2010-2011 • Austin,

Dear Friends: Count on me to continue to Spend yourself on the work prioritize early and higher educa- before you, well assured that the tion; health and human services, right performance of this hour’s including for persons with disabil- duties will be the best prepara- ities; job creation; and public safe- tion for the hours and ages that ty. As the second-highest ranking will follow it. These beautiful state senator, Chair of the Senate and inspiring words by Ralph Higher Education Committee, Waldo Emerson personify my and a member of the Legislative motivation for focusing on the Budget Board and of the Senate task at hand in representing the Finance, Health and Human Ser- families of Senate District (SD) vices, Economic Development 21 and of our great state. and Administration Committees, Consistent with our prac- I am uniquely positioned to have tice of not simply preparing, a positive impact on these issues. but, rather, over-preparing, my We believe in improving educational oppor- What’s more, as the rank- staff and I already are collabo- ing member of the Redistrict- tunities for all and share a strong commit- ing Committee, I will work to rating with colleagues and con- ment to our very young and very old. stituents to craft legislation for ensure that our nd communities stay together and the 82 Legislative Session that – Senator convenes on Jan. 11. that every person has an effec- Often the lives and live- tive voice in government. lihoods of Texans depend on our success. Literally. When As always, I thank Lt. Gov. for these we secure funding or pass legislation for medical education, important appointments. Equally important, I thank you for immunization, AIDS medication, clean and plentiful wa- your interest and invite you to join our collaboration. ter, capital punishment and other critical issues, we literally You can subscribe to my e-newsletter via my website make life or death decisions. and can “friend” me via www.facebook.com/judith.zaffirini. Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of For those who prefer other communication channels, we will District 21 reaches out to our 17 counties, namely, Atas- continue to respond to every letter, email and telephone call. cosa, Bee, northeast Bexar, Dimmit, Duval, Frio, Jim Your feedback is essential to my meeting my top prior- Hogg, Karnes, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, San Patri- ity in the Texas Senate: improving the lives of the families of cio, Starr, Webb, Wilson, Zapata and Zavala. It is as much our district and of our great state. My prayer is that the Lord a progress report as it is an invitation to participate in the will continue to bless us with peace and harmony and health legislative process. and happiness—and inspire us to excel and to succeed. Our district is larger than nine states and more populated than four. From our fast-growing cities to our vast ranchlands, our needs may differ, but our values are the same: faith, fam- ily, hard work and treating others with respect. We believe in Judith Zaffirini improving educational opportunities for all and share a strong State Senator, District 21 commitment to our very young and very old. www.zaffirini.senate.state.tx.us Innovative Job Creation Program Shows Positive Results By Lieutenant Governor additional $24.3 million in David Dewhurst federal grant money to ex- tend the program. As Texas enters the sec- Employers interested in st ond decade of the 21 Cen- participating in the program tury, I’m optimistic about the should contact their local future of our great state and workforce development board our nearly 25 million citizens. for information regarding the We begin this decade with options available to them. A an economy that remains the list of local workforce centers 1 2 envy of virtually every other can be found via http://www. state in America, ready to twc.state.tx.us/news/txback- PROTECTING TEXAS CHILDREN is among Senator Judith Zaffirini’s top priorities in the Texas Senate. She is shown in photograph 1. with Terry meet the challenges we face Pichardo and her daughter, Esperanza, of Frio County and in 2. with Lauren Perez of Dimmit County. 2work.pdf. and unlimited opportunity for Certainly there are chal- our future. lenges ahead, but I believe Senator Zaffirini Champions Children’s Issues Today more Texans are an excellent workforce, a Protecting children is among Senator with disabilities can access a wide array of Understanding that quality early edu- employed than ever before. predictable pro-growth busi- Judith Zaffirini’s lifelong commitments. necessary services. cation leads to excellence in higher edu- We have a Rainy Day Fund ness climate, and strong job In 2010 she accepted the Amerigroup Safeguarding Texas children on our cation, Senator Zaffirini passed legisla- that will total approximately creation helped make Texas Foundation’s Champion for Children roadways also is one of Senator Zaf- tion making pre-kindergarten accessible $10 billion. Our state’s popu- the last state to enter the Award because, as a mother and educa- firini’s priorities. In 2009 she passed leg- for many families and creating a pre-k lation is growing by an es- national recession and is tor, she understands that quality early ed- islation requiring that child passengers quality rating system. timated 1,100 to 1,300 new helping make us among the ucation, health care and safety are critical younger than eight and shorter than four Hoping to expand on that success, she persons per day. Additionally, first to come out. We also to ensuring a child’s success. feet, nine inches, be secured in safety is crafting legislation that will encourage many of the most respected must not lose focus on the Demonstrating her dedication to vul- seats. The new law allows fines of $25 to public-private partnerships to help make national business magazines other fundamentals that have nerable children, for example, in 2010 she $250 for violations. pre-kindergarten accessible statewide. rank Texas as the number helped largely insulate our urged a statewide review of the Texas Ear- “Drivers have additional responsi- “Count on me to promote quality one state in America to do state from the national eco- ly Childhood Intervention Program (ECI). bility when they carry precious cargo,” pre-kindergarten programs for all Texas business and find jobs. CNN nomic downturn: low taxes, The evaluation will help ensure children Senator Zaffirini said. children,” Senator Zaffirini said. reported recently that six of disciplined state spending, the 21 most “recession-proof and investing in our future Trade Flourishes, Border Safety A Priority cities” in America are right by preparing the Texas work- The first half of 2010 signaled a ban- Public safety always is a prior- about violence spilling into Texas here in Texas. All of this sig- Texans have been put back to force of tomorrow through ner year for trade in Senate District 21: ity, and law enforcement has honored were not realized. Senator Zaffirini nals a bright future for our work by nearly 1,200 companies all excellent systems of public More than $73 billion in trade passed Senator Zaffirini for her leadership. helped secure $274.4 million for bor- state, but only if we continue across the state. What’s more, those and higher education. through the Laredo customs district alone. While reports circulated of “pirates” der security in 2007 and $6.9 million working together to ensure I am already busy prepar- “Trade is flourishing, and South Tex- accosting fishermen on the Mexican for a Regional Emergency Operations our state remains attractive to numbers continue to increase. ing for the 82nd Legislative as is leading the way,” said Senator Judith side of Falcon Lake, related fears Center in 2009. businesses that want to create – Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst Session which begins in Zaffirini, a member of the Senate In 2010 communities along jobs and help Texans succeed. January, 2011. The first ses- Committee on Economic Devel- the Rio Grande suffered devas- That is why over the past several sion of the new decade will be critical opment. “Promoting trade in our tating flooding associated with months I’ve been traveling the state tive results; as of August more than to our state’s future, and I’m glad to region will continue to create Hurricane Alex. Ten SD 21 promoting a great new job creation 3,720 unemployed Texans have have my friend, Senator Judith Zaf- jobs and lift the burden created counties were designated disas- program I got the Legislature to fund in been put back to work by nearly firini, helping lead the Texas Senate by the recession.” ter areas, though Starr, Zapata 2009. It is called Texas Back to Work 1,200 companies all across the as we tackle the difficult issues be- An advocate for strengthen- and Webb were hit hardest. and it’s being administered through the state. What’s more, those numbers fore us. We have proven that work- ing international commerce, she “We must continue to help Texas Workforce Commission. continue to increase. ing together, we can and will turn has passed legislation encourag- communities rebuild and limit Here is how it works. An em- Initially the Legislature appro- our challenges into opportunities that ing trade compacts with Mexico, the effects of future flooding,” ployer considering hiring new priated $15 million dollars for Tex- will continue to make Texas the best creating a Laredo port authority Senator Zaffirini said. workers is eligible for incentives up as Back to Work in the 2010-2011 place in America to live, work and and establishing centers for enter- During the flooding and to $2,000 per person to help offset state budget, with the goal of help- raise a family. prise and economic development. its aftermath she remained in the cost of hiring a Texan receiving ing 7,500 Texans gain jobs. I expect She also secured $9.9 mil- close contact with local offi- unemployment benefits, or a Texan thousands more Texans and busi- Texas Lieutenant Governor David lion for the Western Hemi- cials and with state agencies, who has exhausted all of their avail- nesses to benefit from this program, Dewhurst, R-, is president of JIM HOGG COUNTY Sheriff’s Department Sgt. David Gutierrez the 31-member Texas Senate, a position spheric Trade Center at Texas and Senator Judith Zaffirini discuss law enforcement needs and who collaborated in providing able unemployment benefits. The however, since the Texas Workforce A&M International University. the importance of safety in the border region. emergency support. program is already showing posi- Commission recently secured an he has held since January, 2003.

Page 2, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2010-2011 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2010-2011, Page 3 Promoting Health & Human Services is Cornerstone of Senator Zaffirini’s Service Promoting good health for all abilities, and its use presents significant barriers via the department’s website. As a Texans is a passion and vocation for to community inclusion.” result, the number of online regis- Senator Judith Zaffirini, a member of Twenty-one states have removed all trants increased substantially. the Senate Health and Human Services variations of the word “retarded” from statutes Organ donation information can be Committee since 1987. and replaced them with respectful language obtained via www.DonateLifeTexas.org. “It is my privilege to champion critical referencing persons with intellectual disabilities. Texans Enjoy Independence health and human services, especially for Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate has approved “This year also is a milestone in our the very young, the very old and persons Rosa’s Law, a bill to eliminate the terms “mental longtime effort to ensure that Texans with disabilities,” Senator Zaffirini said. retardation” and “mentally retarded” from with intellectual or physical disabilities “Because of the national economic climate, federal health, education and labor laws. receive quality care in their preferred it is more important than ever to work Texas should not lag behind. In 2009 settings,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Since purposefully on behalf of South Texas Senator Zaffirini authored legislation requiring 2001 more than 20,000 Texans have families who need assistance in this arena.” variations of the word “retarded” to be participated in the state’s successful In 2009 Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst removed from Texas statutes. Although Senate Money Follows the Person program, appointed Senators Zaffirini and Tommy Bill (SB) 1395 was heard by the Senate Health allowing them to move out of nursing Williams, R-The Woodlands, to co-chair GERTRUDE HAVERLAH welcomes Senator Judith Zaffirini to the and Human Services Committee, it was never LIVE OAK COUNTY veterans Dennis Zamzow and Rudy Peña of VFW Campbellton Community Hall in Atascosa County. Post 6119 greet Senator Judith Zaffirini in George West. homes and to live independently or the Food Stamp Eligibility Workgroup to scheduled for a vote. She plans to refile this nominated Texas’ eligibility staff for the Texas sands of Texans are demonstrating their generosity with relatives. address Texas’ food stamp eligibility crisis. respectful language legislation in 2011. Public Employees Association’s Unsung Heroes by registering as organ donors at local DPS offices. “As a member of the Legislative Budget “We are delighted to report significant “Fortunately, we don’t need to wait for Award. Not surprisingly, they won. No gift is greater than the gift of life.” Board and Senate Finance and Health and Human progress,” Senator Zaffirini said. The Health new legislation to eliminate the ‘R-word’ “I also was delighted that Laredo’s eligibility A registered organ donor, Senator Zaffirini Services Committees, I continually find ways to and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is from everyday speech,” Senator Zaffirini office was the most improved. We celebrated with long has promoted organ donation in Texas. In facilitate moving persons with disabilities out processing almost 94 percent of cases on time, said. “We can start immediately by increas- a luncheon, and I baked their dessert.” 2005 she collaborated with the late Rep. Glenda of institutional settings and into the community, and there are fewer than 2,200 delinquent cases ing public awareness while modeling appro- Dawson, R-Pearland, to author and pass House if they so desire. It is a tremendously positive statewide. This is an impressive improvement Respectful Language Advances priate language.” Bill (HB) 120, establishing the official Texas organ development that so many older Texans and Texans from last fall, when the agency was processing Senator Zaffirini believes strongly in treating To find out how you can help promote and tissue donor registry. After Rep. Dawson, an with disabilities are now living independently or fewer than 59 percent of food stamp cases on time everyone with dignity and respect. Accordingly, during respectful language, visit www.r-word.org. organ recipient, died in 2006, the senator passed with their loved ones.” and had more than 42,000 cases pending. the 2011 Texas Legislative Session she will redouble More than 135,000 persons have visited the SB 1500, renaming the registry in her memory. In 2005 she sponsored and passed HB 1867 by “Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and other Senate leaders her efforts to pass legislation promoting respectful site and pledged their support. Awareness is critical. SB 1803 also requires the Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, ensuring that fund- were instrumental in our adding 850 field workers language for persons with intellectual disabilities by Organ Donor Registrations Surge Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to ing follows persons who leave nursing homes and who made a difference,” she added. “During eliminating the “R-word.” When Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, The include information about organ and tissue donation require community-based services. the peak of the crisis, each eligibility staffer “Respecting others reflects our values and our greatest gift is a portion of thyself, he could not with auto registration renewal mailings. “Our Texas program has been so success- worked an average of 45 hours of overtime per commitment to basic human decency,” she said. have imagined how his words would apply so What’s more, it eliminates the unwieldy two- ful that it is a model for other states,” Senator month. Because of their success in clearing the “The ‘R-word’ is extremely hurtful and demeaning perfectly and profoundly to organ and tissue do- signature requirement for persons who register Zaffirini said. backlog, Commissioner Tom Suehs and I proudly to persons with intellectual and developmental dis- nors. Because of legislation passed by Senator Zaffirini, the number of generous Texans regis- tering to donate life is increasing dramatically. In 2009 she authored and passed SB 1803 to increase donor registrations and hope for potential recipients. The bill requires Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) employees to ask customers one question: Would you like to register as an organ donor? This is amazingly simple, but it works—and saves lives. Since January, 2010, when DPS began ask- ing every customer that question, registrations at DPS offices increased from 32,929 to 62,239 in May—nearly double! What a difference one question makes! KARNES COUNTY OFFICIALS gather to review legislative issues with Senator Judith Zaffirini. They are (L-R) District Judge “The need for donors is urgent and growing,” LA SALLE COUNTY LEADERS Juan Dominguez and Eva Dominguez discuss mutual interests with Senator Judith Zaffirini. Stella Saxon, County Commissioner James Rosales and County Road & Bridge Administrator Jeffrey Wiatrek. Senator Zaffirini said. “I am delighted that thou- Ranching, hunting and oil and gas are important economic drivers for South Texas.

Page 4, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2010-2011 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2010-2011, Page 5 State Faces Unprecedented Budget Shortfall When state legislators return to the their household budgets, so must we revenue and cutting spending. The State Capitol in January, 2011, to craft decide what the state can do without and Rainy Day Fund is expected to surpass the 2012-13 budget, we will face an what spending is absolutely essential,” $9 billion by the end of the 2011 fiscal unprecedented funding shortfall created said Senator Judith Zaffirini, the second year. Spending it requires a two-thirds by the national economic downturn, highest-ranking member of the Senate vote of the Texas Senate and House of which has dampened business activity in Finance Committee, which crafts the Representatives, a high threshold that Texas and possibly worsened the structural Senate version of the biennial budget. will be difficult to reach, particularly deficit in the state’s biennial budget. To address the budget shortfall, because of bipartisan opposition. “Just as families across the state have legislators will consider utilizing the Because not generating additional had to make difficult decisions about Rainy Day Fund, generating new revenue could result in deep and potentially damaging spending cuts, in TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE partners from SD 21 counties honor Senator Judith Zaffirini for her leadership on agricultural education January, 2010, the Legislative Budget issues. They are (L-R) Marcel Valdez, Zavala; George Gonzales, Webb; Kyle McManus, Bee; Kathy Farrow, San Patricio; Bettie Pundt, Wilson; Yolanda Morado, Starr; and Morgan Taplin, Bexar. AgriLife operates critical community-based programs in all 17 SD 21 counties. Board, on which Senator Zaffirini serves, asked all state agencies to trim their current budgets. This resulted SHEC’s Quest: Excellence in Higher Education in $1.2 billion that may be used to As Chair of the Senate Higher Educa- post-secondary education increases civic University of Texas at Austin, each with offset shortfalls in sales tax and other tion Committee (SHEC), Senator Judith participation, lowers demands on social a 3.9 grade-point average. Married at 18 revenues during the current biennium. Zaffirini is a leader in expanding higher programs, enhances the competitiveness of and self-supporting since 17, she under- 1 2 “Texas’ economic health depends educational opportunities for all. Texas’ economy and strengthens families.” stands the challenges faced by working Because Texas faces a significant bud- In 2009 Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and married students. VISITING CONSTITUENTS is important to Senator Judith Zaffirini. She is shown in on our ability to attract business and photograph 1. with Duval County Tax Assessor-Collector Carlos Montemayor of San Diego and economic development, which, in turn, get shortfall, top statewide officials recently created the Senate’s first independent Under her leadership the committee in 2. with McMullen County ISD Board Member Warren Wheeler of Tilden. depends on an educated and healthy directed colleges and universities to reduce committee devoted to higher educa- has moved swiftly and purposefully to population,” Senator Zaffirini said. “In- their spending by 10 percent. tion and appointed Senator Zaffirini its improve access and affordability without Texas Deer Industry Names vestments in public and higher education “It is more important than ever to invest Chair. An ardent advocate for Texas in- sacrificing excellence. The SHEC held and in health and human services result in Texas’ future by strengthening higher stitutions of higher education, she holds hearings regarding diverse topics rang- Senator ZaffiriniAlpha Doe in significant economic multipliers for education,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Quality B.S., M.A. and PhD degrees from The ing from financial aid and endowments When the Texas Deer Association Her longtime efforts to promote communities and the state, yielding a to accountability and affordability. named Senator Judith Zaffirini their deer harvesting are highlighted by great return on investment. Workgroup’s Focus: Financial Aid The committee also is monitoring leg- Outstanding Legislator and Alpha her passing a bill that authorizes “While the easy way to address As costs continue to rise and state funding covers a diminishing per- islation by Senator Zaffirini and Represen- Doe, members recognized her ardent white tail deer breeding activities by the budget shortfall would be to centage of higher education’s operational costs, many students must rely on tative that created a pathway leadership in the wildlife arena. scientific breeders, supporting a bill slash all programs and services by financial aid. for Texas’ emerging research universities A longtime supporter of hunting that created a select committee to a given percentage, the responsible “Financial aid is a lifeline for many students,” said Senator Judith Zaf- to become national research universities. and the white-tailed deer breeding study the economic impacts of the way requires a thoughtful exercise firini, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee (SHEC). “Pre- Because the recession has exacerbated industry, she cites their recreational Texas deer breeding industry and in cutting wherever possible, while serving this funding, especially for first generation and self-support- the burden of paying for college, Sena- value and positive economic impact successfully urging the Texas Parks protecting safety net programs and ing students and for working families, is among my top priorities.” tor Zaffirini will prioritize bills to increase to South Texas. and Wildlife Commission to modify preserving vital investments in Texas’ Financial aid options include loans, work-study, scholarships and the college affordability in 2011, including by A Texas Parks and Wildlife Commis- the deer release date under the Deer future. I urge residents of Senate B-On-Time program created by Senator Zaffirini’s Senate Bill 4 (2003). reining in tuition and textbook costs. sion study concluded that hunting activi- Management Permit program. District 21 to voice your views about Also a priority for Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, B-On- ties in our state annually generate more “Persons from all over the world what should be cut and what should Time provides zero-interest loans that convert to grants than $2.6 billion in retail sales, support bring revenue to South Texas because be preserved and to make your for students who maintain a B grade-point average and more than 44,000 jobs and create almost of our excellent deer hunting,” perspectives known to me and to your complete their degree programs timely or with no more $1.5 billion in salaries and earnings. Senator Zaffirini said. respective state representatives.” than six excess hours. During the interim SHEC members heard testimony about proposed financial aid changes. In response, Senator How to Contact Senator Judith Zaffirini Zaffirini established a Financial Aid Workgroup. Comprising Southern District Office Capitol Office Northern District Office stakeholders, policymakers and experts, the workgroup 1407 Washington P.O. Box 12068 12702 Toepperwein continues to discuss proposals for reforming state financial P.O. Box 627 Austin, Texas 78711 Suite 214 aid programs to maximize student achievement. Laredo, Texas 78042-0627 512/463-0121 , Texas 78233 “This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen financial 956/722-2293 800/851-1568 210/657-0095 aid programs, prioritize student success and increase Telefax: 956/722-8586 Telefax: 512/475-3738 Telefax: 210/657-0262 graduation rates,” Senator Zaffirini said. YOUTHS OF THE YEAR from South Texas include (L-R) Annie [email protected] Dial 711 for relay calls www.zaffirini.senate.state.tx.us Miller, Laredo; Ilyssa Saenz, Hebbronville; and Mario E. Zavala, Financial aid information is available via www. Zapata. As Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, Senator The Texas State Senate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. collegeforalltexans.com. Judith Zaffirini is proud to recognize high-achieving students.

Page 6, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2010-2011 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2010-2011, Page 7 2010-2011 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID P.O. Box 12068 • Austin, TX 78711 • 512/463-0121 Permit No. 2468 Austin, Texas

Zaffirini: Serving Constituents is Highest Honor Senator Judith Zaf- 2010 TPRA bestowed firini is a tireless leader its Best of Texas Merit for the families of Sen- Award for Who Lives? ate District 21 and of Who Dies? Who De- our great state. Accord- cides?, her commence- ingly, a diverse array ment address at Lamar of organizations have University. She also honored her with more won three first place than 650 awards and SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI believes strongly that success at the expense and four second place honors for her legisla- of family is failure. With her husband, Carlos Sr., and their son, Carlos Jr., awards in PWT’s 2010 tive, public service and she works hard to strengthen all Texas families. communications con- professional work. Safety Champion by the University test, including a second place for the “Serving constituents in the Tex- Health System. 2009-10 Senator Judith Zaffirini Re- as Senate truly is the highest honor,” The National Multiple Sclerosis ports to the Families of District 21. Senator Zaffirini said. “It is an incred- Society named her a Texas Visionary, The first Hispanic woman elected ible challenge to make a difference, and the Institute for Economic Devel- a Texas state senator, her career-long especially in making decisions that opment at The University of Texas at 100 percent voting record is un- save lives, avert tragedies, strengthen San Antonio named her the Champi- matched in any state. Since January, families and create opportunities.” on of Business and Education. 1987, she has cast 43,387 consecu- In 2010 Senator Zaffirini received A trailblazer in many arenas, tive votes in the Texas Senate. the Extension in the City Award from Senator Zaffirini is featured in 21 Honored by the Veteran Femi- the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, books and referenced in 33 others. nists of America as a trailblazing Texas which operates critical educational Her inspiring story is captured in a woman, she has passed 579 bills and programs in all 17 SD 21 counties. publication for students at the Senator 52 substantive resolutions and co-spon- Zealous advocacy for children is Judith Zaffirini Elementary School in sored and passed another 365 bills. a hallmark of her service in the Texas Laredo, namely, If Judy Pappas Can Devoted to lifelong learning, the Senate. In 2010 she was awarded the Do It, Anybody Can! educator and businesswoman owns Big Voices for Little Texans Award Professional organizations, in- Zaffirini Communications. by Texas CASA for her support of cluding the Press Women of Texas She and Laredo attorney Carlos foster youth. (PWT) and the Texas Public Rela- Sr. celebrated their 45th anniversary What’s more, she was named tions Association (TPRA), repeatedly in 2010. Carlos Jr. holds business and a Partner for Change by the Rape have recognized Senator Zaffirini’s law degrees from The University of Crisis Center and a Child Passenger achievements in communication. In Texas at Austin.