august monthly membership meeting

Concerns regarding the sale of water from Val Verde County arose at the August Monthly Membership meeting.

 State Representative District 74, Poncho Nevárez clarified that the Legislature dedicated money to develop new water sources in Texas, not any protection of water rights,  as was questioned by the group.  The Legislature did not address establishing ground water conservation districts because each community has different needs and local elected officials should work with their individual legislators on addressing their unique needs.  

However, Representative Nevárez stated one noteworthy bill passed provides protective services for the elderly and disabled.  HB  908 gives licensed professional counselors the ability to perform psychological assessments for
purposes of an emergency order authorizing protective services.

Efforts to increase college enrollment were also successful.  Representative Nevárez filed and helped pass HB 1351 to allow institutions of higher education the ability to choose which degree or certificate programs should be eliminated or consolidated. 

Nevárez also noted that it was a tough legislative session with many challenging issues facing communities in District 74.  Nevárez was most proud to have helped restore some of the massive cuts to public education.  Due to his efforts to work together in a bipartisan manner, the freshman representative was also  named, Freshman Democrat of the Year, 83rd Legislature. 

Nevárez also afforded the opportunity for everyone to visit with him personally on issues after the meeting. 

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