You Did It!

UMW and Texas Impacts Legislative Successes 2011

Thanks to the leadership of United Methodist Women and the efforts of people of faith across Texas, the Texas Legislature passed a number of positive, community-building bills in 2011. The following measures represent issues that faith communities were particularly engaged in. The starred items were on UMWs legislative agenda. Congratulations! Your vision and voice make a difference!
Renewing Our Communities: Local faith and community-based organizations can work with state agencies and OneStar to build stronger partnerships. Navigators: Volunteers and staff in outreach programs like food pantries can be certified to assist clients applying for assistance or looking for other online services. LoanSTAR Stewards: Houses of worship can receive low-interest financing for energy efficiency upgrades through this pilot program. Onsite Solar: More options are available for congregations and other property owners to install solar energy systems. Juvenile Justice Reform: Congregations and their members can ensure accountability in the new system and provide support to offenders and families. Summer Food: Congregations have increased options for partnering with local school districts to offer meals to kids during summer vacation. Urban Agriculture: the Legislature opened up new directions for future work on the related issues of hunger, nutrition, economic development and local environmental planning Fusion Centers: National model legislation establishes a new oversight and accountability for internet-based law enforcement centers. Payday Lending: For the first time, Texas will regulate payday and auto title lenders, as well as providing new consumer credit education. Fracking: National model legislation establishes well-by-well disclosure of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracture natural gas extraction. Indigent Defense: Lawmakers adopted recommendations of the Tim Cole Commission and other recent studies, as well as developing a new structure for ensuring adequate legal representation for indigent defendants. Low-Income Weatherization: Utility companies will adhere to stricter quality standards in weatherizing homes for low-income Texans. Obesity Prevention: Schools will provide more specific information on student physical fitness to help agencies evaluate obesity prevention programs State Budget: The Legislative Budget Board will meet more frequently and interact with stakeholders and the public on budget actions between legislative sessions. TCEQ Sunset: Legislators improved TCEQs enforcement and compliance policies and public participation process. Immigration: Lawmakers rejected anti-immigrant legislation including a ban on so-called Sanctuary Cities.