Texas Legislators Urge To Look Beyond Party Lines
September 19, 2017
HOUSTON—Texas State Rep. Kevin Roberts, District 126; Rep. Senfronia Thompson, District 141; and Rep. Valoree Swanson, District 150, shared their successes and challenges in a panel discussion on the 85th and special sessions of the Texas Legislature on September 14 at 8 a.m. at Northgate Country Club.
“We did something good this session - teamed up with the Tea Party to pass important legislation,” said Rep. Thompson, agreeing that issues are more important than party lines. Rep. Thompson shared that one of her team’s achievements was the expansion of the PTSD programs that provide services to veterans’ wives and children.
Fraud prevention was an important issue on Rep. Swanson’s agenda and being part of the Elections Committee helped her pass new legislation. She also continued the conversation on the removal of property tax which initiated a study to see viable opportunities for the reform to take effect by 2021. “The idea went from “far-fetched” to “talked-about” and many bills that were part of this reform were brought forward.”
Rep. Roberts emphasized that working together, despite the party affiliation, helped him pass the bills he sponsored and co-authored. He worked with Amos McDonald, vice chancellor of external affairs at the Lone Star College, on a bill to allow community colleges to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Technology and Nursing. Rep. Roberts stressed the importance of working with the Chamber on the resolution to press on Federal Government to fund the Coastal Spine, massive seawall system to protect Houston from Hurricanes. Otherwise, “our issues are going to get worse”, he commented.
“We were honored to host our State Legislators and ask them how we can better assist them in making positive changes in the community”, commented Barbara Thomason, president of the Chamber.
The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce organized this legislative community breakfast to bring together community stakeholders, business owners, and citizens for an update. Twenty percent of the admissions proceeds were donated to the Support NW Harris fund, created to aid small businesses in the Cypress Creek Community that suffered from flood damage. To join the Chamber in helping local businesses, visit www.youcaring.com/SupportNWHarris. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.
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The Houston Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c) 6 non-profit corporation. The Chamber is an organization of member businesses investing time, talent and resources in economic and community development programs, and working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural fortitude of the region. To learn more about the Chamber and benefits of membership, visit www.HoustonNWChamber.org and www.GrowHoustonNW.com.
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Sasha Smith, Communications Manager
(281) 440-4160
