AUSTIN – Today State Representative Chris Turner reminded parents and students about a new Texas law requiring college students residing on campus to get the Meningococcal disease vaccine at least 10 days before moving on campus.  The vaccination is required for new and transfer students attending public or private Texas institutions.

“It is important that students get this vaccine and help prevent the spread of this disease,” said Turner.  “This vaccine has the potential to protect countless students from this debilitating disease.”

The vaccine protects against four out of five of the common strains of meningococcal disease.  The disease, a bacterial infection, begins with flu-like symptoms and acts quickly. Eleven (11) percent of sufferers die from the disease, even if they receive treatment.  Many survivors experience enduring physical effects, including blindness, deafness, amputations, or brain or kidney damage.

According to the National Meningitis Association, one in seven college students who contract the disease will die as a result.

Meningococcal disease passes through person-to-person contact such as coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks or utensils, or kissing.  Because on-campus college students live in close quarters, they have a higher risk of contracting the disease.

The law was named for University of Texas at Austin student Jamie Schanbaum who contracted the disease in 2008 and ultimately lost both of her legs and most of her fingers.  The “Jamie Schanbaum Act” went into effect January 1, 2010.

http://www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org/

Third Annual Sales Tax Holiday for ENERGY STAR® Appliances Could Mean Big Savings for Southern Tarrant County Residents

AUSTIN – Today Sate Representative Chris Turner reminded his constituents that beginning Saturday, May 29 through Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, Texans can purchase new ENERGY STAR® appliances and household equipment without having to pay state and local sales tax for those items.

“I hope that those in need of new appliances will take advantage of this sales tax holiday,” Turner said.  “Anyone who is in the market for new, more inefficient appliances and light bulbs should try and take advantage of this opportunity.”

The three day ENERGY STAR® sales tax holiday is expected to save Texans $3 million in state and local taxes. The holiday begins at 12:01AM on Saturday, May 29 and ends Monday, May 31 at 11:59PM.

The following items with the ENERGY STAR® label will be tax exempt:

• Air Conditioners (less than $6000)
• Refrigerators (less than $2000)
• Ceiling fans
• Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
• Clothes washers
• Dishwashers
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats

Installation and delivery charges for these products will also be tax exempt.  For more information, visit www.texaspowerfulsmart.org.

“With the cost of college rising considerably over the last several years, I want to make sure students and parents have the most up-to-date and accurate information on financial aid resources,” said Turner. “No deserving student who is willing to work hard should be unable to attend college because of cost.”

The seminars will be held on Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9 at the following locations:

Monday, March 8, 2010
What: Paying for College Seminar – Arlington
When: Monday, March 8, 2010; 6:30 to 8:00PM
Where: Seguin High School (Cafeteria), 7001 Silo Road, Arlington

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What: Paying for College Seminar – Crowley/Fort Worth
When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010; 7:00 to 8:30PM
Where: Crowley Middle School (Lecture Hall), 3800 W. Risinger Road, Fort Worth

The seminars are free and open to the general public. There will be a question and answer period during the seminar. For questions regarding the seminars, please call Turner’s office at 817-478-5096.

In addition to providing referrals and assistance with State agency issues, constituent services include, but are not limited to:

• Providing flags flown over the Capitol
• Making special arrangements for your next visit to the Capitol
• Giving recognition for outstanding achievement and special occasions

Making sure that my staff and I are available to the constituents of House District 96 is my top priority.

If you need help with a state agency or would like my staff to help with any other constituent service listed above, please call 817.478.5096.