CAPITOL WATCH #12

Work continues on the legislative priorities of the session as I discussed in last week's column.  The House passed the major medical malpractice and tort reform effort, HB 4, and has sent the bill to the Senate for consideration.  The Senate passed SB 14, which is the sweeping insurance reform bill.  Both budget committees continue to work on creating a budget that will address the needs of Texans within the current budget limitations we are faced with.

Along with bills, the House of Representatives frequently passes resolutions which serve to honor, memorialize, or recognize various organizations, events or people.  Resolutions serve to bring attention to events that otherwise might not receive statewide recognition.  The House passed two resolutions of special importance to the people of Fannin and Grayson counties this week. 

HCR 75 was passed this week supporting President Bush and our troops in the campaign to defend our country against terrorism.  The resolution specifically supports the President's leadership, actions and ongoing commitment to safeguard the people of the United States.  HCR 75 was passed with wide approval, and will now go before the Senate for passage.  The resolution will be forwarded to President Bush and Congress with the request that it be entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.

HR 669 was unanimously passed by the House on Thursday, April 4, in memory of the Honorable Bob Bush.   His wife Wanda and long-time assistant Sara Starkey were present at the reading and passage of HR 669, and were recognized before the House.  The House adjourned on Thursday in his honor. 

Bob Bush, a long-time resident of Sherman, served as state representative for the area from 1976-1986.  He served with intelligence, integrity and compassion, and was a great advocate for his constituents.   The resolution highlighted a number of significant achievements in his career.  He was responsible for the landmark modifications to the Texas Natural Death Act, which enabled terminally ill patients to give oral directions to their doctors to have life-sustaining procedures withheld.  He was honored in 1985 by the State Bar of Texas as one of the Ten Best Legislators from a Family Law Perspective.  He also helped found the Sherman Boys and Girls Club and served as chairman of the Grayson County Child Welfare Board.  His life was dedicated to serving his community, and his passing is a great loss not only to those who knew him, but to all that he served.  

I encourage you to contact me with your questions or comments regarding legislation.  You can reach me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.