Friends,
As we close out a challenging year, I want to take a moment to recognize the resilience of our communities. Families across the state are bracing for the impact of school vouchers on neighborhood schools, cuts to insurance coverage, and newly imposed racialized housing bans. In times like these, our strength comes from looking out for one another. If you are in a position to support our Central Texas neighbors, I encourage you to take time this holiday season to volunteer, donate, and uplift those in need.
If you or your family are seeking support during the holidays, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. Our team stands ready to assist you in navigating state agencies and accessing available resources.
I want to take a moment to send a special note to our families celebrating Hanukkah. During a holiday centered on light, reflection, and renewal, our hearts are heavy after a devastating week marked by mass shootings and acts of hate. In a moment when political leaders work to divide us and antisemitism and hate are on the rise, we share a responsibility to build a community with room for everyone, and one our children will be proud of. These moments test us, but they also call us to come together with compassion and care, and to commit to healing and rebuilding trust in our communities.
As we slow down to celebrate the holiday season, I’m always so encouraged by how our community supports one another and I’m energized from time with family. There is nothing more magical than watching my kids open gifts from Santa. Whether your family is celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying time with family, I hope everyone has a restful and rejuvenating time this holiday season.
As your representative, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the issues that matter most to our communities: expanding access to quality healthcare, strengthening our public schools, ensuring affordable housing, and supporting reliable, good-paying jobs for all.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and restorative holiday season.
John Bucy III
State Representative
Texas House District 136
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Beginning November 14, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) resumed issuing full SNAP benefits to households across the state. This includes newly approved SNAP clients, all of whom will receive their November benefits regardless of their approval date.
As families prepare for the holiday season, it’s important to be aware of potential federal changes that may soon affect the recertification process. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has proposed requiring all SNAP participants to complete a full reapplication during an upcoming program overhaul.
Under current Texas rules, recipients must submit renewal applications one month before their benefits expire. Renewals can be completed online, and HHSC typically provides a decision within about two weeks.
A full reapplication, however, is more extensive. Applicants would need to submit a new application, upload supporting documents (such as proof of identity and income), complete an interview, and wait for state verification – which HHSC estimates can take up to 30 days.
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Recent federal action will have far reaching consequences for health coverage in Texas. With full control of the federal government, Republican leaders passed legislation eliminating the enhanced premium tax credits which independent analysts warn will push more than 1 million Texans off their health insurance, the largest coverage loss of any state.
Because Texas has not expanded Medicaid, working families rely heavily on these tax credits to afford coverage, just as employers receive tax support to provide job-based insurance. With the credits now eliminated, premiums will spike, doubling overnight for many households – forcing Texans to drop coverage and leaving doctors and hospitals with rising levels of uncompensated care.
The impact on Texans is significant:
- A 40 year old in Dallas making $35,000 will see their monthly premium increase from $96 to $197, a 105 percent jump.
- A family of four in Houston earning $64,000 will pay $2,355 more per year.
- A 60 year old couple in El Paso making $82,800 will owe an additional $18,335 annually, a 263 percent increase.
Rural and South Texas will be hit hardest. Texas already leads the nation in rural hospital closures, with 24 hospitals shuttered statewide, leaving many counties without a local hospital at all. The surge in uninsured Texans is expected to deepen financial strain on rural providers and further limit access to care for families across the region.
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In a significant setback for voting rights, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the redistricting scheme advanced by Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott to go into effect despite a federal district court finding the map to be racially discriminatory. Just weeks ago, a Trump appointed judge ruled that Texas had unconstitutionally gerrymandered its congressional districts to dilute the voting power of communities of color. Instead of allowing that decision to stand, Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed, and the Supreme Court swiftly intervened.
In issuing a stay, the Court blocked the district court’s ruling and cleared the way for Texas to use its 2025 congressional map in the 2026 midterm elections. The majority did so without fully engaging with the factual record or ruling on the merits, effectively reinstating a map already found to be a violation of the Constitution.
Three justices dissented. Justice Elena Kagan warned that the Court’s decision “loses sight of its proper role,” emphasizing that the lower court’s findings showed clear evidence of racial gerrymandering. Her dissent underscores what is at stake: the right of Texans, particularly Texans of color, to fair and equal representation.
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Round Rock Community Choir
My team was honored to present the Round Rock Community Choir with a certificate of recognition celebrating their 40th anniversary. It was a joy to join them in marking four decades of sharing the healing power of music with Round Rock and the surrounding communities. We’re grateful for their continued commitment to bringing people together through song.
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Meridian World School Civics Class
It was a blast speaking with the 3rd graders at Meridian World School about the work of the Texas Legislature. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were inspiring, and I can’t wait to see these young Texans grow into the future leaders of Central Texas.
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Austin Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Lunch
My staff enjoyed attending the Austin Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Luncheon and hearing insights from Dr. Ray Perryman and Mark Sprague on Texas’ economy, workforce, and real estate. Key takeaways included the critical role of education, stable immigration, and workforce training in supporting long-term economic growth.
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Caldwell Heights Elementary School Choir Performance
It was a joy to host Caldwell Heights Elementary School in the Capitol rotunda for a festive holiday choir performance. We are grateful to the students, educators, and families who shared their talent and helped make the Capitol feel especially welcoming this season.
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ACEC Transportation Forum
Texans deserve true freedom of transportation, which is why I was honored to join the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for their transportation summit to discuss the future of public transit and high-speed rail. I’m grateful for the engineers, planners, and advocates working to move Texas forward.
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Breakfast with Santa
It was a joy to share the holiday spirit with my two girls at the Texas House of Representatives Breakfast with Santa. The Capitol is beautifully decorated for the season, and I encourage families who haven’t yet visited to stop by and enjoy the festivities together.
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Equality Texas Gala
I had an exciting evening celebrating the incredible advocacy Equality Texas does for our community and across Austin. It was inspiring to be in a room dedicated to equality, dignity, and progress for all Texans.
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Vanuatu Parliament
My staff had the honor of meeting with members of the Vanuatu Parliament and the U.S. Embassy to discuss long-term economic growth strategies. We appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow civic leaders on responsible governance and accessibility.
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Obama Foundation Panel on Pluralism and Democracy
Uplifting conversation on how to bring together communities and pragmatically approach pluralism in politics. Thank you to the Obama Foundation for the opportunity and Raise Your Hand Texas for hosting.
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Round Rock State of the City
It was great to hear from Mayor Morgan at the Round Rock State of the City and reflect on the progress our community has made. I truly appreciate the City’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth, pursuing innovative water management solutions, and continuing to make Round Rock a great place to live and work.
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Cedar Park State of the City
It was great to attend Cedar Park’s State of the City and hear from Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin about the infrastructure projects that will continue to attract new job opportunities and open pathways for the community.
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Texas Freedom Network
Team Bucy was honored to attending the Texas Freedom Network’s Epic Evening celebrating the 1995 Founder’s Circle and recognizing Danielle Bryant, Cameron Samuels, and Mireya Garcia for their incredible advocacy during a challenging legislative session and their unwavering commitment to representing all Texans.
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My team is available to assist you! Our office hopes that you do not hesitate to reach out when you have questions regarding state agencies, legislation, or other challenges you’re facing. Also, please check out these upcoming community events and opportunities!
Round Rock Gingerbread Workshops
These workshops offer you detailed instruction from the sugar artists of Capital Confectioners/Capital City Cake Club and a finished, take-home gingerbread creation! Family fun for all ages! Learn more here.
Visit Austin’s Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Experience a selection of curated artists with works to excite every art lover, collector, or first-time visitor; plus, live local music, surrounded by the sights of the city. Learn more here.
Cedar Park Christmas Movies
Grab your blankets, gather your friends, and get ready for holiday magic as we view Christmas movies on the big screen! Learn more here.
Round Rock Christmas Tree Recycling
The City of Round Rock will host Christmas tree recycling events on Saturday, Dec. 27 from 9 a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Round Rock Brush Recycling Center located at 310 Deepwood Drive.
Artist of the Month
Our office is looking to support local artists by spotlighting their work in the capitol. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please email us at [email protected].
Request a Resolution
My team is looking for celebratory and memorial resolutions to honor individuals and organizations across HD 136. Please reach out if you or a neighbor has a success, retirement, anniversary, or otherwise. Request a resolution by emailing [email protected].
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Political advertising paid for by John Bucy Campaign, Molly Bucy, Treasurer.
Our mailing address is:
John Bucy Campaign
P.O. Box 536, Austin, TX 78767
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