Earlier this year, some vandals thought it would be funny to reprogram a dynamic message sign on an Austin roadway with an amusing message. But it's really no laughing matter. These dynamic message signs play an important role in keeping Texans safe.
Yesterday the Texas House of Representatives passed my bill to enhance the state's public health & safety alert system. House Bill 1556 directs the state's Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to develop a system for cities and counties to issue important health and safety alerts via dynamic message signs that already exist along Texas roadways.
The swine flu epidemic underscores the need to get important health alerts to the public as quickly as possible. It's impossible to predict what will happen in the future. Whether it is pandemic flu, chemical spills or emission events from industrial facilities, public water-supply contamination, or something else, having this system in place ahead of time well help Texas be prepared for a public health emergency.
I decided to tackle the issue in 2007 after dangerous bacteria found in the Corpus Christi water supply forced most of the city to implement a boil water notice. When this happened, it was important to get the word out fast. HB 1556 will help get crucial health and safety information to the public as quickly as possible.
Dynamic message signs on Texas roads are currently used for several kinds of alerts, including Amber Alerts (missing child), Silver Alerts (missing senior citizen), and Blue Alerts (help catch violent criminals). Message signs on highways have been incredibly effective. Texans who have seen these signs have helped rescue missing children and adults and have helped bring criminals to justice.
The bill requires the statewide coordinator of the system to work with local health authorities to implement the alerts providing necessary public health information. Texas needs to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to public safety and emergency management. Getting important information out via dynamic message signs can save time and potentially save lives.
By now, you've probably seen media coverage of the swine flu epidemic. Swine flu is a combination of flu strains and is spread from person to person, and symptoms can include fever, fatigue, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, and vomiting.
There have been several confirmed cases in Texas and I wanted to let you know that I'm staying in close contact with local and state health and emergency management officials, who are monitoring the situation. Also, Texas has requested the CDC to provide an additional 850,000 doses of antiviral medication that could help prevent the further spread of the epidemic. To read the latest swine flu situation reports from the Division of Emergency Management, click here. This evening's situation report includes a map of North America locating possible cases of swine flu.
There are currently 3 confirmed cases of swine flu in Texas, all in Health Region 8 (for a map of the regions, click here). Additionally, there are suspected cases in Region 1, Region 6, and Region 11. In Region 11, thesuspected cases are all in Cameron County (3 possible cases). All reported cases in Texas are considered mild. Officials are not seeing any increased statewide demand for hospital services at this point.
It is believed that all the Mexican states that border Texas have confirmed cases of swine flu. Nineteen of the 32 Mexican states have confirmed cases.
What can you do to help prevent the spread of swine flu? One of the most effective things you can do is take standard health precautions like washing your hands thoroughly and often, using tissues, and avoiding contact with others when you feel ill. Just use common sense.
If you have flu-like symptoms you should stay home from work, limit contact with others and see your doctor immediately. If you have any questions about swine flu, call the state's swine flu hotline at 1-888-777-5320. You can also find more information at the Department of State Health Services web site or the CDC web site.
This past Wednesday marked Earth Day, a day meant to promote awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.
There's a great opportunity to do something for the environment this Saturday, April 25th, when volunteers all across the state join forces for Texas' annual Adopt-A-Beach cleanup. This is important not only for the environment, but for our state's economy. Clean, beautiful beaches are key to our tourism industry and our fishermen.
To locate and register for a Texas Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup in your area, visit:
www.TexasAdoptABeach.org
Taking care of Texas also means doing our part to reduce fossil fuel consumption and minimize emissions that can harm our air quality. One way to do this is to promote the use of renewable energy technology. Earlier this week, the House Committee on Energy Resources held a hearing on my bill that exempts small-scale renewable energy devices for homes and businesses from state sales tax, making them more affordable for consumers.
Johnny O'Neal, one of my constituents in Flour Bluff, made the news last year when he installed a small-scale wind generator in his back yard. At the hearing, the Texas Renewable Industries Association and Public Citizen spoke out in favor of HB 1823, recognizing the need to make renewable energy devices more affordable for consumers like Johnny.
Also moving through the state legislature is SB 545, a measure that implements a $500 million rebate program to encourage solar power projects. Bills like this have the potential to help make Texas, and the Coastal Bend in particular, a center for renewable energy jobs and development. The recent completion of the Peñascal wind project is further evidence that Texas and Coastal Bend can be a leader in the new green economy.
To learn about ways to save energy and find out other things you can do to help take care of Texas, visit www.TakeCareOfTexas.org.
Today that the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 1505, my legislation that will save taxpayer money by streamlining administrative processes at county or city-owned convention centers and arenas across the state. The bill, which passed 142-0, would substantially increase the percentage of alcohol sales revenue retained by cities who maintain these kinds of venues.
I'm pleased HB 1505 bill received unanimous support. Any increased revenue from municipally-owned facilities benefits the taxpayer. In these tough economic times, every dollar counts, and we need to streamline administrative costs at these facilities to realize savings for taxpayers.
City and county funded facilities, such as arenas and convention centers, are important sources of entertainment and economic development throughout Texas. Unfortunately, most of these facilities are not profitable, requiring taxpayer support for their continuing operation. However, complicated restrictions and bureaucratic processes limit the revenue municipalities can recoup.
I'm happy to report that on Saturday, after 19 hours of debate, the Texas House of Representatives adopted the state's biennial 2010-2011 budget by a vote of 149-0.
That's pretty impressive. Here's why: In sessions past, the budget has been controversial and has led to partisan strife. Last session, a unanimous vote was out of the question.
This time, things were different. Thanks to the hard work and leadership of House Speaker Joe Straus, Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, and Vice Chair Richard Raymond the House was able to engage in a bipartisan and respectful debate and find solutions.
(I'm curious as to what people thing about the concept of limiting this to just those under 18. The issue isn't about age, it's about introducing a new technology as a distraction to driving, one which prevalent across all age groups. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Last week I filed legislation to keep teen drivers safe by limiting their use of cell phones and other portable devices while driving. This legislation will help limit distractions and keep teen drivers focused on the road. Teenagers already have enough on their minds as it is.
Talking on a cell phone and texting while driving is becoming a dangerous trend. The research is clear that using a cell phone or texting greatly increases your risk of being involved in a crash. HB 662 prohibits drivers under age 18 from using a cell phone unless it with a hands-free device or in the event of an emergency. A 2007 study conducted by AAA found that 46 percent of 16 and 17-year-olds admitted to texting while driving. Other studies have found the number to be even higher.
We need to continue to educate teenagers about safe driving habits. In 2008, Moody High School, a school in my district, received a $5,500 grant from State Farm Insurance to teach students about bad habits like texting while driving. We need to support education efforts like this across the state.
Ortiz represents House District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx.us.
