And, while I am proud of the above accomplishments, there is still a lot of unfinished business the Texas Legislature needs to address. Passing a constitutional amendment to allow for the denial of bond to proven violent offenders, addressing critical infrastructure needs (3rd reservoir in West Houston, drainage system maintenance, and roads), fortifying our vulnerable energy grid against failure, among others.
Lastly, while I enjoy my job in Austin, one aspect of my public service I am most
proud of is our constituent services. Some of this years' most rewarding moments were:
- When constituents from a neighborhood that was threatened with severe pollution from expansion of a concrete batch plant reached out for help. My office and I jumped in and engaged with the Texas Department of Environmental Quality to ensure the plans were blocked and the expanded plant located elsewhere.
- When a Harvey victim who lost her home in the epic 2017 storm was unable to negotiate the complex bureaucratic hurdles to have her home replaced – my office met with our constituent in her severely damaged home and then quickly maneuvered efforts to secure relief – the construction of a new home.
Public service is a calling, and it has been my calling for decades. There is nothing I enjoy more than being your Senator and fighting for you in Austin and Houston.
Thank you for your support, and Happy New Year!