GARCIA ON THE GO
Making every day count
Thursday, January 15, 2015

FIRED UP & READY TO GO!

This Tuesday, the 84th Texas Legislature officially gaveled in! I will represent District 6 proudly for my first full legislative session in the Texas Senate. I have a number of policy priorities including education, health care, civic engagement, economic opportunities, transportation and LGBT equality.

Since the conclusion of last session, I have been meeting with constituents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop my list of priorities. I am ready to work tirelessly to ensure the voices of District 6 are heard in Austin and that the needs of my community are met.

CHANGES IN THE DISTRICT

Many exciting changes are coming with the New Year! During Session, I will be spending most work days in Austin on the Senate floor, but I will return to Houston on the weekends to be with my constituents. Session is a 140-day marathon for us as we work to pass the state budget and other vital legislation, so please be patient with any delayed correspondence or other requests as we handle the legislative influx. I have also made the hard decision to close down my Northside District office to save us time, money, and staff resources in the District while some of my staff resides in Austin for Session. If you need any help back home, as usual, please do not hesitate to contact our Main District Office (5425 Polk, Suite 125) at 713-923-7575.

SENATE PAGE PROGRAM

The “Page for a Day” Program is an opportunity for students ages 6 to 18 to experience the Texas Legislature firsthand. Please call our Main office for more information at (713) 923-7575.

SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

January is Texas School Board Recognition Month. Public participation in school district governance through school boards and local Parent Teacher Associations are vital to the success of our schools and our students. I'd like to encourage everyone to contact their local School District office to find out more about getting involved in the school district decision making process. Children are our future, and we have to take an active role in providing them the support they need.

UPCOMING DATES

Monday, January 19, Congressman Gene Green's Neighborhood Safety Meeting, 8:30a.m., 12001-A East Freeway, Houston, TX 77029

Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Day, Our Offices will be closed.

Monday, January 19, 21st Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade, 10:00a.m., Parade Originates On San Jacinto Street & Elgin Street. For more information, click here.

Tuesday, January 20, Pasadena City Council Meeting, 6:00p.m., 1211 Southmore, Pasadena, TX 77502. For more information, click here.

Tuesday, January 20, Texas Inauguration, all-day events in Austin include a barbecue, oath of office ceremony, parade and more! For more information, click here.

Thursday, January 22, Baytown City Council Meeting, 6:30p.m., 2401 Market St, Baytown, TX 77520. For more information, click here.

Thursday, January 22, Jacinto City Council Meeting, 6:00p.m., 1301 Mercury Dr, Houston, TX 77029. For more information, click here.

March 13, 2015, Filing Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the Governor.

June 1, 2015, Last day of 84th Regular Session

A MESSAGE FROM SYLVIA

2015 is here and I hope you all had a happy New Year. School has started, community groups are meeting, and the 84th Legislative Session is officially underway. This session will challenge us in many ways, and we are ready. I encourage everyone to be engaged and participate in all the activities that will occur in Austin over the next few months. We will need all hands on deck; with communication and collaboration, I'm hopeful that we will achieve great things.                                   

Putting People First,

Sylvia