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.

State Representative Chris Turner will host 2 seminars on May 15th in Arlington and Fort Worth designed  to help you lower your utility costs.

Specific topics to be discussed are:

• Information on Smart Meters
• Weatherization Assistance Program
• Competitive Electric Market – Power to Choose
• Low Income Discount Program
• General Energy Saving Measures
• And much more…

For questions or directions, please call State Representative Turner’s office at 817-478-5096.

“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.

State Representative Chris Turner recently announced the construction of the FM 1187 turnaround between Canoe Way and the railroad tracks in Crowley is complete and the turnaround is open for use. This project has been a top priority for city leaders and local residents for many years.

“I want to thank Mayor [Billy] Davis and the [Crowley] City Council, along with numerous Crowley residents for making me aware of this important issue,” Turner said. “I commend the city and TxDOT for working together on this project and making FM 1187 safer for families who use this road every day.”

Earlier this year, Crowley residents and city leaders approached Turner about the need for a turnaround and asked for help contacting the Texas Department of Transportation on their behalf. Soon after, Turner met with area TxDOT officials and relayed the concerns Crowley residents had raised over FM 1187.

“The city of Crowley has been trying for over six years to have a turnaround built. It wasn’t until State Representative Chris Turner stepped in that something happened,” Davis said. “I can not express how grateful I am for Representative Turner’s help on this very important project that will improve safety for Crowley residents.”

Prior to the construction of the turnaround, those living in Crowley’s Creekside and Lasater Ranch Subdivisions drove 2-3 miles to Crowley Road in order to turn around to drive in the opposite direction.

As a result, some drivers crossed the FM 1187 median illegally, which had many in the community concerned about their safety. Also, the lack of a turnaround slowed down police, firefighter and EMS response times and when every second counts, the need for quick access is critical.

Passing legislation creating the Kennedale TownCenter Development District, which will help spur economic development and eventually help lessen property tax pressure on Kennedale  homeowners.

Worked with the City of Crowley and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to construct a much-needed turnaround on FM 1187 between Canoe Way and the railroad tracks, which will improve safety and accessibility for Crowley residents.

Worked with the City of Mansfield and TxDOT to advance plans to construct frontage roads and “Texas turnarounds” on US 287 between Walnut Creek and Broad.

Is currently working with TxDOT, North Texas Transportation Authority (NTTA), North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), city and county leaders together to discuss the future of SH360 and how to expedite the completion of the highway through Southern Tarrant County.

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.

• Because of his work on issues affecting veterans and their families, Turner was named the bi-partisan Legislative Veteran’s Caucus “Freshman of the Year.”
• Given the “Leadership Award” by the Texas Veterans Commission.
• Turner authored H.B. 1299 which will create one scratch off lottery ticket to provide an estimated $8 million annually for critical and emergency aid to Texas veterans through the Fund for Veterans Assistance. The bill passed the House and was ultimately amended to a Texas Veterans Commission bill.
• Turner authored H.B. 1636 which ensures that all state employees who are called to active military duty are able to continue to accrue their vacation and sick time and do not lose these benefits because they were deployed. The bill was the House companion to Senator John Carona’s S.B. 833, which Turner sponsored.
• Turner authored and passed H.B. 3951 requires state colleges and universities ensure a professional in their financial aid office is familiar with and trained on the major educational benefits available to veterans.
• Turner authored H.B. 3952 extending the Hazelwood Act to the spouses of Texas military members who are killed in the line of duty or left completely disabled. Turner amended the measure to S.B. 93.
• Turner added an amendment to H.B. 1935 which establishes the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program. The amendment will ensure that those organizations that have programs benefiting veterans will be given priority in the grants awarding process.

Fighting for Consumers and Small Business

• For his efforts on behalf of consumers, Turner was named “Freshman of the Year” by the non-partisan pro-consumer organization, Texas Watch.
• Turner authored H.B. 995 which passed the House Committee on State Affairs unanimously (15-0) and was later amended onto another House Bill. The legislation will require retail electric providers to give their customers at least 30 days written notice that their fixed price electric contract is expiring.
• For his efforts on behalf of consumers, Turner was named “Freshman of the Year” by the non-partisan pro-consumer organization, Texas Watch.
• Turner filed several pieces of legislation protecting homeowners from unfair practices by the insurance industry.

Improving Our Public Schools & Helping Texas Universities  Excel

• Turner co-authored H.B. 3646, which will provide an additional $1.9 billion in school funding and increase the equity among school districts.
• Turner co-authored H.B. 51, the “Tier One” bill, which opens the door for “emerging research universities,” such as the University of Texas at Arlington, to become a “Top Tier” research university.

Shielding Our Families from Sexual Predators

• Turner authored H.B. 2396 will require sex offenders who claim to be homeless to register with their local law enforcement agency every 2 weeks. The bill was combined with an identical piece of legislation during the committee process and was signed into law by Governor Perry.
• Turner authored and passed out of the House legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography to law enforcement.  This measure had strong support from law enforcement, but unfortunately the bill died in the Senate.

Supporting Texas Businesses and Cutting Taxes

• H.B. 1637 made improvements to the shared work unemployment compensation program, making it possible for many of our large manufacturers and other employers who operate on swing shifts to take advantage of this state program. Turner passed this bill on the first day the House considered legislation.
• Turner co-authored H.B. 4765 which will exempt small businesses with less than $1 million of revenue from paying Texas franchise taxes.
• Turner co-authored H.B. 831 which would exempt Chambers of Commerce from paying ad valorem taxes on property they owned and used for their primary functions.

Arlington – State Rep. Chris Turner announced today that action by the Crowley City Council Thursday night clears the way for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to construct a temporary “turnaround” on FM 1187 in Crowley, a top priority for city leaders and numerous residents.

During the July 16, 2009 Crowley City Council meeting, the council voted in favor of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with TXDOT in order to begin the construction project. According to TxDOT construction will tentatively begin in mid-August and is expected to be completed by October.

“I want to thank Mayor Davis and the City Council, along with the numerous Crowley residents for making me aware of this important issue,” Turner said. “I commend the city and TxDOT for working together and coming to an agreement so that this important project can proceed.”

Crowley residents and leaders have identified the shortage of turnarounds on FM 1187 as a top priority for the city. Currently, those living in Crowley’s Creekside and Lasater Ranch Subdivisions must drive 2-3 miles to Crowley Road to turn around in order to drive in the opposite direction. As a result, some drivers cross the FM 1187 median illegally, which has many in the community concerned about their safety.

“The City of Crowley has been trying for over six years to have a turnaround built. It wasn’t until State Representative Chris Turner stepped in that something happened,” said Crowley Mayor Billy Davis. “I can not express how grateful I am for Rep. Turner’s help on this very important project that will improve safety for Crowley residents.”

Turner met area TxDOT officials in the spring and relayed the concerns Crowley residents had raised over FM 1187. TxDOT stated that the reason turnarounds had not been constructed was because the “main lanes” of FM 1187 are slated to be built at some point in the future. Turner noted that the construction of main lanes is likely to be several years — if not decades — in the future and asked that the department to work with Crowley to devise a solution in the near term in order to meet the needs of Crowley residents.

TxDOT subsequently responded to Turner and agreed to construct at least one temporary turnaround, with the understanding that the eventual main lanes would require the removal of the turnaround. Turner’s office has stayed in close contact with TXDOT and the city to ensure that the process was moving along in a timely manner.

The turnaround will be constructed on FM 1187 between Canoe Way and the railroad tracks.

AUSTIN- State Representative Chris Turner ended his first legislative session with the passage of several significant measures aimed to aid Texas veterans, protect consumers and enhance economic development in House District 96.

AIDING TEXAS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Turner passed several key measures to aid Texas veterans and their families:

Turner filed and passed legislation that will generate up to $14 million over the next two years to pay for critical services for Texas veterans. This measure, which establishes a dedicated lottery scratch-off game to benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans Assistance, was a top legislative priority for leading veterans’ organizations. Services that will be made possible with this bill include PTSD counseling, transportation assistance to VA health care facilities and job placement assistance.

Turner also passed legislation that will help ensure that our veterans and their family members are able to take full advantage of the educational benefits which they have earned by guaranteeing that there is a trained veteran’s aid specialist at every public Texas college and university.

Turner successfully passed legislation to allow state employees who take a leave of absence for military service to continue to accrue vacation and sick leave.

Finally, Turner’s measure to expand the Hazelwood college financial aid program to the spouses of service members who are killed or completely disabled as a result of their service is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

“With over 1.7 million veterans in Texas, I was honored to fight for our veterans to ensure that they receive the benefits they have earned and deserve,” said Turner. “With thousands of Texans fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we must do all we can to make sure that they will receive the help they need when they return home.”

As a result of Turner’s effective work on veterans’ issues, the bipartisan Veterans’ Caucus named Turner its “Freshman of the Year.” “I am humbled to have received this tremendous honor from my colleagues, and I intend to keep fighting for Texas veterans and their families,” Turner said.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Another of Turner’s key accomplishments this session was authoring legislation requiring electric utility companies to provide their customers with written notice that their contract is close to expiring, giving consumers time to shop around and find a reasonable electric rate. Turner passed his bill out of the House State Affairs Committee, but it was one of hundreds that was never scheduled for a vote on the House floor.

The legislation was ultimately passed as an amendment that Senator Wendy Davis added to another bill, and it will go a long way toward preventing huge, unexpected rate hikes on Texas families.

“For the past year, I have heard story after story of families’ residential utility bills doubling overnight as a result of a contract ending unexpectedly,” said Turner. “Texasfamilies don’t need or deserve huge rate hikes, especially in tough economic times. The utility companies need to be upfront with their customers and let them know when their rates may go up and by how much.”

HELPING DISTRICT 96

Turner’s top priority during the 81st Legislative Session was to stay in touch and work hard for the constituents he represents. Prior to the beginning of session, Turner met with city and local leaders to discuss issues affecting them and how he could help.

As a result of one such meeting, Turner filed and passed HB 1300, which creates the Kennedale TownCenter. Aimed to improve and diversify the economic base in Kennedale, the city and the Kennedale Economic Development Corporation, will create a mixed use development that will house retail, professional offices and restaurants.

“The TownCenter will provide much needed economic development and business revenue to the city and reduce the tax burden on homeowners,” said Turner. “My top priority has been and always will be to serve and be responsive to our district, and I remain honored and humbled to represent the families of southern Tarrant County in the Texas Legislature.”

STATE REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TURNER’S LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

• H.B. 1299 was amended to a Texas Veterans Commission bill, which passed on the last day of session. It will create one scratch off lottery ticket to provide and estimated $8 million annually for critical and emergency aid to our veterans through the Fund for Veterans Assistance
• H.B. 995 passed the House Committee on State Affairs unanimously (15-0) and was later amended onto another House Bill. The legislation will require retail electric providers to give their customers at least 30 days written notice that their fixed price electric contract is expiring.
• H.B. 1300 will create the Kennedale TownCenter Development District. The district will create a mixed-use commercial facility and will help lessen the tax burden on Kennedale homeowners.
• H.B. 2396 will require sex offenders who claim to be homeless to register with their local law enforcement agency every 2 weeks. The bill was combined with an identical piece of legislation during the committee process, which is now headed to Governor Perry.
• H.B. 1636 ensures that all state employees who are called to active military duty are able to continue to accrue their vacation and sick time and do not lose these benefits because they were deployed. The bill was the House companion to State Senator John Carona’s SB 833, which Turner sponsored in the House and has been sent to Governor Perry.
• H.B. 1637 adjusted the definition of the 40-hour work week as it pertains to the shared work unemployment compensation program making it possible for many of our large manufacturers and other employers who operate on swing shifts to take advantage of this state program. Turner passed this bill on the first day the House considered legislation. The measure has been signed by Governor Perry.
• H.B. 3951 requires state colleges and universities ensure a professional in their financial aid office is familiar with and trained on the major educational benefits available to veterans — particularly the GI Bill and the Hazelwood Act. The bill passed the House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Perry.
• H.B. 3952 extends the Hazelwood Act to the spouses of Texas military members who are killed in the line of duty or left completely disabled. Turner amended the measure to SB 93 and will be soon sent to Governor Perry for signing.
• Turner added an amendment to H.B. 1935 which establishes the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program. The amendment will ensure that those organizations that have programs benefiting veterans will be given priority in the grants awarding process.
• Turner authored and passed out of the House legislation requiring computer technicians to report the discovery of child pornography to law enforcement. This measure had strong support from law enforcement, but unfortunately the bill died in the Senate.