Senator Nichols files "Merry Christmas Bill" to Protect Texas Schools and Students

My very own Texas State Senator Robert Nichols has filed a "Merry Christmas Bill" that will protect schools and students from getting sued by left wing groups that want to force people to do things like call a Christmas tree a holiday tree because they think saying Christmas Tree in a school is offensive. Hey, I think liberals are offensive but we can't just kick them out of schools can we? Libtards just need to back off of their attacks against Christianity, Schools and Students. Thank you Senator Nichols for introducing this bill in the Texas Senate! Texas State Representative Dwayne Bohac originally filed the "Merry Christmas Bill" in the Texas House of Representatives. This bill is expected to pass with overwhelming support.

Press Release from Senator Robert Nichols:

Nichols says "It's okay to say Merry Christmas!"

Austin, TX -- This week Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) filed Senate Bill 665 to protect Texas public schools' ability to use traditional holiday greetings such as 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy Hanukkah' on school grounds and to educate students about the history and roots of such holidays.

"I have heard from many constituents who dislike that it is becoming less culturally acceptable to openly celebrate these holidays in the ways past generations have, "said Senator Nichols. "To me this is a matter of helping our teachers and administrators feel safe talking about these holidays at school without fear of legal action being taken against them."

The Merry Christmas Bill, which is expected to receive broad support, not only gives   students, parents and educators the right to use the phrases 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy Hanukkah', but also gives the right to display various symbols associated with those holidays, including Menorahs, Christmas trees and Nativity scenes.

Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) has signed on as a coauthor to the bill which was initially filed in the House by Representative Dwayne Bohac (R-Houston). Bohac explains that "This bill originated when I picked up my first grade son from school last year and asked him how his day went. He told me that his class had decorated their holiday tree with holiday ornaments. When I asked what a holiday tree was, he told me it was the same as a Christmas tree. After inquiring with school officials as to why the term "Holiday Tree" was being used, it became apparent that the school was fearful of litigation. It was that moment that inspired me to file legislation that would provide students, parents, teachers and administrators a safe harbor for openly celebrating a Federal holiday.”

Nichols concurred by saying, "I commend Representative Bohac's initiative and look forward to seeing this bill passed. We are currently standing at a cultural crossroads in our society, and this is one step forward for those defending our traditional values and beliefs."

To follow the bill's progress, please go to http://www.MerryChristmasBill.com/

Sen. Nichols files Texas bills to limit property tax increases, restrict eminent domain and reform welfare

from Texas State Senator Robert Nichols:

AUSTIN — State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), filed legislation today to limit the growth of property taxes, prohibit the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes and to significantly reform the state's welfare system. "These bills represent some of the priorities brought to me by the citizens of Senate District 3," said Nichols.

Appraisal Caps
The first bill Nichols filed is to slow rapidly rising taxable values on Texas homes.
"Escalating tax appraisals make homeownership less and less affordable," Nichols said. "We need to keep citizens from being taxed out of their homes and significantly limit increasing tax appraisals, which result in larger tax bills."

Senate Bill 95 cuts the maximum rate of increase in half, from 10 percent to 5 percent. Nichols pointed out the importance of limiting the increase in people's property taxes, even when the value of their home increases.

"When your property value increases, it doesn't mean you have any more money in your pocket," said Nichols. "We must keep the maximum increase as low as possible so individuals and families can continue to afford living in their homes. In Texas we have placed an unfair share of the tax burden on homeowners."

Protecting Private Property
Nichols' second bill, Senate Bill 96, would prohibit state or local governments from taking private land for recreational purposes.

"No homeowner should lose the roof over their head so others can have a place to play," said Nichols. "Eminent domain should never be used for recreational purposes, period."

Ending eminent domain abuse continues to be a priority for Nichols. In his first two sessions as senator, he co-authored legislation creating a Landowners' Bill of Rights and has consistently voted for landowner protections.

Reforming Welfare
Nichols co-authored Senate Bill 11 with Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) to include drug testing for welfare benefits and to restrict the items recipients can purchase with taxpayer-paid benefits. The bill also establishes a 3-year lifetime limit on benefits.

"Our welfare system is designed to help those who are willing to help themselves," said Nichols. "Taxpayers have a reasonable expectation that their hard earned money will not be used to feed a debilitating addiction, but that it will be used to help make recipients independent and productive again."

Senate Bill 11 will require a screening assessment to determine whether there is good cause for a person to submit to a drug test to establish eligibility for financial assistance benefits. If a person is found to be using illegal drugs, they will be ineligible for benefits for a period of one year. A "three-strikes and you're out" provision gives welfare recipients an opportunity to attain drug-free status while still protecting taxpayers.

The legislation also updates mandatory employment provisions for financial benefits, a concept Nichols passed in prior sessions for local health programs. "Taxpayers expect those who are capable of employment, or participating in job-training programs, to do so. In addition to protecting taxpayers' money, this will also encourage more Texans to return to work and to financial independence," said Nichols.

Lastly, the bill restricts state financial benefits from being spent on alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, lottery tickets, adult entertainment and bingo. "Financial assistance is intended to enhance a person's capacity to reach financial independence," said Nichols. "Restricting these purchases will help focus buying decisions on other essentials that better meet this goal."

The 83rd Legislative Session begins on January 8th. Nichols anticipates filing several other pieces of legislation related to transportation funding, water utilities, and other policy areas.

The Sunset Commission: How Texas Keeps Government Efficient and Small - by Senator Nichols

Input Needed to Determine which Texas Government Programs to Kill

Ronald Reagan once said that the closest thing to immortality is a Federal Government Program, but NOT in Texas!

The following is a letter from Texas Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Robert Nichols

Nichols is a member of the Sunset Commission. He explains the Sunset Commission (they kill government agencies) and he asks for input from fellow Texans. In January the Commission will start to meet regarding the future of 24 Texas Government agencies.

From State Senator Robert Nichols about the Sunset Commission:

The unfortunate nature of government is to grow larger as more laws are passed, more agencies are created, and new programs are added. While good government often requires new approaches, innovation and efficiency can be strangled in the red tape of bureaucracy.

In Texas, we try to keep state government efficient and small through the sunset process. Unlike their federal counterparts, state agencies in Texas are not allowed to exist indefinitely. Instead, the existence of an agency must be legislatively justified on a regular basis, usually a period of every 12 years. If an agency or board is not continued through legislation, it will automatically be discontinued. The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, on which I proudly serve, makes recommendations not only for which agencies to continue to operate but also how agencies might operate more efficiently and better serve the public. The commission meets and votes year round, not just during session. Since 1977, when Sunset began in Texas, 78 agencies have been abolished including 37 agencies that were completely abolished and 41 that were abolished with some functions transferred to other agencies. In 2011, the Legislature completely abolished two agencies and transferred the duties of four others. I guarantee you won't miss them. Sunset reforms from the last legislative session are estimated to have saved the $161 million in the state's current budget.

The goal of Sunset is not just to save taxpayers money, which it does. The goal is also to hold agencies accountable and make their processes as fair and transparent as possible. For example, during the last session legislators restructured youth justice programs in response to abuse experienced by young inmates. The Sunset Commission also makes across-the-board recommendations for all agencies such as policies to prevent conflicts of interest by board members.

Beginning in January, the Sunset Commission will review and make recommendations for 24 agencies. These include the Texas Education Agency, Ethics Commission, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Part of what makes Sunset so effective is input from the public. Not only do two members of the public serve on the Sunset Advisory Commission, but public input is welcomed throughout the entire Sunset process. Anyone can communicate concerns to Sunset staff who review an agency, testify at a Sunset meeting, or testify at a legislative hearing. To learn more about how you can directly participate, you can visit the Sunset Web page at: http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/. Of course, you may also contact my Capitol office directly at 512-463-0103. As a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission, I am especially eager to hear from the people of Senate District 3 how state agencies may better serve you.