Former Legislator says Corpus Christi needs a voice in Austin who will put public education and job creation first
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas (Corpus Christi TX) - Local business owner and community leader Solomon Ortiz Jr. announced today that he will run to return to the Texas House where he previously served from 2006 thru January 2011.
Watching the political process in Austin this year was like watching a train wreck in slow motion said Ortiz Jr. For too many politicians in Austin protecting their Tea Party agenda was more important than sticking up for our public schools and good jobs.
Ortiz Jr. will run in the newly created Texas House District 33 which runs from the heart of Corpus Christi up to the northwest Nueces County line.
In addition to his previous Texas House service Ortiz has worked as a public school teacher and for the non-profit Fighting to Rid Gangs in America Foundation. He also currently volunteers as a Director for the MAP of Texas a non-profit founded by his father - former Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Sr.
Connie Scott had a chance to be a voice for Nueces County families. Instead of standing for public schools she voted to cut 50000 teachers from Texas classrooms Ortiz Jr. said. As a former public school teacher and someone who has worked against gang violence in our neighborhoods I know just how devastating Scotts actions have been to our community.
This year she voted to cut $4 billion dollars from public education. In Corpus Christi ISD alone the cuts totaled over $11 million. Del Mar Community College has had to increase student tuition as has Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Education costs go up while Scott votes to slash student financial aid. Because of the misplaced priorities of those in control in Austin our future generation is suffering. said Ortiz Jr.
Ortiz says he is eager to work with members of both parties to achieve the common goal of keeping Texas competitive. We cant attract jobs without an educated workforce. When I served in the Texas House I was proud to advocate for our students - I fought hard to establish the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Engineering program and I fought hard for local funding. Even in a temporary downturn we shouldnt cut our investment in public schools when we have billions in the states savings account. I have a proven legislative record of creating educational and economic opportunity. I know there are like minded members of both political parties who want to commit to our future and Im ready to work for you... Enough is enough!
