2009-2010 • Austin,

Dear Friends: The interim at hand affords The 81st Texas Legislative us rich opportunities to plan Session (2009) was remarkable in purposefully, crafting proposed terms of its impact on the quality of legislation and defining funding lives of countless Texans. As the needs wisely, prudently and second-highest ranking senator in realistically. To do so I will the 31-member , my visit each county in our Senate goal always is to balance the needs District 21, namely, Atascosa, of Senate District 21 with those of Bee, northeast Bexar, Dimmit, our great state and to cast every Duval, Frio, , Karnes, vote in terms of the best interests LaSalle, Live Oak, McMullen, and needs of our families. San Patricio, Starr, Webb, No matter what legislation Wilson, Zapata and Zavala. we pass, however, funding it is When the 82nd Legislative crucial. Accordingly, my priorities Session convenes on January 11, include securing appropriations 2011, we will be ready. My staff for education, including early and I will consider every proposal and higher education; health respectfully and deliberately, for and human services, especially some of my best legislation was to meet the needs of the very suggested by constituents. We young, the very old and persons also will continue to respond to with disabilities; environmental every letter, email and telephone concerns, including protecting My goal always is to balance the call and to schedule meetings in our soil and water; economic needs of Senate District 21 with those the district or at the Capitol. development, including job Effective communication creation and industry attraction; of our great state and to cast every enables me to be a better senator. public safety; and transportation. vote in terms of the best interests and My annual report, Senator Judith Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst needs of our families. Zaffirini Reports to the Families again appointed me to important of District 21, for example, positions from which I can – Senator always generates constructive continue to make a difference. feedback. It is more than a For the first time in the history of the Texas Senate, he progress report. It is a call for action and collaboration. upgraded the Higher Education Subcommittee to a full As always, my prayer is that the Lord will bless us Senate committee and named me its Chair. This empowered all and inspire us to excel, particularly in providing a better me to play a significantly influential role in promoting future for our families. access and affordability without sacrificing excellence. The lieutenant governor also re-appointed me to the Senate Committees on Finance, Health and Human Services, Economic Development and Administration. Most recently, he appointed me to the Texas Energy Council. Judith Zaffirini These appointments facilitated my passing another 65 bills State Senator, District 21 in 2009, bringing my total since 1987 to 579. www.zaffirini.senate.state.tx.us 2 3 VISITING LOCAL COMMUNITIES in Senate District 21, Senator Judith Zaffirini has developed a keen awareness of the priorities and needs of this large and diverse district. She is shown in photographs 1-3 with 1. the late LaSalle County Commissioner Arcenio Garcia and his wife and son, Azucena and Arcenio Jr. 2. Frio 1 County Judge Carlos Garcia and Mandy Hernandez at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. and 3. Ray Saenz, cooking chili at the Jim Hogg County Vaquero Festival. Senator Zaffirini Focuses on Community Needs Collaborating with local state represen- Senator Zaffirini and Rep. Ryan to regulate development around Falcon tatives and leaders, in 2009 Senator Judith Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, passed Lake’s tributaries. Zaffirini passed 14 bills to meet the local eight bills together, including House To empower rural hospitals to priorities of Senate District 21. Bill (HB) 1178, authorizing Starr resolve workforce shortages and rising Senate Bill (SB) 2495 by Senator County to create a drainage district to health care premiums while controlling Zaffirini and Rep. Yvonne Gonzalez address infrastructure needs; HB 2804 the cost of medical services, Senator Toureilles, D-Alice, for example, requires and HB 2813, authorizing Duval and Zaffirini sponsored HB 2708 by Rep. Bee Groundwater Conservation District Starr County Juvenile Board members Gonzalez Toureilles and HB 4704 by directors to own land in their single- compensation equal to other juvenile Rep. Guillen, allowing the Karnes member districts, balancing the interests boards; and HB 4607, authorizing the County and Starr County Hospital of ranchers and farmers. Zapata County Commissioners Court Districts to borrow funds. Continuing their quest to improve Health & Human Services colonias, Senator Zaffirini and Reps. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo, and Improve the Lives of Texans Guillen passed SB 2253, clarifying Of the 65 bills passed by Senator group health insurance plans to provide grandfathering provisions to utility Judith Zaffirini during the 2009 coverage equal to Medicare benefit connections in colonias, and HB 2275, legislative session, 13 were related levels for prosthetic devices, it will establishing a task force to make to health and human services. Their protect medically insured Texans who legislative recommendations regarding focus included addressing the needs of lose a limb and otherwise could not their development standards. Texans with chronic and catastrophic afford their prosthetic devices. Senator Zaffirini and Rep. Raymond illnesses and with intellectual, physical Senator Zaffirini and Rep. Elliot also passed HB 4540, allowing Webb and emotional disabilities. Naishtat, D-Austin, were delighted to pass County to sell mineral rights on land held Senator Zaffirini, for example, au- SB 37 and SB 63. These new laws allow for the permanent school fund, and HB thored and passed Senate Bill (SB) 39 children to receive Deaf-Blind Multiple 4541, transferring a Texas Department of with Rep. John Zerwas, R-Fort Bend, Disabilities Medicaid services when they Public Safety building to Webb County. requiring insurance companies to com- are diagnosed, instead of waiting until To increase the accountability of pensate routine care costs for cancer pa- they are 18, and to benefit from interveners emergency services district directors in tients enrolled in clinical trials. This will trained to meet their specific needs. Bexar County, Senator Zaffirini passed allow insured patients who cannot other- The two legislators also passed HB 527 by Rep. David Leibowitz, D-San wise pay for routine medical expenses to HB 1454, which creates Volunteer Antonio, allowing commissioners to re- participate in studies that could improve Supported Decision Making Advocate move appointed directors for failure to or save their lives or those of others. Pilot Programs to improve the quality submit required financial reports. With Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, of life of persons with intellectual and “The interim is an excellent op- she passed House Bill (HB) 806, the developmental disabilities by helping portunity to develop legislation for the companion to her SB 26. By requiring them make their own decisions. 2011 session,” Senator Zaffirini said.

Page 2, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2009-2010 81st Legislative Session Was Huge Success for Texas

By Lieutenant Governor a framework to create more David Dewhurst flagship universities in Texas, and SB 1443, which limits tuition On June 1st the 81st increases at four-year public Legislative Session came universities. These measures to a successful conclusion, will help provide Texas students ensuring that our state’s with the necessary tools and economy will remain strong opportunities needed to follow and our fellow Texans their dreams. will have a future full of In addition, the Texas opportunity. While other Senate worked hard to pass states are slashing budgets and landmark bills to improve shedding jobs, we found ways the quality, accessibility and to tighten state government’s affordability of health care and belt, while cutting taxes for enhance Texans’ quality of life. Texas families and businesses These bills include: and investing in our public •SB 6 makes health insurance schools and universities. more affordable for small busi- I am proud of the Texas nesses through the innovative Legislature for passing Senate Healthy Texas Program. Bill (SB) 1, the biennial budget •SB 7 reforms the health care for Texas that maintains state system by focusing on the spending at two-percent quality of outcomes rather annually—well below the rate than the number of proce- of inflation plus population dures performed; promotes growth, excluding federal innovation in patient care by stimulus items. While other states are slashing budgets emphasizing technology. The state budget meets the needs of our growing state by and shedding jobs, we found ways to tighten •SB 8 requires the state funding essential services for state government’s belt, while cutting taxes for to develop and distribute our citizens, providing tax Texas families and businesses and investing information regarding “best relief for families and small in our public schools and universities. practices” in health care to businesses and investing an both improve the quality of additional $3.1 billion in public – Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst care and reduce costs. and higher education. The budget also •SB 10 creates a pilot program in leaves untouched the state’s Rainy Day SB 3, which improves Texas’ the Employees Retirement System Fund to protect taxpayers in the event school accountability system and by aligning payments with quality of a prolonged economic downturn. raises educational standards, reforms of care rather than number of This will help us meet the challenges our public schools by focusing on core procedures performed. ahead and keep our Texas economy skills needed to master language arts, I’m proud of the work we strong while investing in the future of math, science and social studies, and completed this session on behalf of our great state. by emphasizing college and career our fellow Texans. By setting aside Important legislation passed this readiness. This bill moves Texas toward partisan differences and putting the session include SB 19, which helps a system that measures overall student people of Texas first, we passed a small businesses thrive and continue achievement and encourages our fiscally responsible budget and found to create new jobs. By increasing the schools to prepare students for success good solutions to the biggest challenges state’s business tax exemption from in college or the workforce. facing our state. $300,000 to $1 million for the first We also worked to improve our year, and later to $600,000, it will universities and keep college affordable Texas Lieutenant Governor help businesses save more of their and accessible for every Texas student. David Dewhurst, R-, is hard-earned money and reinvest in Senator Judith Zaffirini continued to be president of the 31-member Texas Texas through job creation, innova- a strong advocate for higher education, Senate, a position he has held tion and expansion. authoring SB 9, which establishes since January, 2003. Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2009-2010, Page 3 Senator Judith Zaffirini Emphasizes Public & Higher Education as Keys to Prosperity in Texas Because education is the key to Texas’ upgraded from a subcommittee. For the first time programs. It offers matching funding for future success, Senator Judith Zaffirini long in the history of the Texas Senate, a full committee research expenditures and promotes research has championed improving education from exclusively addressed higher education issues. at graduate and undergraduate levels. pre-kindergarten through high school, college “This enhanced our efficiency and The two higher education Chairs also and beyond. effectiveness in passing legislation and securing passed her SB 44 and SB 2262, which create “Our state must provide the necessary funding for issues as varied as student success, research opportunities for undergraduate educational resources not only for our children, but financial aid, timely graduation, total academic students and allow more teachers to participate also for young adults and non-traditional students,” costs and pre-K through 16 and beyond,” Senator in the Mathematics, Science and Technology Senator Zaffirini said. “Meeting this goal enhances Zaffirini said. Teacher Preparation Academies. our success in competing with other states and “It facilitated my passing 13 bills in higher After Gov. vetoed $154 countries for job creation and economic growth.” education, including four that authorized tuition million to implement “proportionality” in An educator with 13 years of teaching exemptions for foster youth, inter-institutional 2007, Senator Zaffirini and other proponents, experience, her efforts to enhance education at all academic programs, education aides enrolled especially Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton, levels, from early childhood through high school in teacher certification courses and junior prevailed in removing its negative aspects in to community colleges and universities, pre-date college district employees. It also facilitated our SB 1, the appropriations bill, as filed. increasing funding for higher education by $1.5 Accordingly, the bill provides health her election to the Texas Senate. billion, 6.9 percent, for 2010-2011.” benefits for community college personnel Higher Ed Committee Pursues Excellence She had chaired the Senate Subcommittee whose salaries are eligible for state funding, In January, 2009, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Higher Education since 2006 and was first regardless of how they were paid. appointed Senator Zaffirini Chair of the Senate appointed to it in 1999. Lowering Costs Enhances Accessibility Higher Education Committee (SHEC), which he Above all, the SHEC focused on enhancing To address one of the most controversial access, success and affordability, while also issues of the session, the rising cost of tuition prioritizing excellence. and fees, Senator Zaffirini authored SB 1443. Senator Zaffirini’s Senate Bill (SB) 9, and Although the Senate passed it unanimously its companion bill that she sponsored, House Bill with 26 co-sponsors, unfortunately, it died (HB) 51 by Rep. Dan Branch, R- Dallas, initially in the House of Representatives during the focused on research for seven universities. It explosive Voter ID debate. developed into a bill about excellence in higher The bill focused on total academic costs, education, with additional funding opportunities not simply on tuition; capped increases and for all Texas public universities. linked them to formula funding; offered an The new law focuses on student success, optional four-year guaranteed tuition rate; OLGA AND VICTOR Serna greet Senator Judith Zaffirini centers of excellence and the development and required additional cost-cutting measures; and before the Lonesome Dove Parade in Karnes County. maintenance of excellent fields of study and established legislative oversight.

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INTERACTING WITH CONSTITUENTS, whether at the Capitol or in the district, is the key to Senator Judith Zaffirini’s effective representation of Senate District 21. She is shown in photographs 1-6 with 1. Dr. Jake Margo, Starr County, serving as Doctor for the Day in the Texas Senate. 2. Lt. JG Julius Jackson and Dr. Marcus Nelson, Laredo ISD Superintendent, at Operation Lonestar

Page 4, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2009-2010 Senator Judith Zaffirini Emphasizes Public & Higher Education as Keys to Prosperity in Texas programs. It offers matching funding for “Equally important,” Senator Zaffirini said, qualified teachers, approved curricula and research expenditures and promotes research “SB 1443 pressured the legislature to control school readiness components. at graduate and undergraduate levels. tuition costs by increasing funding. It recognized She also will continue to champion legislation The two higher education Chairs also that tuition and fees have risen because state and funding to support our most vulnerable passed her SB 44 and SB 2262, which create funding, although increased, has not kept up with students, including those in special education and research opportunities for undergraduate inflation and growth.” bilingual education programs, and to prioritize students and allow more teachers to participate To enhance accessibility, however, legislators ensuring accountability and effective programs in the Mathematics, Science and Technology created a $25 million scholarship program for for English Language Learners (ELL). Teacher Preparation Academies. students seeking job training or two-year degrees Because students in foster care face special After Gov. Rick Perry vetoed $154 in high-demand fields such as computer services, challenges during their academic careers, the million to implement “proportionality” in nursing and auto repair. senator is proud to have authored and passed SB 2248 with Rep. Patrick. The new law requires 2007, Senator Zaffirini and other proponents, Public Education Lays Foundation TEA to work more effectively with school especially Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton, As Higher Education Chair, Senator districts to ensure smooth transitions and credit prevailed in removing its negative aspects in Zaffirini believes strongly that student success transfer for students in foster care. SB 1, the appropriations bill, as filed. in higher education begins with quality early “Education and health and human services Accordingly, the bill provides health childhood education. For that reason, she are my lifelong passions,” Senator Zaffirini said. benefits for community college personnel authored SB 21 (2009), seeking to expand “It is a privilege to champion legislation and whose salaries are eligible for state funding, high-quality pre-kindergarten programs from funding to support high-quality early childhood, regardless of how they were paid. half-day to full-day. bilingual and special education programs.” Lowering Costs Enhances Accessibility Although its companion, HB 130 by To address one of the most controversial Rep. Diane Patrick, R-Arlington, and Senator issues of the session, the rising cost of tuition Zaffirini, was vetoed by Gov. Perry in spite of and fees, Senator Zaffirini authored SB 1443. strong bipartisan support, proponents secured an Although the Senate passed it unanimously additional $25 million for the Early Start Grant with 26 co-sponsors, unfortunately, it died Program administered by the Texas Education in the House of Representatives during the Agency (TEA). explosive Voter ID debate. Senator Zaffirini will intensify efforts to The bill focused on total academic costs, allow school districts voluntarily to expand not simply on tuition; capped increases and their half-day pre-kindergarten programs linked them to formula funding; offered an to full-day in partnership with local Head optional four-year guaranteed tuition rate; Start or licensed child care providers, while WILSON COUNTY LEADERS Gene Maeckel, Shirley required additional cost-cutting measures; and implementing high quality standards related Grammer and John Grammer accept a resolution from established legislative oversight. to class size, teacher-student ratios, highly Senator Judith Zaffirini at the Texas Senate.

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in Webb County. 3. Mathis kindergarten graduates Island Blanche, Elexus Sarate and Nicholas Crezo. 4. First-term Mayor Julián Castro, visiting the Texas Senate. 5. Middle Rio Grande Development Council Staff Johnny Ruiz, Debbie Briones and Santos Camarillo in Crystal City. and 6. Persian Gulf War Veteran Hector Lopez of Zapata County at her Capitol office.

Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2009-2010, Page 5 2 DISCUSSING IMPORTANT ISSUES with community leaders helps Senator Judith Zaffirini understand district needs. She is shown in photographs 1-2 with 1. District Attorney Martha Warner, Bee County; Three Rivers Mayor James Liska; Chief 1 Deputy Bill Ainsworth, McMullen; and Commissioner Ronnie Olivares, Bee. and 2. David and Gabriel Ojeda, Dimmit. Senator Zaffirini Protects Lives, Promotes Safety Passing legislation to save lives and Used only to reach loved ones during Another life-saving measure was preclude tragedy undoubtedly is the emergencies, the database will reduce passed via Senator Zaffirini’s SB highest calling of legislators. greatly the six-hour average for locating 61, sponsored by Rep. Allen Vaught, Senate Bill (SB) 652 by Senator Ju- next-of-kin in an emergency and secur- D-Dallas. Nearly 1,600 children die in dith Zaffirini and Rep. Stephen Frost, D- ing medical information needed for life- motor vehicle accidents each year— Atlanta, allows driver’s license holders saving care. The bill was suggested by the leading cause of unintentional to provide emergency contact informa- Laredoan Sally Vasquez and is modeled injury-related death among children tion to the Department of Public Safety. on a similar program in Ohio. 14 and younger. Unrestrained children are more likely to be injured, suffer more severe injuries and die in motor If at First You Don’t Succeed, vehicle crashes. Persistence is rehabilitation pro- The new law requires booster seats the key to success File, File Again fessional to directly for children younger than eight, unless in the legislative arena, particularly supervise the delivery, fitting and adjust- they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. It because many bills are passed only after ment of a customized wheeled mobility is expected to reduce by 59 percent repeated attempts. device acquired via Medicaid. This bill children’s risk of serious head, spinal The best example may be Senator was first suggested by the late Jack Ja- cord or internal organ injuries due to Judith Zaffirini’s passing legislation cobs in 2004. adult seat belts. for a four-year university in Laredo. In 2009 Senator Zaffirini also passed Senator Zaffirini long has Her efforts began in 1967, SB 28 on the second attempt. To combat championed organ donation, passing when she and her husband, Carlos, unsolicited email, attacks on and hijacking legislation (2005) authorizing the Texas worked for Senator Wayne Connally, of computer systems or networks and the Department of State Health Services D-Floresville. Little did she know unauthorized collection of personally to shape educational and promotional then that she would succeed him 20 identifiable information that may be used initiatives. Her 2007 bill renamed the years later and pass Senate Bill (SB) for identity theft, the new law creates statewide registry program the Glenda 6, creating Texas A&M International penalties for secretly placing malicious Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry University, 26 years later (1993)! programs in computers. and enabled it to affiliate with the In 1995 Senator Zaffirini passed SB “In 2011 I will re-file bills to solve national Donate Life America Alliance 222, which prohibited compulsory lie permanently the issue of proportionality and campaign. detector tests for victims of rape and for health benefits for community In 2009 Senator Zaffirini and Rep. sexual assault. First vetoed by Gov. colleges and to enhance and expand Jodie Laubenberg, R-Rockwall, passed in 1989, the bill was quality pre-kindergarten programs,” SB 1803, which simplified the registra- passed only after her fourth attempt in Senator Zaffirini said. tion process and added registration av- four legislative sessions. “Perseverance is the hallmark of enues, increasing the number of lives Also after four attempts, in 1993 successful legislation. Encouraged by our that may be saved through the program. she passed legislation to keep drunk eventual success after repeated attempts, “It is a joy to craft laws that increase drivers off the road by authorizing let us never underestimate the importance public safety, especially when such administrative license revocation. of our patience and persistence. If at first legislation protects children and On the third attempt she passed SB we don’t succeed in passing priority other vulnerable persons,” Senator 1804 in 2009, which requires a qualified legislation, we will file and file again.” Zaffirini said.

Page 6, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2009-2010 Legislature Funds Top Priorities for State, SD 21 As a member of the Senate Finance increase for obesity prevention, the creasing by one-third the Family Prac- Committee that drafted the state’s cardiovascular council, the Stark Diabetes tice Residency Program to $3.8 million. $182.3 billion budget for 2010-2011, model and Cystic Fibrosis screenings. The state budget for 2010-2011 Senator Judith Zaffirini prioritized In higher education Senator Zaffirini includes funding for a 13th check, securing funds to improve education and her colleagues increased funding capped at $500 for teacher retirement and health and human services (HHS). for financial aid by $260 million, for system retirees; a one-time retention Her most important work included two-year institutions by $140 million, check of $800 for active state employees; funding to reduce waiting lists for for general academic institutions by and targeted pay increases for areas persons with disabilities to receive $221.6 million and for health-related of high turnover, including the Texas community-based services. Incredibly, institutions by $159 million. Department of Public Safety, Texas Youth some have waited as long as 10 years This will provide thousands of South Commission and Texas Department of for physical and occupational therapy, Texans new opportunities to pursue Criminal Justice. mental health counseling, respite care, undergraduate and graduate degrees. “This year’s budget was a good home modifications, emergency alert Increases include tripling the Nursing starting point, but we can and must do systems and meal preparation. Shortage Reduction Program to $49.7 more for Texans, especially in education Senator Zaffirini helped secure $207.9 million, doubling the Joint Admission and health and human services,” Senator million in state revenue ($464.5 million, Medical Program to $5 million and in- Zaffirini said. all funds) to reshape services for persons with developmental disabilities, providing an additional 7,832 waiver-related com- munity services slots; and an additional $190 million ($433 million, all funds) to maintain and expand capacity for com- munity entitlement and waiver services by 11,504 clients, extending community ser- vices to 169,867 persons in 2010-2011. 1 2 “My goal is to ensure the necessary LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS collaborate with Senator Judith Zaffirini. She is shown in funding and infrastructure to eliminate all photographs 1-2 with 1. Freer Mayor Arnoldo Cantu. and 2. Atascosa County Commissioner waiting lists,” Senator Zaffirini said. “That William “Bill” Torans and County Judge Diana Bautista in Jourdanton. is why we were elated to provide more than $300 million for attendant care wages, Federal Stimulus Dollars Reach Texas affecting more than 58,000 attendants.” The efforts of Texas legislators in Federal stimulus funds were Senator Zaffirini also helped secure crafting Senate Bill 1, the state’s budget appropriated to various areas of state $48 million to reestablish a Medicaid buy- for 2010-2011, were facilitated by receiv- government to create or maintain jobs in program for children with significant ing approximately $14.4 billion in federal and to help Texans weather the national health concerns; $27.1 million to serve stimulus dollars, although for limited pur- economic downturn. 31,880 additional monthly clients in the poses dictated by the federal government. This included additional funding early childhood intervention program; “Although some of us believed the for road construction, the State Energy $61.4 million for rehabilitation services funds should supplement our state ap- Program, home weatherization projects, for persons with disabilities; $166.6 propriations,” Senator Judith Zaffirini job skills training, the Workforce million for transitional and enhanced explained, “the majority favored appro- Investment Act and technology grants crisis services; and a $12.3 million priating them in lieu of such revenue.” for pubic schools. Where to Contact Senator Judith Zaffirini Southern District Office Capitol Office Northern District Office 1407 Washington P.O. Box 12068 12702 Toepperwein P.O. Box 627 Austin, Texas 78711 Suite 214 Laredo, Texas 78042-0627 512/463-0121 San Antonio, Texas 78233 956/722-2293 800/851-1568 210/657-0095 Telefax: 956/722-8586 Telefax: 512/475-3738 Telefax: 210/657-0262 [email protected] Dial 711 for relay calls www.zaffirini.senate.state.tx.us

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Senator Zaffirini Extends 100 Percent Voting Record When the Texas leg- communication contest. islature adjourned its Her success made her special legislative ses- PWT’s 2009 Sweepstakes sion in July, 2009, Sena- Award Winner for tor Judith Zaffirini, D- accumulating the most Laredo, cast her 43,387th points statewide for consecutive vote since entries including her January, 1987. 2008-2009 Senator Judith Her career-long 100 Zaffirini Reports to the percent voting record is Families of District 21, her unparalleled not only in introduction of President FAMILY AND FRIENDS join Senator Judith Zaffirini and Carlos Sr. and Jr. Texas, but also nationally. for opening ceremonies of the 81st Legislative Session on January 13, 2009. Also Vicente Fox and holiday Senator Zaffirini is the shown above with the senator are (L-R) her sister, Josie Pappas; her cousin, messages to constituents. first Hispanic woman to Marilu Flores Gruben; UT President Bill Powers; her cousins, Sandra and José Self-supporting since serve in the Texas Senate Carabaza; and legendary UT Football Coach Darrel K Royal. she was 17, Dr. Zaffirini and as its President Pro Tempore and the Year” by the Laredo Morning Times. earned B.S., M.A. and PhD degrees Governor for a Day. She has sponsored They also include the “Hero Award” from The University of Texas at Austin, and passed 579 bills and 52 substantive from the Texas Association of Latino each with a 3.9 GPA. An educator and resolutions and co-sponsored and passed Administrators and Superintendents businesswoman, the award-winning another 365 bills. (TALAS), recognizing her enduring communication specialist owns The second highest-ranking senator, commitment to early childhood and Zaffirini Communications. she has received more than 650 awards public education, Hispanic students and Judith and Laredo Attorney Carlos and honors for her legislative, public bilingual education. Zaffirini Sr. will celebrate theirth 45 service and professional work, including Featured in 18 books and referenced anniversary in 2010. Their son, Carlos more than 150 in communications. in 33 others, Senator Zaffirini is Jr., holds business and law degrees from “My awards reflect collaboration with recognized as a Texas trailblazer. Her The University of Texas at Austin. countless persons and organizations in a story is chronicled in If Judy Pappas “While I prioritize faith and family, rich variety of areas,” Senator Zaffirini Can Do It, Anybody Can! what I hope for ours is what I work said. “None was earned alone, and For decades the Press Women of to achieve for the families of Senate each was accepted on behalf of all who Texas (PWT) have recognized Senator District 21 and of our great state,” contribute to our causes and projects.” Zaffirini’s expertise in a wide variety of Senator Zaffirini said. “By balancing Her 2009 awards include being communication areas. my senatorial, business and family named “The Best of the Legislature” by In 2009 she received 5 national and responsibilities, I strive to abide by my Capitol Inside, “The People’s Friend” 19 statewide awards, including 11 first belief that success at the expense of by the Texas Observer and “Laredoan of places and 3 second places in PWT’s family is failure.”