By Taylor Millard, Contributing Writer

Southern Denton County legislators are praising the passage of Senate Bill 14.

The bill bans gender transitioning or gender reassignment surgery for Texas minors. It also prevents child health plans from covering the surgery or transitioning. Minors in the process of transitioning will have to wean off any drugs prescribed in a “medically appropriate” manner.

A section of the bill allows doctors and health care providers to prescribe puberty suppression or blocking prescription drugs for “normalizing puberty for a minor experiencing precocious puberty.” Children born with certain sex development genetic disorders can also get treatment.

“Texas has drawn a firm line against unproven and experimental procedures on our youngest citizens,” said Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) in a statement, vowing that SB 14 protects Texas children. “Authored and led by two doctors, this bill is a compassionate, sensible response to protect vulnerable children from irreversible physical alterations that change their biological sex. We’re ensuring their natural development isn’t impeded by premature, life-altering decisions.”

Rep. Kronda Thimesch (R-Lewisville) agreed while also saying that it’s medically pragmatic and followed legal precedence. “We do not let children get tattoos before they turn 18; how can anyone reasonably justify giving irreversible hormones or surgery to the exact same group? These permanent decisions must be made as an adult with full understanding of the consequences. The Legislature must intervene with safeguards to protect minors from life-altering treatments that cannot be undone in adulthood.”

Rep. Ben Bumgarner (R-Flower Mound) also voted in favor of SB 14.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he’ll sign it into law. “I’m not going to make any secret about it. I’ll be signing it,” he told Fox News on Thursday. “This is about protecting children.”

Multiple groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Texas, Lambda Legal, and Transgender Law Center promised on Thursday to sue the state. They’ve accused Texas of ignoring warnings from transgender children and most of the medical community.

Meanwhile, it is more popular than ever for youth to adopt new gender identities. An estimated 300,000 minors aged 13 to 17 identified as transgender as of last year.

On this day in 1839, the Republic of Texas adopted the Lone Star as the flag of the new nation. May Texas continue to lead the way for America, and may our flag always inspire those who cherish liberty! #GodBlessTexas

The changing of the season signifies a time of renewal. Fall brings great opportunities for people to reconnect with the spirit of gratitude and the chance to gather with family and friends. As the 30 days of November begin, we turn to the season of thanksgiving, reflecting on the great blessings bestowed upon us.

Giving thanks across America arises from the gift of our freedoms. President Abraham Lincoln wisely said that “Freedom is the last, best hope of earth.” Through incredible blessings, America has stood on the bedrock of liberty shining as the beacon of hope and freedom for the world. The republic on which our great Nation was founded 246 years ago has prevailed throughout the years because of the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.

Knowing this — we look to the season of thanks by recognizing and honoring our veterans. At the end of World War I, the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of 1918. Armistice Day was designated a national holiday in 1938, later becoming Veterans Day in 1954. This special day of commemoration gives every American an opportunity to honor those who gave the fullest measure of devotion as they served in our armed forces, enduring great risk and loss.

Keeping veterans at the forefront of our gratitude must go beyond a single day. Our veterans serve as our greatest heroes, to whom a debt can never be fully repaid by a grateful nation. It is my hope and prayer that our country never wavers in its appreciation for the sacrifices, courage, hope, and faithful love of country shown by every brave man and woman who wears our Nation’s uniform.

Across North Texas, there are many events honoring our heroes, and I hope you will participate in your community. Also, let us always remember that many long-term care facilities are home to aging service men and women, so please check with these local places about ways to say thanks. Additionally, the Texas Veterans Commission website – veterans.portal.texas.gov -provides many resources to help support those who have served.

Policy makers at every level of government must work to make certain we are addressing the greatest needs of our veterans. In January 2023, your Texas Legislature will convene to take up the people’s business. Over the interim, the Texas Senate has been studying several issues facing veterans and what our state can do to address each of these in our upcoming legislative session. The interim charges include removing barriers for companies offering benefits for veterans, establishing better public-private partnership opportunities, improving navigation for services and resources, addressing veteran mental health, training for first responders to better support veterans in crisis, and protecting the sacred grounds of our state veteran cemeteries.

There will be many bills filed to improve Texas veteran services, and I hope you will follow each on one at www.capitol.texas.gov. Our veterans have fought for us, and we must never waver in our fight for them.

Americans will also celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude, and gathering in the spirit of the bountiful gifts we have before us. As inflation has sadly risen to historic highs in our country, there is much work to be done to address great needs. I hope you will stay connected to area resources and non-profits on the countless ways to give back. There are many heart-driven non-profits leading our communities to meet people where they are and serve their needs, including fighting hunger. One cannot fully embrace the season, if the needs of others are not met. From groups such as Mission Moms to Meals on Wheels and food banks across our region, there are countless ways to nourish your community. If I can ever help connect you with a local event or cause, please let me hear from you. Small differences ignite big changes so please know that everyone can do something to make Thanksgiving a little brighter.

May we each use our God-given abilities and blessings to make the most of this November and in turn, inspire the next generation to continue the celebration of gratitude and widen the circle of giving for all.

It is an honor to serve you in the Texas House and work together for a stronger Texas. I encourage people to use their voice to shape the future of our community, state, and Nation by exercising your right to vote on November 8. I look forward to staying in touch, at 972.724.8477 or tan.parker@house.texas.gov.  You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Serving the people of House District 63 is the highest honor of my professional life. Visiting with folks in the district provides opportunities to shape public policy, improve government responsiveness, and advance legislation for the betterment of our great state. It also provides rare insight into the heart of our communities, including the daily selfless acts of others. It reflects how amazing Texans are in their pursuit to ignite inspiration that makes meaningful differences in the lives of others.

One of the most impactful ways we can change a life is to step up and protect the most vulnerable of our society. Texans like Bob Williams and the team behind the non-profit Ranch Hands Rescue are some of the brightest lights fighting against a dark reality that exists in our society. Ranch Hands Rescue is a human and animal sanctuary founded on hope and healing for the long-term recovery of survivors who are finding their way after enduring unimaginable trauma, severe abuse, and in some cases, human trafficking.

In working with survivors of all ages, Bob recognized there is a growing underserved population in need of immediate advocacy – boys who have fallen prey to human trafficking. These boys are far too often the hidden victims rescued from this horrific evil.

Last year, Ranch Hands Rescue opened Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house in the country for young men who have been sex trafficked. With a team of highly-trained professionals, therapy animals, and a group of dedicated local volunteers, the promise of hope is becoming reality each day for the survivors who have found safe refuge there.

Programs at Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope provide healing from the horrific pain and mental anguish endured as victims. Forced drug addiction, complex medical challenges, legal trouble, educational deficits, and a host of other issues, are just some of the devastating challenges they face. Instead of falling into an endless cycle of dependency and despair, Bob’s House of Hope is teaching life skills and providing counseling to give these young Texans a renewed life. The transformation that is taking place at Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope is miraculous and restores the goodness our community is built upon.

On Saturday, September 17, my wife, Beth and I are serving as honorary chairs for their Ignite Hope 2022 Gala with music, special guests, entertainment, and much more at the Embassy Suites hotel in Denton. We hope you can join this magical night that showcases the passion for service that is ingrained in the spirit of Texas. You can learn more at www.ranchhandrescue.org.

Another fantastic example of the heart of our community is how fast organizations like Special Olympics Texas are growing. I cannot imagine the feeling of watching sporting activities from the sidelines without the hope of being included or knowing the thrill of the game.

Isolation is a cruel barrier and far too often, we see people with disabilities missing out on the simple joys such as team sports. Through amazing advocacy and compassion, Special Olympics is making certain that physical and intellectual challenges never stop anyone from participating in sporting activities.

Flower Mound is the host home to the Special Olympics Texas Steak & Stetson gala, a highlight of what we can all do together to ensure local Texans with disabilities play too. I am honored to be a part of this year’s mission with Highland Village Police Chief Doug Reim (lead organizer), Denton County Sheriff Tracy Murphree, leaders from local law enforcement and an incredible group of volunteers. Each is dedicated to creating a fun and festive evening of great food, live music, auctions, and entertainment at Circle R Ranch on Friday, September 23 starting at 6 p.m. Please consider joining us to open doors for differently-abled Texans at https://www.sotx.org/event-detail/steak-stetson-16575908.

These are just two events happening in our area but there are many more community events and volunteer opportunities underway this September and throughout the year. I wish I could name them all but knowing that is not possible is a sign our community is filled with action and unparalleled enthusiasm to serve others!

As always, it is an honor to serve you in the Texas House of Representatives. If you would like to share a thought, please feel free to contact me at 512.463.0688 or email at tan.parker@house.texas.gov. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Parker: Service to others is what makes our community strong