The Skinny at the State Capitol

After over five months of legislative bickering and banter, in about two weeks the session will come to a close. Thanks to AMAZING advocates and volunteers who all possess hearts of gold, the American Heart Association was able to make great progress on many of our priority issues that affect heat disease and stroke. These last days are extremely significant and we STILL need your assistance to help all Texans enjoy healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Here’s a rundown:

1. PE and Health: The largest single threat to PE and Health standards was defeated last night. HB 400 died when the clock struck midnight but efforts to weaken PE requirements in other bills are still a real possibility. You helped by making hundreds of calls and sending emails over the last week. Your efforts helped stall this legislation and preserve meaningful physical education in Texas schools.

2. Smoke-Free Texas: The smoke-free workplace bill was not voted on last night but bill author Myra Crownover has indicated she will try to amend another bill to include smoke-free workplaces. Some-free workplaces will make sure all family friendly establishments have clean, breathable air, free of second-hand carcinogens. If you haven’t had the chance, click here to support Smoke-Free Texas.

3. Heart and Stroke Funding: AHA has worked hard to keep important prevention funding in the state’s budget. Right now a select few lawmakers are making final determinations on what to include in the budget, and what to cut. We know that heart diseases and stroke funding is extremely important to you and people in your family, but legislators need to hear from you! Click here to take action and tell them to preserve heart and stroke prevention funding.

4. Trans-Fats in Schools: A bill that would remove trans-fats from school cafeterias has been passed by the Texas Senate and is awaiting approval in a House committee!! You can click here to thank Senators and ask House members to support trans-fat free lunches at school. It’s small steps like this that will make our state healthier.