Newsroom

Lucky Number 286

Wednesday, January 24, 2007
by Mike Ward
Austin American-Statesman

Kirk Watson says his new lucky number is 286.That's for Senate Bill 286, the first legislation filed by Austin's newest senator that would allow more low-income Texans to receive home-delivered meals by providing additional state funding.State Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, is co-sponsor."When I filed it (Tuesday) afternoon I came back and told my staff that I didn't expect it, but I got just the (bill) number I wanted — 286," Watson, a Democrat, said this morning."They looked at me like, 'Is he serious?' But I like 286," he laughed.Your new lucky number? "I hope so," Watson shot back.Since he was elected two months ago, at least one other number didn't work out so well for Watson. When he drew numbers with the four other incoming senators, for assignment of a desk in the Senate Chamber and a Capitol office, Watson drew dead last — No. 31.That meant he got the leftovers.Watson's SB 286 would pay for additional home-delivered meals that are not currently funded by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services or the Area Agencies on Aging.Travis County could stand to receive an additional $225,970, Watson said, if the additional $10 million in funding for the expansion is approved as proposed.Watson said he has plans to file more bills. And though he's coy on what specific topics they will cover, environmental and state agency matters are a couple of possibilities."But I like 286," he said.