A good public school system is one of the most important factors for families and businesses when choosing a new place to call home. In fact, Round Rock’s schools are the top reason why I moved to Round Rock, so that my children would be well prepared for life after high school. I was impressed by the strong sense of ownership the area took in the schools. While I served on the Round Rock ISD School Board, we continued to work with the community to ensure that students from Pre-Kindergarten through graduation had the opportunities and resources necessary to succeed. We knew the importance of keeping class sizes manageable was critical for teachers to be effective in the classroom and that cutting edge tools would help our students to compete not just with other Texas students, but with students around the globe.

It is for those reasons that I joined with my colleagues on the school board to ask the citizens to pass a bond that would help create a new academy targeting the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Offering this challenging coursework is critical to Texas’ job and economic outlook because according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 2 million jobs will be created in these industries by 2014. I can think of no better place for these new, high-wage jobs to end up than Texas. I think the Texas Association of Business sums it up well on their website saying, “The ability of tomorrow’s workforce to succeed depends on the educational foundation we lay today. In Texas, we are experiencing a technology boom that is rapidly changing how we live and conduct our businesses. If young Texans enter the workforce without proper training, our position as business leaders will diminish and economic development will falter.” We cannot afford to backtrack on what we as a community have worked so hard to build. While Texas is facing a looming budget shortfall, we must not jeopardize our investment in education on the backs of our students. Instead, we need to continue to pave the way for future growth and success in our classrooms and beyond.

Our school districts are in a tough position, as many of them are also facing budget shortfalls and are having to consider dipping in to their critical fund balances to pay teacher salaries and monthly bills. This is a result of a decision by our state leaders years ago to implement the new margins tax which promised to continue funding schools while cutting property taxes for homeowners. The problem is it did neither: school funding dropped and property tax relief never came. Without the proper tools and resources in the classroom, we cannot expect our students to be prepared to contend for jobs in this global economy.

The Round Rock Independent School District did not become nationally recognized by Forbes magazine overnight, it took a lot of hard work and dedication by thousands of people and businesses throughout the community. However, if we take our eye off the ball it could all be in the past. When I moved to Round Rock, I immediately noticed the heightened parental involvement in schools, strong relationships with the business communities and overwhelming support on education bonds. I believe that is still true today and I look forward to another successful school year that helps our students’ dreams get bigger and their opportunities better.

Energy usage in the summer months far outpaces our usage during the rest of the year because of exceptionally hot temperatures that lead many to constantly run their air conditioning in an attempt to stay cool.

Fortunately, there are two options Texans have that can help us to make better and more cost effective decisions regarding our energy use.

Many people have heard about the new smart meters that are being installed throughout Texas to ensure electric providers are managing our grid in the most effective manner and allowing consumers to be more efficient with the energy they use.

The smart meter is a digital box that will phase out the traditional meters we are all used to with the tiny dials that have to be read each month. Because a meter reader had to come out to each house, this occasionally proved to be an inconvenience to many homeowners who had to make accommodations for any outdoor pets or those who simply do not appreciate someone going into their yard. The new meters are digital, making them easier to read, but they also send information to a data center electronically, which saves time and resources.

In addition, this real-time reading can alert electric providers to any suspicious spikes in activity or power outages that need to be looked into.

In some cases when power goes out in the middle of the day in a neighborhood, it can be hours before electric providers are aware of the outage. With a smart meter, they will be notified within 15 minutes of the power going out and can begin working to restore power immediately.

This new technology will also let you monitor your energy usage right from your own home.

Each meter will be connected to a web portal that consumers can log into and track their energy usage in 15-minute intervals. This way you do not have to wait until the bill comes in to see your monthly usage. Instead, you can track it each day or even hour.

By allowing you, the customer, to see near real-time consumption, you can take immediate action to curb your usage and have a meaningful impact on your electric bill.

Oncor is currently working to install the new meters throughout Round Rock. Every home and business in Round Rock should have the meters installed by the end of May at no additional charge to the consumer.

When your smart meter is installed, it should come with an informational flyer on your door making you aware of the change and the new features.

The new smart meters will not only ensure our energy grid is more effective, but it also provides each consumer with a greater amount of control of their energy usage and bill. For more information on the smart meters and their deployment, visit smarttexas.com.

Texans also have another great way to help cut down on our energy bills. Since 2002, millions of Texans have taken advantage of their right to choose the retail electric provider.

By selecting your provider, you have the opportunity to shop for the plan – and the price – that best fits your need. Companies such as Oncor, AEP and Centerpoint are electric transmitters while TXU, Reliant and others serve as the retail electric provider.

It is the electric providers whom you contract with to purchase energy. The transmitters simply provide that energy which you use. Most Round Rock residents will have more than 30 options when choosing a retail electric provider.

By logging on to PowerToChoose.org, you can shop for your provider and see how much they are charging per kilowatt hour, rate type and contract length to help you make an informed decision.

As you weigh the options, important questions to consider and ask of providers are listed to help you determine the best option for you.

The website also allows consumers to select their provider based on what percentage of fuel sources are environmentally friendly.

The competitive retail electric market gives consumers both quality options and multiple choices based on their personal needs or demands.

The market has led to Texas offering some of the lowest electric prices among large states including New York, California and Florida. Next time you turn on your air conditioning or television, run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry, think about how much you are saving by having an efficient smart meter and how much you can save by shopping for a provider.

As the heat of another Texas summer begins to set in, think about ways in which you can save in your pocketbook, all while being energy efficient.

Beginning this week Texans can earn cash back when updating, and upgrading, their home appliances. The Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program has two goals that will both benefit Texans – stimulating the Texas economy and increasing energy conservation in our state. In effect, this program will pay off in both the rebate you can receive for purchasing a new appliance as well as with a decrease in your monthly utility bills.

The State Energy Conservation Office developed the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program after receiving more than $23 million of federal stimulus funding from the Department of Energy. The rebate program applies to residential ENERGY STAR appliance products which represent an improvement in efficiency compared to the majority of products on the market. Appliances must meet rigorous federal standards to be considered ENERGY STAR qualified. Qualified appliances must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. The ENERGY STAR label also helps consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance.

The Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program is just one way in which you can work to make your home more energy efficient, decrease your utility bills, and increase comfort. The ENERGY STAR website (www.energystar.gov) includes a 5-minute survey you can take to compare your home’s energy efficiency to similar homes across the country. The site will then provide you with recommendations for other energy-saving home improvements you can make.

Texans can apply for up to $1,600 in rebates when replacing one or two older household appliances for energy efficient models. This rebate applies to most household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters and more. In addition, if you properly recycle your old appliance, you can receive an extra rebate from the Appliance Rebate Program.

Once this year’s Spring Cleaning checklist is complete, you could also have lower utility bills and a more comfortable home in addition to a well-manicured yard and a dust-free house. There are a limited number of reservations that will be accepted, and once the $23 million has been reserved the offer will end. For more information and to enroll in the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program, visit their website at: www.TexasPowerfulSmart.org or call (877) 780-3039. Help improve our environment by making your home, community and our state more energy efficient.

Williamson County receives federal funding based on the number of residents living in its boundaries. Current estimates place Williamson County at more than 394,000 people. That is a 57 percent increase from the 2000 Census and makes Williamson County the second fastest growing county in Texas. A complete count of each individual ensures that Williamson County will receive its available portion of $400 billion in federal funds that will be allocated to states and local governments. In fact, the Williamson County Census Committee Chair has estimated that our region’s population increase could bring in more than $2 million per year to the county for programs and infrastructure.

The Census questionnaire will be mailed to homes and apartments in March, and all answers are confidential and protected by law. The questionnaire contains just 10 questions that should take no more than 10 minutes for you to answer. By taking just 10 minutes to accurately fill out this form, you are doing your part to guarantee our local hospitals, schools, and governments have the necessary funding needed to keep pace with the enormous growth that is taking place in Williamson County.

Households that do not return the questionnaire by April 1st will have a Census worker visit their home in an attempt to get a complete count of our population. The Census workers should present identification to verify their role with the Census and then simply ask you the exact questions that are on the Census questionnaire so that your home is counted. While you are required by law to participate in the Census, I would strongly encourage you to actively support this project to ensure that you, your family and your community are accurately counted.

For more information on the 2010 Census, and to view a copy of the actual Census questionnaire, visit www.2010census.gov.

Growing up on a ranch, Taylor native Bill Pickett worked around animals his entire life. He used his skills not just for entertainment, but also for education as he believed the lessons learned on a ranch can last a lifetime. His successful career was spent educating and entertaining which eventually led to his induction as the first black honoree to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1971. In addition, Pickett was featured by the United States Postal Service in 1994 in their “Legends of the West” stamp series. Pickett’s career highlights that success can come in many different ways, but his truly pioneering ways were innovative and can still be seen at rodeos today.

Bill Pickett is just one example of someone who worked to build a bond between different cultures so that each one would be stronger. Pioneers such as Barbara Jordan, Texas’ second black state senator and first black woman from a Southern state to serve in Congress, blazed a trail through our nation’s past. If not for her and the dedication of countless others, we might not have ever had an African American Supreme Court Justice or President of the Untied States

The City of Round Rock and the Round Rock Public Library are hosting several Black History Month events including a month long photography exhibit highlighting the first African American City Councilman in Round Rock, Garfield McConico. For more information on local events, please visit: http://mytinyurl.net/BlackHistoryMonth.

In addition, I am looking forward to attending and participating in the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. This event is unique because it not only highlights African Americans, but it provides families with a place to learn more about some of the community-based services which are at their disposal. For more information about the programs and booths that will be participating in this exceptional event, visit www.integralcare.org.

Black History Month celebrates one of the many unique cultures that provide the foundation for our community fabric. I encourage everyone to take a moment to learn something new or reflect upon something historical, that has helped to shape the world in which we live. The spirit in which Black History Month is celebrated is one of appreciation we must continue to ensure these important figures and accomplishments are not forgotten by future generations.

The path that each student chooses should be based on the unique goals and benchmarks each student has set for their career and life. However, many times those goals are forced to take a back seat for financial reasons. Especially as the effects of the recent economic downturn begin to be understood, many families have had to make difficult financial choices about their future as well as their children’s education. Many times students and families are not aware of the many financial aid opportunities that are available which can sometimes be the difference between going to college and going directly into the workforce.

To help inform and prepare students and seniors about their financial options, the Austin Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its 20,010 by 2010 Initiative which aims to increase the enrollment of local students in higher education institutions. This initiative would increase the number of local students from 67,000 students to over 87,000 in 2010.

To this end, the Austin Chamber has teamed up with local school districts and businesses to host Financial Aid Saturdays at schools throughout Williamson and Travis counties. These workshops will provide free assistance to families to complete necessary forms and applications such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as the ApplyTexas application for acceptance to Texas colleges and universities. These forums will also work with students to give them a unique insight into many local career fields and ensure that they are on a college readiness track.

These workshops will take place at several Williamson County high schools including: Westwood, McNeil, Stony Point, Hutto, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander. For more information on dates and times for these upcoming Financial Aid Saturdays, please contact the Austin Chamber or visit their website on the 20,010 by 2010 Initiative at collegereadyaustin.com.

Ensuring our region, state and nation remains at the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering and math is vitally dependent upon our continued growth in higher education programs for our students. However, great programs and classes are only part of the solution as we must also make certain to open the doors for our students to take advantage of these opportunities and further their education.

As the former President of the Round Rock ISD School Board, I know firsthand the importance of having our schools team up with families and the business community to provide a quality learning environment for our students. This experience will not only help to prepare them for life after graduation, but it directly contributes to the local economy by ensuring that we continue to have a quality skilled workforce that is locally educated and trained. Programs such as the 20,010 by 2010 Initiative combines the vision and leadership that our students, our families and our education system need to succeed.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many organizations and groups are working together to increase the public’s awareness and knowledge of breast cancer. In fact, the National Football League (NFL) has done a magnificent job bringing attention to this cause through their month-long campaign by painting pink ribbons on the football field and promoting the addition of pink on the uniforms and apparel of players, coaches and fans.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most-common form of cancer in women today and we are losing far too many of our mothers, wives, daughters and friends to this disease. I have lost two close friends and colleagues to breast cancer, and my sister-in-law is currently in remission only because of aggressive and preventative care she received early on after her prognosis. Preventative healthcare is especially critical for diseases in which early detection can mean the difference between life and death. However, far too many women do not take advantage of these options to help catch and treat breast cancer as early as possible. Research has shown that many women are not taking the first and easiest step of the fight against breast cancer. However, since the Breast Cancer Awareness Month effort began in 1985, breast cancer deaths have declined and mammography rates have increased, helping more and more women to overcome this obstacle.

In 2007, the Texas legislature approved $5.2 million to support the Texas Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Prevention (BCCEDP) program. This program helped screen nearly 26,000 uninsured and low income women, including 600 of whom were treated for cancer. Despite hard economic times, this funding was continued in 2009 because of the significant impact it had to help diagnose and treat women who otherwise may not have known they had the disease. Furthermore, the 81st Texas Legislature passed House Bill 4586 which immediately increased funding for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute to help them continue researching and educating the public on the effects of cancer. In fact, in a recent report by the institute titled, “The Cost of Cancer in Texas, 2007,” they determined that the direct, indirect and medical costs of cancer costs Texas $21.9 billion. I have met with many healthcare experts and professionals in the field who are fighting the battle against breast cancer each day, and together we will continue working to beat this disease.

We are fortunate in Williamson County to have several wonderful healthcare providers to help women diagnose and treat breast cancer. According to the Austin Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s 2009 community profile, 900 area women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, but with your help and action we can ensure that all of those women become cancer survivors. Having just recently completed my Wellness Exam, I encourage others to take active steps to allow for early detection so that we can work towards our goal of beating breast cancer.

If you are worried about developing breast cancer, or if you know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, one way to deal with your concerns is to get as much information as possible. For more information about National Breast Cancer Awareness month, please visit www.nbcam.org. For additional information, please call the American Cancer Society toll free at 1-800-227-2345 or talk to your family doctor.

The state of Texas greatly values the hard work and dedication small business owners and employees give towards their chosen craft. During the recent session of the Texas Legislature, many strides were taken to provide support and assistance to our small businesses. These efforts helped lead Directorship Magazine to recognize Texas as the best state for business. In fact, almost $21 million will be spent in the fiscal year 2010-11 by the state of Texas to encourage and facilitate business and economic development opportunities.

As one of the fastest growing cities in America, the foundation Round Rock has established is truly paying off as families and businesses continue to flock to the area. This was highlighted by Mayor McGraw’s recent interview for a CNBC segment titled “Where The Jobs Are.” It is imperative that we continue to work at a local and state level to ensure the pro-business atmosphere for our future success. For this reason, I worked on several key bills during the Legislative Session to ensure Round Rock and Texas continue to attract new businesses and economic development opportunities.

One of the most important bills I helped pass will provide immediate tax relief for small businesses in Texas. House Bill 4765 temporarily raises the total revenue exemption from $300,000 to $1,000,000 for tax reports due in 2010 and 2011 (tax years 2009 and 2010 respectively). After that period, the total revenue exemption returns to $300,000. This law will help keep small businesses afloat while the economy continues to recover.

Furthermore, House Bill 4765 will exempt businesses that earn an annual revenue up to $1 million from paying the margins tax until December 31st, 2011. This legislation will raise the “small business” tax exemption from its current level of $300,000 up to $1 million for the years 2010 and 2011. After that period, the tax level will return to $600,000 which will still be twice the current threshold. Raising the exemption to $1 million will provide approximately 40,000 Texas business owners with an average of $4,413 in tax relief each year. In maintaining the exemption at $600,000 in the following years, it is expected that approximately 60,000 small businesses will realize an average annual tax relief of $2,500. I believe that this law will provide much-needed support and stabilization for Texas small businesses. House Bill 4765 has been signed by the Governor and will go into effect January 1, 2010.

During my term as State Representative, I have made it a priority to work closely with the Governor’s Office in regards to the Texas Enterprise Fund. Currently, the Texas Enterprise Fund is intended to create economic development incentives, but there were no statutes requiring that the incentives be directed to encourage small business growth. That is why I was proud to help pass House Bill 394 which requires the Governor to consider Texas-based small businesses when making grants from the fund. With so many current and prospective companies looking to relocate or expand in Williamson County, it is vital to explore all avenues to help expand the economic development opportunities in the region. This law was signed by the Governor and went into effect September 1st.

In addition, the Legislature passed a new measure relating to health care options for small businesses. Over 40 percent of uninsured Texans are employed by Texas businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Under Texas law, an insurance carrier is not permitted to offer varying contribution rates as an option to small employers. However, Senate Bill 80 authorizes an insurance carrier to offer a small employer health benefit plan. This new measure will provide small businesses with a viable option to extend health care options and coverage to their employees. This law was signed by the Governor and is already in effect.

Small businesses are the footprint of our communities and cannot go without appreciation. It is this sprit of entrepreneurship that allows small business owners to truly experience the American Dream of creating and developing a concept for a business, and working tirelessly to reap the fruits of their labors. We must also thank these business owners who consistently and selflessly give of their time and their efforts to serve the greater good of the region. I believe all successful small businesses understand that to flourish, it takes not only hard work and determination, but the support of an entire community.

I would like to thank the small business community for all of their hard work throughout these tough times. It is my belief that these new laws will provide much-needed support for small businesses, and I look forward to crafting legislation in future sessions to ensure Texas continues to rank as one of the top places for business.

For some of you, this will be the first time that you will walk your child to the local bus stop or drop them off at school, while others have become professionals at preparing for the back-to-school period. No matter how experienced you are, I believe we can all agree that this particular period of time is a special one for any parent. Back-to-school shopping can be a difficult balance of determining the wants and needs for our children and students. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 7.6 billion dollars was spent on back-to-school shopping in August of 2008. Preparing students for a new school year can oftentimes be a financial burden to many families who are struggling, especially during this current economic situation.

In 1999, the Texas Legislature wisely enacted a law allowing for a tax free shopping weekend in August to help families save money during a designated back-to-school shopping weekend. The measure eliminated the sales tax on clothing and backpacks valued under $100. While this program has proved incredibly successful, there was one rather large exception – school supplies. That is why I was proud to coauthor House Bill 1801, which unanimously passed the legislature adding school supplies to the list of back-to-school items exempt from sales tax during tax-free weekends. Including everyday school supplies for students in Kindergarten through college relieves some of the financial burden for families trying to prepare their students for a new school year. The Texas Comptroller’s office recently estimated that Texas families will save approximately $9 million on school supplies this year, and close to $66 million overall in state and local sales tax during the August 21st-23rd tax holiday.

While school supplies are important to a child’s education, we must also ensure that they have the proper support both at school and at home to thrive and achieve their goals. That is why I will continue to listen to and work with Williamson County educators, and take their ideas and suggestions back to my colleagues so that we can move our schools forward. Providing our students with a quality education is an essential tool for preparing them to compete in our new global marketplace.

With the summer vacation period coming to a close, let’s remember to help give our students a new wave of enthusiasm as they begin another year of school. By preparing our students and educators with the tools and resources they need to succeed from day one, we are building a solid foundation for learning in our classrooms. Don’t forget to take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday on August 21st-23rd. For more information on specific school supplies included in the Sales Tax Holiday weekend, please visit the Texas Comptroller’s website at: www.window.state.tx.us.

As we move forward, Round Rock, Williamson County, and all of Central Texas must work together to develop an infrastructure plan that will provide a comprehensive and affordable method of transportation for years to come. Investing in our roads and bridges now will provide Round Rock with a solid foundation to build upon.

The first transportation project on many people’s minds in Round Rock is the expansion of FM 1460. This road is a critical artery to many of our schools, health care facilities and businesses, which is why I was proud to have helped secure the vital funding that will finally allow for its improvement. The Texas Transportation Commission’s (TTC) allocation of $10 million will help to expand FM 1460 between Old Settlers Boulevard (FM 3405) and University Boulevard in Round Rock. FM 1460 currently only has 2 lanes with no shoulder. This project will expand the road to have 4 lanes with a yellow center turn lane and add shoulders.

Not only will the expansion of FM 1460 relive congestion in the area, but it will enhance the safety of driving on this heavily trafficked road. This new construction will directly impact several regional businesses and institutions that are vital to the area such as: Seton Hospital’s regional trauma center and medical offices, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas State University Round Rock, Austin Community College, Stony Point High School, and the Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall.

This construction would not have been possible without the forethought and efforts of many in the community who have been preparing for the area’s growth. County Commissioner Cynthia Long, Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Clifford, Round Rock Chamber of Commerce President Tom Manskey, Former Chair of the Round Rock Chamber’s Board of Directors, Stephen Laukhuf, and Chief of Public Works Tom Word are to be commended for their tireless work.

Moreover, State Senator Kirk Watson, as Chair of the Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) board which I am a member of, gave tremendous support to obtain the funding.

As your State Representative and a member of CAMPO, I will continue working with and listening to input from the community. I first moved to Round Rock in the late-nineties to find more affordable homes, good public schools and safer neighborhoods for my two children. Like many other families, our roads were not my primary concern, but they are just as important to our safety and accessibility. With proper planning and development, we can continue to build our roads to the next generation.