2014-2015 • Austin,

Dear Friends: on Finance, Natural Resources, Great challenges are pre- Transportation Funding, Higher sented to us. Great opportunities Education, Redistricting, Health are entrusted to our care. These and Human Services and Ad- inspiring words by the late Texas ministration. Gov. of Flores- In representing you in the ville are as true today as they , count on me not were in 1963 when he delivered simply to prepare, but, rather, his first inaugural address. to over-prepare. What’s more, My top priority as your state my commitment always is to senator is to address the oppor- cast every vote by balancing tunities and challenges that will the needs and interests of SD 21 shape the future for the families families with those of our great of SD 21. state. Blessed with bountiful natu- Senator Because effective com- ral resources and unlimited hu- munication remains critical to man potential, our large, diverse our success, we will continue district stretches from the Rio My top priority is to address the to maintain our open door pol- Grande to the Colorado River. It icy and respond to every letter, includes borderlands and ranch- opportunities and challenges facing email and telephone call. Your lands, small towns and fast- Senate District 21 families. suggestions and feedback are growing cities and the major- important to me, which is why ity of the booming Eagle Ford Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports Shale. to the Families of District 21 More than 800,000 constitu- is not only an award-winning ents live in the district’s 18 coun- progress report, but also a call ties, namely, Bee, Caldwell, Du- for action and collaborative par- val, Jim Hogg, Karnes, La Salle, ticipation. Live Oak, McMullen, San Patri- In his 1963 speech Gov. cio, Starr, Webb, Wilson and Za- Connally issued another re- pata; and parts of Atascosa, Bex- minder that is relevant today: As ar, Guadalupe, Hays and Travis. we strive to realize the fullest Our shared priorities include Even Young Constituents like Viva Bonita Guillen of use of our natural resources in educational opportunities for all; Starr County can learn from Senator Zaffirini’s newsletter. Texas, let us strive with greater good jobs; safety and security; purpose to realize the highest transportation; wise stewardship of our natural resources; use of all our human resources. and health and human services, especially for the very young, My prayer is that the Lord will continue to guide our the very old and persons with disabilities. work and actions and inspire us to help all Texans realize Because of my committee assignments, I am uniquely their full potential. positioned to make a positive impact in these arenas. I am grateful to serve as Chair of the Government Organization Committee; Co-Chair of the Legislative Oversight Com- Judith Zaffirini mittee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and State Senator, District 21 Transparency; and as a member of the Senate Committees www.zaffirini.senate.state.tx.us Mental Health Advocates Honor Senator Zaffirini Senator Judith Zaffirini’s decades est in mental health issues to volunteer mental health services for Texans, es- of advocacy in the mental health arena for organizations such as MHAT and to pecially in the community. Her mental have been inspired by her belief that advocate for persons with mental ill- health legislation has included bills pro- all Texans should have access to qual- nesses at the State Capitol and in their tecting patients at psychiatric hospitals ity mental health services. Recognizing communities. from abuse and neglect, facilitating her contributions to improving mental “Those who struggle daily with rapid access to mental health treatment health in Texas, Mental Health America mental illnesses depend on our contin- for persons in crisis and helping prevent of Texas (MHAT) honored the senator ued leadership and advocacy on their child relinquishment for the purpose of 1 2 3 with its second annual Mary Elizabeth behalf,” Senator Zaffirini said. “Our obtaining mental health services. COLLABORATION GETS RESULTS for Senator Judith Zaffirini and local leaders, including 1. Ena Peña, Celia Ruiz and Lorene Ruiz, Live Oak Holdsworth Butt Award. solutions must focus not only on diag- The Texas Department of Fam- County; 2. Luling ISD educator Barbara Cubit, Caldwell; and 3. County Commissioner Murray Swaim, McMullen. MHAT is the state’s premier ad- nosis, prevention and treatment, but es- ily and Protective Services currently vocacy organization concerning men- pecially on education.” is working with stakeholders to imple- tal health issues, and its mission is to A member of the Senate Finance ment the senator’s child relinquishment Texas Economy Strong, but Key Investments Needed promote mental health; prevent mental and Health and Human Services com- legislation and already has secured slots Buoyed by the robust development national economic downturn in 2011, ment to create two funds that will en- illnesses and addictions; and facilitate mittees, Senator Zaffirini was an ardent at state mental health facilities for chil- of the Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas play, the Texas unemployment rate was more able the completion of the projects in recovery through education, advocacy advocate for legislation and funding dren who need them. Texas’ economy is booming, and state than 8 percent—its recent worst. By the the state water plan. and services. that improve the lives of persons with As a member of the Senate Finance revenues now are available to address summer of 2014, however, it had recov- Similarly, in November, 2014, vot- Charles Butt, CEO of H-E-B, es- mental illnesses long before she was Committee, Senator Zaffirini has helped adequately the critical needs of our ered to a low of 5.1 percent, the best of ers will have the opportunity to approve tablished the award in 2012 in memory elected to the Texas Senate. secure $15 million for additional state state’s rapidly expanding population. any similarly sized state. a plan to divert some excess oil and gas and honor of his mother. She served on At the age of 22 the future senator hospital capacity and led the success- Texas’ vast supply of natural resources, Other economic statistics as of Au- tax revenue directly to the construction the Board of the Texas Department of was named to the Board of Directors for ful effort for the more than $248 million including oil, natural gas, timber, ura- gust, 2014, are equally positive. Single- and maintenance of our state highways. Mental Health and Mental Retardation the Texas Mental Health Association redesign and enhancement of the state’s nium and other minerals, and abundant family building permits increased by The plan is estimated to generate only (TDMHMR) when Senator Zaffirini, (MHAT’s precursor) and served as its mental health crisis services. In 2007 and inexpensive land long have served 12.2 percent from July, 2013, to July, $1.7 billion of the $5 billion per year then a graduate student, worked there as State Chair for Community Health Ser- she also helped secure $6.1 million for the state well. 2014, reflecting the large number of per- needed to maintain our current roadway an information specialist. vices and as State Co-Chair of Legis- Bexar County’s Detox/Mental Health “Now that the national economic sons moving to Texas and the growth of conditions, and the legislature will need “I am delighted to continue to cham- lative Action. She volunteered her time Project. downturn largely is behind us, Texas is our families. Similarly, Texas remains to appropriate additional funding for uniquely poised to continue its success- a top choice for businesses seeking to Texas’ transportation infrastructure. pion independent living and quality to lobby the and to Her proudest moments include the th health services for persons with mental testify in support of community mental legislature’s appropriating $109.4 mil- ful growth, especially because of in- relocate and expand, and the value of When it returns for the 84 Leg- illnesses,” Senator Zaffirini said. “This health centers and independent living lion for enhanced adult crisis mental creased demand for the energy resourc- non-residential construction has ex- islative Session in January, 2015, the honor is especially meaningful because for persons with mental illnesses and health services in 2009 and her happi- es our state is so skilled at developing,” ploded, increasing by 204.4 percent in legislature also will need to address an it is named after Miss Mary, an inspiring intellectual disabilities. est include eliminating waiting lists for said Senator Judith Zaffirini, a member the same period. inadequate public education funding early leader for mental health. Over the Since 1987 she has won more than mental health services in 2013. of the Senate Finance and Natural Re- “This is great news for Texas, but system that was ruled unconstitutional. last 50 years, we have made tremendous 10 awards for her mental health advoca- “Our society has made significant sources committees. it is critical that the legislature seize the What’s more, health and human services progress in the mental health arena, but cy, including from the Depression and progress in addressing mental health, One of the greatest indicators of the opportunity to invest in infrastructure will need to be supported to ensure that there still is so much more to do.” Bipolar Support Alliance of Texas and but our state continues to lag behind strength of the Texas economy is the now to preserve our state’s ability to more Texans remain healthy, productive The inaugural recipients of the the Texas Alliance for the Mentally Ill. when it comes to funding,” Senator sales tax. When the economy is grow- prosper in the future,” Senator Zaffirini members of our economic system. Mary Holdsworth Butt Award were Joe A former chair and current member Zaffirini said. “Texas ranks next to last ing, businesses and persons purchase said. “Our four most pressing invest- “Texas has experienced tremendous and Dr. of Travis of the Senate Health and Human Ser- among the 50 states in per capita spend- goods and equipment and pay their ment needs are water, transportation, ed- growth and economic success,” said County. Senator Zaffirini encourages vices Committee, she has passed more ing on mental health. We can and must workers who in turn make purchases ucation and health and human services.” Senator Zaffirini. “If we do not invest constituents and anyone with an inter- than 25 bills that specifically improve do better.” that generate further economic activity. Texas voters in November, 2013, in our needs and ensure adequate water, The Comptroller of Public Ac- took the first step to addressing the safe and reliable roadways and a healthy counts recently estimated that sales state’s current and future water needs and educated workforce, however, our tax collections would grow 2.4 percent by approving a Constitutional amend- gains will be impossible to maintain.” from 2013. Actual collections, how- ever, soared to levels even greater. As How to Contact Senator Judith Zaffirini of August, 2014, the state was on pace to collect 5.3 percent more than in the Southern District Office Capitol Office preceding year. If the trend continues, at 1407 Washington St. P.O. Box 12068 the end of the budget cycle in Septem- P.O. Box 627 Austin, Texas 78711 Laredo, Texas 78042-0627 512/463-0121 ber, 2015, the state treasury will have a 956/722-2293 800/851-1568 1 2 3 more than $2 billion surplus from ex- Telefax: 956/722-8586 Telefax: 512/475-3738 [email protected] Dial 711 for relay calls SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI values interacting with constituents and advocates, including 1. Mike Peterson, Chair of Mental Health America cess sales tax revenues alone. of Texas; 2. veterans Merle Huston Jr., Police Chief Stan Bynum and Jonathon Wente at “Take a Vet to School Day” at Ingleside’s Blaschke-Sheldon Another indication of a healthy The Texas State Senate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, Elementary School; and 3. Margaret Trouart at the Campbellton Community Center in Atascosa County. economy is employment. During the national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. Page 2, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2014-2015 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2014-2015, Page 3 Senator Judith Zaffirini Champions Needs, Priorities of Senate District 21 Communities Stretching from the Rio Grande to the Colorado the plan to turn them into gravel,” Senator Zaffirini said. “We have made great progress in rebuilding, families who need them, but also enhanced emergency For example, after hearing concerns from experts, River and including all or part of 18 counties, Senate said. “As a result of our collaborative efforts, the agen- but there still is more to be done.” preparedness for our state.” local leaders and countless residents, Senator Zaffirini District (SD) 21 is large and diverse. A champion for cy abandoned its original plan and now is partnering Since 1999 the effort has served more than expressed her opposition to the proposed Post Oak all SD 21 communities, Senator Judith Zaffirini priori- with local communities to keep our roads paved.” Protecting the San Marcos River 100,000 persons in , providing services Dump, which is located in proximity to Nash Creek in tizes visiting every county in her district and address- A member of the Senate Finance and Select Trans- The number of visitors to the beautiful San including immunizations for children, blood pressure Guadalupe County. ing issues important to constituents. portation Funding committees, Senator Zaffirini plans Marcos River, especially for tubing, has increased screenings, hearing and vision screenings, sports phys- In a letter to the Texas Commission on Environ- to continue her quest for additional funding for state substantially in recent years, resulting in problems icals and limited dental services. mental Quality (TCEQ), she wrote that contamination Putting the Brakes on Gravel Roads and local roads impacted by oil and gas development. related to littering, trespassing and public “could jeopardize the public health, safety and welfare When the Texas Department of Transportation “Additional funding is long overdue and not only intoxication. Promoting Educational Opportunities of downstream users by polluting the drinking water (TxDOT) announced a plan to convert certain paved will improve safety on our overburdened roadways, In 2013 Zaffirini authored legislation to create As a member of the Senate Higher Education supply and making the water unsafe for recreation, highways to gravel, the response in SD 21 communi- but also will support our vital agriculture and energy a water-oriented recreation district along a portion Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Oversight Com- livestock and wildlife.” ties was overwhelmingly negative. industries,” she said. of the river, which would have funded law enforce- mittee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence Joining Senator Zaffirini in opposition to the dump More than 200 South Texans voiced their opin- ment and clean-up efforts. and Transparency, Senator Zaffirini meets frequently were the other members of the county’s legislative del- ions and asked questions at a regional public meeting Aiding Flood Recovery Although the bill did not pass, Senator Zaffirini with students, teachers, professors and administrators egation, its Commissioners Court and nine mayors. in Cotulla, hosted by the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative The Halloween floods of 2013 affected hundreds is continuing to work with landowners, businesses, and works with them to expand educational opportuni- She also hosted town hall meetings in Wilson and Caucus, of which Senator Zaffirini is an organizer. of Caldwell, Guadalupe, Hays and Travis County fam- local officials and law enforcement in the area to ties for all. Karnes Counties where residents and local officials SD 21 leaders from Atascosa, Karnes, La Salle, Live ilies, many of whom lost their homes and belongings. develop new legislative solutions for increasing In 2014 she joined local leaders in celebrating expressed concerns about injection wells and helped Oak, McMullen, Wilson and Webb counties partici- In the flood’s aftermath, Senator Zaffirini joined public safety and reducing pollution on the river. the grand opening and dedication of a new campus ensure their voices were heard by state regulatory pated in the event, which provided an opportunity for representatives of the Texas Department of Public “Our goal is to keep our river pristine for fu- of Austin Community College, the first to be built in agencies such as TCEQ and the Texas Railroad Com- concerned citizens and legislators from throughout Safety’s Division of Emergency Management in tour- ture generations and prevent needless injuries or Hays County. mission. the region to question high-ranking TxDOT officials ing flooded areas. In Caldwell County they participat- deaths,” she said. Senator Zaffirini also met with Starr County re- “It is vital that controversial projects be hosted by about the plan and discuss potential solutions. ed in the search for a missing woman and saw a tub- tired teachers to discuss changes made by the legis- supportive communities that consider them economic “Our region’s rural highways are critical to our ing outfitter’s buses that had floated downstream and Advancing Health, Emergency Preparedness lature impacting retirees and members of the Teacher development, not in areas in which they are opposed way of life, and we voiced our serious concerns about lodged in trees. In 2014 Senator Zaffirini welcomed to South Retirement System of Texas (TRS). In 2013 she voted strongly,” the senator said. To aid recovery efforts, Senator Zaffirini Texas the volunteers, Texas Military Forces and for legislation increasing the state’s contribu- made a $1,000 donation to the Austin-Travis state agency personnel who comprise Operation tion to TRS and providing a long-overdue County Flood Relief Fund and provided 450 Lone Star, which provides medical services to un- cost-of-living adjustment for retirees. hot meals to families impacted by the floods. der-served communities in South Texas. In San Patricio County, she welcomed She also co-sponsored flood recovery town The effort evolved after the 2001 terrorist at- Mathis ISD students and teachers “Back to hall meetings and joined volunteers in help- tacks, when the senator recommended that a spe- School” and collaborated with the History ing their neighbors. cial unit of the Texas State Guard be established to Channel in honoring veterans at Ingleside The senator interacted with families and provide medical assistance to communities during ISD’s “Take a Vet to School Day.” volunteers at the Dove Springs Recreation times of emergency. Center, where persons affected by the flood “Operation Lone Star is an outstanding ex- Addressing Community Concerns were able to access critical recovery services. ample of a military and civilian collaboration with A member of the Natural Resources “I was inspired by the amazing volunteers a clear and meaningful humanitarian mission,” Committee, Senator Zaffirini has prioritized SD 21 RANCHING FAMILIES are recognized by Senator Judith Zaf- EAGLE FORD SHALE residents and leaders join Senator Judith and by the optimism and perseverance of she said. “The partnership provides not only criti- addressing issues related to projects that firini at the Texas Capitol. They include Bill and Charlotte Hellen, Jim Zaffirini in questioning Texas Department of Transportation officials at families who lost so much in the floods,” she cal medical services to thousands of children and could impact SD 21 communities. Hogg County; Adrian and Diann Pawelek, Wilson; Sue and Lynn Witten, a meeting in Cotulla hosted by the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative Caucus. Wilson; Otilia and Robert Cortez, Duval; and William Fox Jr., Bee.

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THROUGHOUT SENATE DISTRICT 21, Senator Judith Zaffirini prioritizes collaborating with constituents and stakeholders. She is shown in photograph 1. unveiling a Karnes County historical marker with Truett Hunt and Dr. Tom Kreneck; 2. joining Rep. Jason Isaac; Hays County Judge Bert Cobb and Commis- sioners Mark Jones, Will Conley and Debbie Ingalsbe; and San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Council Member Jude Prather in congratulating publisher Don Moore Jr. and former managing editor Randy Stevens on the San Marcos Daily Record’s receiving a Texas Treasure Business Award; 3. reviewing Onion Creek flood recovery efforts with Travis County EMS personnel Christopher Hairston and Phillip Price; and 4. discussing Operation Lone Star with Col. Ricardo Muñoz Jr. and CSM Charles Harris of the Texas Army National Guard and Dr. Hector Gonzalez, the City of Laredo’s Director of Health.

Page 4, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2014-2015 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2014-2015, Page 5 Zaffirini: Parks Protect Resources, Boost Economy A member of the Senate Natural Re- Communities throughout SD 21 In 2014 Senator Zaffirini joined La sources Committee, Senator Judith Zaf- are investing in parks, and Senator Zaf- Salle County leaders in celebrating the firini champions Texas’ state parks and firini prioritizes legislation and funding rededication of the Leodoro Martinez the abundant recreational and educational supporting them. A member of the Sen- Jr. Park in Cotulla, which is being ex- opportunities they provide for Senate ate Finance Committee, she has helped panded after voters approved $8 million District (SD) 21 families. secure more than $448 million for in bond funding. “Our parks and open spaces are won- TPWD since 2005, including a 16 per- She also has backed efforts in Guada- 1 2 3 derful assets that impact positively the cent funding increase during the 2013 lupe County to expand the Walnut Creek THE BEST IDEAS for legislation often come from Senator Judith Zaffirini’s constituents. She is shown in 1. with Zapata County Fair Queen Leanna quality of life in our communities,” she legislative session. In 2009 she also se- Trail and Greenbelt in Seguin, supported Marie Saenz at “Zapata Rising”; in 2. with Seguin leaders Mayor Don Keil, Marty Keil, Susan Wuest and Frank Starcke admiring the portrait of the said. “They not only promote conservation cured $5.5 million for a special needs by a $1.8 million grant from the Texas late Hilda Weinert of Seguin that hangs in the senator’s office; and in 3. with Gloria Luna of South Bexar County. and educate Texans about our natural re- park in Bexar County. Department of Transportation. sources, but also encourage active lifestyles Senate Committees Identify Challenges, Solutions and provide significant economic benefits.” Collaboration Key to Legislative Success Regular sessions of the Texas Legis- “Testimony provided at our commit- developed the next set of long-term goals The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) operates six state parks lature are held every other year, but leg- tee’s interim hearings is critical to our for Texas’ higher education system. Collaboration long has been key to She also worked in 2013 with Hays in seven SD 21 counties, namely, Lockhart, islative committees meet continually to developing successful legislation for the What’s more, Senator Zaffirini Senator Judith Zaffirini’s success in pass- County leaders to develop and pass leg- Caldwell County; Choke Canyon, McMul- oversee the implementation of legislation, next session,” said Senator Zaffirini, who worked closely with faculty, administra- ing legislation that addresses the needs and islation authorizing counties to hire bro- len; Lake Corpus Christi, San Patricio; priorities of Senate District 21 families. kers to sell county land. When officials monitor state agencies, identify challeng- has championed improving state contract- tion, governing boards and students to McKinney Falls, Travis; Lake Casa Blan- In 2013, for example, the sena- in Hays County tried to sell a parcel of es and develop legislative solutions. ing since 2001, filing legislation during develop new legislation that will enhance ca, Webb; and Falcon, Zapata and Starr. tor brought together constituents and unused property, they followed the laws Chair of the Senate Government Or- seven legislative sessions. higher . TPWD is headquartered in SD 21 and stakeholders to address Southeast Travis that required them to post the sale direct- ganization Committee and Co-Chair of “Our priorities include improving de- is overseen by the Texas Parks and Wild- County’s lack of recreational opportuni- ly to the public. This resulted, however, the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Natural Resources gree completion rates and expanding ac- life Commission, chaired by Dan Hughes ties for families. In the 1990s the City of in only one offer at a price far lower than Education Governance, Excellence, and In 2014 Lt. Gov. cess to higher education for students with Jr. of Bee County. Senator Zaffirini spon- Austin set aside land for the Onion Creek the market value. Transparency, Senator Judith Zaffirini named Senator Zaffirini to the Senate intellectual and developmental disabili- sored his gubernatorial nomination. Metropolitan Park, but failed to provide “Professional brokers are experts at also serves on the Senate Finance, Higher Natural Resources Committee. ties,” she said. The agency employs more than 3,000 funding for the park’s development. bringing buyers and sellers together, and Education, Health and Human Services, “Serving on this committee provides In 2014 Lt. Gov. Dewhurst promoted Texans and operates an internship pro- Working closely with neighbors, they have vast knowledge of the market,” Redistricting, Transportation Funding, countless opportunities to champion the Senator Zaffirini from Co-Vice Chair to gram that allows college students to gain city officials and the local business com- Senator Zaffirini said. “Working with lo- Natural Resources and Administration priorities of our district, including pro- Co-Chair of the Joint Oversight Com- hands-on experience in fields related to munity, Senator Zaffirini developed and cal leaders, we developed a bill that al- committees. moting responsible, sustainable devel- mittee on Higher Education Governance, natural resources. passed Senate Bill (SB) 1872, which cre- lows counties to sell property quickly and “To make the most of every hearing, I opment of Texas’ energy resources and Excellence and Transparency, a position “Texas state parks boost local eco- ated a municipal management district to at the best price, thereby generating rev- not only prepare, but over-prepare,” Sena- protecting our air, rivers and aquifers,” she also held from June, 2011, to Janu- nomic activity, particularly in rural coun- fund the park’s development. When com- enue and allowing county governments tor Zaffirini said. “I prioritize asking rele- she said. ary, 2013. ties,” Senator Zaffirini said. “They create plete, the 800-acre regional park will fea- to focus on addressing local concerns.” vant questions and working with all stake- Soon after her appointment to Natural During Senator Zaffirini’s previous jobs directly; enhance sales and property ture trails, ball fields, playgrounds, picnic Collaboration also has been the cor- holders to develop meaningful legislation.” Resources, Senator Zaffirini, an organizer tenure, the committee held five hearings tax revenue for local governments; and areas and natural habitat. nerstone of her multi-year effort to im- benefit nearby restaurants, retail and other Government Organization of the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative Cau- featuring testimony from higher educa- prove conditions in Texas’ colonias, in- cus, also was named to a subcommittee tion leaders and experts regarding institu- businesses.” cluding those in Bee, Duval, Jim Hogg, As Chair of the Government Organi- charged with examining the economic im- tional excellence and best practices. La Salle, San Patricio, Starr, Webb and zation Committee, Senator Zaffirini has pact of the recent expansion of oil and gas Zapata counties. In 2009 legislation by focused on enhancing oversight of Tex- Health and Human Services production in Mexico. Senator Zaffirini and Rep. Richard Ray- as’ thousands of state contracts, valued A member of the Health and Human “Development in Mexico has the po- mond, D-Laredo, established a colonias at more than $100 billion of the state’s Services Committee since 1987, Senator tential to have a positive economic impact task force that brought together a wide $200 billion budget. Zaffirini believes strongly that all Texans on both sides of the border,” said the sena- variety of stakeholders, including legal “Good management of state contracts should have access to quality, affordable experts, local officials and organizations tor, whose district includes the majority of allows limited state dollars to go farther,” health services. representing colonia residents. rigs, the majority of production and the she said. During the 2014 interim, the com- In 2013 her SB 1599 turned the task highest-producing counties in the Eagle During the committee’s 2014 interim mittee focused on issues including child force’s recommendations into state law, Ford Shale. hearings, agency officials emphasized protective services, mental health and thereby allowing for development while proper training for employees who man- women’s access to health care. protecting colonia residents from unscru- Higher Education 1 age contracts and stressed effective com- What’s more, Texas’ health and hu- pulous practices and dangerous living munication with state contractors. In 2014 the Senate Higher Education man services agencies underwent review conditions. Committee, of which Senator Zaffirini is a DISCUSSING IMPORTANT ISSUES with SD State Auditor John Keel, who audits by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commis- 21 officials is key to Senator Judith Zaffirini’s “I encourage all constituents of state contracts regularly, identified areas member and former Chair, monitored the sion, which is tasked with identifying and legislative success. She is shown in 1. with Rep. SD 21 to participate in the legislative for improvement in all phases of contract implementation of her 2011 legislation to eliminating waste, duplication and ineffi- Eddie Rodríguez, D-Austin; and in 2. with 2 process and suggest ideas for legisla- management. improve the TEXAS Grant Program and ciency in state government. Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt Jr. tion,” Senator Zaffirini said. Page 6, Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2014-2015 Senator Zaffirini Reports, 2014-2015, Page 7 Senator Zaffirini: Committed to Public Service Since 1987 Senator Judith Zaffirini’s Alumni Hall of Fame and received the grade-point average, and was named a tenure in the Texas Senate has been de- Legislative Champion Award from the Distinguished Alumna by the Texas Exes. fined by her commitment to public- ser Texas Association of Boys and Girls An organizer of the Eagle Ford Shale vice and her dedication to addressing the Clubs. Legislative Caucus and a member of the needs and priorities of Senate District She also received 26 awards in 2014 Natural Resources Committee, Senator (SD) 21 constituents. from the Texas Press Women and 6 from Zaffirini also was named a 2013 Legisla- That commitment has not wavered, the National Federation of Press Women. tive Champion by the Texas Oil and Gas and a diverse array of organizations con- The first Mexican American woman Association. tinue to honor the senator for her legis- in the Texas Senate, Senator Zaffirini Named four times to Texas Monthly’s lative, public service and professional also received the Joe R. and Teresa Lo- list of “10 Best Legislators,” she is known work. She has received more than 760 zano Long Legacy Award in 2013 from for her legendary work ethic and her 100 awards and honors, including more than The University of Texas at Austin for her percent perfect attendance in the Texas 220 in communication. lifetime contributions to the Texas and Senate since 1987, except for breaking A longtime champion for children, Austin Hispanic communities. deliberately in 2003 to prevent a she was inducted in 2014 into the Boys She holds B.S., M.A. and PhD de- harmful and untimely redistricting. She and Girls Clubs of America National grees from UT-Austin, each with a 3.9 has passed 795 bills and 52 substantive

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resolutions and maintained textbook authored by Brigid a career-long 100-percent Harrison, Jean Harris, Gary voting recording, having Halter and Michelle Dear- cast 51,693 consecutive dorff. The senator’s story is votes since 1987. told in If Judy Pappas Can “I cast every vote by Do It, Anybody Can, her balancing the needs and booklet for students at Sena- interests of SD 21 fami- tor Judith Zaffirini Elemen- lies with those of our great tary School in Laredo. state,” Senator Zaffirini The senator, a lec- said. tor at Blessed Sacrament Senator Zaffirini is Catholic Church, has been featured in 24 books and married to Carlos Sr. for referenced in 17, including, FAMILY IS THE CORNERSTONE of Senator Judith Zaffirini’s public 50 years. Their son, Carlos recently, the Texas Edition service, and what she wishes for her own family is what she champions in the Jr., an attorney and busi- of American Democracy Texas Senate for all SD 21 families. Hers includes her husband, Carlos Sr.; and nessman, married Audrey Now, a college government their son and daughter-in-law, Carlos Jr. and Audrey. Pieper in 2014.