Calendar
5/01/12
Texas Access to Justice Commission’s Champions of Justice Gala:
5/03/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, Fabens:
5/08-9/2012
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services hearing @ 9 a.m. (Senate Chamber, Texas Capitol, Austin):
On May 8th, the committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following:
Interim Charge #2: Evaluate the implementation of cost-containment strategies across the Health and Human Services Enterprise to determine if and how each strategy can be expanded upon to achieve additional savings next biennium. The evaluation should include but is not limited to: the expansion of managed care, co-pays in Medicaid, electronic visit verification, and independent assessments for long-term care services. The evaluation should also consider new cost-containment strategies that will increase efficiencies and reduce costs. This evaluation should include but not be limited to: Medicaid, Early Childhood Intervention Services, and immunizations.
Interim Charge #9 (bullet one): Monitor implementation of initiatives aimed at improving health care quality and efficiency in Texas, including: the transition of Medicaid and the CHIP to quality-based payments, establishment of the Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency, implementation of the Health Care Collaborative certificate, patient-centered medical home for high-cost populations, development and use of potentially preventable event outcome measures, and reduction of health care-associated infections. Include recommendations on how to improve and build upon these initiatives, including improving birth outcomes and reducing infant and maternal mortality.
On May 9th, the committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following:
Interim Charge #8: Review the state’s public mental health system and make recommendations to improve access, service utilization, patient outcomes and system efficiencies. Study current service delivery models for outpatient and inpatient care, funding levels, financing methodologies, services provided, and available community-based alternatives to hospitalization. The review should look to other states for best practices or models that may be successful in Texas. The study shall also review and recommend “best value” practices that the state’s public mental health system may implement to maximize the use of federal, state, and local funds.
Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes. If submitting written testimony, please provide 20 copies with your name on each.
Click here to watch the committee hearings live on the Senate website: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php
5/12/2012
University of Texas Pan American Spring Commencement: Senator Rodríguez will give the commencement speech for the Colleges of Science and Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Engineering and Computer Science at UT-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas @ 9 a.m. at the McAllen Convention Center. Senator Rodríguez was student body president of UT Pan Am in 1971 and is looking forward to addressing the graduating class. For more information please visit: http://www.utpa.edu/graduation/
5/14/2012
District 8 Weekly Community Meeting: Senator Rodríguez will be the guest speaker at Representative Cortney Niland’s weekly community meeting for District 8. For more information contact Representative Niland’s district office at 915-541-4123 or http://www.elpasotexas.gov/district8
5/17/2012
Van Horn Community Meeting: Beginning in January 2013, Senate District 29 will expand to include all of El Paso County as well as the counties of Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio. Senator Rodríguez will be traveling to Van Horn to introduce himself to the community, as well as provide an update of his first legislative session, what to expect for the upcoming session, and discuss local issues and concerns. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Van Horn City Hall. For more information, contact Adrian Hinojosa at 432-283-2059.
5/19/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, Central: In preparation for the 2013 legislative session Senator Rodríguez will hold several community meetings to hear opinions and suggestions on the issues of importance to you and your family. Senator Rodríguez believes it is critical that we are all involved in shaping our community’s legislative agenda. Please join him at this one-hour meeting where we can discuss how to better address the needs of El Paso and the state. All are invited and encouraged to join the discussion 10:00 a.m., Saturday at the Pat O’Rourke Recreation Center located at 701 Montana Ave. For more information, contact District Director Corinne Chacon at 915-351-3500.
5/21/2012
Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations hearing (El Paso): The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations will hold a hearing in El Paso on Monday, May 21st.
The committee will consider the following interim charges:
- Consider establishing a “Commander’s Council” in conjunction with the Office of the Governor’s Texas Military Preparedness Commission, to allow commanders of Texas’ military forces and installations to better coordinate and communicate with the Texas Legislature and state leadership. Develop a comprehensive communication plan with Texas military installations, and recommend any legislative initiatives necessary to support the installations, active-duty service members and their families on and around the installations, and the partnerships between the defense community and the community within which the military installations reside.
- Study the use and impact of Veterans Courts throughout Texas. Make recommendations relating to potential funding sources, staffing requirements, additional direct services not provided by the Veterans Administration, and possible expansion.
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs & Military Installations, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:
- the administration of the Veterans Housing Assistance Program by the Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance; and the Texas Coordinating Council for Veterans Services, authorized by SB 1796, 82nd Regular Legislation Session.
5/21-23/2012
National Conference of State Legislators Health Care Conference: The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. Senator Rodríguez will participate in the “Identifying State Health Priorities to Ensure Healthy Families: Using Limited Dollars Wisely” conference, which will take place Monday, May 21st through Wednesday, May 23 in Denver, CO. The seminar’s objectives are as follows:
- To convene state teams of key health policymakers to foster communication about state health goals and opportunities, with a special focus on promoting healthy families.
- To raise greater awareness about state health goals, resources and the value of establishing priorities.
- To give participants the opportunity to hear from leaders in health policy and colleagues in other states about successful ways to allocate limited health dollars more effectively and efficiently.
- To consider the health status of the state’s children and families.
- To facilitate dialogue among the state’s key players about the state’s goals in health.
- To have participants identify the next steps they will take in their own state.
- To identify ways the Health Priorities Project can be of further assistance.
5/30/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, Upper Valley: In preparation for the 2013 legislative session, Senator Rodriguez will hold several community meetings to hear opinions and suggestions on the issues of importance to you and your family. Senator Rodriguez believes it is critical that we are all involved in shaping our community’s legislative agenda. Please join him at this one-hour meeting where we can discuss how to better address the needs of El Paso and the state. Join the discussion Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union Hall, 311 W. Borderland. For more information, contact Javier Casas at 915-588-4011.
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EVENTS FOR APRIL 2012
4/4/2012
Women Veterans District Advisory Committee: Senator Rodríguez will meet with constituents to discuss issues important to women veterans. Rodríguez serves as a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Military Installations and has formed District Advisory Committees for constituents to provide input on issues related to veterans in general and women veterans specifically. All are encouraged to attend to voice their concerns, regardless of veteran status. For additional information, please contact David Stout by calling 915.351.3500 or e-mail at david.stout@senate.state.tx.us
4/4/2012
State of the City Luncheon and Keynote Address: Sponsored by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce, Mayor John Cook will discuss the need to address public corruption, improve public transportation and deal with image problems related to Juárez violence. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center.
4/4/2012
Access to Justice Legislative Hero Award: The “Legislative Hero” Award recognizes legislators who have significantly advanced access to justice in Texas by assisting with the appropriation of funds and/or other substantive activities related to the provision of legal aid in the state. On Wednesday, April 4th, the Texas Access to Justice Foundation will honor Senator Rodríguez as a “Legislative Hero” for leading the fight to fund legal aid and indigent defense services during the 2011 Legislative Session. During the last days of the session, the Legislature did provide $25.1 million in state funding. However, the fight is far from over as the funds are only enough to give legal aid to 1 in 5 Texans who need assistance. Senator Rodriguez will continue his fight to find stable revenue for these critical legal services. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, 1331 Texas Avenue.
4/7/2012
LULAC District IV Hall of Fame Banquet: The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District IV hosts its first annual Hall of Fame banquet at 11 a.m. at the Camino Real Hotel. The program includes a brief history of LULAC, presentation of councils, recognition of honorees and a salute to sponsors. LULAC is the largest Latino and civil rights advocacy groups in the United States. For 83 years, their purpose has remained constant — to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans from every region looking for freedom and an honest way of life. For more information, contact Virginia Tena at 915.346.6740.
4/12/2012
Veterans Affairs and Military Installations/Transportation and Homeland Security Joint Committee Hearing: Senator Rodriguez will be in Austin for a joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations and the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security to discuss the following interim charge: study the appropriate role of Texas state military forces in enhancing the safety of all Texans, and make recommendations for improving the coordination, accountability, and effectiveness of all components of our state military forces, including national, state, and air guards. Identify limitations on the forces providing border security and other operations, and make recommendations for better coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Immediately after hearing testimony on this charge, the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security will meet to discuss the following interim charges:
- Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Transportation & Homeland Security, 82nd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation.
- Specifically, monitor the following: Progress of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Division efforts to enhance driver license processing, including technology and staff improvements, establishment of mega centers, additional mobile offices, and increased number of temporary visitor document processing staff.
- Examine the impact of border violence and illegal trafficking on the Texas economy, including the infringement of Texas property rights. Make recommendations for enhancing border security and maximizing federal resources targeted for this purpose.
Invited and public testimony will be heard. Watch the committee hearings live on the Senate website: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/
4/12/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, University of Texas at El Paso: In preparation for the 2013 legislative session, Senator Rodriguez will hold several community meetings to hear opinions and suggestions on the issues of importance to you and your family. It is critical that we are all involved in shaping our community’s legislative agenda. Please join him at this one-hour meeting where we can discuss how to better address the needs of El Paso and the state. All are invited and encouraged to join the discussion Thursday @ UTEP Student Union Cinema, 500 W. University from 4:30 to 6 p.m. For more information, contact Ana Martinez at 915-920-5783.
4/17/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, Eastside: In preparation for the 2013 legislative session, Senator Rodriguez will hold several community meetings to hear opinions and suggestions on the issues of importance to you and your family. It is critical that we are all involved in shaping our community’s legislative agenda. Please join him at this one-hour meeting where we can discuss how to better address the needs of El Paso and the state. All are invited. Join the discussion Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Region 19 Head Start, 11670 Chito Samaniego. For more information, contact Jim Graham at 915.593.0818.
4/18/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, Northeast: In preparation for the 2013 legislative session, Senator Rodriguez will hold several community meetings to hear opinions and suggestions on the issues of importance to you and your family. It is critical that we are all involved in shaping our community’s legislative agenda. Please join him at this one-hour meeting where we can discuss how to better address the needs of El Paso and the state. All are invited. Join the discussion Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the El Paso Police Department Northeast Command Center, 9600 Dyer Street. For more information, contact Rosemary at 915.759.2071.
4/19/2012
16th Anniversary, Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso: April is child abuse awareness month, and as a co-founding former board member, Senator Rodriguez continues to be a major advocate for children’s rights. Since 1996, the Advocacy Center has been advocating for children who are victims of abuse and neglect in the El Paso area by providing education and a collaborative, comprehensive and efficient intervention process to seek justice and to maximize each child’s chance for healing. On Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Senator Rodriguez will give the keynote speech at the 16th anniversary dinner, which will take place at the Advocacy Center for the Children of El Paso, 1100 E. Cliff Dr., Bldg. D. For more information, visit http://www.advocacycenterep.
4/21/2012
Marathon Kids Final Mile: Marathon Kids is a free, six-month, running/walking/nutrition and gardening program that aims to teach K-5th graders how to sustain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. The main goal of Marathon Kids is to combat childhood obesity. Marathon Kids has been active across the country for 16 years. Compared to other major cities like Boston, Dallas and Houston, with first-year turnouts between 3,000-4,000 participants, El Paso came out strong with 12,500 participating children last year. Senator Rodriguez helped kick-off their opening ceremonies in October of 2011 with over 15,000 children ready to run! Join Senator Rodriguez and El Paso area children in completing their final mile of a 26-mile journey on Saturday at El Paso ISD’s Baty-Simang stadium, 10:00 a.m. For more information on the program, visit www.marathonkids.org.
4/24/2012
Familias Unidas: In preparation for the 2013 legislative session, Senator Rodriguez will hold several community meetings to hear opinions and suggestions on the issues of importance to you and your family. It is critical that we are all involved in shaping our community’s legislative agenda. Please join him at this one-hour meeting where we can discuss how to better address the needs of El Paso and the state. All are invited. Join the discussion at Mercado Mayapan, 2101 Myrtle, from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Corinne Chacon at 915.351.3500.
4/25/2012
11th Annual Administrative Professionals Conference: The 11th Annual Administrative Professionals Conference, the foremost conference for professional development in the Southwest, will take place in El Paso from April 24-25th. Professionals on all levels have an opportunity to connect with experts, colleagues and learn the latest in career enhancing strategies, and the hottest trends affecting administrative professionals today. Don’t miss your chance to learn, grow, and connect. Senator Rodriguez will speak at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The conference will take place at the Head Start Conference Center located at 11670 Chito Samaniego. For more information, visithttp://www.apcsouthwest.com.
Previous months’ calendars
Events for March 2012
For more information on any of these events, please contact Senator José Rodríguez’s district office at (915) 351-3500
3/7/2012
EPCC Government class: Senator Rodriguez will meet with students to discuss the workings of the Texas Legislature and his role as a State Senator. By providing an opportunity to students to voice their opinions and concerns, Senator Rodriguez hopes to encourage and inspire them to become active citizens in their community. Join us 10 a.m. at EPCC Transmountain Campus.
3/10/2012
•STEM Challenge: The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge is an educational competition that provides a real world opportunity for regional high school students to develop their innovative ideas via a business plan approach to help solve critical issues facing El Paso and the surrounding region. Join us 7:30 a.m. at University of Texas at El Paso, Union Building East.
3/10/2012
St. Pius X Special Needs Group Public Meeting: The significant underfunding of Texas’ Medicaid program during the last legislative session will adversely impact individuals with special needs. Senator Rodriguez will provide a summary of how these budget cuts will affect current programs and services as well as what the community can expect next session. Join us 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1050 N. Clark.
3/14/2012
Southwest Career College Diesel & Automotive Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Access to a quality education and job readiness are high priorities for Senator Rodriguez. Citizens that are both educated and job ready are critical to the future of our community. Join us at noon to celebrate the opening of the Southwest Career College Diesel & Automotive Facility, 6500 Montana Ave.
3/14/2012
Central Neighborhood Association: Senator José Rodríguez will speak to members of El Paso’s Central Neighborhood Association about budget and policy issues affecting the community and the state of Texas. Join us 2:30 p.m. at the Grandview Senior Center, 3134 Jefferson.
3/17/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall: The next Citizens Legislative Town Hall meeting is at 10 a.m. at the La Fe Culture and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa. For more information, contact District Director Corinne Chacon.
3/20/2012
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services hearing: Senator Rodriguez will be in Austin for two days of interim committee hearings of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. The committee will hear invited and public testimony on the following:
Interim Charge #4: Review existing policies for prior authorization and medical necessity review across the Medicaid Program, including nursing homes and orthodontic services. Make recommendations on how these policies could be improved to save money by reducing unnecessary utilization and fraud.
Interim Charge #7: Examine the delivery and financing of public health services in our state, including how federal funds are distributed by the state to local health departments and whether the work done by Regional Health Departments operated by the Department of State Health Services overlap unnecessarily with local health departments.
click here to watch the committee hearings live on the Senate website
3/21/2012
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services hearing: On the second day of hearings, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will listen to invited and public testimony on the following:
Interim Charge #6: Evaluate the management structure and supervision of CPS caseworkers with an emphasis on rural areas. Identify any legislative changes that could assist DFPS in maximizing efficiency, improving quality casework and supervision, and increasing caseworker retention. Identify any legislative changes that could improve the quality of care children receive while in Child Protective Services custody, including improving permanency outcomes.
Interim Charge #9 (bullet three): Monitor implementation of the initiative to redesign the foster care system.
click here to watch the committee hearings live on the Senate website
3/24/2012
Citizens Legislative Town Hall, Mission Valley: The next Citizens Legislative Town Hall meeting is at 10 a.m. at the Tigua Tribal Judicial Department, 9241 Socorro Rd. For more information, contact District Director Corinne Chacon.
3/25/2012
Advanced Health Policy & Bioethics course: Historic budget cuts from the last legislative session significantly affected numerous health care services and programs across the state. Given the likelihood that the state will face similar budget deficits in 2013, it is important for us to begin strategizing for the next legislative session now. The period between our biennual legislative sessions is known as the interim. It is during the interim that recommendations to change existing laws and pass new laws are made. Senator Rodriguez will address Doctorate of Nursing Program students on how policy is made and how they can make an impact. Join us 8:30 a.m., UTEP School of Nursing, 500 W. University.
3/27/2012
Coffee with the Principal, Ricardo Estrada Jr. High: This is a monthly event where parents have the opportunity to meet with the Principal in a casual setting. Various speakers are invited to motivate and encourage parents to be active in their children’s education. Senator Rodriguez will discuss his personal journey and his belief that, regardless of your background, it is possible to achieve your goals with commitment and hard work. Join the discussion 9:00 a.m., 14521 Horizon Boulevard.
3/28-3/30/12
XXV Border Legislative Conference: Repatriation is a topic that has generated misinformation and controversy. This is one of the topics that legislators will closely examine during this conference, including the actual procedures from the federal, state and local perspectives and its impact on the communities of both countries. The BLC serves as a mechanism for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among state legislators from the ten states along the U.S.-Mexico border. The XXV Border Legislative Conference will be held on March 28-30, 2012 in Sacramento, California.