September 29, 2005
Senator Nelson Calls for Continued
Review of Hurricane Impact
Senator Nelson praised the efforts of federal, state and local officials --
as well as thousands of private citizens, businesses, churches and charitable
organizations -- for their response to the Katrina and Rita disasters. She
also said it is time to begin taking a closer look at the long-term effects
this crisis will have on our health care system and other state services.
"Texas has demonstrated its charity and efficiency in the wake of
these tragedies, but it is time to start looking more closely at the long-term
effects this crisis will have on our schools, our health care system and our
state budget," Senator Nelson said.
Senator Nelson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Human
Services, has requested an interim study into the impact of recent hurricanes
on health services, charitable care, foster care and other state services.
Senator Nelson receives United Way Award, Participates in Anti-Abuse
Campaign
Senator Nelson offered her support for the United Way of Tarrant County’s
2005 Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Campaign by recording a radio spot
airing on KLTY radio (94.9 FM) to promote community efforts to deter child
abuse.
Senator Nelson, who authored legislation reforming the state's protective
services in response to a series of tragedies involving abused or neglected
children, was also named State Legislator of the Year by the United Ways of
Texas.
"Unfortunately, legislation alone will not stop child abuse in Texas.
This is a community problem that requires a community response," Senator
Nelson said. "I am so pleased that the United Way of Tarrant County has
undertaken this awareness campaign. There are children living in danger in our
community, and they need our help."
Tarrant, Denton Receive Grants to Fight Domestic Violence
Senator Nelson welcomes the distribution of more than $6,870,857 in grants
to organizations working to fight domestic abuse and to provide much-needed
services to victims of family violence. The grants, made possible by the
federal S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), are distributed by the
Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.
"We are fortunate in our community to have dedicated law enforcement,
prosecutors and charitable organizations dedicated to fighting domestic abuse.
These grants will help put violent criminals behind bars and help victims of
abuse rebuild their lives," Senator Nelson said.
Grants to local entities include:
· $40,000 to Denton County to provide a special prosecution unit for
family violence cases.
· $80,000 to Denton County to provide a specialized prosecutor,
investigator and administrative assistant to investigate, research and prepare
for family violence cases.
· $21,000 to Denton County Friends of the Family to provide crisis
counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline, case management and referral services to
family violence and sexual assault victims.
· $60,650 to the City of Lewisville to provide an investigator for
protective order cases and prosecutions involving family violence crimes.
· $250,000 to Tarrant County to provide a first-time family violence
prevention program to first-time offenders along with case management,
professional counseling, emergency shelter services and referral services to
victims.
· $45,997 to Tarrant County to provide legal representation to family
violence victims in protective order proceedings.
· $67,000 to The Women's Shelter, Inc., to provide case management
information, clinical counseling, support groups, safe shelter, and
information and referral services to Hispanic women in Tarrant County.
Medical Liability Reform Leads to Lower Rates for Physicians
The Texas Medical Liability Trust, the state's largest medical liability
insurance provider, has announced that it will reduce medical liability rates
by 5 percent across the board. They credited Proposition 12, a constitutional
amendment capping non-economic damages in medical lawsuits, for making the
rate reduction possible.
"We are pleased to see our legislative efforts providing relief to
physicians and most importantly, preserving access to care for Texas
patients," said Senator Nelson, who sponsored Proposition 12 in the
Senate.
For more information on these or other issues, visit the Legislature online
at www.capitol.senate.state.tx.us or call Senator Nelson's Capitol Office at
512-463-0112 or District Office in Grapevine at 817-424-3446.
