This last week provided the opportunity for Senate committees to hear a few of my own important bills. House Bill 1129 would implement a pilot program to be conducted by the Secretary of State’s Office, to improve the process by which our overseas, active-duty, military personnel cast their votes. House Bill 2733 contains a number of substantive, clean-up provisions to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department enabling legislation. Both of these bills have now passed through the House and their respective Senate committees, and are one step closer to the Governor’s desk.

I am also sponsoring a few significant bills regarding Texas’s Criminal Justice System, authored by a few of my friends in the Senate. I had the chance to present these bills to the House Committees on Corrections and Criminal Jurisprudence this week. Senator West’s S.B. 1173, Senator Rodriguez’s S.B. 1769, and Senator Huffman’s S.B. 1772 all provide considerable, common sense measures for our state jail, and juvenile justice processes.

This week, Woodville’s Kree Harrison made it to the finale of American Idol. While she did not win the title of American Idol, she certainly won the hearts of many Americans. I am very proud of her hard work and persistence which helped her arrive where she is today. It is extremely gratifying to be able to represent the community that stood behind her as she went through this experience. I am confident that this is just the beginning of Kree’s singing career, and that we will see her on television and hear her on our radio for many years to come. I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to her, and I know her talent and perseverance will get her exactly where she wishes to be.

As you have heard, SpinDrift Media & Entertainment and The Dam Good Times are on a fundraising mission to save the Battleship Texas. March 14th was the Battleship Texas’ 99th anniversary. She is in need of repairs and renovations. The Newton and Jasper County Republican Clubs are sponsoring a presentation on June 21, at the Howard Civic Center in Newton: “USS Battleship Texas History.” Mark your calendars to hear Bruce Bramlett, President of the Battleship Texas Foundation, tell the story of this historic ship. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For additional information contact Lois Lamberty at 381-8231 or Pam Wright at 397-9029.

My offices in Austin and Woodville are always ready to hear the concerns of the residents of District 19. Feedback from our constituents is vital to ensuring that your voice is heard as the Legislature conducts its business in Austin. Please contact my office in Woodville at (409) 283-3700, or my office in Austin at (512) 463-0490.

May God bless you and the great State of Texas,
Representative James White

Also contained in Senate Bill 1459 was an amendment to uncouple the pension state legislators receive upon retirement from those of district judges. Current law links the retirement benefits vested state legislators receive to those of district judges in the State of Texas. Contained in the budget to be voted on during the final days of the session would be a pay raise for these judges, effectively granting an automatic pay raise to state legislators drawing a pension.

“I supported this amendment to Senate Bill 1459 for one important reason,” stated Representative White. “While we are asking the educators and state employees to modify their benefits, and the age at which they may retire, there is no acceptable reason for members of the Legislature to give themselves a boost to their own pension fund.”

The Amendment, authored by Rep. Jason Isaac (R – Dripping Springs), would have instead linked legislative pensions to a portion of the Governor’s salary, effectively freezing legislator benefits, and denying members a chance to vote to increase their own retirement pay.

“The Legislature has worked hard this session to locate and return funds we weren’t able to allocate to education two years ago,” stated Representative White. “Retired and current educators, administrators, and their advocates have also come together to agree on a deal that is acceptable for everyone, and makes their own pension funds financially sound. In recognition of this effort, and holding true to the principles I campaigned on, I am supporting these pension reforms, and the effort by Representative Isaac to halt any self-imposed benefit increase for Legislators.”

“Frankly, I am disgusted with this news,” stated Representative White. “This Administration promised to be ‘the most transparent in history,’ instead we now find the federal department tasked with collecting taxes and enforcing our tax laws has been acting as a political tool, denying official status to legitimate organizations, harassing applicants with unnecessary and inappropriate questions, and even using threats of fines and audits to harm conservatives.”

In recent days, in addition to the growing controversy over the murder of American citizens in Benghazi and wiretapping of Associated Press communications, news stories have emerged placing the IRS at the center of a process of targeted audits, harassment by federal employees, and delay or outright denial of tax status applications of conservative groups.

“Already news outlets are reporting some groups in Texas may have been targeted. I want to encourage any advocacy groups, regardless of political affiliation, who in recent years have had to deal with the Internal Revenue Service, and feel they may have been subjected to improper harassment or scrutiny, to come forward and inform the office of Attorney General Greg Abbott. Any constituent of District 19 or citizen of Southeast Texas who requires help in contacting the Attorney General can contact my Austin office at (512) 463-0490.”

Representative White is a Member of the Texas House of Representatives on behalf of District 19, composed of Polk, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, and Hardin counties. He serves on the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, and he is the Vice-Chairman of the Corrections Committee.

This Saturday marked the House’s first working Saturday and we had a calendar full of bills seeking to ensure Texans’ Second Amendment rights. The Texas House passed 12 bills on what quickly became known as “gun day.” Also on Saturday, my own House Bill 777 designed to redistribute the weight over the tandem axles of trucks used to haul timber and timber products, passed in the House and is on its way to the Senate. This is a victory for the East Texas economy, and should it pass through the Senate and be signed by the Governor, H.B. 777 will allow our vital timber industry to haul their goods profitably.

I look forward to the opportunity to present two more crucial bills on the House floor next week. House Bill 1129 implements a pilot program to be conducted by the Secretary of State’s Office, to improve the process by which our overseas, active-duty, military personnel can vote. I will also be laying out House Bill 2733 containing a number of substantive, clean-up provisions to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department enabling legislation.

This week we also said farewell to many of our interns. I have had a great team of interns this session, who put in a lot of hard work over the past few months. I wish them all the best on their final exams and in whatever direction they head in the future. Our team would not be as effective and efficient as it is without the help of interns like these, and I am glad we will be welcoming Victoria, granddaughter of Lumberton’s Sue Cleveland, to our office soon. I would like to encourage any students who may be interested in learning the inner-workings of their Legislature to contact my office in Austin.

Woodville’s Kree Harrison has made it to the top three finalists on American Idol and was able to visit her hometown of Woodville, Texas. In true form, Woodville welcomed her home with open arms; the town organized a press conference, parade, and concert for Kree, attended by people from all over Southeast Texas. Kree was able to visit the church in which she first sang and her childhood home with her sister. I am confident she will continue to inspire the nation and soon be named the next American Idol.

As you have heard, SpinDrift Media & Entertainment and The Dam Good Times are on a fundraising mission to save the Battleship Texas. March 14th was the Battleship Texas’ 99th anniversary. She is in need of repairs and renovations. The Newton and Jasper County Republican Clubs are sponsoring a presentation on June 21, at the Howard Civic Center in Newton: “USS Battleship Texas History.” Mark your calendars to hear Bruce Bramlett, President of the Battleship Texas Foundation, tell the story of this historic ship. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For additional information contact Lois Lamberty at 381-8231 or Pam Wright at 397-9029.

My offices in Austin and Woodville are always ready to hear the concerns of the residents of District 19. Feedback from our constituents is vital to ensuring that your voice is heard as the Legislature conducts its business in Austin. Please contact my office in Woodville at (409) 283-3700, or my office in Austin at (512) 463-0490.

May God bless you and the great State of Texas,

Representative James White

“This is a win for our community. Our nation was founded upon Christian values, and we will not abandon those beliefs. It is within these cheerleaders’ First Amendment right to express themselves through biblical verse, and I hope this ruling confirms that out-of-state, atheist pressure groups will not interfere with Southeast Texas and the values we share,” stated Representative White.

Representative White continued, “I was proud to join Governor Perry, Attorney General Abbott, the Liberty Institute, and Mr. Starnes in supporting the Kountze Cheerleaders against this attack on their religious liberty, and I am happy their God-given rights have been upheld. Without question, our state’s leadership and millions of Texans supported these young men and women in Kountze, and lifted them up in prayer.”

Representative White is a Member of the Texas House of Representatives on behalf of District 19, composed of Polk, Tyler, Jasper, Newton, and Hardin counties. He serves on the Agriculture and Livestock Committee, and he is the Vice-Chairman of the Corrections Committee.

Tuesday, I was able to lay out two bills that ensure that Texas is not imposing job-killing regulations on small businesses. House Bills 569 and 2354 will examine how federal environmental regulations and those in place here in Texas compare, and will implement laws preventing the state from enforcing regulations deemed more burdensome than those initiated by the federal government. With the economy still in uncertain shape, it is important for the government to find ways to relieve businesses of superfluous red tape so that more money can remain with the communities and families that operate them.

As another sign of the progress of the 83rd Session, the House Committee on Corrections held its final public hearing on Wednesday. We have had the opportunity to hear numerous bills that would affect our criminal justice system. Now, the Corrections Committee has the task of reviewing their potential consequences, before possibly sending them toward the House floor.

On Thursday, House debate turned toward House Bill 148. This bill seeks to outlaw the practice known as “vote harvesting,” by which paid workers submit large numbers of mail-in ballots under the premise of having aided members of the public who need assistance voting. I was proud to support this bill, which safeguards those who simply wish to help family members or those they care for exercise their right to vote while establishing criminal penalties for those who would cast fraudulent ballots in an election.

It was my honor to host Ms. Alexandra Mixson of Buna as an honorary page this week. Ms. Mixson was able to join me on the Speaker’s Dais to preside over a few minutes of Session. Also, she and I had lunch in the House members’ lounge, and Alexandra enjoyed the Texas favorite Blue Bell ice cream. I hope she and her family enjoyed getting an up close look at the workings of their Texas Legislature. I have a few more slots left this session in my honorary page program. Please contact my office and take advantage of this exciting and fun opportunity.

Friday the House considered House Bill 1025, a supplement to the previously passed budget. H.B. 1025 is the second step in the budget process in the House. This was an essential step to ensure that the Legislature adequately funds our local classrooms and future infrastructure needs. In the coming weeks, the Legislature will look closely at further spending measures for water and infrastructure. We will have to be cautious when making these decisions, balancing the future needs of the state with the necessity of keeping Texas in strong fiscal shape. With a constitutionally mandated balanced budget, and a coveted “AAA” bond rating, the Legislature must take care not to erode the foundation of what makes Texas great: fiscal responsibility.

Sadly, Friday morning we learned of the passing of country music legend George Jones. George was a Southeast Texas native son born in Saratoga, who experienced much of his upbringing in Vidor and Jasper. While his death is a loss to Texas and country music, his world-renowned songs will stick with us and should be a point of personal pride for every Southeast Texan and resident of House District 19.

Woodville’s Kree Harrison still remains in the top 4 on American Idol and will soon be participating in the show’s “Hometown Visit.” In early May Miss Harrison will be back in her hometown of Woodville, and a homecoming rally is already in the works to greet her. I continue to be proud of Miss Harrison’s talent and perseverance, as well as the community that stands behind her each week. I am sure she will continue to inspire the nation and eventually named the next American Idol.

Two weeks ago, the Texas House passed HB 5. This legislation will provide students more options to pursue areas of study they find the most interesting. It will also allow local school districts to provide programs to guide our students toward the professional or educational pursuits of their choosing. The Texas Senate is considering this legislation now. This bill will additionally reduce the burden on Texas educators by cutting the number of standardized tests that the State of Texas requires students to pass for graduation from fifteen to five. It also establishes a rigorous academic system that can adapt to local interests and values.

Following the passage of the state’s budget for 2014 and 2015, there are still talks of tapping into the state’s Economic Stabilization Fund, or Rainy Day Fund (RDF). The State of Texas has constitutional spending limits for a reason, and our Texas Constitution and laws limit the RDF for one-time use withdrawals in the case of an emergency, to pay for spending from a prior budget cycle, or to pay for seriously needed infrastructure. The Legislature is not to use the RDF to pay for normal recurring expenditures. The Texas Legislature must prioritize current revenues and cut wasteful spending in order to provide for education, public safety, and caring for our seniors. During the period of 1990-2012, state spending in Texas increased by over 300 percent while the sum of population growth plus inflation grew by only about 130 percent. To keep Texas competitive, and in order to avoid the pitfalls of deficit spending currently plaguing other states, our Legislature must stand firm on keeping our budget balanced.

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to lay out House Joint Resolution 48. If enacted by the people of Texas, this legislation will prevent the state government from imposing the tenets of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or ObamaCare on the people of Texas. The language of H.J.R. 48 will prevent the PPACA from deputizing state agencies and officials for purposes of imposing a fine or sanction. Texas needs to reform the current broken system called Medicaid and prioritize spending for education, water, transportation, and border security. Texans should have the right to choose to purchase health insurance coverage without fear or threat of punishment. Instead, the government should place incentives for individuals, families, and small businesses to purchase the health insurance that they can afford. One does not need to look far for examples of PPACA coming into direct conflict with many Texans’ personal and religious convictions. Other Texas legislators have laid out similar resolutions before the Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility Committee. Several conservative colleagues and I are working together to ensure that we can present to the voters of Texas a unified resolution condemning this egregious federal overreach.

Also, last week I was able to reach an agreement with the interested parties in order to get H.B. 1129 another step closer to the House floor. Working with the Secretary of State’s office, county clerk’s offices, and a few of my fellow Representatives, we have developed a pilot program. The Secretary of State’s office will implement this pilot program that will allow our active-duty overseas military personnel facing hostile fire, to cast their ballot securely by electronic means. It is paramount we find a way to make sure our men and women in harm’s way are able not only to cast a vote, but also to have those votes counted. Too many votes cast by those in uniform have gone uncounted in elections past, and H.B. 1129 is an important step to put an end to this travesty.

Woodville’s Kree Harrison is now one of the top five contestants on American Idol and will soon be participating in the show’s “Hometown Visit.” In early May Miss Harrison will be back in her hometown of Woodville, and a homecoming rally is already in the works to greet her. I continue to be proud of Miss Harrison’s talent and perseverance, as well as the community that stands behind her each week. I am sure she will continue to impress the nation and soon be named the next American Idol.

In order to save the Battleship Texas, SpinDrift Media & Entertainment and The Dam Good Times are on a fundraising mission. March 14th was the Battleship Texas’ 99th anniversary. She is in need of repairs and renovations. The Dam Good Times intends to raise awareness with an exhibit booth that can be moved through various locations across the country. To help with this mission, contact the publisher of The Dam Good Times, Crystal Laramore, at (936) 777-4548.

My offices in Austin and Woodville are always ready to hear the concerns of the residents of District 19. Feedback from our constituents is vital to ensuring that your voice is heard as the Legislature conducts its business in Austin. Please contact my office in Woodville at (409) 283-3700, or my office in Austin at (512) 463-0490.

May God bless you and the great State of Texas,

Representative James White

Tuesday finally gave me the chance to lay out H.B. 777 and H.B. 2356 before the House Committee on Transportation. H.B. 777 is a simple bill that allows for a redistribution of weight over the tandem axle of logging trucks. Working with the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, the Texas Forestry Association, the Texas Logging Council, and the Texas Farm Bureau over the last few months, I believe we have produced a bill in the best interests of East Texas small business and infrastructure. H.B. 2356 will designate the portion of Recreational Road 225 that runs along the Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Jasper County, as Sam Rayburn Parkway as an effort to honor an esteemed Texan and former Speaker of the House.

On Wednesday, I was able to lay out House Bill 2355 in front of the House Committee on Economic and Small Business Development. H.B. 2355 instructs the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism to conduct a study comparing the business environment of Texas to that of Louisiana. This bill will serve as an important guide to the government here in Austin, to highlight areas where Texas can catch up to our neighbor to the East.

Thursday, after about 12 hours of spirited debate, C.S.S.B. 1, the state budget for the 2014-2015 biennium, passed the House by a vote 135-12. This legislation, authored by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Pitts, allocates $193.8 billion over two years, funded within available revenue and under the Constitutional spending limit. The measure prioritizes public and higher education, allotting an 8.6 percent, ($2.97 billion) increase in public education funding and a significant increase in the State’s contribution rate for retired teachers’ pensions. This budget also prioritizes health and human services, providing a $265 million increase for mental health programs and a $170 million increase for Child Protective Services to reduce delinquent investigations and lower caseloads. It is my hope that the budget we passed maintains a responsible level of spending while providing for the needs of our most vulnerable Texans.

Last week, Southeast Texas elected officials and business leaders brought to my attention that the U.S. Army is considering significant cuts at Fort Polk across the state border in Leesville, Louisiana. In response, both the Jasper City Council and the Jasper County Commissioners Court have passed resolutions against a closure or reduction in force. U.S. Army officials have announced that they will be holding a “community listening meeting” at the United Pentecostal Church in Leesville at 5 pm on Monday, April 15th. I encourage all that have any interest in this matter to attend and share your input before the federal government makes a decision. I have drafted a letter to our Members of Congress in Washington to make my opposition to this potential reduction or closure known. This issue again highlights the necessity for Southeast Texas to strengthen and support our regional industry, such as timber and forestry, and not rely on Washington, D.C.

Once again, Woodville’s Kree Harrison has made it another week closer to being the next American Idol. Performing “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin, a fellow Southeast Texan, Kree is now one of the top six contenders. I continue to be proud of Miss Harrison’s talent and perseverance, as well as the community that stands behind her each week. I am sure she will keep her place as the frontrunner in the competition through the finale.

In order to save the Battleship Texas, SpinDrift Media & Entertainment and The Dam Good Times are on a fundraising mission. March 14th was the Battleship Texas’ 99th anniversary. She is in need of repairs and renovations. The Dam Good Times intends to raise awareness with an exhibit booth that can be moved through various locations across the country. To help with this mission, contact the publisher of The Dam Good Times, Crystal Laramore, at (936) 777-4548.

My offices in Austin and Woodville are always ready to hear the concerns of the residents of District 19. Feedback from our constituents is vital to ensuring that your voice is heard as the Legislature conducts its business in Austin. Please contact my office in Woodville at (409) 283-3700, or my office in Austin at (512) 463-0490.

May God bless you and the great State of Texas,

Representative James White

The State of Texas has constitutional spending limits for a reason. Within fiscal years 1990-2012, state spending in Texas increased by over 300 percent while the sum of population growth plus inflation grew by only about 130 percent. To keep Texas competitive, and in order to avoid the pitfalls of deficit spending currently plaguing other states and our national government, our Legislature must stand firm on keeping our budget balanced.

We have a state Economic Stabilization Fund, commonly known as the Rainy Day Fund (RDF), to keep in reserve in case of an economic crisis. It is important to remember that the purpose of the RDF is for one-time-use withdrawals, not recurring costs. It is easy be tempted to use the fund to finance projects not vital to the function of the state. However, in the face of possible Federal “sequestration” and the uncertain consequences that would bring for Texas, it is more crucial than ever we protect the integrity of the RDF. If the day comes that the fiscal dysfunction in Washington leads to reduction in or elimination of federal funding on the state budget, we will need to be prepared.

It is my sincere hope the next few days on the House floor engender honest discussion about the financial state of Texas. It is true, on the whole, our state remains in a more prosperous condition than most of the rest of the country. However, in Southeast Texas unemployment remains stubbornly high in many areas. Double-digit unemployment is not acceptable, and I intend to support measures in this Session’s budget to promote economic growth in our region of the state.

My staff and I will be here at the Capitol as long as the debate is taking place on these matters. I encourage you to follow along with our activity over the next two days, and ask for your input on matters as they arise. You can watch the Legislature live by visiting the House broadcasts page at: http://www.house.state.tx.us/video-audio/ and clicking on the House “Chamber Stream”.

As always, I appreciate the support and input of all Texans in District 19. My offices in Austin and Woodville are ready to hear the concerns you have over the budget and any other business before the Legislature. Please contact my office in Woodville at (409) 283-3700, or my office in Austin at (512) 463-0490.

As we get closer to “Budget Day” on the House floor it is important for legislators to remember the purpose of this document. We must focus on appropriate levels of funding to maintain our infrastructure, education system, and economic development.

The House Committee on Appropriations, after a process of public hearings, has developed its recommendations on how your tax dollars should be allocated. These recommendations are looked at in two ways: “All Funds” and General Revenue Funds.

The General Revenue fund receives tax revenues and fees from inside the state, whereas the “All Funds” budget includes both General Revenue and funds returned to us by the federal government. In both cases, education, health and human services, and public safety and criminal justice occupy the top three budget priorities. In fact, current budget recommendations for General Revenue dedicate 82.3% of state dollars to education and health services.

I have also drafted an amendment to the budget that I intend to introduce this coming Thursday. Contained in the amendment is language to ensure that when your tax dollars are allocated by the state for projects, the contracts the state awards are given on a priority basis to those companies that use the federal electronic verification of work authorization program known as E-Verify. This simple amendment is designed to enforce laws already on the books in Texas, and adds a layer of transparency needed to establish a more honest budgeting process.

With the current economic climate in Southeast Texas, it is important to protect the infrastructure in place. It seems as though the House is headed in the right direction where its priorities are concerned. However, with 267 pre-filed amendments to consider these priorities may start to vary. I intend to look closely at these amendments and weigh how they impact the economic prosperity and freedom of East Texas.

To view the amendments pre-filed for this Session’s budget, including my own, please visit: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB1 and click the “House Pre-filed Amendments” Tab.

For an overview of the House’s budget recommendations, you may visit the Legislative Budget Board’s website, a breakdown of the proposed allocations can be found on page 1, after the Table of Contents:
http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/Appropriations_Bills/83/House%20Summary%20HCSSB1.pdf .

As always, I appreciate the support and input of all Texans in District 19. My offices in Austin and Woodville are ready to hear the concerns you have over the budget and any other business before the Legislature. Please contact my office in Woodville at (409) 283-3700, or my office in Austin at (512) 463-0490.