Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner, John Hellerstedt, M.D. today announced that teachers are now eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. Thank you to all of our teachers who have gone above and beyond to continue educating our children and providing regular engagement for students and their peers. If you are a teacher interested in receiving the vaccine, please go to the TDEM Vaccine Provider map to find a hub or local provider in your area: https://tdem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3700a84845c5470cb0dc3ddace5c376b

Today, the House Committee on Corrections met for the first time this legislative session to discuss the jurisdiction of the committee. Simultaneously, this was also my first time presiding as a Chairman over a House Committee. We heard from various state agencies and stakeholders who provided great insight and information regarding incarceration and rehabilitation. I look forward to leading this committee and working with its members and the agencies it oversees, including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Special Prosecution Unit, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Texas Civil Commitment Office, and the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments.

Today we celebrate Texas Independence Day! 185 years ago, our Texas founding fathers gathered along the Brazos River in Washington County and adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence. Washington-on-the Brazos is now known as "the birthplace of Texas". God bless Texas!