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Dear Friends: These Are the Val- the Interim Is One Ues That Form the Basis of My Favorite Times of My Service to You in As a Public Servant

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Dear Friends: These Are the Val- the Interim Is One Ues That Form the Basis of My Favorite Times of My Service to You in As a Public Servant 2020-2021 • Austin, Texas Dear Friends: These are the val- The interim is one ues that form the basis of my favorite times of my service to you in as a public servant. the Texas Senate and Removed from the are the reasons I have demands of a legisla- never missed a vote. tive session, but be- This newsletter fore everyone begins serves as a nonpolitical thinking about cam- reminder—equal parts paigns and elections, progress report and the early part is a time call to action—that we to interact with fami- must come together to lies throughout the turn those values into district, learn about tangible change. As issues, see old friends ever, I welcome your and make new ones. participation, whether FAMILY FIRST: What Senator Judith Zaffirini of Laredo works for Driving through and wishes for her beloved family is what she works for and wishes by sharing your views, for all families of Senate District 21. She and Carlos Zaffirini Sr. Senate District 21, you relish their roles as “Ma Z” and “Pa Z” to Asher Maxwell (06/03/17) communicating about can’t help but notice and George William (07/15/19), sons of Carlos Jr. and Audrey. concerns or even sug- our diversity. We are urban, rural and every- gesting legislation. That perspective is particu- thing in between; we work in energy, manufac- larly important and timely as we collaborate to turing, trade, agriculture and technology; and address the myriad critical issues related to the our more than 800,000 residents look, speak COVID-19 pandemic. and act—well, like Texas. It’s only when you My prayer is that the Lord will continue to talk to people that you realize those differenc- bless us all with grace and good will, family es are negligible. We have much, much more in and friendship, love and joy, and health and common, especially our values. happiness as we collaborate to forge a better We believe families are the bedrock of ev- world for future generations. ery community, and that those communities are only as strong as their weakest members. May God bless Texas! We believe in the dignity and respect owed to all persons. Most of all, we believe in our re- sponsibility to the next generation: to educate Judith Zaffirini, PhD them, nurture them and leave the world better State Senator, District 21 for them than we received it. www.zaffirini.senate.texas.gov NEEDED 69 WORDS Technology Enhances Constituent Outreach INSPIRING SD 21 YOUTH TO DREAM HIGH is a commitment of Senator Judith Zaffirini. Flashing their favorite academic hand signs (left), members of the Tilden Future Farmers of America and their sponsor, Jim Harris, accept her proclamation honoring them. She welcomes opportunities to discuss issues with students, including (right) those at Luling High School and their teacher, Plutarco Castro. DORA GONZALEZ, La Salle County Tax Assessor- Collector, discusses local issues with Senator Judith Students Inspire Senator Zaffirini’s Agenda Zaffirini via FaceTime. “Students inspire me,” Sena- Zaffirini continues to work tire- staple of her public service. Chil- cedures and mental tor Judith Zaffirini often says. lessly to modernize financial dren who visit her office receive health. Attendance “Every student deserves an op- aid; eliminate barriers to col- a complimentary book of their typically exceeded portunity to succeed at the high- lege; and reduce the crushing choosing. 100 participants, est level possible.” A former edu- burden of student loan debt on “I love to read, so I share that and one surpassed cator who serves on the Senate generations of Texans. She also passion whenever I can,” she 1,500. Committees on Education and supports policies that reflect ap- said, before warning parents: “If SOCIAL MEDIA are an especially useful tool for disseminating information, scheduling events and sharing moments with constituents. Here (L-R) Miss and Little Miss Starr, sisters “Zoom technology really has Higher Education, she empha- preciation for teachers before, you escort your children to my Elizabeth and Kendra Gonzalez, and Fred Lopez take a selfie with Senator Judith Zaffirini improved our efforts,” the sena- sizes access to affordable, world- during and after their service office, they’re going to be my fo- after she was honored by the Texas Library Association in Rio Grande City. tor said. “It is now a regular part class pre-K, schools, colleges years with tuition assistance, cus—sorry!” Unprecedented challenges re- working remotely to practice so- of our outreach.” and universities for all Texans. appropriate pay, grants to help quire innovative solutions, and cial distancing, the team’s first Despite the pandemic, Sena- The COVID-19 pandemic with student loans and improved COVID-19 certainly motivated task was clear: find a way to keep tor Zaffirini is keeping the same rapidly has changed the educa- retirement benefits. Senator Judith Zaffirini and her in touch with district residents. “open-door” policy that is a hall- tional environment, forcing stu- Among Senator Zaffirini’s fa- staff to get creative. Suddenly The senator turned to vid- mark of her service—though dents and teachers to adapt. In vorite activities is meeting with eoconferencing platforms like virtually. To request assistance low-income or rural areas, how- students to discuss their futures Zoom not only to maintain con- or schedule an appointment, ever, lack of access to broad- and the value of lifelong learn- tact, but also to find new means constituents may call either the band internet could mean their ing—or simply what they’ve of collaboration. She began Capitol or Laredo office via being left behind. “How can we been reading lately. Her “Pro- hosting regular virtual meetings 512/463-0121 or 956/722-2293, expect a student to thrive in the moting Literacy Program” is a to connect local leaders and ad- respectively, or email the senator 21st century without access to vocates with experts on govern- via [email protected]. the internet at home?” Senator ment transparency, judicial pro- gov. Zaffirini asks. “We must priori- tize broadband access for rural and low-income families.” The senator favors a broad, student-oriented rethinking of affordable, excellent higher ed- ucation. “We shouldn’t ask stu- dents to lease their futures for opportunities to excel in aca- VIDEOCONFERENCING via Zoom, Webex and GoToMeeting allows Senator Judith Zaffirini to continue her open-door policy and meet demia and beyond,” she said. ATTENDING COMMUNITY EVENTS allows Senator Judith Zaffirini to meet with with constituents while they maintain social distancing. She particularly enjoys meeting with students such as (L-R) Isabella Garcia, Bexar constituents of all ages. She joined students at Del Valle High School (top) to celebrate the County; Oscar Lopez and Cristina Mireles, Webb County; and Julie Durán and Sarah Rathmell, Zapata County. Reflecting this belief, Senator new school year and leaders in San Marcos (bottom) to open a youth community center. Page 2, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2020-2021 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2020-2021, Page 3 No issue too big or too small: Senator Judith Zaffirini Prepares for 2021 Legislative Session Legislative sessions at the Texas permitting or access to justice, it is my Capitol can be, to put it lightly, chaotic. duty to engage with colleagues, witnesses For a mere five months senators and and the public to find solutions,” said the representatives consider thousands of senator. “I take that responsibility very issues, balance the competing interests of seriously.” Texans regarding virtually every subject and establish the state’s budget for the Preparing for Session next two years. Senator Judith Zaffirini, There is more to legislating than who has passed a state-record 1,160 bills hearing from experts. After identifying during her career, traditionally not only potential legislation, the real work begins: files the first bills, but also passes the a lengthy review process that includes most. detailed research, extensive vetting and, ultimately, drafting the bill. Talking with Constituents The senator credits this process as a What is the secret to her success? key to her success, citing the importance “Preparation,” she answers. “Knowing the HONORING OUR BELOVED MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS for their patriotism, courage, commitment and sacrifice is an expression of our gratitude, of collecting facts and engaging interested admiration, respect and support. Three Rivers Mayor Felipe Martinez (left) and Senator Judith Zaffirini thank local veterans before the annual Live Oak County Fair Parade. They priorities of constituents before session are (L-R) Rodolfo Peña, Cassandra and John Cochran, Dennis Zamzow, Commander Mark Dobbins and Quartermaster Michael and Nancy Coquat. parties early. starts lets me focus on collaborating with She and her staff began preparing for my colleagues to get things done.” higher education more affordable, increase delighted to help, and there’s no issue too ment, and State Affairs—Senator Zaffiri- the 2021 session even before the 2019 Developing Senator Zaffirini’s health care access, protect the environment, big or too small for my staff and me to ni is well-positioned to investigate issues session adjourned. They re-evaluated bills legislative agenda begins at home. “My create jobs and ensure equal protection address.” important to her constituents. and amendments that failed or were vetoed priorities reflect values we share in Senate under the law.” She also serves as a member of the by the governor and researched proposals District 21,” she explains. “We identify Many of the senator’s specific policy Hearing from Experts Texas Judicial Council and the Texas that came to their attention too late. ideas that will improve our schools, make proposals also come from her constituents. During the 18-month interim between Access to Justice Commission, thanks to When asked how her constituents could She regularly consults with local officials, sessions, legislative committees meet appointments by Lt.
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