State Representative Abel Herrero

Nueces River Cleanup

Rep. Abel Herrero recently participated in a boat ride along the Nueces River. The representative is partnering with the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County officials to help river cleanup efforts. Rep. Herrero spoke to the Caller Times about the team effort needed to effectively improve river quality.

“The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, including all levels of government agencies and obviously the private property owners, can enhance the natural beauty of the river but also potentially create an eco-tourism destination and clean up the source of water that Corpus Christi so desperately depends on,”  –  Rep. Abel Herrero 

Read the full article at the Caller Times website: Nueces River focus of  big cleanup effort 

Upcoming Town Hall Meetings

Please join us to address issues concerning you and your family for the upcoming  82nd Legislative Session. I encourage you to contact my office with suggestions or ideas you may want discussed during this series.

Meetings

• Thursday, March 25th
  5:30-7 pm: Calallen HS Cafeteria, 4001 Wildcat Drive, Calallen

For more information, please call (361)882-2277 or email zulema.zapata@house.state.tx.us.

New Statewide Fuel Quality Program

Texas Department of Agriculture
AUSTIN – Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today strengthened consumer protection in Texas by launching a new statewide fuel quality program targeting contaminated fuel. Until now, there has not been a state agency in Texas with the authority to protect drivers from receiving tainted fuel.

“When Texas drivers top off their tanks, they need to know that the fuel they pay for is of the highest quality,” Commissioner Staples said. “The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to consumer protection, and this new authority now allows our inspectors to not only make sure drivers receive the amount of gas they purchase, but also the quality of gas their vehicles require.”
Under Commissioner Staples, the Texas Department of Agriculture requested, and was granted, the authority to regulate fuel quality and increase penalties for repeat violators. House Bill 2925, authored by Rep. Abel Herrero and sponsored by Sen. John Whitmire, gives TDA the responsibility to test fuel for water and other contaminants, and to determine whether it meets nationally recognized standards.

“I am pleased to have worked with Commissioner Staples and Representative Herrero to give the Texas Department of Agriculture the enforcement tools they need to ensure the quality of fuel sold in Texas,” Sen. Whitmire said. “Texas consumers will now have greater protections against the sale of contaminated or harmful gasoline.”

“In efforts to maintain consumer confidence at the pump, we worked closely with all stakeholders to implement and enhance protections through fuel quality testing,” Rep. Herrero said. “With already strained finances for many hardworking families, we needed to assure them they were getting the best quality for their money.”

Under the new initiative, fuel quality inspections will be conducted based upon a three-pronged approach: complaint initiated; risk-based analysis; and routine monitoring.

“This model will ensure the most efficient use of resources and best results for consumers,” Commissioner Staples said. “The good news is, the fuel industry already conducts its own quality testing, so by working as partners we will be able to better focus our efforts on higher risk areas.”

“The Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association supports the Texas Department of Agriculture’s goal of ensuring petroleum products meet certain standards for quality,” Chris Newton, TPCA president, said. “While instances of inferior fuel quality are few, it is imperative that consumers have confidence in the high quality of fuels for sale in the state of Texas. TDA’s fuel quality testing program is a key component of maintaining this confidence. Our members look forward to working with the department on this important issue.”

In addition to granting TDA authority to regulate fuel quality, HB 2925 also gives the agency the authority to:

Assess penalties – up to $5,000 per fuel quality violation
Issue stop sales – stopping the sale of fuel that is contaminated or does not meet national quality standards

http://www.agr.state.tx.us/agr/media/media_render/0,1460,1848_17053_36231_0,00.html

Veterans Cash Announcement (Spanish)

Representative Abel Herrero rolls out the Veteran’s Cash scratch-off game for the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) Program. The scratch-off game will help fund grants to aid veterans and their families. Click on Legislative Updates to view full video.

New Allegations Reported at the Corpus Christi State School

Austin, Texas – Late this afternoon, Representative Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) was notified of new allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation at the Corpus Christi State School.  In response, Rep. Herrero released the following statement:

“Based on initial information, it is confirmed that there have been new allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation incidents involving incitement to fight between residents.  If these allegations are proven true, I’m gravely disappointed that agency officials have been ineffective in properly addressing these dire circumstances.  The general public, especially state school residents, are demanding agency officials to be more diligent, proactive and effective in ridding our state schools, once and for all, of these atrocities.  By only acting when new allegations arise or solely relying on others to report abuse, the state fails to effectively deal with the root of the problem and uphold its responsibility to prevent further abuse.  The state must exhaust every available resource and infinite amount of energy to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable population.” – Abel Herrero

Rep. Abel Herrero Files Legislation To Protect Domestic Violence Victims

Mary’s Law legislation brings the safety of domestic violence victims to forefront of session activity.

Austin, Texas – Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) filed HB 1506, Texas’ version of Mary’s Law, a bill that allows GPS monitoring of persons charged with domestic violence offenses.  If enacted, Texas will be the 12th state to allow courts to order a domestic violence offender to be fitted with a GPS tracking device as a condition of bond or a upon the issuing of a protective order.  The receiver may be given to the victim or a law enforcement agency. The victim is alerted when the offender is within a court-specified radius.

“The State of Texas has the utmost obligation to its citizens to ensure their safety and well-being.  By implementing HB 1506, Texas can further protect those that have fallen victim to domestic violence,” said Rep. Herrero.  “Unfortunately, time and time again, we have seen those who have had the strength and courage to ask for protection still harmed due to the lack of monitoring.  So, the state must be clear that it does not tolerate attempts to intimidate a victim and will monitor an offender’s action if necessary. “

Mary’s Law is named for Michigan resident Mary Babb, who was murdered outside her place of employment, by her estranged husband after filing a restraining order against him.  Research indicates that 69% of females and 81% of males are attacked after filing a protective order.

Rep. Herrero Appointed Vice Chair of Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government

General Government Subcommittee oversees crucial budgets affecting the Office of the Governor state agencies including the Water Development Board, Commission on Environmental Quality and Agriculture

Austin, TX – Representative Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) was appointed as Appropriations Subcommittee Vice Chair of General Government.  In response, Rep. Herrero released the following statement:

“I thank Chairman Pitts for his vote of confidence in appointing me as Vice Chair of the General Government subcommittee.  This appointment further allows me to address crucial issues in the district and across the state.  As subcommittee vice chair, we will direct appropriation recommendations to the full committee for services provided by the Office of the Governor and such agencies as the Water Development Board, Commission on Environmental Quality and the Veteran’s Commission.  The opportunities awarded me in this appointment allow me the ability to voice the priorities of my constituents that I hear and see everyday from providing basic water needs and improving our air quality to increasing Veteran’s benefits and progressing our efforts on cancer research.”

The General Government Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations has jurisdiction over Article I, General Government, and Article VI, Natural Resources, of the State of Texas Appropriations Act for the 2010-2011 biennium.

Representative Abel Herrero to Serve on Influential Committees

Rep. Herrero to Serve on Appropriations, Redistricting and Human Services Committees

AUSTIN, TX– Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown) was appointed to serve on the following committees for the 81st Legislative Session:  House Committee on Appropriations, House Committee on Redistricting and  as Vice Chair of House Committee on Human Services.  The long-awaited committee assignments allow for the legislation process to fully begin.

“I am thankful to Speaker Straus for his support and confidence in choosing me to serve on these influential committees because it furthers my ability to work on key issues affecting our communities and our state,” said Rep. Herrero.  “I am eager to assume these responsibilities and opportunities to once again work on the state budget, health issues and funding for needed services throughout the state.  Serving on the Redistricting Committee will prove to be critical in ensuring that our region continues to be well represented.”

The House Committee on Appropriations is responsible for legislation dealing with the official budget for the State of Texas for the 2010-2011 biennium. The Human Services Committee’s jurisdiction covers an array of services including oversight and development of welfare and rehabilitation programs and supervision of many state agencies, which provide health services, including state schools.  In addition to these committees, Rep. Herrero will serve on the House Committee on Redistricting, which is charged with amending and creating judicial, state and congressional legislative districts.

“As Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Human Services, I will continue to promote expanding the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and ensuring affordable, accessible and comprehensive health coverage for all hard-working families.”

The Speaker of the House appoints members to each House committee based on seniority and/or speaker preference.

Rep. Herrero encourages constituents to contact his office on the committee assignment process or any other issue of interest at (512) 463-0462 or via email at District34.Herrero@house.state.tx.us. Interested individuals can also view the Texas House of Representatives website at www.house.state.tx.us.

Fighting for Hard-Working Teachers and Our Public Schools

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX— State Representative Abel Herrero(D-Robstown) urged state officials to address the spiraling costs facing school districts across the state and encouraged Robstown School Board members to take emergency action to resolve the possibility of delayed paychecks for teachers and all school district personnel.

In several letters to state and local officials, Herrero urged action on behalf of teachers, school district personnel and Texas students.

“Our school district employees including teachers, librarians, and all support staff make a significant contribution to our communities and the education of our children. Because of their importance and because their well-being is and should remain a priority, I encourage to take immediate steps to help resolve the current financial hardships many of our school districts are experiencing due to spiraling costs.

“With rising transportation costs, utility bills and food expenses, school districts are facing a hard choice to tighten their budgets by either laying off teachers, support staff or cutting back on crucial educational services. I realize that under difficult economic times, it is expected that school districts will need to review and evaluate their budget, but Robstown Independent School is currently at a crossroads on these financial limitations possibly leading to delays in paychecks for hundreds of school employees. However, Robstown Independent School District is not alone in their current budget crisis in that many school districts across the state are also in financial distress. We, as state leaders, must join in our efforts to provide any relief within our means that will ensure, not only that our teachers and school employees receive a reliable paycheck, but also that the doors remain open to our students.

“I am confident that you, as I do, grasp the urgency of these economic barriers facing our public education system and will strongly consider meeting to discuss a budget execution of funds to the Texas Education Agency for our public schools. As state representative, I support an emergency declaration in the 81st session in order to resolve this issue and take a stand for our children.”

Rep. Herrero Urges Emergency Preparedness for Hurricane Season

Hours after Tropical Storm Edouard hit east of Galveston on Tuesday, Nueces County officials held a meeting of their own to discuss hurricane preparations.

Nearly 50 people attended the meeting at the Nueces County Courthouse on Tuesday night to talk with state and county officials about hurricanes. Their questions ranged from how long it would take to open the additional evacuation lane on Interstate 37, to whether Corpus Christi could evacuate via railways the way Rio Grande Valley residents did when Hurricane Dolly struck last month.

From the Corpus Christi Caller-Times:

“It’s important for members of the community to know how every level of government works to ensure the health and the well being of residents,” Herrero said.

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