Committee Hearing on PE Bill

9:09 The Senate Education Committee is taking testimony on SB 891 - which will improve physical education in Texas.

9:16 American Heart Association volunteer Kenny Taylor is now testifying in favor of this bill. "Only half of adolescents engage in daily physical activity and only 25% report daily physical education.....we are raising perhaps the least active and most unhealthy generation of Americans."

9:23 SB 891 has been passed by the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 5-0!! It will now head to the full Senate a vote.

Press Conference Pics!

Press Conference emcee and Youth Advocate Nina Yancy at the podium

Season 6 winner of NBC's The Biggest Loser-Michelle Aguilar talking about the importance of quality physical education

Authors of the PE bill: St. Rep. Diana Maldonado (D-Round Rock) and St. Senator Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville)

Click here to see video footage of the Press Conference as reported by the Austin American Statesman.

Texas Physical Education Press Conference

Michelle Aguilar, winner of the Biggest Loser,

as she addresss a group of supporters at the AHA Youth Lobby Day.

Below are updates from today's PE Press Conference and Youth Lobby Day. Our special guest is Michelle Aguilar who was the winner of last year's Biggest Loser.

12:25 Rep. Maldonado being introduced and the Hot Shot Jump Rope team.

12:15 Michelle just wrapped. Nina, 18 year old youth is thanking her. Introducing Rep Eissler and Sen Nelson.

12:00 Michelle now speaking about The Biggest Loser. Kids are jump roping behind her.

11:55 Presser underway. Nina Yancy mc and Paul Carozza speaking now.

10:00am Michelle Aguilar is with Senator Nelson. Getting ready to be recognized on the TX Senate floor. #ahalobbytx

9:00am With Michelle Aguilar winner of The Biggest Loser as we get ready to lobby the TX legislature on PE in schools. Presser @ noon. #ahalobbytx

Session Update: Advocacy in Action

The Texas Legislature is in full swing with committees at work addressing thousands of pieces of legislation. There are less than 90 days left in this session and we need your continued support if we want to build healthier lives free of heart disease and stroke.

Here is an update on the issues we have been working on:

Smoke-Free Texas -- HB 5/SB 544

What it Does: Will eliminate secondhand smoke in all workplaces in the state.

Where the Bill Is: It has been referred to committees in both chambers and we are awaiting a public hearing.

What can I do? Take action today and tell your lawmakers to vote YES to smoke-free Texas.

Strengthening Physical Education Texas -- SB 891

What it Does: Defines physical education in Texas so all students receive quality PE courses.

Where the Bill Is: It is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Public Education committee.

What can I do? Take action today and tell your Senator to vote Yes to strengthening PE standards in Texas.

Funding for the Future

The American Heart Association is also seeking close to $15 million dollars in new funding for various cardiovascular disease and stroke programs. These programs range from the Texas Stroke Act and the Texas Rural Emergency Dispatch program to tobacco prevention programs and obesity awareness and initiatives.

Funding these various initiatives would reduce the number of deaths related to cardiovascular disease and stroke and provide for a healthier Texas. Currently both the House and Senate are considering these budget request and AHA volunteers and staff are advocating for the funding of these initiatives.

With your help we can continue to make an impact in the fight against heart disease and stroke in Texas. Please take action on the issues above and stay tuned for more on AHA's efforts at the Capitol.

P.S. Be sure to sign up for You're the Cure at www.YouretheCure.org for email alerts on these issues.

Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure.

Nelson wants PE classes beefed up

State Senator Jane Nelson has filed multiple bill that will improve physical education in Texas schools--all of which are heavily supported by the American Heart Association. Please read the following Fort Worth Star Telegram article that talks about her plan to reduce childhood obesity in Texas. Click here for the article.

"Far too many of our youth are leading super-sized, sedentary lifestyles which put their lives in danger," Nelson said in a statement. "Unless we take action, an entire generation of Texans will live shorter lives than their parents."

Nelson, a former school teacher, has been a long time supporter of increased physical education in schools.