered through a fire in September 2009 and was partially demolished thereafter.  A number of concerned city and church officials halted the demolition, and what is left, is an effort restore the building so that it may carry on its mission to educate and benefit the surrounding community.

“This effort is about our community coming together for the common good,” said Muñoz. “We will ask our neighbors and colleagues to help us accomplish the noble goal of erecting a structure that the whole community will be proud of.”

Built in 1912 in the Spanish Revival style on the highest point of the La Lomita Historic District, St. Peter’s colorful history actually dates back to 1849 when Missionary Oblates began their work in the area.  The Oblates were welcomed by Frenchman Rene Guyard, a  merchant and Texas landowner whose vast ranchland included La Lomita and the site of the first La Lomita Chapel built in 1865.  The current effort will allow the history to live on… and the restored structure is slated to open as part of the Saint Juan Diego Academy in the fall of 2011.

In this initial effort, Muñoz is calling for volunteers to come to the site each of the following Saturdays through at least April, from 7:30 a.m. to sunset, where the duty of the day will be to collect, clean and sort bricks from the original Saint Peter Novitiate for use in the restoration.

The Texas Capitol, Austin – Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday, March 24, signed House Concurrent Resolution 56 by Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, and Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, which recognizes Saturday, April 9 as Welcome Home South Texas Vietnam Veterans Day.

HCR 56 was co-authored by the entire Valley legislative delegation in both the House and the Senate.

“This measure is a fitting tribute by the Texas Legislature and the state’s top elected leadership to the tremendous courage shown and the selfless sacrifices made by thousands of South Texas veterans who served in Southeast Asia, defending freedom from the tyranny of communism,” said Muñoz. “I am so grateful to them – and all U.S. veterans from throughout our nation’s history – for our precious liberties in America.”

Hinojosa, who served as a United States Marine combat squad leader during the Vietnam War, said the loved ones of America’s fighting forces in Vietnam share in the statewide honor.

“The men and women in uniform who heroically protect our nation, here at home and throughout the world, know that their families share much of the hardship and fears that come with the honorable responsibility of protecting our country and the ideals we stand for,” said Hinojosa. “We owe our way-of-life to the families of our veterans as well.”

Perry, himself a U.S. veteran, served in the United States Air Force between 1972 and 1977, flying C-130 tactical airlift aircraft in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

“From our nation’s earliest beginnings, veterans have bravely protected the causes of freedom and liberty both within our borders and abroad,” Gov. Rick Perry said. “I am proud to call these fine individuals fellow Texans, and I join Rep. Muñoz and Sen. Hinojosa in recognizing and thanking Vietnam veterans in South Texas for their service to our nation.”

McAllen Convention Center to host major celebration

Muñoz said the legislative resolution is also intended to draw more attention to the major celebration – which is free and open to the public – to be held at the McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, April 9.

According to the event’s website, www.LZRGV.com:

On April 9, 2011, all of the five-county communities of South Texas (Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy) are invited to meet at the McAllen Convention Center to welcome home our Vietnam War era Veterans. The Vietnam era Veterans of South Texas were not given the welcome home acknowledgement that they justly deserved. The intention is to recognize the sacrifices many made during the Vietnam War. This event is intended to recognize all Vietnam War era Veterans in South Texas and honor the many that were killed-in-action and missing-in-action. Prisoners-of-war and those wounded while fighting for our country will also be honored. There is a special tribute planned for other veterans as well.

LZ:RGV program themes are derived from three main components: proclamation, education and celebration. This living memorial offers everyone the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Vietnam War era veterans’ achievements.

In addition to several regional veteran resources and services, other activities include a locally-produced play from the Pharr Literacy Project on the South Texas Vietnam War experience called “Pat and Lyndon”, poetry readings, photography, videos, the traveling Vietnam War “Healing Memorial”, a military vehicle exhibit, and a special Vietnam era music tribute featuring recording artists Carlos Guzmán, Freddy Martínez, Sunny Ozuna and other special guests.

Muñoz expressed appreciation to the professional and financial contributions of the major sponsors for the event: H-E-B; Entravision Communications; the City of McAllen; McAllen Convention Center; the City of Edinburg; the City of Pharr; the City of Harlingen; the City of Brownsville; the American Legion; the Veterans Alliance; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Rio Grande Guardian; Entrevision Communications; (Hidalgo County Judge) Ramón García; TIS (Total Imaging Solutions); The Del Rio Agency; Border Media; Godínez Communications; The Monitor; Advertir; Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, Attorneys-at-Law; and Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation.

Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was waged for numerous key reasons, but primarily to stop the expansion of communism. Communism is a political philosophy that gives all power to the government, including severely violating crucial human rights, such as freedom of speech, private ownership of property, and freedom of religion.

Major American involvement in Vietnam spanned from the 1960s to the early 1970s, pitting the U.S. and then-South Vietnam against North Vietnam, a communist nation aided by the then-Soviet Union and China. The losses and casualties for the U.S., South Vietnam and North Vietnam were huge: 58,220 Americans were killed (mostly military personnel) and 303,635 (mostly military personnel) were wounded; South Vietnam suffered 220,357 killed and 1,170,000 military personnel and civilians wounded; and North Vietnam lost 1,176,000 military personnel and civilians with another 600,000+ wounded.

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 56

WHEREAS, Proud South Texas veterans of the Vietnam War are being officially welcomed home at the LZ:RGV event at the McAllen Convention Center on April 9, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Short for Landing Zone: Rio Grande Valley, the event honors the service and sacrifice of the South Texans who were among the 2.59 million Americans who served in Vietnam; during that conflict, more than 58,000 Americans died, including 3,400 from Texas, and over 300,000 were wounded, including 75,000 who were severely disabled; approximately 2,000 Americans are still listed as missing, and hundreds spent time as prisoners of war; and

WHEREAS, These brave men and women served with honor and distinction at a time when the nation was divided in its support of the war; returning home, they were caught in the crossfire of debate and protest and never received the recognition that they deserved; and

WHEREAS, In order to rectify that omission, a coalition of groups in South Texas has come together to organize, promote, and host a long overdue tribute for the region’s veterans; sponsors include Hidalgo County Judge Ramón

García, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Veterans Alliance, the cities of McAllen and Edinburg, The Monitor and the Rio Grande Guardian, Total Imaging Solutions, and Entravision Communications; and

WHEREAS, The LZ:RGV event will include a dedication ceremony for the Veterans War Memorial of Texas, lectures, a keynote address, and a concert; visitors may also learn about the war and its veterans from information booths, a portrait gallery, exhibits, and documentaries; and

WHEREAS, Citizens of this state and nation owe our brave Vietnam veterans an eternal debt of gratitude, and the LZ:RGV event in McAllen will celebrate those South Texans who served and came home and will pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice; now, therefore, be it further

RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate April 9, 2011, as LZ:RGV Welcome Home South Texas Vietnam Veterans Day and extend to the event’s organizers, supporters, and participants sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable day.

The Texas Capitol, Austin – On Tuesday May 10th 2011 The Texas House of Representatives passed HB 12, the so-called “Sanctuary Cities” bill.  The legislation, dubbed an emergency item by the Governor, is riddled with policies that local law enforcement officials do not want, and was marred from the beginning of the debate with unfair tactics used by the Republican super-majority in the Texas House.

Debate on the bill touched-off the most emotional and passionate interactions that the House has seen thus far this session.  HB 12 has Hispanic lawmakers on edge, who know that if the bill becomes law, that the progress made on civil rights in the last 50 years will be turned back.

Opponents of the bill point out that the authors of HB 12 have yet to identify a “sanctuary city” anywhere in Texas, and that the entire issue has centered around proposing unneeded solutions to a set of problems created by those on the far right of the political spectrum.

“We are making every effort to hold the line on this type of offensive legislation,” said Rep. Muñoz.  “It is difficult to imagine that in the Texas that our parents and grandparents fought so hard to make a better place, a place that has become more fair and has offered vast opportunities to people of any color, will take this horrendous step backwards.  It is un-American and unacceptable!”

By virtue of prohibiting local government entities from adopting rules, orders, ordinances, or policies that prohibit the enforcement of state or federal immigration law, HB 12 would allow certain law enforcement officials across Texas to question the immigration status of any person who is lawfully detained for the investigation of a criminal offense or arrested. The bill also stipulates that any law enforcement entities that prohibit officers from engaging in immigration checks shall be denied state grant funds.

“In effect, HB 12 creates de facto immigration officials out of every law enforcement officer in Texas, and we have no business asking our local police to enforce federal immigration laws,” added Muñoz.  “We need to allow federal officials to do their job and not burden local law enforcement with duties that takes specialized training and additional resources.”

As a result of the added duties, emergency response times will rise, prisons will become overcrowded, and state tax dollars will be spent enforcing federal laws.  At a time when the Texas Legislature is attempting to put an end to unfunded mandates, HB 12 will significantly increase the financial burdens felt by law enforcement entities across the state.  The McAllen police chief, among an overwhelming sample of law enforcement officials and other entities, have all displayed their opposition to the bill at meetings leading up to tonight’s debate.

The following were present at the committee hearing on HB 12 to speak in opposition to the bill: The Austin Police Department, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Equal Justice Center, the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, the Border Network for Human Rights, MALDEF, Bishops of the United Methodist Churches of Texas, American Gateways, Arizona Employees for Immigration Reform, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Texas Catholic Conference, Coalition for Immigration Reform of DFW & North Texas, ACLU of Texas, Texas Impact, Anti-Defamation League, American Immigration Lawyers Association of Texas Oklahoma & New Mexico Chapter, University of Texas/Longhorn LULAC, the Coalition for Immigration for North Texas, the Houston Peace and Justice Center, University Leadership Initiative, the North Texas Dream Team, the Daughters of Charity Advocacy & Social Justice Committee, the Southwest Workers Union, Iranians for Peace & Justice, the Texas Municipal League, RITA, the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Border Network for Human Rights, and Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce.

“One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”
~Franklin Thomas

The Texas Capitol, Austin – On Monday May 9th 2011 The Texas House of Representatives debated the merits of the so-called “Sanctuary Cities” bill late into the night.  The legislation, dubbed an emergency item by the Governor, is riddled with policies that local law enforcement officials do not want, and was marred from the beginning of the debate with unfair tactics used by the Republican super-majority in the Texas House.

“Those of us opposing the bill were threatened with restricted debate and minimal amendments which in essence silences the minority,” said Rep. Muñoz.  “Even a freshman legislator like myself recognized that the House was breaking with the tradition that has always allowed extended debate on such important policy matters.”

HB 12 would allow law enforcement officials across Texas to question the immigration status of any person who is lawfully detained for the investigation of a criminal offense or arrested. The definition of “lawfully detained” is so broad that even a person who jaywalks would be considered making a criminal offense. The bill also stipulates that a law enforcement agency may not prohibit an official from sending any immigration information to another law enforcement agency, state or federal, and any law enforcement entities that prohibit officers from engaging in immigration checks shall be denied state grant funds.

“In effect, HB 12 creates de facto immigration officials out of every law enforcement officer in Texas, and we have no business asking our local police to enforce federal immigration laws,” added Muñoz.

As a result of the added duties, emergency response times will rise, prisons will become overcrowded, and state tax dollars will be spent enforcing federal laws.  At a time when the Texas Legislature is attempting to put an end to unfunded mandates, HB 12 will significantly increase the financial burdens felt by law enforcement entities across the state.  The McAllen police chief, among an overwhelming sample of law enforcement officials and other entities, have all displayed their opposition to the bill at meetings leading up to tonight’s debate.

The following were present at the committee hearing on HB 12 to speak in opposition to the bill: The Austin Police Department, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Equal Justice Center, the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, the Border Network for Human Rights, MALDEF, Bishops of the United Methodist Churches of Texas, American Gateways, Arizona Employees for Immigration Reform, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Texas Catholic Conference, Coalition for Immigration Reform of DFW & North Texas, ACLU of Texas, Texas Impact, Anti-Defamation League, American Immigration Lawyers Association of Texas Oklahoma & New Mexico Chapter, University of Texas/Longhorn LULAC, the Coalition for Immigration for North Texas, the Houston Peace and Justice Center, University Leadership Initiative, the North Texas Dream Team, the Daughters of Charity Advocacy & Social Justice Committee, the Southwest Workers Union, Iranians for Peace & Justice, the Texas Municipal League, RITA, the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Border Network for Human Rights, and Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce.

“One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.”
~Franklin Thomas

The Texas Capitol, Austin – Saying he is hopeful that the Texas Senate will force a compromise with House Republican leaders, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., a Democrat from Mission, on Sunday, April 3, voted against House Bill 1, the state budget plan that was approved late that night by the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

House Bill 1 is a $164.5 billion budget proposal for the state government’s upcoming two year budget, which begins September 1, that slashes $23 billion from all major state obligations, including public and higher education, nursing homes, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), transportation, and public safety.

Muñoz said that HB 1 would slash up to $8 billion in state funding from public education statewide, likening the leadership’s budget cutting techniques to “using a machete to chop off an injury rather than a surgeon’s scalpel to heal the wound.”

The South Texas lawmaker, who says that “education is the top priority for all Texans,” predicted that such deep budget cuts to public schools in Texas would have a far-reaching negative effect on the state’s economy.

“These cuts could easily lead to layoffs of 100,000 school district employees, and another 140,000 related private sector jobs,” said Muñoz. “Such a move would also result in more crowded classrooms and a lower quality of education for Texas’ children. These schoolchildren are our responsibility, and more importantly, they are the future of Texas.”

Muñoz did co-author a successful amendment that restored funding for South Texas College’s Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) program, working with the entire Valley House delegation to get it passed. The amendment restores $630,000 for the next two-year budget to the STC program, one of only three such programs in the state.

“While I voted against House Bill 1, based on principles that I swore to uphold – my duty to provide an adequate budget to fund our schools, be responsible about health care, and to provide for the public safety and transportation – I am thrilled to have restored total funding for STC’s BAT program,” explained Muñoz.

The college offers BAT Degrees in Technology Management as well as in Computer and Information Technologies.  STC is one of only three Texas community colleges accredited to offer bachelor degrees and the only Texas community college accredited to offer two bachelor’s degrees.  The first class of BAT student graduated from the college in May 2007.

Muñoz also supported numerous amendments that would have offered additional financial protections for our neighborhood public schools, nursing homes jobs, and financial aid for state universities. “I am proud to have supported amendments that would have lessened some of the burden this budget will place on Texas and our local communities,” he said.

Fortunately, Muñoz noted, the Senate is considering its own state budget plan, which provides $5 billion more than the House budget plan, with the potential of raising to $10 billion after a Senate committee looking for non-tax revenue sources makes its recommendation to the Legislature.

Under the rules of the legislature, when the House and Senate versions of the budget bills do not reconcile, a handful of senators and state representatives are appointed to a conference committee to work out the differences in the bills.  That process will begin as soon as the Senate approves its version of the bill in the next few days or weeks.  It is during the conference committee’s deliberations that Rep. Muñoz and many of the democrats in the Legislature will continue to influence a better budget plan than found in HB 1.

Upon completion of the Conference Committee on HB 1′s work, the entire House and Senate will have the final say on any new state budget, and the Governor would have to approve it or veto (kill) it, or even veto specific line items of funding.  A veto could require state lawmakers to meet until August 31 to come up with another version of the state budget.

“I will work for a better state budget as hard and as long as it takes,” said Muñoz. “We are going to fight for a state budget that is fair, that improves, not hurts, our economy, that provides for our children and our elderly, and which protects the most vulnerable in Texas.”

Muñoz Votes to Tap Rainy Day Fund

In related action on Thursday, March 31, Muñoz voted for a separate legislative measure, House Bill 275, which will allow the use of $3.1 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund in order to keep state government running through the end of its current fiscal year, which ends August 31.

The Rainy Day Fund is the state’s savings account, which draws much of its money from taxes on natural gas and oil.  Thursday’s vote allows the state to use the money for the remainder of this budget cycle only – for only the next five months.  Muñoz has argued to extend the use of the Rainy Day Fund into the coming budget cycle; even after Thursday’s allocation of $3.1 billion, the fund contains $6 billion available to the Legislature for budgeting purposes.

“I cannot think of a better time or a better use of the state’s Rainy Day Fund,” said Muñoz.  “After hearing from, visiting with, and reading correspondence from thousands of Texans who are being affected by these drastic cuts, I believe it is fair to determine that it is STORMING and the use of the Rainy Day Fund is in order!”

Potential Revenue Sources Don’t Involve Tax Increases

There are many options to raise revenue to offset the base budget cuts and the resulting job losses, noted Muñoz.

“These new sources of money, which do not involve tax increases, would generate billions of dollars to help pay for our most important state programs and services,” he said.

Among some of the new revenue sources Muñoz favors are:

• Continuing to tap into the $9.4 billion Rainy Day Fund ($6 billion remaining after HB 275) to help provide needed state money for the most crucial state services;

• Delaying the date of payments by the state by one day into the next fiscal year, a tactic used effectively in the past and that could save the state $3 billion to $4 billion; and

• Prioritizing $550 million from the Available School Fund for digital and print materials for pre-kindergarten, English as a second language, and writing and science. The Available School Fund, which has almost $2 billion, is a program that sets money aside from the state to help pay for the public school system.