From Representative Raul Torres
We are in the final days of the Legislative Session and my colleagues and I are working diligently to finish our important work before the end of May. We are making steady progress on a number of important legislative items yet its sad to say that due to partisan politics and personal agendas many bills dealing with much needed government transparency and reforms were left to die in committees.
As your State Representative for District 33 our entire team has worked countless hours to pursue the promises we made to the voters of our district:
- Balance the state budget with no tax increase
- Eliminate wasteful government spending
- Generate more economic development for creating jobs
I am pleased to say that we have kept our promises. The legislation we worked on focused on keeping our commitment to serve the needs of our active military veterans small business owners teachers families and the hard working people of our district.
It is very clear to me that Texas has had for many years the problem of spending too much money more than what was truly needed to serve the needs of the people of Texas. Excessive government spending is one of the major reasons for the cause of our recession and unemployment. Were not going to have real prosperity or recovery until we stop fighting the symptoms and start fighting the disease. With so many challenges in front of us legislators must have the political courage to do the right thing rather than that which is political correct.
My friends I believe God had a divine purpose for those who have demonstrated a special love of freedom and had the courage to leave the countries of their birth. From our forefathers to our modern-day immigrants weve come from every corner of the earth from every race and every ethnic background with only one purpose: to live the American Dream.
You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. No people who have ever lived on this earth have fought harder paid a higher price for freedom and the American Dream or done more to advance the dignity of man than the people of the United States. There isnt any problem we cant solve if government will just be honest and give us the facts we need and then just get out of our way.
With this in mind I am currently working on a set of post session legislative priorities centered around proven common sense financial principles. Within the two months I hope to share my plan to move Texas in a positive fiscally conservative direction that will promote job creation improve our communities provide for a skilled workforce promote healthy families and grow the Texas economy.
My friends Texas best days are not behind us but they lie in front of us. With Gods grace this is what we can do and what we must do.
News from Austin
Update on Torres Legislation
This past week our bill HB 3149 our government reform bill that could possibly save the state $15-20 billion was attached as an amendment to SB 1811 the Fiscal Matters bill. Now it goes to the Conference Committee for their approval or rejection.
In addition we were also successful in attaching another amendment to SB 1811 that will return to the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County approximately $1000000 in additional revenues beginning in 2014. Please call Senator Chuy Hinojosa Lt. Gov. Dewhurst Speaker Straus Chairman Jim Pitts to support our two amendments to bring real government reform to Texas and restore much needed funding back to our community.
On Monday SB 563 our HB 3151 bill which is the TWC privacy bill that protects citizens personal information was successfully passed on the Local and Consent Calendars and now heads back to the Senate for final approval.
Finally our final two pieces of legislation passed the Local and Consent Committee last Friday and was successfully voted on the House floor on Monday. These bills are HRC 124 designating the first week in May as Teachers Appreciation Week and HRC 150 which designates September 15 - October 15 as Latino Texan Month to reconginze the many contributions the people of the Latino community have made to our great state of Texas.
Next week will be our final newsletter covering the legislative session. Thank you for your support and words of advice during these very challenging five months of public service. I am deeply honored and humbled to serve you in Austin.
God Bless You All. This upcoming Memorial Day let us not forget those who gave up their lives so that we could have ours.
News from Corpus Christi
Congratulation Seniors of 2010-2011. District staff and volunteers were busy preparing thousands of High School Graduation Congratulatory Certificates that will honor graduating seniors of 2010-2011 on their milestone achievement during
Commencements Exercises this week and next week.
