Larry B. Butler

The 2019 legislative session was demanding as ever and I’m grateful my colleagues and I were able to pass a balanced state budget that helps workers and people on fixed incomes, encourages economic growth and makes critical investments for our state – and all without raising our income tax.

We’re just a few days away from a new law taking effect that will help contribute to a better environment. Our statewide efforts to curb the use of single-use plastic bags goes into effect on Aug. 1.

With a heat wave expected to hit the state in the next few days and more hot days ahead, it is critical to take proper safety measures during this humid and hot period and throughout the summer season.

I am pleased to report the House passed legislation that will facilitate minority teacher recruitment and retention across the state.

After many hours of debate over the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) legislation, House Democrats passed a bill which was already approved by the Senate. It now goes to the governor for his signature.

The House of Representatives approved legislation for including African-American, Puerto Rican and Latino studies in the public high school curriculum.

Minimum wage workers are moving closer to a living wage. The House approved House Bill 5004 to increase the minimum wage incrementally over the next few years to $15 in 2023.

The House of Representatives held a Memorial for the late Representative Ezequiel Santiago. The House offered his family and each other, words of comfort and remembered him in a very special way. Although there was sadness, there were also happy memories of the impact he made in his community and the impression he left with his Legislative family.