GARCIA ON THE GO
Making every day count
Friday, February 6, 2015

NEW COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

I am honored by my recent appointments to the Senate Committees on Education, Transportation, Intergovernmental Relations, and Veteran Affairs. My presence on these committees during the 84th Legislative Session will give Senate District 6 a strong voice on some of the most pressing issues facing Texas today. I will continue working to improve our education system, the lives of our veterans and their families, our transportation infrastructure, and the efficiency and transparency of our local governments.

SENATE PAGE PROGRAM

The “Page for a Day” Program is an opportunity for students ages 6 to 18 to experience the Texas Legislature firsthand by visiting the capitol and meeting with legislators and staff.  A page will assist the Senate messengers and may observe committee hearings or work on the Senate floor. To find out how your student can become a senate page, please call our main district office at (713) 923-7575.

SENATE TAKES A STEP BACK

Recently, the Senate adopted the rules that will govern Senate business for the remainder of the session. In an unprecedented move, the Senate eliminated the long-standing two-thirds rule. This tradition served the people of Texas well for nearly half a century by encouraging civility, compromise, and bipartisanship in the Senate. I am now saddened and disappointed that we have come to the point where the minority is silenced, and I fear that the integrity of the Texas Senate is at risk. Regardless of these actions, rest assured that I will continue to fight for all of my constituents.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP REBUILD A HOME

On Saturday, February 22nd, Avenue CDC and Rebuilding Together are teaming up to revitalize homes in the Near Northside. I am sponsoring the rebuilding of a home and am looking for volunteers to help with construction and gardening. If you are interested in being a part of our volunteer team, please contact Matala Idi with my staff at (713) 923-7575 or at Matala.Idi@senate.state.tx.us

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, February 13, Rep. Ana Hernandez's Valentine's Day Dance, 10:30AM, Grayson Center, 3828 Corpus Christi St, Houston, 77015

Sunday, February 15, ACA Enrollment Deadline, the deadline to enroll in the health insurance marketplace is fast approaching. For assistance in enrolling, call 1-800-318-2596

Monday, February 16, President's Day. All our offices will be closed.

Thursday, February 26, Super Neighborhood 51 Meeting about Texas Central Railway, Leonel Castillo Center, 6:00pm, 2101 South St, Houston, 77009

Thursday, February 26, District I CIP Meeting, 6:30pm, E.B. Cape Center, 4501 Leeland St, Houston, 77023

Friday, 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.

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

A MESSAGE FROM SYLVIA

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect not only on the progress we have made towards equality in America, but also on the distance we still must travel. For example, heroes like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for the Voting Rights Act, yet our access to the ballot box is still infringed upon today. Despite our best efforts, we have suffered setbacks in recent years, such as the Voter ID law aimed at disenfranchising some voters. We must not allow these efforts to silence us; we must continue on the road toward equal rights and opportunities for all. The future of our neighborhoods, our state, and our country hang in the balance.

Putting people first,

Sylvia