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I believe the Texas Senate works together best when each legislator adds his or her unique point of view to the policy conversation. Every one of my colleagues presents bills that reflect their core beliefs and inform citizens as to the character of their legislative representatives. Read on and discover some of the issues I've helped address through legislation. |
Preserving the Environment
My district includes some of the greatest natural attractions the State of Texas has to offer. The Davis Mountains, Guadalupe Peak, and Big Bend State Park are one of a kind destinations that characterize the landscape of West Texas. That being said, it is up to the current generation to protect these precious resources for future generations to enjoy. During the 80th Legislative Session, I supported a bill that expanded funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and created more jobs for managing our state parks. Texas' landscape is both a phenomenal tourist and scientific asset to our great state and Texans should be proud to know I am doing everything in my power to preserve its integrity.
Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect
On Christmas Day in 2003, Jovonie Ochoa, a 5 year-old San Antonian, was starved to death by his family. This tragedy sparked an outcry in the community and I was compelled to establish the Blue Ribbon Task Force. Three years since its inception, the Blue Ribbon Task Force has united concerned citizens, community leaders, and local and regional businesses in the fight against child abuse and neglect. Recently, we have begun a block walk campaign that aims to bring the message of hope and support to young families who need it most. It is through this coalition that I am able to help affect real change for a cause I have dedicated my public service to—decreasing the instances of child abuse and neglect in this state.
Expanding Healthcare
In an unpredictable world, it is important for people to have a safety net. When it comes to protecting our families and ourselves, no one should have to forego medical care due to affordability. Throughout my career, I have always made choices consistent with my belief that healthcare is a universal right. Texans, and all Americans, should have access to quality, affordable healthcare and inexpensive prescription medication. The Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) is brightening lives by insuring more and more kids everyday. I have always dedicated a large part of my legislative agenda to health related issues, and I know that it is important that I continue to do so. We are making progress, but we still have a long way to go before we reach 100% coverage.
Improving Public Education
If ignorance is a disease, then education is the cure. Increased education rates equal decreased crime rates and the bottom line is that we can all benefit from improving the quality of our public school system. It has always been my personal belief that everyone is entitled to a good education. I am a product of public schools, both my sons attended public schools, and I have never voted against the Texas public school system or its teachers. Like many of my constituents, education is an issue that is extremely close to my heart and I can assure all Texans that I will help make our public schools into some of the best in the country.
Tackling Rural Issues
Once I was sworn in as Senator, my scope of representation expanded from part of Bexar County to include 21 additional counties and part of El Paso County. A large percentage of the 55,000 square miles of my district is rural and I have made it my duty to ensure that these often neglected areas get the representation they deserve. From increasing access to healthcare to providing adequate emergency responder coverage to improving education, these are just a few examples of the rural specific issues that are important to both my constituents and me.