By News Staff on Thu, 03/11/2021 - 05:00
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
  • From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021
    From the Desk of HD 4 State Representative Keith Bell Legislative Update February 2021

    Winter Storm Update

    The winter storm that wreaked havoc on our state left the majority of Texans without power or water for days at a time. Lives were lost and unnecessary suffering occurred. The problems for us did not end when the ice and snow melted and we are working tirelessly to ensure that you are protected in the future and have access to help now.

    I want my constituents to understand that during the storm and in its continuing aftermath I have been in constant communication with energy providers and local officials and am already working with fellow legislators for long-term solutions to prevent this from reoccurring. There was a joint hearing of the committees on State Affairs and Energy resources on February 25th in which state officials questioned industry leaders to investigate what went wrong and how we, as a state, move forward. Governor Abbott has called for the reform of ERCOT and the joint committee looked at the response from industries, grid operators, and suppliers to determine factors that led to this massive power failure. Additionally, an investigation has been launched by the Public Utility Commission into power providers that pass wholesale electricity rates, like Griddy, because of the significant rate increases during the storm.

    Thank You, House District 4!

    Special thanks to all who helped coordinate water deliveries in a time of great need and to all of our first responders, essential workers, and volunteers that have worked to keep our community safe during this crisis.

    Governor Abbott’s State of the State Address

    Governor Abbott delivered his State of the State Address on February 1st. He announced the following emergency items that he expects the Legislature to address: expanding broadband internet access, preventing city governments from “defunding the police”, changing the bail system, ensuring election integrity, and providing civil liability protection for businesses open during the pandemic.

    The Governor’s nonemergency items included strengthening civics education, further restricting abortions, making Texas a 2nd Amendment sanctuary state, and strengthening our borders. Representative Bell has a number of bills related to the Governor’s priorities and is ready to begin addressing these important items for Texans.

    Appointed to Serve on Public Education and Vice-Chair of Criminal Jurisprudence

    I’m honored for the appointment to serve on two committees that directly impact Kaufman and Henderson Counties.

    Supporting law enforcement, students, and teachers will always be a priority!

    I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to get started!

    Rep. Bell’s Bills Filed This Month for the 87th Session

    House Bill 1468: Would allow local school districts to create virtual learning curriculums while maintaining funding. HB 1468 gives school districts the opportunity to exercise local control while providing students and parents choice and flexibility!

    House Bill 1476: Ensures vendors and suppliers alike are protected and compensated in a timely manner when working with state and governmental entities. HB 1476 requires state and governmental entities to quantify the amount of a dispute and only allows these entities to withhold 110% of the disputed amount rather than the total amount.

    House Bill 1477: Would extend payment bond protection to all projects constructed on publicly owned land. In a growing trend, private entities are leasing land from public owners on which to construct improvements. This unintentionally creates no effective protection of the right to payment for the subcontractor and suppliers.

    House Bill 1776: Requires school districts to offer an elective course on America’s founding principles, including the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, and writings of the Founding Fathers, and to post founding documents in public school buildings. We must instill civics education in the classroom and ensure that students learn the values of good governance, patriotism, and freedom.

    Forney ISD’s Fine Arts Award Presentation

    I was proud to present an award and proclamation to Forney ISD Fine Arts Director Mario Luna from Governor Greg Abbott at the Forney ISD Board of Trustees meeting. Forney ISD has been named the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for the sixth straight year! Congratulations

    Forney ISD Ribbon-Cutting of New Learning Facilities

    Great to be with Forney ISD at the ribbon-cutting of new learning facilities. A culinary arts restaurant, The Local, and a Welding & Fabrication Building. Providing incredible opportunities and empowering students!

    Susan B. Anthony List’s Pro-Life Leadership Breakfast

    Proud to join Texans for Life Coalition and Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops at the Susan B. Anthony List’s Pro-Life Leadership breakfast. Looking forward to working together to pass pro-life legislation!

    Legislative Update at the Lone Star Republican Club

    I enjoyed having the opportunity to give a legislative update to the Lone Star Republican Club in Athens. I am proud to have multiple bills fulfilling the eight Republican party priorities this session.

    Capitol Office

    Come by the Capitol Office at E2.414, no appointment necessary! I’m excited to get to work for the people of our district and Texans across our state. Watch previous and future house proceedings here: https:// house.texas.gov/video-audio/

    This is your office that you have entrusted me to represent, and I hope to see you here soon! It’s an honor and a privilege to serve House District 4.

    Kaufman County Vaccine Hub

    With the continued disproportionate availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in rural areas, I’m proud to announce that I successfully helped secure Kaufman County’s remaining Cares Act allocation of $1.2 million towards establishing a vaccine distribution hub.

    For more information visit: https://www.kaufmancounty.net