2012-2013 • Austin,

Dear Friends: signments include Chair of the A former resident of our Senate Higher Education Com- Senate District (SD) 21, Presi- mittee; Co-Chair of the Legis- dent Lyndon B. Johnson, said lative Oversight Committee on that “the noblest search is the Higher Education Governance, search for excellence.” Excellence and Transparency; President Johnson, who and member of the Legislative went to college in Hays County Budget Board and of the Sen- and taught public school in La ate Committees on Administra- Salle County, was right, and tion, Economic Development, his words reflect my continu- Finance, Health and Human ing commitment to excellence Services and Redistricting. in public service on behalf of In representing you in the SD 21 families. Texas Senate, count on me not The constancy of this com- simply to prepare, but, rather, mitment is especially important to over-prepare. My staff and I in times of change. Impressive continually work closely with change is reflected not only in constituents and colleagues to the rapid population growth in develop legislation that will Central and , but make a difference in the lives also in opportunities and chal- of Texas families. lenges spurred by oil and gas Because our success is exploration in the Eagle Ford enhanced by effective com- Shale. Meanwhile, thousands Excellence in public service is my munication, my commitment of new students are enrolling in remains strong to respond to Texas public schools, commu- commitment to Senate District 21 families. every letter, email and tele- nity colleges and universities. phone call. Your suggestions Budget pressures will test not – Senator and feedback are important to only our ability to prepare them me, especially because some for success in the 21st century, but also the security of our of my best legislation was suggested by constituents. social safety net programs. We cannot afford to fail. Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of Sen- Change also is reflected in the boundaries of SD 21. ate District 21 is not merely a progress report; it is a call The redistricting process has removed all or part of five for action and collaboration. counties from our district and added new territory in five My prayer is that that the Lord will bless us all and counties, triggering the bittersweet process of saying good- strengthen our dedication to excellence and our resolve to bye to some constituents and welcoming others. build a better Texas. Fortunately, no matter where in SD 21 we live, our pri- orities are the same: job creation; educational opportunities for all; public safety; a clean environment; and health and human services, especially for the very young, the very old and persons with disabilities. I am grateful that Lt. Governor ap- Judith Zaffirini pointed me to important posts from which I am well po- State Senator, District 21 sitioned to impact the state’s most critical issues. My as- www.zaffirini.senate.state.tx.us Lt. Governor Dewhurst Prioritizes Business, Job Creation By Lieutenant Governor without raising taxes David Dewhurst while protecting essen- tial services for our most As Texas approaches rd vulnerable citizens. We its 83 Regular Legisla- have made government 1 2 3 4 tive Session, I reflect back live within its means, on all the progress we’ve HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES for the very old, the very young and persons with disabilities are among Senator Zaffirini’s top priorities. She passed the largest tax cut is shown in photograph 1. with San Patricio County nurses Cecilia Villarreal and Darlene Menn; in 2. with Live Oak Nursing Center employees Alice made over the years, and in state history and cre- Riojas of Three Rivers and Becky Sivers of Beeville and resident Danny James; in 3. with Celestino Guerra of Dimmit County at an elderly nutrition I remain optimistic about center; and in 4. with Christian Escamilla, a Laredo student and valedictorian at the Texas School for the Deaf in Travis County. ated a predictable regu- the direction in which our latory climate−giving Changes Underway for Texas Health & Human Services state is heading. investors the confidence It’s no coincidence to invest and small busi- While health and human services Senator Zaffirini, who secured the expansion, by 2016 1.4 million per- that Texas is one of the undergo substantial reform in Texas $12.3 million for diabetes and obesity sons would receive health care coverage nesses the predictability and the nation, Senator Judith Zaffirini prevention in 2009, was delighted in at an estimated cost to the state of $15.6 fastest growing states in to grow and create jobs. is working tirelessly to improve access 2012 when Mercy Ministries of Lare- billion and a gain of $101 billion in fed- the country. Within the Those are just a few of to health care for all Texans, especially do’s clinic was selected by The Univer- eral funds over the next 10 years. last decade, our popu- the reasons why so many the very old, the very young and per- sity of Texas Medical Branch at Galves- “Expanding Medicaid would ben- lation has grown by people are packing up sons with disabilities. ton and the Stark Diabetes Center to efit Texans greatly at minimal cost to 4.5 million people. Peo- Legislation that she passed dur- receive a $1 million grant to help un- the state,” Senator Zaffirini said. “It is and moving to Texas. ing the 82nd Texas Legislative Session insured, financially-challenged patients my hope that the legislature will con- ple are literally voting For years, the Texas resulted in positive developments in who have diabetes or pre-diabetes. sider the issue seriously during the next with their feet for Texas landscape has bloomed 2012. Because of her bill limiting the Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court legislative session.” because it is a beacon with opportunity, and I use of harmful restraints on residents confirmed the constitutionality of the Because much of Texas Medicaid for jobs and opportunity at State Supported Living Centers, the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA). It ex- was transferred to a managed care mod- will continue to work to in the midst of a global make sure it remains that Hogg Foundation for Mental Health pands access to health care for thousands el, a new program was required to reim- economic crisis. and the Texas Department of Aging and of Texans, including by prohibiting insur- burse hospitals for indigent health care. way. Texas is the place Disability Services are providing train- ance companies from denying coverage Accordingly, Texas negotiated with the Some ask why Texas where every day, anybody ing to two facilities and to community because of pre-existing conditions and by federal government to secure the new is doing so much better from any background “Texas is the place where every day, anybody providers statewide. allowing children up to age 26 to remain Medicaid 1115 Waiver, which has re- than other states, and I or community can scale In 2011 Senator Zaffirini also au- on their parents’ health insurance. quired stakeholders to work with state from any background or community can always say because we heights as improbable thored legislation helping chemical What’s more, because the law re- leaders to resolve ensuing problems. have more Texans than scale heights as improbable as they are dependency treatment facilities serve quires health insurance companies to “With so many changes in the as they are breathtaking. clients. She worked with Rep. Elliott Na- spend a certain amount of revenue on state’s delivery of health and human any other state in Amer- breathtaking.” We are a state where our ishtat, D-Austin, to pass a bill allowing health care services instead of on ad- services, difficulties and unexpected ica. We’ve got a can-do challenges are never too psychologists, social workers, and coun- ministration or bonuses, 1.5 million consequences are inevitable,” Senator spirit here that you just – Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst big, and our obstacles are selors to obtain a patient’s consent for Texans have received rebates total- Zaffirini said. “In our continuing quest can’t find anywhere else. treatment for chemical dependency. The ing $167 million. for success and improvement, constitu- never too high. Thanks Texas leads the nation to the hard work of Senator Zaf- result was allowing greater continuity of The Court also ruled that the expan- ents can count on me to always fight in job creation, business reloca- Texas Miracle, but it’s no mira- service and fewer delays for persons seek- sion of Medicaid in the ACA must be for critical life-saving and life-altering firini and the , ing treatment, leading to better outcomes. optional for the states. If Texas opts into programs on which so many depend.” tion and homebuilding. We have cle; it’s a lot of hard work. Texas still offers the promise of more Fortune 1000 companies Recently named America’s tomorrow. Working together, we How to Contact Senator Judith Zaffirini headquartered here than any oth- Top State for Business for the have proven that there is no limit Southern District Office Capitol Office er state. From June 2009 to July third time by CNBC, Texas is to what we can accomplish when 1407 Washington St. P.O. Box 12068 2011, Texas created more than proving to the entire nation that we put Texans first. P.O. Box 627 Austin, Texas 78711 37 percent of all new private sec- our policies are working. Since Laredo, Texas 78042-0627 512/463-0121 956/722-2293 800/851-1568 tor jobs in America. And we rank I’ve been Lt. Governor, I’ve Texas Lieutenant Governor David Telefax: 956/722-8586 Telefax: 512/475-3738 first among the few states that worked with Senator Judith Zaf- Dewhurst, R-, is president of [email protected] Dial 711 for relay calls have reached pre-recession job firini and the Texas Legislature the 31-member Texas Senate, a posi- 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. levels. Some have called it the to balance five state budgets tion he has held since January, 2003.

Page 2, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2012-2013 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2012-2013, Page 3 Senator Judith Zaffirini Advances Needs, Priorities of Large, Diverse SD 21 Approximately 800,000 constituents live in upe County from A member “Volunteer fire departments often are rural Senate District (SD) 21, a district as large as it is 1987 to 1992 of the Senate communities’ first and only line of defense against diverse. Senator Judith Zaffirini is an ardent ad- and from 1995 Economic De- damaging wildfires like those our state -experi vocate for their priorities, including education, to 2002. velopment and enced in 2011,” Senator Zaffirini said. economic development, employment, funding, “It has been Finance Com- Thousands of veterans live in the district, and energy and water resources, tuition rates, health my privilege to mittees, Sena- the senator is a champion for their interests. She care and the well-being of children. represent con- tor Zaffirini has has sponsored and passed legislation helping vet- “My goal always is to balance the needs of stituents in the worked to secure erans earn diplomas and receive critical health SD 21 with those of our great state and to cast counties leaving millions of dol- care, and in 2011 she authored and passed Sen- each vote in the best interests of our families,” our SD 21 fam- lars for programs ate Bill (SB) 58, which designated parts of State she said. “No issue is too big or too small, and ily,” she said. that create jobs Highways 359, 16 and 285 as the Veterans of the it is a joy to work closely with constituents from “They can rest and assist small Korean War Memorial Highway. every county in the district.” assured that I businesses. Her “More than 289,000 Texans served in the Ko- The 82nd Texas Legislature redrew state leg- will continue to efforts to help re- rean War, and 1,723 of them were either killed or islative districts to reflect significant population author and sup- gional economies missing in action,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Many shifts revealed by the decennial census. port legislation include securing of them were from SD 21, and naming an impor- In the plan that will take effect in 2013, SD 21 that matters to all $5 million for tant route in their honor is a fitting tribute to their grows from 17 to 18 counties and extends more of us. 2012 2013 a wind turbine patriotism and sacrifice.” than 360 miles from the Colorado River in Austin “My hope blade testing fa- The senator encourages constituents to use the to the Upper Rio Grande Valley in Starr County. is that someday cility at Naval information in the box on page 2 to contact her to The plan removes Dimmit, Frio and Zavala they will be re- Station Ingleside voice their perspectives regarding local and state counties, as well as northeast Bexar and most of turned to our district,” Senator Zaffirini added. In 2013 SD 21 will include all or part of and more than $10 million for the Small Business issues and to suggest ideas for legislation. Her Atascosa County. “Simultaneously, I welcome our new counties 57 school districts that vary greatly in size and Development Center at UTSA. staff members at her District Office in Laredo and It adds Caldwell County and southeast Travis, and the opportunity to serve them. My pledge to them demographics. Prairie Lea Independent School “SD 21 plays a significant role in power- her Capitol Office in Austin also are eager to assist east Hays, south Bexar and most of Guadalupe coun- is that I always will do my best on their behalf.” District (ISD), for example, enrolled 232 stu- ing our state’s economy, including via oil and SD 21 residents with a variety of issues, including ties. Senator Zaffirini previously represented Guadal- As Chair of the Senate Higher Education Com- dents in the 2010-11 school year, while United gas development in the Eagle Ford Shale, tech- addressing problems with state agencies. mittee, Senator Zaffirini secures funding and passes ISD enrolled more than 41,000. nology and research along IH-35, international legislation enhancing programs at community col- “Public schools are the foundation of our trade in the border region and agriculture and leges with campuses in Senate District 21, includ- communities,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Accord- alternative energy in the Coastal Bend,” Sena- ing the Alamo Colleges in Bexar County; Austin ingly, we must continue to enhance quality; fo- tor Zaffirini said. “To maintain our region’s Community College in Caldwell, Hays and Travis cus on dropout prevention; promote safe, healthy economic success, we must not only promote counties; Coastal Bend College in Atascosa and school environments; and stop bullying.” partnerships between business and higher ed- Bee counties; South Texas College in Starr County; She also believes strongly in a justice system ucation, but also invest in the physical infra- and Laredo Community College in Webb County. that is swift, efficient and fair, including for persons structure that supports commerce.” Public universities in SD 21 counties include with mental health issues and young adults. She Fire is an ever-present danger to the liveli- The University of Texas at Austin, Texas State has authored or sponsored and passed more than hood of farming and ranching communities in University, The University of Texas at San Anto- 20 local bills enhancing the juvenile justice system drought-impacted parts of SD 21. Accordingly, DOMINGO GONZALES III of Poteet is recognized for his nio (UTSA), Texas A&M University-San Anto- and judiciary in SD 21, including in Bee, Caldwell, in 2011 the senator authored and passed legis- VIETNAM WAR VETERAN Placido Salazar Sr. and Live accomplishments by Senator Judith Zaffirini at the Atascosa nio, The University of Texas-Pan American and Dimmit, Duval, Guadalupe, Hays, Live Oak, Mc- lation helping volunteer fire departments raise Oak Mayor Mary Dennis discuss issues of importance to Bex- County Conservation Awards ceremony. Texas A&M International University. Mullen, Webb, Zapata and Zavala counties. money for equipment and training. ar County with Senator Judith Zaffirini.

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ACROSS SENATE DISTRICT 21, Senator Judith Zaffirini listens to the concerns of local leaders, constituents and advocates. They include in photograph 1. Zavala County Commissioner Raul Gomez; in 2. Lockhart Mayor Pro Tem Angie Gonzales-Sanchez and San Marcos City Council Member Kim Porterfield; in 3. Sharon Menn of Karnes County; in 4. Carlos Vela of Jim Hogg County; in 5. Duval County Justice of the Peace José Benito Canales; and in 6. Tejano historian Dan Arellano and Travis County Constable Maria Canchola at the dedication of the Tejano Monument at the Texas Capitol.

Page 4, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2012-2013 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2012-2013, Page 5 Eagle Ford Shale Brings Challenges, Opportunities In 2008 Petrohawk Energy Cor- property values, created job opportuni- long-term solutions that will protect poration drilled a well in La Salle ties and transformed rural towns into our natural resources and build a lasting County and demonstrated for the first bustling communities. It is estimated positive impact for future generations.” time that the Eagle Ford Shale could that the population of Cotulla, which Industry truck traffic has taken yield significant amounts of natural is at the center of shale activity, has a heavy toll on county roads, farm- gas if developed properly. Since that more than doubled in just a few years. to-market roads and other streets and discovery, hundreds of Eagle Ford In 2011 the Eagle Ford Shale play had highways not designed for 24-hour 1 2 3 wells have been drilled to yield com- an estimated $25 billion impact on the 18-wheeler traffic. It is estimated that mercial quantities of oil and natural regional economy. the truck traffic required to bring one SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, a champion for education, is shown in photograph 1. with Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and The University of gas through a process called hydraulic This incredible economic boon, well into production is equivalent to Texas-Pan American President Robert Nelsen at the dedication of UTPA Starr County; in photograph 2. with Zapata’s award-winning Mariachi Halcón, which was featured in a 2012 PBS documentary; and in photograph 3. with Dilley ISD leaders Domingo Davalos and Nobert Rodriguez. fracturing or hydrofracking, common- however, also raises important issues 8 million cars. The resulting damage ly known as “fracking.” that must be addressed and resolved. not only is inconvenient for drivers and The rapid development of the Eagle The tremendous influx of people and costly to repair, but also raises serious Senator Zaffirini Makes Higher Education a Top Issue Ford Shale has created many opportuni- equipment into the area already has concerns about highway safety. ties and challenges for communities in created enormous pressure on existing At the urging of Senator Zaffiri- As Chair of the Senate Higher Senator Zaffirini and Rep. Dan parents and faculty, and that excellence South Texas, including many in Senate infrastructure, including roadways and ni and others, the Texas Department Education Committee (SHEC), Sena- Branch, R-, co-chair the Joint and quality are not undermined. District (SD) 21, where the majority of housing, and caused concern among of Transportation (TxDOT) directed tor Judith Zaffirini works incessantly to Oversight Committee on Higher Edu- Experts who testified at HEGET hear- rd rigs and production are located. In 2012 residents worried about the impact the $23 million toward rebuilding roads af- prepare for the 83 Legislative Session cation Governance, Excellence and ings suggested policy changes that will be shale activity occurred in 11 of the dis- new activity will have on water quality fected by the Eagle Ford development. that convenes on Jan. 8, 2013. Transparency (HEGET). considered by the Texas Legislature, in- trict’s 17 counties. What’s more, SD 21 and their way of life. What’s more, it convened a task force Lt. Governor David Dewhurst as- This committee was formed by cluding requiring regents to receive train- includes the top four highest-producing Development in the Eagle Ford of state and local government, law en- signed eight higher education interim Lt. Governor Dewhurst and House ing before assuming their duties. This counties, namely, Karnes, La Salle, Shale affects nearly every area of forcement, transportation officials and charges that require the SHEC to exam- Speaker Joe Straus to examine univer- should prepare them to understand their Webb and McMullen. public policy, including public safety, industry leaders to identify ways to fund ine a range of issues, including financial sity governance structure and allow all roles better, to make better decisions and The booming oil and gas industry, health and human services and public new construction and maintenance of aid; developmental education; and tech- stakeholders to consider and imple- to avoid conflicts of interest. fueled by the massive development and higher education. For example, roads in the region. More collaborative nology, including online instruction. ment policies that will improve Texas “Our public institutions of higher in the shale, is an important contribu- booming counties “will need additional efforts like this will be required to craft Because of lower appropriations and colleges and universities. education are some of Texas’ greatest tor to state revenue. What’s more, the funding to expand and develop more enduring solutions to problems associ- increased enrollment, the cost of public The recommendations made by the assets, and we must guarantee their multiplier effect from this activity im- schools and maintain student-teacher ated with the shale’s development. higher has increased. committee will help ensure that boards continued success,” said Senator Zaf- pacts local economies by enhancing ratios and classroom capacity,” accord- “As the senator who represents Senator Zaffirini works to coun- of regents conduct business transparent- firini. “Above all, we must continu- sales in housing, supplies, food and ing to a 2012 study by the Center for the vast majority of the Eagle Ford ter rising tuition by supporting in- ly and are held accountable by students, ously strive for excellence.” entertainment. A study by the Fed- Urban and Regional Planning at The Shale, I believe it is my duty to work creased funding for colleges and uni- eral Reserve Bank of Dallas found University of Texas at . closely with all stakeholders and versities and by passing legislation Economy Rises, But So Does Need that from the first quarter of 2010 to “The energy industry is vitally im- bring everyone to the table to seek to lower their cost to students while the third quarter of 2011, retail sales portant to this state, and Eagle Ford solutions to the challenges spurred enhancing efficiency. Texas’ economy rebounded in As the fastest growing state in the in the region grew 15.4 percent annu- Shale activity is expected to last for by development in the region,” Sena- The B-on-Time Loan Program cre- 2011, and from September, 2011, nation, Texas must address the critical ally, resulting in a 9.3 percent annual from 20 to 40 years,” Senator Zaffirini tor Zaffirini said. “The 83rd Legisla- ated by her legislation, for example, through June, 2012, state sales tax needs of a growing population. As this increase in state sales tax revenue. said. “Accordingly, we must not only tive Session will be a critical period provides a no-interest loan that will be revenues increased by 12.2 percent. population becomes older, more diverse The resulting surge in economic de- implement policies to address imme- to address these issues, and we must forgiven if a student completes a four- Despite this development, a growing and more concentrated in urban areas, velopment in the region has increased diate needs, but also plan sustainable, ensure that all voices are heard.” year degree in four years (or a five- population, increased demand and the demands on health care, education year degree in five) and with at least a measures used to balance the bud- and roadways may overwhelm tradi- B average. Modifying this program to get during the 2011 Legislative Ses- tional sources and levels of revenue. benefit additional students is one of the sion means Texas’ positive economic “Lean state budgets are important, senator’s priorities for the 83rd session. growth likely will be offset by press- but so is the ability to provide vital state “Higher education not only is an ing needs in the 2014-15 budget cycle. services,” said Senator Judith Zaffirini, a economic driver, but also promotes Legislators will have to account member of the Senate Finance Commit- increased civic engagement, greater for deferred obligations, including an tee. “Not investing adequately in educa- health outcomes and a love of life-long estimated $5 billion for Medicaid and tion to teach our next generation of work- learning,” Senator Zaffirini said. “We $2.3 billion to school districts. ers and entrepreneurs, not developing 1 2 must implement policies that will in- Balancing the 2014-15 state infrastructure that serves as a foundation crease access to higher education, en- budget also will be difficult be- of commerce and economic activity and THE EAGLE FORD SHALE brings growth and challenges to Senate District 21. Senator Judith Zaffirini is shown in photograph 1. discussing hous- ing issues with Cotulla Mayor José Javier Garcia and McMullen County Judge Jim Teal; and in 2. taking notes at a meeting with landowners from hance success, shorten time-to-degree, cause other measures used in 2011 not addressing the health needs of a grow- Wilson and Guadalupe counties about a proposed disposal well near La Vernia. They are (L-R) Mark Johnson, Dennis Olson, Kenneth Mills, Shirley improve graduation rates and increase will not be available, including tax ing and aging population, will jeopardize Huebinger, Herman “Bubba” Buckley Jr., Harold Schott, Jimmy Stevens and Alice and Judge W.C. “Bud” Kirkendall. the number of graduates.” collection speed-ups. our state’s economic strength.” Page 6, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2012-2013 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2012-2013, Page 7 2012-2013 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID P.O. Box 12068 • Austin, TX 78711 • 512/463-0121 Permit No. 2468 Austin, Texas

Senator Judith Zaffirini:A Texas Service Pioneer A Texas Service Pio- with its Horizon Award neer is the fitting moni- for her dedication to en- ker bestowed on Senator hancing higher education. Judith Zaffirini in the “I share these awards 2011-12 edition of the with all who collabo- college textbook, Texas rated, including students, Politics Today. faculty, advocates, vol- “Zaffirini’s tenure in unteers and colleagues,” the Texas State Senate has Senator Zaffirini said. truly been remarkable,” “They are especially writes textbook author and meaningful because they University of Houston- reflect our success in im- Downtown scholar David LEADING BY EXAMPLE, Senator Judith Zaffirini prioritizes faith, family and proving higher educa- Branham Sr. “She has set a commitment to public service. Her husband, Carlos Sr., and their son, Carlos tion in Texas.” a standard of excellence Jr., are the inspiration for her service on behalf of Texas families. The first Hispanic in service and dedication woman elected to the that will probably never be matched by in her name at The University of Texas Texas Senate, Senator Zaffirini holds anyone. She has changed the way politics at Austin (UT). B.S., M.A. and PhD degrees from UT, are conducted in the institution by taking The Texas A&M University System each with a 3.9 grade-point average. integrity to a new level.” Board of Regents also recognized Sena- Featured in more than 20 books and ref- Senator Zaffirini has received tor Zaffirini’s unyielding commitment erenced in 16, she tells her story in her more than 670 awards and honors for to improving higher education at A&M publication for students at Senator Judith her legislative, public service and pro- and throughout the state when they Zaffirini Elementary School in Laredo, If fessional work, including more than voted unanimously in 2012 to name the Judy Pappas Can Do It, Anybody Can. 170 in communication. Because of her Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Her unparalleled work ethic is re- commitment to excellence in all are- Center at Texas A&M International. flected in her 100 percent perfect vot- nas, the Beaumont Foundation, a non- The same year, The Daily Texan, ing record since 1987. Senator Zaffirini profit institution dedicated to enriching the UT student newspaper, named her has cast 47,584 consecutive votes in the lives of low-income children and its Longhorn of the Year, a distinction the Senate and passed 725 bills. families, honored her and her husband, awarded to the person “who had the most A lector at Blessed Sacrament Carlos Sr., by endowing a scholarship positive impact on the UT community Catholic Church, she and Carlos Sr. in their name at Texas A&M Interna- throughout the 2011-12 academic year. marked their 47th wedding anniver- tional University. What’s more, their What’s more, the Christian Life sary in 2012. Carlos Jr. is an attorney son, Carlos Jr., endowed a scholarship Commission lauded Senator Zaffirini and businessman.