By Diane Patrick
Published: 02-13-09
Community Conversation
Thanks to all participants in our Arlington Community Conversation on January 24th. The diverse group provided exceptionally informative input on a variety of upcoming legislative issues.
AISD School Finance Public Hearing
Along with my legislative colleagues who represent the Arlington School District I enjoyed participating in the recent public hearing on School Finance. As the many witnesses testified the current state of school funding demands legislative attention!
UT-Arlington Campus Visit
On February 2nd my colleague Representative Lois Kolkhorst (Brenham) and I had the pleasure of touring UT-Arlington. We met with President Spaniolo and other university officials to discuss UTAs new facilities and current research projects. The Mavs certainly have a bright future ahead!
Team Arlington Capitol Visit
It was a pleasure to welcome Team Arlington to the Capitol in late January. I was pleased to be able to introduce and recognize them with House Resolution 185. Special thanks go to Jon Weist from the Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Wichmann from the City of Arlington for their hard work organizing this event for representatives from the Arlington business and education community.
Pastor of the Day - Tillie Burgin
Tillie Burgin was truly inspirational as the Pastor of the Day for our House of Representatives on January 28th. As the founder of the Mission Arlington/ Mission Metroplex outreach programs she is truly an asset to our Arlington community.
ATPE Day at the Capitol
Visiting members from the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) were introduced and recognized with a House Resolution on January 26th. ATPE serves over 112000 teachers and school administrators and is dedicated to promoting quality education.
House Committee Assignments
House Members received committee assignments for the 81st Legislative Session on Thursday February 12th. I am excited and pleased that Speaker Joe Straus appointed me to serve again on the PUBLIC AND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEES.
State of the State
In his recent State of the State Address Governor Rick Perry urged Texans to remain optimistic. Despite worsening economic conditions he reminded Legislators that seven out of ten new jobs last year were created in Texas and that Texas is one of only seven states operating in the black. The Governor also outlined his legislative priorities which included: requiring photo voter id moving towards energy independence raising the small business exemption in the franchise tax among other initiatives.
Top 10 Scholarship
The Top 10 Scholarship created last Session is now available for high school students graduating this spring. Eligible students: top 10 of graduating class demonstrate financial need plan to enroll full time at a higher education public institution fall 2009. To apply for the $2000 scholarship qualified students must submit FAFSA by April 1st. For more information:
http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/ tofa2.cfm?ID=385.
Thank you for your valued input. As always feel free to contact me or my staff with questions or concerns.
Arlington Pantego Dalworthington Gardens
District Office: Capitol Office:
Ann Morris District Director Julie Freeman Chief of Staff
318 W. Main Street Ste. 102 P.O. Box 2910
Arlington Texas 76010 Austin Texas 78768-2910
(817) 548-9091 (512) 463-0624
(817) 548-0971 fax (512) 463-8386 fax
Ann.Morris@house.state.tx.us Julie.Freeman@house.state.tx.us
