GARCIA ON THE GO
Making every day count
Friday, December 12, 2014

Immigration Relief Update

On Tuesday, November 25th, 2014, President Obama announced his plan for immigration reform. Under the President’s Executive Order, people who have lived in the U.S. for 5 years or more and who have U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident children will be able to apply for a work permit and protection from deportation.  If you have any questions regarding how you or someone you know can prepare to apply for protection from deportation and a work permit, please visit www.adminrelief.org and/or www.iAmerica.org. Please keep visiting the National Immigration Law Center’s website at http://www.nilc.org/relief.html to read about frequently asked questions and other explanations about the immigration relief program as they become available. You may also call (213) 639-3900 and speak to someone that can help you.

SENATE EDUCATION HEARING

I attended the Senate Committee on Education hearing on November 17th.  We discussed several issues in committee, including a review of school facility needs, charter schools, and school choice programs.  The hearing was very informative, as we learned, among other things, that some of our fastest growing schools are not able to receive financial assistance to build needed facilities.  I encourage everyone to stay informed of all committee hearings as the legislative session begins in January.  For information on this and other committee hearings, please visit www.capitol.state.tx.us or contact my office.

WANT TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

The Coalition for the Homeless nees your help in conducting the annual Homeless Count.  The Count is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Houston, Harris County and Fort Bend County to continue to recieve much-needed funding. This funding provides transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services to our communities to assist homeless persons with greater self-determination. Volunteer Orientation will be on Thursday, January 15, 2015 and The Count will be on January 22. Click here to find out more and sign up! For questions, contact Gary Grier at ggrier@homelesshouston.org or 832-531-6006.

PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFERING COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON “KNOW YOUR RIGHTS”

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office (HCPDO) has partnered with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition to begin a new community outreach program called “Know Your Rights.” The program includes a series of highly interactive presentations that empower citizens by educating them about their legal rights in everyday situations. The presentations focus on issues like how to interact with law enforcement during a routine traffic or street stop, what the law is, and how the criminal justice system works. There are also specialized presentations on the availability of mental health resources and juvenile justice issues in Harris County. If your community group, neighborhood association, or other organization is interested in having someone from the Public Defender’s Office make presentation and is located in Harris County, please contact Jay Jenkins, Project Attorney, at (515) 229-6928 or e-mail at jjenkins@texascjc.org.

Tomorrow, December 13, 2014 is the last day to make a campaign contribution before the 6-month moratorium during Sesson! Please make a contribution on-line today to support my campaign. Contributions go to more than funding my re-election campaign in 2016- they go to supporting local clubs, chambers and charities!

UPCOMING DATES

December 22 - 26, 2014 - My offices will be closed for the Christmas Holiday Season.

December 31 - January 1, 2015 - My offices will closed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

January 13, 2015 - The 84th Legislature Session convenes at Noon.

March 13, 2015 - 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

December is here and marks the end of a tremendous year and the start of the Holiday season! I hope you will enjoy this wonderful time with family and friends as we look forward to an exciting 2015. January brings the start of the 84th legislative Session, and I will do my very best to represent the needs of SD 6 in Austin as we work on policy and budget decisions that will impact the lives of every Texan. I look forward to hearing from you as we work through the legislative session.

Putting People First,

Sylvia