News from Mike
Villarreal Pushes Fairness for Homeowners & Students in Pre-Filed Bills
Monday, November 10, 2008
On the first day to pre-file legislation for the 81st session of the Texas House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Villarreal filed four measures to provide a more level playing field for homeowners paying property taxes and for students at risk of starting school behind their peers.
Legislators Urge Governor To Aid Small Businesses as Economy Struggles
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Today 13 state legislators joined State Rep. Mike Villarreal in urging Governor Rick Perry to support small businesses during these difficult economic times by transferring available funds to the Texas Capital Access Program (TCAP).
Villarreal Leads Push for Renewable Energy Grid
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Today Representative Mike Villarreal is delivering to the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) a letter from 15 state legislators and a petition from 1,781 ordinary Texans calling for a package of transmission lines that maximizes the capacity to carry renewable energy from west Texas to the state's population centers.
Rep. Villarreal Requests Customer Service Review at State Agencies
Monday, April 28, 2008
Representative Mike Villarreal requested that the Legislative Budget Board's Agency Performance Review team investigate customer service at state agencies. In particular Rep. Villarreal asked for a review of the amount of time that individuals calling state agencies spend on the phone before they reach a live person and before they successfully conclude their phone call. Rep. Villarreal made the request after talking to numerous constituents who had trouble contacting state agencies.
Villarreal Urges Reform of TAKS Testing in Public Schools
Monday, April 14, 2008
Today Representative Villarreal testified before the Select Committee on Public School Accountability about his concerns regarding the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests and his recommendations for improvement. His testimony is attached.
HHSC Accepts Villarreal's Request to Protect Access to Birth Control
Friday, April 11, 2008
Today the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) informed Representative Mike Villarreal that it will increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for oral contraceptives provided by clinic pharmacies. The announcement comes after Rep. Villarreal had urged HHSC to raise the rate and had collected more than 1,800 signatures on a petition calling for the increase. The increase will prevent unwanted pregnancies and save taxpayers' money.
Villarreal Opposes Backdoor Voucher Program
Friday, April 04, 2008
Representative Mike Villarreal called on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) not to unilaterally create a private school voucher system that would reduce the state's investment in improving public schools that accept all students
Villarreal Calls for More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in TX Schools
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Today Representative Mike Villarreal called for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to play an expanded role in increasing the amount of locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables in the state's public schools. Rep. Villarreal urged the Sunset Advisory Commission to include the recommendation in its review of the agency.
HHSC Takes Key First Step to Improve Public Assistance Enrollment System
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Rep. Mike Villarreal commended the state Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for its decision to increase salaries and training for staff processing food stamp applications but called for further improvements in the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS). The announcement by HHSC followed repeated calls by Rep. Villarreal and other state legislators for improvements in the system.
New On-Site Child Care Option Available for Small Businesses
Monday, March 10, 2008
Starting this month, employers have a new option for providing on-site child care services to their employees' children. A new permit is now available from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) for businesses of fewer than 50 employees offering on-site child care for up to 12 children. Last year Representative Mike Villarreal teamed up with concerned working mothers in San Antonio to pass House Bill 1385, establishing the new permit.
Legislators Join Rep. Villarreal in Urging Pre-K Action
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Today, 16 state legislators joined State Representative Mike Villarreal in a bi-partisan effort urging the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to seek to increase enrollment in pre-kindergarten in Texas.
Rep. Villarreal Blasts President's Veto of S-CHIP
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
SAN ANTONIO – Today, State Representative Mike Villarreal denounced President Bush's veto of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP).
Villarreal Receives High Marks for Consumer Protection and Good Governance
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Villarreal was one of 5 members of the Texas House of Representatives to receive 100% in the Texas Public Interest Research Group's 2007 scorecard.
Advocating for Teachers A Top Priority for Villarreal
Saturday, September 01, 2007
As students headed back to school this week, the Texas Classroom Teachers Association recognized State Representative Mike Villarreal as a strong advocate for teachers this legislation session.
Representative Villarreal Outlines His Victories from the 80th Legislative Session
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Following Governor Rick Perry's announcement of approved and vetoed bills, Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) outlined several of his key victories in the recently concluded 80th Legislative Session. "Our efforts paid off, and will support hard-working Texans on several fronts," stated Rep. Villarreal.
Ensuring Equal Access to Texas State Universities
Friday, June 01, 2007
In the final days of the session, Rep. Villarreal played a lead role in stopping the bill that would have significantly reduced the number of students admitted under the Top Ten college admissions plan.
"Freedom to Play and Learn Act" Approved by House of Representatives
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Today the House passed Representative Mike Villarreal's elementary school recess proposal as part of Senate Bill 530, legislation to improve the physical activity requirements and physical fitness assessment for public school students.
Governor Signs Rep. Villarreal's Predatory Lending Regulation Bill
Monday, May 21, 2007
This weekend Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 1344, legislation by Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) to require providers of Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) to register with the state and disclose key information to customers. "After four years of work on this bill, I'm thrilled that it has become law and will begin removing one of the obstacles that working people face on the path to self-reliance and prosperity," noted Rep. Villarreal.
Update on Texas Youth Commission
Monday, May 14, 2007
In the wake of the reports of abuse of youth offenders and mismanagement at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), Representative Villarreal attempted to contact every family in House District 123 with children who have been detained in TYC facilities. He was able to meet with several parents and grandparents to provide them with information and assistance and listen to their personal stories and concerns.
Rep. Villarreal Passes Bill to Allow On-site Child Care for Small Businesses
Friday, May 11, 2007
Austin – Today the Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 1385, legislation by State Representative Mike Villarreal to establish a regulatory framework for small businesses providing on-site child care for their employees' children.
Mike Chosen as "Best State Legislator"
Sunday, April 29, 2007
San Antonio Current readers selected Representative Villarreal as "Best State Legislator" in the 2007 Readers' Choice Awards.
